Bangalore (India), 11/09/24, Sr. Daisy Rose Peenikaparamban.- The 22nd Indian Dominican Family Convention was hosted at the Provincial House, Bangalore from the 30th of October morning to the 1st of November evening. 95 participants from different branches of the Dominican Family gathered for this event. 15 priests, 36 sisters belonging to 5 Congregations, and 44 Dominican laity from 8 chapters.
The Convention began with an inaugural Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Peter Mendonca, the Prior Provincial and concelebrated by the friars. He also gave the Keynote address on the theme of the convention- “Pilgrims of Hope: A Dominican Response to Jubilee 2025”. Besides the sessions and group discussions, Dominican friars, sisters and laity presented a video or ppt on how each of them were pilgrims of Hope in their history in India. On the second day after lunch, the participants embarked on a pilgrimage to St. Mary’s Basilica, to Cubbon Park for a time of relaxing and games, and then to the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain. Everyone enjoyed special Deepavali Musical Fountain dances.
The First session was led by Sr. Valsa Charampally, OP of Union of St Catherine of School Missionaries, a counseling psychologist and educator, various challenges faced by modern society opposing the virtue of hope were explored, focusing on spiritual, ecclesial, and social dimensions. The discussion highlighted spiritual challenges such as secularization, moral relativism, environmental crises, and the loss of meaning in suffering, which undermine hope. Ecclesial issues included scandals within the Church, a decline in vocations, and disunity among clergy and laity, contributing to a weakened faith community. Socially, the increasing inequality, pervasive poverty, and political tensions also serve as barriers to fostering hope among populations. Despite these numerous challenges, the session emphasized the imperative to rise as beacons of hope in an increasingly complex world.
Dr. PC Matthew, the Founding Director of Urban India Ministries, Dean of the Family Research Training Institute, and a faculty member at various institutions, discussed the challenges facing families within the Church during his recent address. He highlighted critical issues such as shifting family dynamics, earlier exposure to sexuality, rising same-sex attractions, increased religiosity, the digital revolution, and growing instances of pornography, addictions, and abuse. Dr. Matthew advocated for both preventive and curative approaches to support and heal families, including the establishment of support and recovery groups, pain-sharing initiatives, and mentorship programs. He emphasized that recognizing and addressing these realities is essential to safeguarding the family unit, which he views as a divinely instituted creation.
Dr. Sr. Anula Irvin Suguna OP, General Councilor of the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation delivered a discourse on adapting St. Thomas Aquinas’ educational methods to contemporary teaching practices. She emphasized Aquinas’ impact on education, advocating for a focus not just on intellectual development but also on cultivating moral character. With learning as a lifelong endeavor, she underscored the significance of integrating faith and reason, utilizing methods such as the Aristotelian and Socratic approaches, while also highlighting the value of mentorship and personalized education. Additionally, Dr. Anula addressed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in education, proposing that technology, when used ethically, can enhance the learning experience without undermining human dignity. The session reinforced the relevance of Aquinas’ pedagogical insights, advocating for a holistic educational framework that balances intellectual rigor with moral and spiritual growth to foster virtuous individuals.
Dr. Fr. Vinoy Paikattu, OP, a professor of Systematic Philosophy, and Director of Gyanadhara - Dominican Institute of Philosophy delivered a session on the significant contributions of Dominicans to societal changes throughout history, grounded in theological and Dominican principles. He emphasized the importance of understanding history, rooted in the Incarnation of Christ, and the Dominican ethos articulated by St. Thomas Aquinas, “contemplate and share the fruits of contemplation.” Key Dominican figures including St. Dominic, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, and others were highlighted for their roles in societal transformation. Additionally, more recent Dominican influences in education, social reform, and religious congregations were discussed, featuring figures such as Blessed Marie Poussepin and Blessed Bartolo Longo. The session concluded with a call to action for attendees to consider how they, as Dominicans, can make a positive impact in their communities today.
Fr. Roger Godinho, OP, Counselling psychologist and Parish Priest of Orlim, Goa, delivered a talk on ecological ethics and sustainable development from a Thomistic perspective, highlighting three distinct approaches to valuing the environment: Instrumental Value, which perceives nature solely as a resource; Inherent Value, which recognizes the God-given worth of creation; and Intrinsic Value, which advocates for the intrinsic worth of nature independently of human perspective. He emphasized St. Thomas Aquinas' anthropocentric yet responsible viewpoint, urging humans to act as stewards of creation while preserving biodiversity as a reflection of God's glory. The session culminated in an engaging discussion, encouraging participants to share their efforts in environmental care and underscoring the urgent need for a fundamental shift in perspective towards ecology, where each individual is called to honor and protect God's creation through stewardship.
Dr. Sr. Amitha Polimetla belonging to Sisters of Divine Savior (salvathorians), a distinguished professor and founding Director of The Nee Thodu Society, addressed the challenges faced by the transgender community in India, particularly within the context of the Hijra culture. She emphasized that individuals who identify as transgender often struggle with societal rejection, resulting in exclusion from education and employment opportunities. Many find solace within the Hijra community, resorting to begging and sex work as a means of survival. Dr. Amitha advocated for the integration of transgenders into society, stressing the importance of recognizing their dignity and rights. Her session highlighted the urgent need to address the irrational stigmas surrounding transgender individuals and called for further research to cultivate compassion and empathy, thereby combating marginalization and injustice.
Following the session, Fr. Peter Mendonsa OP, the Prior Provincial addressed the attendees, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation and their effective organization of the Dominican Family Convention 2024. Fr. Claude, the promoter of the Dominican Family in India met the Dominican Laity and coordinators of the Laity chapters and explained a few practical information concerning the Laity. The convention was concluded with a thanksgiving Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Claude Corda OP and friars concelebrated.
