Fr. V.M. Thomas, SDB
HYDERABAD, (C.M. Paul) — About 550 Superiors General and provincials of various congregations meeting Oct 28-31 in Hyderabad for their triennial assembly elected Salesian provincial of Guwahati province Fr. V.M. Thomas (Vattathara) as their new national president, 30 October.
The delegates of the Conference of Religious India (CRI) are deliberating on innovations to give consecrated life greater effectiveness.
“I did not expect it at all, as I was a new comer at the CRI national… while it is an honour, it is also a burden for me but with the opportunity to serve in a more meaningful manner,” said the newly elected Fr Vattathara.
The CRI has a total of 334 congregations and 822 major superiors representing more than 125,000 Catholic Religious brothers, priests and nuns in India.
Most of the schools, hospitals, social service centers and other institutions of the Catholic Church are managed by this group.
Almost 30 years ago, another Salesian provincial of Guwahati province, late Bishop Mathai Kochuparampil of Diphu was elected CRI national president.
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