Sanyasa Marks 30 Years of Vita Consecrata with Northeast Seminars on Creative Fidelity

Bengaluru, April 23, 2026: Commemorating three decades of Vita Consecrata, the landmark apostolic exhortation of Pope John Paul II on consecrated life, the Sanyasa Institute of Consecrated Life (SICL) organised two regional seminars in Northeast India in collaboration with the Claretian Province of Northeast India.

The seminars, centred on the theme “Creative Fidelity in Consecrated Life,” drew inspiration from Vita Consecrata (no. 37), inviting religious men and women to renew their commitment to consecration, communion, and mission in faithful yet creative response to Christ of the Gospels. The gatherings were inaugurated by Fr. Joseph Mappilaparambil, CMF, Provincial Superior of PNEI, in the presence of representatives of the Conference of Religious India.

Addressing the participants, Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF, Director of SICL, reflected on concerns raised by Pope Francis regarding a “hemorrhage in consecrated life.” He pointed to the increasing number of departures from religious life in India and highlighted the challenges faced by consecrated persons within the country’s complex socio-political and religious landscape.

Fr. Xavier Manavath, CMF, Episcopal Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Bangalore, called for a renewed and honest self-examination of how consecrated life is understood and lived. He urged participants to deepen their theological grounding in consecrated life as a means to respond creatively and faithfully to contemporary realities.

The seminars also featured small-group “conversations in the Spirit” and an interactive panel discussion with resource persons, fostering dialogue and discernment among participants.

The first seminar was held at Saint Claret School, Nongmensong in Shillong on April 17, followed by the second at Saint Claret School, Borjhar in Guwahati on April 18. A total of 130 religious men and women representing 24 congregations across the Northeast took part in the programme, expressing appreciation for the insights and renewed perspectives gained through the initiative.

By Catholic Connect Reporter