“No one but the good God can form us.” St. Julie, Letter 256.
“The dear God knows best; what He does is well done.” Sister Maria Aloysia.
The Formators of SND India gathered at the Notre Dame Provincial House, Bangalore, on August 20–21, 2025, for their annual meeting to share experiences and best practices in Formation. Sr. Mary Karuna from the General Council, responsible for the formation of Temporary Professed Sisters and tertians, was present for the meeting. She sent reflective questions that guided the sharing and discussions.
The first day began with prayers for all Sisters in formation. Sr. Mary Chetana, Provincial of Visitation Province, Bangalore, welcomed the formators and introduced Fr. Konrad Noronha, SJ – medical doctor, psychologist, formator and trainer, as the resource person. His session focused on “Vocational Discernment, Assessment Tools across Formation Phases, and Reimagining Formation in Today’s World.” Fr. Konrad introduced the topic with thought-provoking questions, beginning with “What is personality?” He explained it as the enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that make each person unique. Personality assessments, he noted, foster self-understanding, team building, and clinical insight.
Sr. Mary Karuna was the facilitator for the afternoon sessions. All the participants shared life-giving, strengthening, and challenging experiences with our young women at various stages of formation. We shared what more can be done to enhance spirit–filled discernment and Christ-like leadership in the life of those in formation. We made thoughtful decisions to support the growth, well-being, and spiritual journey of the young women in formation. Sr. Mary Karuna emphasized that creativity and flexibility are essential in today’s formation, while remaining faithful to the core elements outlined in the Congregational Plan of Formation.
A Formation Committee was established to address key challenges in initial and ongoing formation. On the second afternoon, participants enjoyed a joyful outing to Bannerghatta Biological Park, including lunch, a visit to the Butterfly Park, and a guided Safari Tour, an experience filled with delight, bonding, and refreshment.
The participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Mary Chetana and the team for the meticulous planning of our two-day gathering and thanked the Provincial House community for their warm hospitality. Above all, we thank Almighty God for journeying with us.
