Sasi RENALDO, OMI

The OMI St. Eugene Province of India recently hosted the first “Mazenodian Family Live-in Session” at St. Joseph Bhavan OMI Provincialate in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from January 24-26, 2024. 

Guided by Fr. Jeevaratnam, OMI, Participants included members from various congregations:

  1. Fr. Harry Immanuel, OMI (Provincial, St. Eugene Province, India)
  2. Sr. Jeya, HFB (Provincial, Chennai)
  3. Sr. Arul Seeli, DMI (Provincial, Chennai)
  4. Fr. Jerald, MMI (Provincial, Chennai)
  5. Fr. Churchill, IVD (Director, Tamil Nadu)
  6. Fr. Justin Raj, CR (General, Bangalore)
  7. Sr. Rose Mary, CR (Vicar General, Tamil Nadu)
  8. Sr. Sebasty, OMMI (Delegate, Bangalore)
  9. Fr. Antonysamy, SDM (General, Chennai)

Commencing on the evening of the 24th with a prayer service and a warm welcome from the Provincial House Community, participants were treated to a recorded message from the Superior General, Rev. Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI. Fr. Harry Immanuel then presented on “Mazenodian Spirituality.”

The following days featured profound sharing of life experiences, missions, and apostolates, fostering an inspiring exchange. Moderated by Fr. Maria Selvam, OMI, and Fr. Rayappan, OMI, discussions centered on concerns and challenges faced by religious, including vocations, formation, and profession.

Key proposals emerged from the sessions:

  1. Regularly organize input sessions on Mazenodian Spirituality.
  2. Encourage participation in programs at De Mazenod Center, Aix-en-Provence, France.
  3. Promote the exchange of Formation Personnel.
  4. Facilitate gatherings for formandees within the Mazenodian Family.
  5. Initiate more programs for networking, collaboration, and active participation among members.