By Thomas Scaria

Mangaluru, Feb 5, 2025: Around 675 Catholic religious from various congregations in the Mangalore diocese of southern India have celebrated the World Day of Consecrated Life.

The gathering held under the regional unit of the Conference of Religious in India (CRI) on February 2, the feast of Presentation of the Lord, underlined the need for unity and brotherhood among religious community.

Providence Sr Severine Menezes, Mangalore CRI president
“The Mangalore diocese continues to be a cradle of religious vocations and we stand united to face the challenges of the modern world,” Providence Sister Severine Menezes, the president of the CRI Mangaluru unit, told the gathering at the Jesuit managed St Aloysius University in Mangaluru.

The day began with a solemn Mass, presided over by Father Daniel Veigas, episcopal vicar for the Religious of Mangalore, along with 16 religious priests from different congregations.

The participants entered the hall in procession with lighted candles to symbolize their commitment to being the light of Christ in the world.

The religious renewed their vows and dedication to their spiritual calling. The Mass concluded with the special Jubilee Prayer of Pope Francis, invoking blessings for their continuation in faith and mission.

Jesuit Father Melvin Pinto, rector of St. Aloysius University, welcoming the gathering said, “We are one family, and our diverse charisms are the threads that weave the beautiful fabric of consecrated life.”

Sports and games enliven the gathering
After the Mass, the religious, both young and old, participated in a sports and cultural meet, showcasing their sports and cultural spirit, talents and confidence.

Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore, in a prerecorded message, encouraged the religious to remain men and women of consecrated vision and mission to reach out to the poor and marginalized with purpose and passion.