The much-anticipated GRC Annual Meet took place on 9–10 July 2025, bringing together key members from the Apostolic Carmel, CRWI, and GRC Cell network for two days of meaningful dialogue, planning, and collaboration.
Day One: Setting the Tone for Progress
The event commenced at 8:30 AM on 9 July with a heartfelt opening prayer led by Irine, followed by a warm welcome from Sr. Molly Mathew, Executive Director of CRWI.
The General Council members of the Apostolic Carmel graciously greeted the guests with bouquets, setting a warm and celebratory tone for the day.
The formal inauguration featured a lamp-lighting ceremony with distinguished leaders, including Sr. Linnet (Assistant General of Apostolic Carmel), Sr. Elsa Muttath (National Secretary of CRI),
Sr. Molly Mathew, Fr. Joye, Bro. Wilfred, Sr. Sabina, Sr. Rusheela, Ms. Anita Cheria, Ms. Amita Joseph, Sr. Helen S, and Sr. Mary Scaria from the GRC Cell.
This symbolic ceremony represented the light of collaboration and vision guiding the GRC Cell.
Sr. Elsa Muttath moderated the sessions, while Mr. Abey, with the support of Mrs. Irene, presented the GRC Annual Report, highlighting key achievements and milestones.
A tea break at 10:30 AM allowed time for informal networking, and Mrs. Irene Kumar played an important role in summarizing the day’s meetings and proceedings.
Post-break discussions focused on strengthening the GRC network, with emphasis on outreach strategies,
forming local and regional GRCs, and providing hand-holding support for ToT members.
The team also finalized the training manual, ensuring consistent and impactful training programs.
( In the picture from Left to right, Mr. Abey Jose, Mrs. Amita Joseph, Mrs. Anita Cheria, Sr. Rushila Rebello DHM, Sr. Helen Saldanha SSpS, Sr. Maria Nirmalini AC, Sr. Sabina Pathrose RGS,Fr. Joye James SJ,Sr. Elsa Muttathu PBVM,Sr. Mary Scaria SCJM, Mrs. Irene Kumar, Br. Wilfred D’Souza CFC)
After lunch at 12:30 PM at Sharanya, the afternoon sessions brought the GRC and CRWI teams together to explore ways to reinvent GRC,
aligning its structure and future objectives with CRWI’s strategic vision.
A closed-door session for GRC members at 3:30 PM facilitated deeper reflection and planning.
The day concluded on an inspiring note with Sr. Nirmalini joining at 5:30 PM to share reflections with Sr. Molly on progress, team continuity, the safeguarding project, and future directions.
An open discussion followed, and the day ended with a rosary and prayer at 6:15 PM, dinner at 7:15 PM, and a recreation session, reinforcing camaraderie among participants.
The Safeguarding Project will now encompass the GRC.
Ms. Asha and Mr. Jomit Mathew supported the event behind the scenes, ensuring smooth proceedings.
Day Two: Visioning the Future
The second day, 10 July, began at 8:30 AM with a prayer and a recap of the previous day’s discussions.
Focused sessions explored CIIRI and GRC training initiatives, followed by Mr. Abey’s presentation of the Annual Plan for 2025–26 at 11:00 AM.
A collaborative meeting with the CRWI Trustees, Executive Council, and GRC team at 11:30 AM highlighted key moments in GRC’s journey and celebrated the collective impact of the network.
After lunch at 12:30 PM, a mutual feedback session provided a platform to discuss CRWI’s expectations and GRC’s future direction, fostering transparency and strategic alignment.
The day also featured a webinar on safeguarding measures led by Fr. Hans Zollner SJ at 2:30 PM, emphasizing the importance of safety and accountability in all initiatives.
The meet concluded with final reflections with the SRWI Advisory Committee at 3:45 PM, leaving participants inspired and energized for the year ahead.
Looking Ahead
The GRC Annual Meet 2025 successfully strengthened networks, fostered collaboration, and set a clear vision for the future.
With a renewed focus on strategic growth, capacity building, and safeguarding,
The GRC continues to empower its members to make a meaningful impact on communities across India.