A two days Retreat, prior to the 5th Provincial Chapter was organized for the forty six members of the Chapter from 2-4 October 2013. It was preached by Fr. Joe Mannath, SDB, the National Secretary of the Conference of Religious India (CRI).

Fr. Joe dealt with fundamental issues of consecrated persons relevant to our religious living to enable us to be more humane in our mission so as to heal and warm the hearts of people. Further, he led us to reflect on topics like what chapters can do /cannot do, evangelization and home; who is Jesus; the inner journey and tips for the superiors.

"The greatest danger to religious life is unloving life, said Fr. Joe while speaking on celibacy. And he further added, "Do not turn your communities into a factory rather treat others as adults and as equals". All the sessions, with power point presentations, highlighted the strong message that the purpose of our life is to love God and his people. Moments of prayer led the participants to spend quality time with God. The assembly was grateful to Fr.Joe for having taken keen interest in preparing the chapter members to make the coming Provincial Chapter a fruitful experience.

Sr. Margaret Fernandes