Annual General Body Meeting 2025

Opening and Arrival

The 15th Annual General Body Meeting commenced on 24 November 2025 at 8:30 a.m. at the Pallotti Institute of Lay Leadership Animation and Research (PILLAR), Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Participants began arriving on 23 November, and their presence created a joyful and collaborative atmosphere for the days ahead.

The assembly opened with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope – Together Combating Human Trafficking,” affirming the collective commitment of the Amrat Talitha Kum India/Nepal Network to this vital mission. The programme was efficiently coordinated by Sr. Meera Mathew RGS, Sr. Jyoti Pinto BS, Sr. Princy Mariadasan FDCC, and Sr. Sherly Joseph FMM, with Sr. Lalitha Lakra DSA serving as moderator, and Sr. Sherly Joseph SCCG and Sr. Lovely DSS serving as secretaries for the proceedings.

Inaugural Prayer

The day began with a meaningful morning prayer led by the Rajasthan team at 7:00 a.m., establishing a reflective and peaceful tone for the gathering. The inaugural session was anchored by Sr. Celine Xavier SJC, with clarity and energy, guiding the proceedings with grace and efficiency. At 9:00 a.m., participants assembled in the main hall for the inaugural prayer, which was accompanied by a symbolic parai dance performed by youth ambassadors from the Pondicherry Region. This powerful presentation conveyed the profound message that every human being reflects the

image of God and deserves dignity and freedom.

Lamp Lighting and Welcome Address

The ceremonial lamp-lighting ceremony followed, graced by distinguished guests including Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, representing the Archbishop of Madurai; Sr. Meera Mathew RGS; Sr. Jyoti Pinto BS; Sr. Shanthi Priya BS; Fr. Jerry Rosario SJ; Mr. Justine Prabhakaran, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Madurai; Fr. Paul Raj, Rector of PILLAR; and Sr. Lucia SJL, Coordinator of the Tamil Nadu Region. Each guest was warmly introduced and honoured with saplings, symbolizing growth, renewal, and hope for the future.

In her welcome address, Sr. Meera RGS, National President, urged participants to embrace their calling as “pilgrims of hope” and healers in today’s wounded world. Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu

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Karunanidhi gave a biblical understanding of human trafficking and helped participants understand how God brings out the best even when situations are difficult to comprehend.

Sr. Shanthi Priya BS delivered an inspiring keynote address rooted in spiritual wisdom and the social teachings of the Church. Mr. Prabhakaran, DSP, highlighted the legal framework and responsibilities in combating human trafficking, while acknowledging the often-unrecognized yet invaluable contributions of religious congregations in this critical work.

The inaugural session concluded with a gracious vote of thanks delivered by Sr. Ekta Stephen, followed by regional reports that showcased the diversity and breadth of the network, and a brief health break.

Afternoon Sessions and Regional Reports

The afternoon session was guided by Fr. Jerry Rosario SJ. He led participants in exploring the deeper meaning of being “pilgrims of hope” in contemporary society. His thought-provoking reflections examined four distinct typologies: the Prophet, representing justice and prophetic truth; the Pioneer, embodying vision and creative innovation; the Pilgrim, symbolizing perseverance and resilience; and the Proactive Pilgrim, characterized by positivity, purpose, and productivity.

Fr. Jerry also emphasized the four R’s—Rescue, Restore, Rehabilitate, and Reintegrate—as essential and interconnected pillars in the comprehensive fight against human trafficking. The session expanded to include insights on social activity typologies, the “See-Saw Theory” of balanced engagement, and Pope Leo XIII’s theology of liberation, all of which encouraged participants to transcend conventional boundaries in their mission and service.

At 4:30 p.m., regional coordinators presented their reports, offering detailed updates on ongoing initiatives, emerging challenges, and innovative approaches being implemented

across different geographical areas.

