CRI-LEVEL RECOLLECTION FOR PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS

The Conference of Religious India (CRI) organized a half-day recollection for all the priests and religious of the Wadala Deanery on 22nd February 2026 at Mazzarello Youth Centre, Wadala. The recollection began at 2:30 p.m. Sr. Shamin warmly welcomed the gathering and introduced the resource person, Rev. Fr. Henry Fernandes, a Redemptorist priest, thanking him for accepting the invitation to animate the recollection. In his inspiring reflection, Fr. Fernandes focused on the prophet Jonah, describing him as a reluctant prophet who struggled to surrender fully to God’s will. Though God called Jonah to go to Nineveh, he chose instead to flee to Tarsus. When Jonah disobeyed God, he faced turmoil — the raging storm, the threatening sea, and his time in the belly of the fish, which became a moment of retreat and transformation. Even after preaching in Nineveh and witnessing the conversion of its people, Jonah remained dissatisfied and complained against God; the withering of the plant further revealed his inner conflict and reluctance.

Drawing parallels to consecrated life, the preacher invited the priests and religious to examine their own fears and attachments. As those who have professed vows, we are called to ask ourselves: What are the “Ninevehs” I am afraid to face? What are the “Tarsus” experiences in my life — perhaps attachment to mobile phones, gadgets, or even family ties — that distract me from God’s mission? Though Jonah’s name means “dove,” symbolizing peace, his life reflected contradiction and resistance. Yet God continued to give him opportunities. Referring to Scripture passages such as 2 Corinthians 5:10 and 1 Timothy 1:12, Fr. Fernandes reminded the gathering that God appoints and strengthens those He calls, even in their weakness. Obedience, love for the poor, and integrity of heart are essential in religious life. Chastity, though unseen by others, is rooted in the heart, the center of one’s relationship with God.

The recollection concluded with Eucharistic Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, during which the Sacrament of Reconciliation was made available. It was a grace-filled time of prayer, silence, and personal encounter with the Lord. After the adoration, the participants introduced themselves, especially those attending the Wadala Deanery recollection for the first time, fostering a spirit of fraternity and mutual acquaintance. The gathering ended with a brief discussion regarding the venue for the next meeting, followed by tea and snacks. Overall, the recollection served as a meaningful reminder that although we may at times be weak, reluctant, or unfaithful, God remains ever faithful and continues to choose fragile instruments to accomplish His mission in this broken world.