Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangalore (Agenzia Fides) - The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in India have opened a Christian “Ashram”, to enter into relations and dialogue with non-Christians, especially with Hindu believers. The Ashram is in fact a traditional sanctuary for meditation and retreat, typically Indian.
The Christian Ashram of the Sisters, located near Bangalore in the state of Andra Pradesh, is called “ISHALAYA”, which stands for “Integrity, Solitude, Happiness, Acceptance, Learning, Awareness, Yearning, Adorers”, and emphasizes that the religious would find it a place for silence, meditation, self-awareness, and worshipping God.
Meditation – the religious sisters told Fides - takes place at dusk and it is the time when we reflect on the “glory of God”. The “arathi” rite follows, when each religious approaches and touches a burning flame, symbolizing the offering of their own selves.
Then follow moments of song, praise and blessing in God's name and, after a period of deep silence, there is the celebration of the Eucharist. “This spiritual exercise helps us to make every day a journey toward God, to renew a sense of harmony with oneself, with God and with others and thus makes our mission more effective,” explained the sisters.
An experience of life in the Ashram is offered to all temporary professed sisters and is an essential step in the process of formation in every religion, intended to the inculturation of the Gospel message in the Indian context. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 07/12/2010)