Eucharist and Evening Discussions

The day concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Jerry Rosario SJ. His homily distilled the day’s rich reflections into two guiding graces for the journey ahead: optimism in the face of adversity and enthusiasm for the mission. Following Mass, Sr.  Myra  D’Costa  HC,

Coordinator of the Goa Region, offered the vote of thanks. Dinner was served at 7:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for informal fellowship and continued dialogue.

After dinner, the Executive Members and Regional Core Team convened with Fr. Isaac to discuss the development of the day’s sessions. The day concluded with a prayer to the Holy Trinity, closing on a vibrant note of joy, deep collaboration, and renewed dedication to the mission.

Day Two – 25.11.2025

Sessions, Reports, and Elections

The second day commenced with morning prayer led by the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Region, followed by the celebration of the Eucharist by Fr. Isaac Rumao SJ, beautifully animated by the Odisha Region. A group photograph captured the spirit of unity and solidarity among the participants. Important instructions were then communicated regarding coordination protocols between fund routers, regional coordinators, and the National President. The recap of Day One was presented by Srs. Lovely DSS and Sherly Joseph SCCG, summarizing key learnings and insights.

A significant resource session was facilitated by Sr. Prema Chowallur SCC, focusing on understanding and serving the Hijra/Kinner community. Her comprehensive presentation offered profound insights into their unique identity, the systemic challenges they face, and their resilience and survival mechanisms, thereby significantly broadening the assembly’s understanding of this marginalized community.

Following this enlightening session, the remaining regional reports from coordinators

across India were presented. The reports were enlightening and informative and demonstrated the breadth and depth of work being undertaken. The assembly expressed deep appreciation for the sisters’ genuine interest and commitment in the face of challenges toward the shared vision. Sr. Arpan BS commended the clarity and thoroughness evident in the presentations, while also offering constructive suggestions for improving the format and structure of future reporting.

Later in the day, elections for the Consultative Group were conducted in a prayerful and discerning spirit through a Google Form format, preceded by a moment of silent prayer for divine guidance. Twelve members who received the highest number of votes were elected, ensuring representation from diverse regions across the network. The newly elected Consultative Group members are:

Sr. Sahaya Mary FMM (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana), Sr. Regi Kuriakose BS (Kerala),

Sr. Pauline Therese AC (Tamil Nadu), Sr. Elphina Rodrigues FMA (Gujarat), Sr. Rufina Koli POSL (Maharashtra), Sr. Thresiamma Philip AASC (West Bengal/Sikkim), Sr. Carol Geeta MSA (Rajasthan), Sr. Ekta Stephen FSLG (Northern Region), Sr. Celine Maria Xavier SJC (Pondicherry), Sr. Sherly Thomas SJL (Karnataka), Sr. Jyoti Almeida SCC (Goa), and Sr. Dorothy Fernandes PBVM (Bihar).

The assembly warmly congratulated the newly elected members, acknowledging their demonstrated commitment to servant leadership and dedicated service within the mission of the Amrat Talitha Kum India Network. Their election significantly strengthened the leadership structure, ensuring both continuity and broad regional representation. The day concluded with evening prayer led by the Maharashtra Region, bringing the intensive sessions to a reflective and peaceful close.

Day Three – 26.11.2025 Constitution Day and Reports

The third day began with morning prayer conducted by the Kerala Region, followed by the Holy Mass offered by Rev. Fr. Isaac SJ. Sr. Teresa Joseph MSMHC from the North East Region introduced the Mass celebration, expressing profound gratitude to Almighty God for AMRAT, its visionary Founder-President Sr. Jyoti Pinto BS, President Sr. Meera Mathew RGS, and all the sisters who have worked tirelessly and selflessly over the past 15 years.

Rev. Fr. Isaac SJ introduced the assembly to St.

John Berchmans, patron saint of altar servers and Jesuit scholastics, presenting him as an inspiring model of joyful dedication to ordinary tasks and faithful service. The official session commenced with a prayer led by Sr. Margaret Mary AC from the West Bengal Region.

