Fr. Franklin to be new CBCI Youth Secretary. Call to Reinvent Religious Brotherhood

A convention of Religious Brothers called for restructuring of religious congregations that can bring about creative ministries to address the modern needs of society. The triennial convention in Bangalore from May 18-21 was attended by 130 Religious Brothers, including most of the Major Superiors of Brothers Congregations. Celebrating the inaugural Eucharist, Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore called on the Brothers to be witnesses of the core values of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Inaugurating the convention, Father Jaganathan spoke of a creative approach to life that will result in creative ministries “wherever we are”.

Brother K.M Joseph, President of CRI, felicitating the participants, pointed out to the “ups and downs of an organization” and how the convention is an opportunity to build up the Association of Brothers for our times. Patrician Brother Augustine Paul, president of National Convention of Religious Brothers of India (NARBI), in his keynote address spoke of the achievements of the organization during the last 3 years. He proposed various possibilities for creating an impressive future for the brothers in India.

Montfort Brother Paulraj, who gave an extensive paper on “reinventing religious life today”, elucidated upon “reinventing religious congregations” as a strategy. He expressed the hope that “‘refounders’ will emerge in the congregations with the same dynamism as that of the founder to make this happen.” Brother Mani, the National Secretary of CRI, speaking on “Creative Ministry of Brothers” spoke of “the need to restructure the traditional religious congregations” in order to facilitate the evolution of unlimited opportunities for Brothers. There is a visible downward trend in the clerical congregations and it is time to think big and out of the box to put in place new growth dynamics,” he said.

Sacred Heart Brother Jesudoss elaborated on the present day challenges to the vocation of religious brothers. He expressed the need for ‘refounding’ in the field of spirituality, community, mission, formation and above all the leadership structure. Making a final statement on the convention, the Brothers said: “consecrated life itself is a mission. Religious life cannot be reduced to some apostolic activity alone but it should be a life of witness that gives meaning and direction to life.” They called upon the Superiors ” to seriously consider structural changes wherever necessary, and be open to major changes in areas of frontier ministries.”

The group elected a dynamic team to lead the organization during the coming 3 years. They include the President, Brother Giles, who is a Provincial of the Franciscan Brothers, and vice president in the person of Brother Paul Raj, a Provincial of the Montfort Brothers. The Board comprises 10 Brothers from different congregations, including what is known as clerical congregations.

Fr. Franklin to be new CBCI youth secretary

Father Franklin Philip D’Souza has been appointed as the new secretary of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s (CBCI) Commission for Youth. He will also be the new national director of Indian National Youth Commission (ICYM). Bishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal made this announcement on May 24. “Father Franklin will assume charge on August 15,” said Father Alwyn D’Souza, current secretary of CBCI Commission for Youth.

Born on October 22, 1973, Father Franklin was ordained as a priest on May 10, 1999. He obtained his bachelors degree from Bangalore University, masters in History from Mysore University, Bachelor of Philosophy (B Ph) and Master of Theology (M Th) from St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore. From 2008, he has been serving as a Karnataka regional youth director of ICYM and the Youth Commission. He also renders service to the prisoners of Central Jail, Bangalore and is a member of Prison Ministry of India.