Celebrating Progress and Unity”: Fr Wilson Injarapu, Vicar General of India, shares his impressions of the recent Intermediate Chapter of the Vicariate of Our Lady of Grace, India, at which 32 Augustinian friars engaged with the pastoral and evangelical challenges faced by the circumscription
More than a formal assembly, the meeting held at the end of May was a celebration of faith, dedication and mutual progress. With a focus on unity, this Intermediate Chapter of the vicariate of Our Lady of Grace in India was a significant event in the life of the Order in the Asian country.
Thirty-two friars - including Assistant General for Asia and the Pacific Fr Tony Banks OSA, Prior Provincial of San Juan de Sahagún Fr Domingo Amigo OSA, and Provincial Councillor Fr Javier Antolín Sánchez OSA - gathered over two days, beginning with a celebration of the Eucharist which set a reflective and spiritual tone by invoking the help of the Holy Spirit. In his homily, Fr Banks highlighted the Pentecost experience, reminding all those present that their duty lies not just in their daily tasks but in fidelity to their vows. He stressed that “the redemptive acts of Jesus touch the hearts of the people” and that “the Church in India must proclaim that God is truly alive, that the Holy Spirit is fully at work, and that the community is wholly united in its mission.”
Promoting vocations and religious formation
Fr Domingo Amigo, as President of the Chapter, then delivered his opening address, inviting the friars to “spiritual renewal” and underlining the importance of the Chapter as a critical moment in the life of the Vicariate. In his message, Fr Domingo stressed seeking and discernment; the renewal of religious life, by promoting vocations and religious formation; communal ownership of goods; and the importance of cultivating the visibility of the Order and Province.
The Chapter continued with a series of sessions in which the friars actively discussed the issues that emerged, sharing ideas and visions for the future of the Vicariate.
The main presentation of the report on the general state of the Vicariate was made by Fr Wilson Viswanath Injarapu, its Vicar, who updated the Chapter on the growth and achievements of the past two years, stressing that these are “the fruits of the dedication, collaboration and hard work of all the friars.”
From the renewal of religious life to classrooms and then football
Fr Wilson recounted in his address the importance of the renewal of religious life across all the communities, underlining the importance of the spiritual life. The Vicariate successfully carried out timely retreats, gatherings and ongoing formation programmes for the friars, as well as other administrative initiatives including visits, numerous commission and committee meetings, as well as meeting with local priors and treasurers.
The Vicar General's report also recounted the major maintenance works carried out in all the houses. Among notable investments were the construction of a multi-purpose hall and an extra floor in the administrative block of the Pollachi school to increase classroom capacity. Fr Wilson was fulsome in his gratitude to the Province of San Juan de Sahagún and its Prior Provincial for their generous support for these projects.
Another notable investment was the construction of a football pitch in the community of Edacochin, made possible with the help of the Agostiniani nel Mondo Foundation, administered through the General Curia. The Vicar thanked the NGO for their help in turning this dream into a reality, and allowing them to engage more effectively with young people. He further highlighted the generous contribution of NGO Cebu to the improvements at the school in Kollam.
His overview included the Vicariate's current statistics, covering various aspects of religious life, ongoing formation and studies. These efforts have collectively strengthened the mission of the Vicariate and improved the quality of life of its members.
A new school for Indore
A key part of the Chapter was devoted to discussing future projects, with the full participation of all the confreres. In line with the resolutions of the Ordinary Chapter of the Vicariate, the regional vicar presented a proposal to acquire a school in Indore. This initiative was well received and discussed in detail, and the general hope was expressed that, with the support of the Order and the Province, this ambition could be realised.
The Chapter concluded with a Mass celebrated by Fr Wilson. This Eucharist was not just a conclusion but a celebration of the progress made and the future aspirations of the Vicariate. An important milestone was the conferring of lector and acolyte to six professed brothers, marking a significant new chapter in their spiritual journeys and a greater commitment to the service of the Church.
“The Intermediate Chapter of 2024 was a pivotal event for Our Lady of Grace Vicariate and provided a comprehensive platform for reflection, evaluation and planning. The active participation and contributions of all the friars, together with the leadership of key figures, underlined our collective commitment to spiritual growth, community development and ecclesiastical service,” Fr Wilson noted in his letter to the General Curia communications office.
“The Vicariate is moving ever onward to its spiritual and community goals with renewed faith, strengthened unity, and unflinching dedication.”
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