“Rekindled in Grace, Radiating in Mission”
Guided by the theme “Rekindled in Grace, Radiating in Mission,” the programme brought together 56 Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod from eight provinces of India for a meaningful journey of spiritual renewal, personal growth, community enrichment and renewed missionary commitment. More than a learning experience, these fifteen days became a sacred space to pause, listen, reflect and rediscover the grace that sustains consecrated life and mission.
The Province of Tenali feels privileged to organise and host this Inter-Province Ongoing Formation Programme, welcoming Sisters from across the Congregation for this enriching journey of renewal, reflection and communion.
The programme opened with a vibrant Kuchipudi dance performance celebrating the cultural heritage of Visakhapatnam. This was followed by the inaugural Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr. Jaddu Joseph, Provincial Superior of the MSFS, Visakhapatnam Province. The lighting of the lamp and unveiling of the programme logo by Sr. Helen Daisy, Provincial Superior of Tenali Province, marked the formal inauguration and highlighted the Congregation’s charism and missionary calling.
The learning journey began with “Health in Your Hands,” a practical session conducted by Sr. Juddu, SCC, on hand mudras and simple wellness practices. The session encouraged greater awareness of personal health and holistic well-being.
From 12 to 14 October, Rev. Fr. Tony J. D’Souza, SJ, guided the Sisters through “The Sacred Integration of the Human Journey Towards Wholeness.” Through reflection and sharing, they explored pain and suffering, the ego and the true self, inner healing, emotional freedom and authentic relationships. The sessions encouraged self-acceptance, compassion and a deeper understanding of oneself, helping each Sister become more deeply rooted in God’s love.
From 15 to 17 October, Sr. Sreeja, SND, invited the Sisters to reimagine leadership as a shared and compassionate responsibility through the sessions on “Reimagining Leadership for Today’s World.” Drawing inspiration from synodality, the Wedding at Cana and Magnifica Humanitas, the sessions explored emotional intelligence, discernment, personal transformation and collaborative decision-making. They emphasised attentive listening, humility, shared responsibility and service as essential qualities of leadership.
On 18 October, a day of outing and fellowship took the Sisters to the Thotlakonda Buddhist Heritage Site, ISKCON Temple, Kailasagiri, Tenneti Park and Rushikonda Beach. Prayer at the miraculous Grotto at Rose Hill, recreation and fellowship with the MSFS Fathers offered opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and strengthen relationships across the Provinces.
On 19 and 20 October, the focus shifted to missionary identity. Sr. Saveri Savarimuthu, SCC, encouraged the Sisters to renew their missionary commitment in the light of the Congregation’s founding charism through “Ignited for Mission: Living as Witnesses in Today’s World.” Prayer, reflection and creative activities explored gratitude, feminine spirituality, personal transformation and the wisdom gained through life’s struggles. Reflecting on Mother Claudine Echernier, the Foundress, the Sisters considered how to bring her vision and the Congregation’s founding spirit into the realities of contemporary life and mission.
On 21 October, Sr. Priyanthi Samala, SCC, helped the Sisters recognise the wisdom gained through their life experiences in the session “Drawing from the Source: Sharing Wisdom Shaped by Experience.” Through the Gratitude Tree activity, videos, group sharing and interactive exercises, they revisited significant moments in their lives, acknowledged lessons learned through challenges and blessings, and explored ways to foster mutual trust, intergenerational learning and support within the community.
The programme also addressed the choices and challenges of everyday consecrated life. Rev. Fr. Dusi Ravi Shankar, SJ, guided the Sisters in discerning faithful and responsible responses to a changing world through “Navigating Everyday Choices with Wisdom.” Reflecting on religious vocation, Jesus Christ as the model of consecrated life, the evangelical counsels and the Congregation’s mission, the Sisters examined the importance of prayerful decision-making. The discussion also addressed artificial intelligence, the digital age and secularism, highlighting spiritual discernment, emotional maturity, active listening, inner freedom and respect for human dignity.
The vibrant and energetic Sisters brought the days of formation to life through meaningful learning, quiet reflection, recreation, fun, joy and laughter. Marked by beautiful sunrises and peaceful evenings by the seashore, these fifteen days became a memorable blend of personal renewal and shared experiences.
The programme concluded on 25 October with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jaddu Joseph, Provincial Superior of the MSFS, Visakhapatnam Province, along with Fr. Guru Prasad, Superior of the community. In his homily, Fr. Jaddu reminded the Sisters that authentic love for God finds its truest expression in genuine and selfless love for their neighbours.
Sr. Helen Daisy, Provincial Superior of Tenali Province, led the evaluation session, inviting the Sisters to reflect on their experiences and share their insights. A concluding prayer service, animated by the fifth group, brought together the programme’s key learnings in a spirit of gratitude.
A vibrant cultural programme followed, with expressions of appreciation to the MSFS community for its hospitality and to Sr. Helen Daisy and the Sisters of Tenali Province for hosting the programme. The celebration also included a birthday celebration in honour of Sr. Helen Daisy and the felicitation of eleven Silver Jubilarians from different provinces. A festive lunch brought the gathering to a joyful close.
As the Sisters departed, they carried with them cherished memories, renewed hearts, deeper bonds of communion and a strengthened commitment to their vocation. Rekindled in grace, they return to their missions to radiate Christ’s love through their lives, relationships and service, allowing the grace they have received to become a blessing to all they encounter.
