The Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI) held its Annual General Body Meeting 2025 on June 10, bringing together 630 leaders from across the country in a powerful online assembly. Though the gathering was virtual, the unity in spirit, mission, and vision was palpable.
From the opening prayer led by Sr. D J Margaret FMA to the final words of gratitude, the meeting embodied CRWI’s unwavering commitment to nurturing leadership, promoting safeguarding, and creating compassionate communities for religious women in India.
A Year of Growth, Healing, and Transformation
Sr. Molly Matthew MSMHC, Executive Director of CRWI, presented a comprehensive annual report highlighting key milestones. Over the past year, CRWI has reached over 10,000 sisters across 160 congregations through initiatives focused on leadership formation, wellness, safeguarding, and elder care.
Key achievements included:
- Strengthening the Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) to offer safe, professional, and pastoral care for sisters facing injustice.
- Expanding mental health programs across six regions, engaging 1,377 sisters.
- Launching a Transformative Leadership Diploma and a Safeguarding Certification Program in partnership with international institutions.
Empowering Through Innovation
Presentations from the CRWI team highlighted the organization’s shift toward data-driven action and digital transformation. Mrs. Asha Albert, MIS Manager, showcased the newly developed Management Information System, aiming to streamline communication and empower religious communities with digital tools.
Sr. Renjitha CTC, Assistant Program Manager, presented the Elderly Care Project, celebrating the training of 73 nurse sisters and outreach to over 1,200 caregivers. CRWI’s collaboration with the Avila Institute, USA, and upcoming certifications signal a transformative step in geriatric care among religious communities.
Safeguarding with Courage and Compassion
CRWI President Sr. Nirmalini offered a moving reflection on the need for safe spaces, transparent systems, and non-hierarchical listening in religious life. She launched the flagship initiative “Safeguarding Religious Women India,”calling for legal literacy, clear boundaries, and spiritual strength in addressing abuse and misconduct.
She also announced her upcoming keynote at Gregorian University, Rome, on “Women of Faith, Women of Strength”, inviting prayers and support from the sisterhood.
The Voice of Research and the Younger Generation
Presentations from Sr. Doris D’Souza and Sr. Lavina AC from the Center for Research on Religious Life India (CRRI) shed light on urgent issues, including:
- The struggles of temporarily professed sisters
- The challenges faced by sister doctors
- The evolving identity of religious life in a digital, fast-changing world
Their call to action was clear: invest in research, mentorship, and formation to empower the next generation of consecrated women.
Finance, and Future Planning
Mr. Jomit Matthew, Finance Manager, shared a transparent overview of the CRWI budget. With a total annual expenditure of ₹2.18 crores, the focus remained on impactful initiatives such as:
- Leadership and wellness training
- Elderly care programs
- Strategic partnerships with premier institutions like St. John’s Medical College, Christ University, and Assam Don Bosco University
Despite successes, he noted challenges in outreach, data management, and technological adoption.
A Collective Commitment to the Mission
The meeting concluded with an open discussion facilitated by Mr. Abey Jose, where sisters voiced appreciation for CRWI’s dedication and offered inputs for future directions. Key action points included:
- Regional training for safeguarding policy formulation
- Sharing of best practices across congregations
- Greater collaboration with civil law and Church frameworks
Sr. Maria Goretti FS offered a concluding note of thanksgiving, affirming the shared purpose that binds the CRWI community together.
United in Spirit, Rooted in Service
The 2025 Annual General Body Meeting was not just a review of the past—it was a renewal of commitment to CRWI’s prophetic mission: to stand with and for religious women in India, ensuring that every sister feels seen, heard, and supported.
As we look to the future, CRWI remains a vibrant space of hope, healing, and empowerment, boldly walking the synodal path in communion with the universal Church.