Bengaluru, India. The ASCLA West Conference recently concluded its second workshop on Claretian Discerning Leadership at Claret Nivas Carmelaram, Bengaluru. The week-long workshop, held from July 17 to July 23, 2023, saw the active participation of 32 members, including council members and Local Superiors, from the five Major Organisms of India.
This workshop marks a significant continuation of the Discerning Leadership Workshop of the General Government that started in February 2023, with ASCLA East and ASCLA West, at Karukutty, Kerala, hosted by the Curia of St. Thomas Province. The latest workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills and insights needed for effective leadership within the Congregation and the Church.
The training program was facilitated by three members who had previously undergone the discerning leadership training. Fr. Anthony Bhyju, CMF, Major Superior of Kolkata Delegation; Fr. Siby Njavallikunnel, CMF, Major Superior of St. Thomas Province; and Fr. Regi Pymattathil, CMF, representing the Province of Bangalore, assumed the role of facilitators during the sessions. Additionally, Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF provided invaluable assistance in animating one of the modules.
Even with his busy schedule, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, the Superior General found time to virtually address the participants and inspire them during one of the sessions, making the workshop even more special.
The workshop’s comprehensive curriculum covered various aspects of leadership and discernment, including contextual understanding, Jesus’ way, Claretian key, personality dynamics, synodality, conflict transformation, and polarity management. Participants actively engaged in input sessions, personal and group reflections, activities, assessment tests, and exercises, all aimed at honing their leadership skills.
The Claretian Discerning Leadership workshop received positive feedback from the participants, who expressed gratitude to Frs. Gonzalo Fernandez, CMF, and Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF, for guiding and providing the necessary impetus for this crucial training at the conference level.
Looking forward, ASCLA West Conference plans to continue conducting similar workshops at different locations, aiming to animate all its members and foster a culture of effective leadership within the congregation.
Source: Fr. Xavier Pereira, Provincial Secretary, Bangalore.
