Aggiornamento of the CMI Congregation in the Light of the Spirit of ST. Chavara

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The book titled Aggiornamento' of the CMI Congregation in the Light of the Spirit of St. Chavara is the doctoral thesis of Dr. Fr. Kuriakose Eliah Vadaketh CMI successfully defended in 1978. The work is developed in three progressive stages indicated by the titles of the three parts and in eight chapters: the First Part: "Aggiornamento" in the Religious Life; the Second Part: The Founder of the First Indian Religious Congregation of Modern Times; and the Third Part: Ongoing Spirit of the Founder and Adaptation. This is a pioneering work as no one has done any research in this field prior to this one. He has envisioned it in a three dimensional frame: The past history of the congregation, the immediate sitz im leben of Vatican II, and the renewal and adaptation of the CMI congregation in the new context by being faithful to its rich and varied legacy. The theme is relevant, interesting, challenging, useful and contextual. In a nutshell the research is an attempt to interpret the present CMI congregation against the original spirit bequeathed to it by its founder, St Kuriakose Elias, and in the light of the teachings of Vatican II.

His discussion on the relevant topics of II Vatican in the first part, such as, renewal, adaptation, church, liturgy, ecumenism, major theological and philosophical trends, religious life, paschal ministry, charism and Holy Spirit give a solid theological, philosophical, ecclesial and spiritual foundation for the development of his work. In the light of the decree on Perfectae Caritatis, he focuses on five principles of renewal, such as, "Imitation of Jesus, the ecclesial life of the Religious, the apostolic works of the Religious, interior life of the Religious, and the particular aspect of the Spirit of the Founders".

In the second phase the author undertakes a thorough investigation into the life of St Chavara, the factors and persons that influenced him in the particular socio-political, cultural and ecclesial context of his time, and the contribution and spirituality of St Chavara. The author discusses the following elements: the life of St Chavara, the ecclesial life, his writings and his contributions as a prophet of his time, a visionary founder of religious communities, renovator of the Syrian Church, and the defender of faith. The author analyses the active and creative dimension of the personality of St Chavara along with his spirituality.

The third phase of the study focuses on the "Aggiornamento" of the CMI Congregation in the light of the spirit of St Chavara. Here the author discusses the spiritual legacy of the congregation that stems from St Chavara and the other founders and early fathers of the congregation. He also briefly surveys the growth of the congregation from its inception till now. He explores the active and contemplative dimensions of the congregation identifying "Contemplation in Proclamation" as the spirit of the congregation. He analyses this in the light of the Eastern and Indian heritages of CMI congregation. The author writes: "All the documents examined from the history of the Congregation and from the life of the Founder and other members of this community lead us to formulate the expression 'Contemplation in Proclamation' as the expression of the spirit of the Congregation."

The author after completing the thesis, for the last 39 years, has contributed to the renewal and adaptation of the CMI Congregation through proclamation and teaching. He absorbs and proclaims with passion the Indian and Eastern genii that underlie the spirit of St Chavara. This publication is an enriching source for researchers in the field of Ecclesiology, Studies on St Chavara and Religious Life. Being first of this type of studies related to the CMI congregation and St Chavara the attempt is to be highly appreciated. But this might have been published earlier so that the people could reap the and pray that he continues to inspire people by what he believes: 'Contemplation in proclamation.' Also I wish all the success to this publication and let this be an inspiration for many to understand the Spirit of St Chavara and the long standing legacy of CMI congregation in its constant renewal and adaptation to an ever changing world.

**Contents and Sample Pages**