42 participants  from 25 religious congregations working in various parts of the country took part in a 10 day course on the theme “ Formation of Formators.” It was from 10^th October – 20^th October.  at CRI House New Delhi. It was a very comprehensive and meticulously planned  programme to equip the participants to accompany the formees who would live the legacy handed down to  make their lives something beautiful for God. Sr. Lily D’Souza, Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, Sr. Rosalia Tirkey and Sr. Lucy Manookulangkara were privileged to be a part of this programme.

The seminar began with an inspiring power point on psalm139, “You are never alone” which highlighted that God has planned every detail of our life and nothing is accidental. Gathering everyday around the Eucharistic celebration was truly meaningful and life giving.

The sessions were thought provoking. Every input session was coupled with examples of daily life experiences and situations lived by religious today. The audiovisuals made the sessions interesting and innovative. The topics dealt with were relevant, practical, informative; motivational which spurred the participants to be Prophets of today. Some of them are mentioned below: Lessons from experience, Stakeholders in formation, Stages of formation, Qualities required in a formator, Aspects of formation, Atmosphere for formation,Formation for Emotional maturity, Handling negative emotions,Personality types and disorders, Counseling and spiritual disorders, Formation in India : the rhetoric and formation, Pope Francis on religious life and formation, Psycho – sexual integration; celibacy, Spirituality and prayer, Cultural Issues, Assessment, Bible and formation, Discernment

Besides many eminent speakers and resource persons, Fr. Joe Mannath sdb had a giant role to play for this course. With a great sense of humor interspersed with  unending jokes and wits which made his sessions lively and interesting and our stay comfortable and enjoyable with his team.

 Enthused by the course the formators   committed themselves to daily find  time to come apart and  rest awhile in the company of the Lord. So that His grace would energize each one to handle any situation and not be like those   digital religious who when God calls; many are found   outside coverage area, too busy, with many missed calls or often switched off .

Departing   the  participants surely carried home the messages: Be human, be holy, Living  the ordinariness of life with the sense of the sacred, seeing problems as opportunities, seeing competence coming from God, celebrating celibacy, allowing  God to do greater things through us and making our atmosphere filled with sunshine, joy and love  so that the candidates whoever desires will come, see and stay offering their joyful “ yes” of their  life of Consecration.