INDIAN missionary priests dedicated to preaching the Gospel were revitalised in their ministry by a visit from their order’s leader last month.
Carmelites of Mary Immaculate prior general Fr Paul Achandy made his visit in conjunction with the order’s renewal program from September 14-16 at Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Ormiston, Brisbane.
Fr Achandy met with 20 priests ministering across Australia and New Zealand to discuss and cultivate their focus on the Year of Consecrated Life and the canonisation of CMI founder St Kuriakose Elias Chavara.
Fr Achandy was thrilled with the success of the gathering, praising the commitment of the CMIs in the renewal process.
“All of them earnestly and whole-heartedly committed themselves to the renewal gathering with their enthusiastic participation, focusing on the CMI charism and the prophetic call for global mission, regarding the direction we must follow in our lives,” he said.
The renewal program employed a range of other activities including prayer time, input sessions, group discussions, interactive sessions and personal reflections, designed to create a holistic experience.
Individuals shared their pastoral practices and initiatives, expressing their views on how these could enhance the CMI mission in Australia.
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge encouraged CMI priests ministering in Australia to continue their mission.
“We are open to the gifts you bring, the unique gift of St Chavara and the gift of quality faith rooted in Syro-Malabar tradition to Australia,” he said.
CMI membership has swelled to more than 3000 members – the largest religious order for Catholic men in India.
Their presence is spread throughout 15 provinces and pastoral services are provided in 29 countries.
Fr Achandy acknowledged the Brisbane missionaries for their hard work.
“Eight Brisbane CMI’s deserve special appreciation for their role in making the CMI gathering an enjoyable and enriching experience, with the blessed support of the Archdiocese of Brisbane who we acknowledge with gratitude,” he said.
– Isaac Murphy
