Context and Nature of UFLA Membership
The pastoral and social context of the North Province is considerably different from that of the Southern or other Provinces. The Christian population in the North is relatively small, and the Catholic population is even more limited. Moreover, a significant number of Catholics living in the North have migrated from other parts of the country in search of employment, education, or better opportunities. Therefore the number of UFLA members in the North Province is not static. Many of our members are employed in transferable jobs and may move to another place when they receive a transfer or find better employment opportunities. Some return to their native places after retirement, while others relocate because of family circumstances. Consequently, the membership numbers may increase or decrease from time to time. Keeping this reality in mind, we have included such Catholics as members of UFLA who show interest, and encouraged them to participate in pastoral and charitable activities.
Activities of UFLA Members
The UFLA members in the North Province participate in various activities according to their availability and local circumstances. These activities include participation in prayer services, preparing for the liturgy along with the sisters, conducting Holy Hour on First Sunday every month, choir group, actively participate and prepare children for Bible Festivals both at zonal and diocese level, Church festivals & programmes, social and charitable initiatives, visiting the sick and elderly, community gatherings, and other activities organized at the parish or diocese level. The members remain connected with one another and with the Church, even when they are living away from their native places.
We have 8 UFLA units, having 46 members altogether. These units are divided into 4 zones- Kolkata, Lucknow, Bareily and Bhopal by itself.
1. Shanti Kiran Kolkata- 15 members (7 permanent, 4 temporary & 4 in Candidacy)
2. Shanti Dham Guma- 6 temporary affiliated members
3. Jeevan Dhara Lucknow- 6 temporary members
4. St Perter, Raebarli- 5 temporary members
5. Hartmann, Bareily- 5 temporary members
6. St Thomas, Nawabhanj 4 temporary members
7. Assisi Nilaya, Baheri- 2 temporary members
8. Holy Cross, Bhopal- 3 members are in contact period.
