The Conference of Religious India (CRI) Shillong unit celebrated the Jubilee Year of Consecrated Life today with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral, followed by a vibrant concert ‘Symphony of Hope’, in the adjacent Biachi Hall.
The event witnessed a record attendance of over 500 consecrated persons from various congregations.
The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong, accompanied by the angelic voices of the VSDB postulants’ choir.
The concert featured fourteen dance and song, centred on the themes ‘Pilgrims of Hope, Journeying Together, and Care for Our Common Home.’ Young religious artists showcased their incredible musical talent, making the evening both inspiring and uplifting.
Introducing the event, CRI Shillong President Br. Sunil Britto CFC explained, “For the whole Church, the theme is simply ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ but the Dicastery for Consecrated Life has chosen to add ‘on the Path to Peace’ for us, consecrated persons.”
Highlighting the significance of this theme, he reflected, “In a world marked by so many conflicts, we are deeply aware of how much peace is needed. There was a time when I thought some of these conflicts would last only days, yet in Ukraine, Gaza, and even in our own Manipur, they have stretched beyond months into years. How, then, are we as consecrated people called to be channels of peace?”
During his homily, Archbishop Lyngdoh shared from his experience, emphasizing that religious men and women are a dynamic force for good in the Church. Their contributions in education, health, social work, and pastoral ministries make them true Pilgrims of Hope.
Sr. Baiahunlang Nongkhlaw, Provincial of the RNDM Sisters, described the experience as profoundly spiritual. “This event was graced by the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with the presence of hundreds of religious women, men, and their formees—a visible sign of hope in the Church and the Archdiocese of Shillong. As we processed with lit candles toward the Cathedral’s altar, it felt like a true entry into the house of our beloved God, who has called us to be with Him,” she said.
Mother Mabel Dkhar, Superior General of the VSDB Sisters, also shared her reflections and said, “It was a refreshing and deeply spiritual experience. Every performance in the concert was creative and beautifully aligned with the theme of the Jubilee and care for Mother Earth. Bringing religious together to celebrate both the Feast of Consecrated Life and the Jubilee Year was truly meaningful. The organizers, along with the CRI President, dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to planning and preparing today’s program, ensuring every detail was carefully arranged to make the event seamless.”
“The entire event was a clear and powerful witness to the Church’s vision of synodality—a celebration of communion, collaboration, and shared creativity. It demonstrated how CRI Shillong is vibrantly embracing this vision in a transformative way, journeying together as Pilgrims of Hope on the Path to Peace,” the CRI said.
