Consecrated life is a powerful manifestation of the Indian Catholic Church. Today, there are almost a hundred thousand consecrated men and women engaged in active apostolate, catering to the various needs of the people irrespective of their religious affiliation. Another thirty thousand are preparing themselves to take up future ministries like education, health care, social service and other activities. The number of institutions run by them surpasses the sum total of those run by all other religious bodies. Ashram apostolate is another aspect of the Church in India which helps to meet the spiritual needs of the people. However, consecrated life in India is being challenged and undermined within and from outside.
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