The Annual Planning Meeting of SRWI and GRC became a deeply meaningful space of reflection, discernment, and shared vision, enriched by the profound reflection offered by Sr. Nirmalini. Set within the larger mission of the Conference of Religious Women India, the gathering went beyond planning activities and budgets, inviting participants to reflect on how and why we journey together in service of women religious across India.
At the heart of Sr. Nirmalini’s reflection was synodality—not as a concept, but as a lived way of being Church. She reminded the gathering that synodality calls us to walk together in communion, participation, and mission, where every voice matters and leadership is exercised through listening, humility, and shared responsibility rather than hierarchy or individual authority.
The Church as a Common Home
A central image woven through her reflection was that of the Church as home. Drawing from the global Synodal journey, Sr. Nirmalini recalled how different continents offered powerful images: Asia’s gesture of removing footwear before entering a sacred space as a sign of humility, Africa’s image of the family as belonging, and Oceania’s image of the boat journeying together. These images point to a Church that welcomes, shelters, and challenges, a home where people are accepted as they are and encouraged to grow.
She situated this vision within today’s realities of migration, loneliness, individualism, and spiritual homelessness. In such a world, the Church and religious communities are called to become credible signs of belonging and hope.
Strengthened Together for Mission
Reflecting on the Gospel of the Transfiguration, Sr. Nirmalini spoke of moments of togetherness that bring consolation and strength. Like Peter’s desire to remain on the mountain, teams and communities often wish to hold on to such moments. Yet these experiences are meant to renew us for mission, enabling us to return to our responsibilities with clarity, courage, and commitment.
Leadership, Discernment, and Shared Responsibility
Speaking from her own leadership journey, Sr. Nirmalini emphasized that leadership is born of discernment and service, not personal ambition. True leadership requires the willingness to step back from one’s own ideas for the sake of the common good. This insight resonated strongly with the purpose of the annual planning meeting, which called participants to align personal strengths with collective priorities.
Clarifying Roles after the Planning Meeting
Following the reflection and planning sessions, the meeting moved into an open discussion on team roles within SRWI and GRC. This discussion was marked by honesty and mutual respect. Participants reflected on responsibilities, collaboration, accountability, and the importance of clarity in roles—not as positions of power, but as ways of serving the shared mission more effectively.
Sr. Nirmalini reminded the teams that structures and roles are necessary, but they serve one common agenda: the empowerment and well-being of women religious in India. Independence must never lead to fragmentation; rather, all efforts are to remain rooted in collaboration, trust, and accountability to the larger body.
Safeguarding, Sustainability, and the Way Forward
Attention was also drawn to safeguarding as a long-term commitment and to the need for sustainability in mission. The discussion reinforced that empowering regions and congregations includes helping them take ownership of policies, processes, and resources, ensuring that the work of SRWI and GRC continues to bear fruit in the years ahead.
Conclusion
The Annual Planning Meeting of SRWI and GRC was not merely about setting plans for the year. Through Sr. Nirmalini’s reflection and the subsequent discussion on team roles, it became a moment of renewed commitment to walk together as one body—listening deeply, sharing responsibility, and remaining faithful to God’s mission.
As teams move forward, the spirit of synodality, clarity of roles, and shared vision will continue to guide SRWI and GRC in building a Church that truly feels like home.