Recognizing that it was Constitution Day in India, all participants offered prayers for the nation and collectively recited the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, reaffirming their commitment to the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The recap of Day Two was presented by Sr. Thresiamma Philip AASC and Sr. Monica RGS, followed by the presentation of the AGM Report of 2024. Reports on various capacity-building programmes—media, leadership promoting team-building and networking, psycho-social–spiritual integration and rejuvenation, regional assemblies, coordinators’ programmes on group-building and group dynamics, Executive meetings, and Project Management Team meetings—were presented by Sr. Regina Rosario SCSC. She provided a comprehensive update on the National Project targeted for completion by 2026, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced collaboration and deeper commitment, noting with concern that only a few states had achieved the mutually agreed targets.

Sr. Princy Mariadasan FDCC presented the minutes of the 14th Annual General Body Meeting held in Bangalore. Sr. Prema Chowallur SCC presented the Executive Body Activity Report, detailing the strategic initiatives and accomplishments of the leadership team. Sr. Beena Thomas CM presented the detailed and transparent Financial Report of the National Amrat Talitha Kum India Network, which was deeply appreciated for its clarity, systematic organization, and thorough documentation.

Way Forward

Sr. Meera RGS, President of Amrat, introduced Rev. Fr. Isaac Rumao SJ, Consultant for the Amrat Talitha Kum India Network, as a mentor and guide to the new members. He was welcomed with the traditional gift of a sapling by Sr. Helen Moras SCB.

Fr. Isaac SJ shared his observations after reviewing the national and regional reports,

identifying key challenges including limited congregational involvement beyond core members, coordination difficulties across large geographical areas, persistent misconceptions about the nature of the work, weak documentation and record­keeping practices, financial constraints, shortage of trained personnel, and challenges in reaching remote and marginalized areas. He proposed a comprehensive way forward including regional assemblies, zonal meetings, annual

evaluations, empowerment of youth ambassadors, legal help desks, communication cells, volunteer lawyer networks, leadership training, capacity-building initiatives, and psycho­social integration training for sisters working with survivors.

Fr. Isaac Rumao SJ explained the organizational structure (organogram) of the Amrat Talitha Kum India Network and emphasized the roles of the Project Management Team, Programme Manager, Documentation Team, Communication Cell, Legal Cell, Finance Team, and Regional Coordinators in strengthening grassroots participation and effectiveness.

Release of “Voices of Courage” and Action Plans

 Sr. Cynthia Cardoza SCCG delivered a vote of thanks to Rev. Fr. Isaac for his invaluable guidance and mentorship. This was followed by the release of the Success Stories -“Voices of Courage,” containing inspiring stories compiled by Sr. Dhanam SCSC and Sr. Oliviya SCB and edited by Sr. Bensy FMM. The team was congratulated for bringing out the publication within a short time.

The new Consultative Team of 12 members was formally felicitated. Additional  members  were  appointed

where representation was lacking: Sr. Mary Francis SMMI, Chhattisgarh, Sr. Neeta Lopes FDCC, Madhya Pradesh, and Sr. Promila Topno HM, Orissa.

Regional Action Plans were presented and submitted to the National Team. An open discussion was held with Sr. Meera RGS, followed by an AGM evaluation conducted via Google Form under the guidance of Sr. Jyoti Pinto BS and Sr. Ekta Stephen FSLG. Sr. Sherly Joseph FMM expressed sincere gratitude to all involved. The meeting concluded with a thanksgiving prayer led by the Goa Region.

Conclusion

The 15th Annual General Body Meeting of the Amrat Talitha Kum India/Nepal Network was a profoundly meaningful gathering marked by deep reflection, authentic collaboration, and renewed commitment to combating human trafficking. The participation of 131 religious women from 21 states and 60 congregations highlighted the strength of collective action and shared dedication to human dignity, freedom, and social justice. The meeting concluded with renewed energy, strengthened networks, and firm determination, thanking God for His guidance in all the endeavours of the Network.

Consolidated by: Sr. Hira Parkhe

for Amrat Talitha Kum India–Nepal Network