Franciscan Seminar in Raipur Explores Contemplation, Mysticism and Simple Living

A three-day seminar on Franciscan contemplation and mysticism was held at the Bishop Philip Ekka Pastoral Centre in Raipur from September 18 to 20, bringing together 57 priests and religious from different congregations and communities. The seminar was jointly organised by the Chhattisgarh Conference of Religious India (CRI) and the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminarians, Clergy and Religious (VSCR), Chhattisgarh. The programme was led by Fr. Jose Peter Ponnore OFM Cap., who heads a Capuchin team involved in conducting Franciscan contemplative retreats. The seminar focused on the contemplative dimension of the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. Participants reflected on Franciscan values such as simplicity, poverty, fraternity and closeness to nature, and considered how these principles can be lived in today's society. The discussions also addressed the challenges of maintaining genuine human relationships in an increasingly technology-driven world, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change. Participants were encouraged to develop greater interiority and strengthen their relationship with God. Representatives from several religious congregations participated in the programme, including the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Franciscan Sisters of Dillingen, Medical Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, JMJ, SMMI, FMCK and FCC. Priests from the Order of Friars Minor and the Pallottine Society also attended. At the conclusion of the seminar, Bishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur, chairman of the CCBI Commission for VSCR in Chhattisgarh, delivered the valedictory address. He encouraged participants to apply the insights gained during the programme to their everyday lives. The bishop also highlighted the importance of living simply and adopting an environmentally responsible lifestyle. His message came as the Church continues its celebrations connected with the 800th anniversary of events associated with St. Francis of Assisi. Bishop Thakur thanked Sr. Diana Chettoor SCSC, president of Chhattisgarh CRI, and Fr. John Ponnore, regional secretary of VSCR, Chhattisgarh, for organising the seminar. The gathering concluded with a renewed emphasis on Franciscan spirituality and the importance of contemplation, simplicity, meaningful relationships and care for creation in contemporary religious life.