The Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (MMI) and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) celebrated a momentous Jubilee Yātra today at St. Thomas Mount, Chennai. This significant event brought together leaders from both congregations, marking a day of reflection, dialogue, and commitment to the principles of synodal leadership.
The Jubilee Yātra of the CCBI becomes meaningful as the DMI and MMI are already in the joy-filled celebrations of their Ruby Jubilee, Silver Jubilee, and of obtaining the status of Pontifical Right.
The event was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Z. Joseph William Parthiraj, MMI, the Superior General of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, and Rev. Sr. Lalitha, DMI, the Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, and the members of the General Council and Provincial / Regional Superiors, and newly-ordained Deacons.
On behalf of Very Rev. Fr. J. E. Arul Raj, the esteemed Founder of the DMI, MMI, and AMI, they extended a warm welcome to Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, the National Coordinator for Synod and Jubilee 2025, who played a pivotal role in animating the leadership teams of both congregations.
The Jubilee Yātra centered around the theme of 'Synodal Leadership,' with discussions that emphasized its necessity in the contemporary Church. The sessions provided an in-depth exploration of the following key topics:
1. Synodal Leadership: Its Imperative. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for synodal leadership in fostering a Church that listens, discerns, and acts together. The imperative nature of this leadership model was emphasized as essential for the Church’s mission in today’s world.
2. Opportunities for Synodality: The participants explored the various opportunities that synodality presents for enhancing collaboration, inclusivity, and unity within the Church and the Religious Institute(s). The session focused on the ways in which synodal practices can be implemented at different levels of Church leadership.
3. Challenges to Synodal Leadership: The challenges that hinder the effective implementation of synodal leadership were candidly discussed. Issues such as resistance to change, cultural differences, and communication barriers were identified, along with strategies to overcome them.
4. Personal Efforts and Initiatives for Synodal Leadership: The final session encouraged personal reflection and the identification of individual contributions to fostering a synodal Church. Leaders were called to take proactive steps in their own contexts to promote a culture of synodality.
The day concluded with a renewed commitment from the leadership teams to embody the principles of synodal leadership in their ministries and communities.
The Jubilee Yātra served as a significant milestone in the journey of the MMI and DMI, reinforcing their dedication to the vision of a more synodal and inclusive Church.