An ashram started by a group of nuns in southern Indian town has completed 25 years promoting interfaith harmony. The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary congregation founded the Ishalaya Ashram in 2000 at Palamaner in Andhra Pradesh state in response to the Second Vatican Council’s recommendation to reach out to people of other faiths. The ashram was an answer to the congregation’s 1978 General Chapter that called for integrating intercultural elements into the Franciscan spirituality, says Sister Vimala Varapragasam, the vice president of the National Ashram Aikya, an association of Catholic priests and nuns who have opted to live like hermits. She recounted how in the 1980’s her congregation engaged in interfaith dialogue meetings to proclaim Christ’s uniqueness and universality amid diverse faiths. Strengthening this dialogue, they immersed in local communities, learning customs and traditions, and fostering communal harmony. Mobilizing children and women, they imparted values promoting self-confidence, neighborliness, sharing, and cleanliness, Sister Vimala explained. Through this, the nuns embraced a simpler life and experienced the warm hospitality from those they served, said the nun, who has lived in the ashram for more than a decade. “My inspiration stems from the words of our founder, Blessed Mary of the Passion: ‘Be like the little sanctuary lamp that burns itself quietly. She said she did not choose the religious life to become a teacher, accountant, or administrator. “Rather, my calling is to dwell in the presence of the Lord and to serve His people—individuals of goodwill from all faiths,” This journey leads them to care not only their fellow beings but the environment.”India has 50 Catholic ashrams dedicated to prayer and spiritual experiences. They are organized by the wing of National Ashram Aikya. Ashramites opt for a modest lifestyle marked by austerity, adhere to vegetarianism, and wholeheartedly embrace people from all religious backgrounds, Sister Vimala explained.