Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 21: The two sisters Sr Priya D’Souza and Sr Shanthi Priya D’Souza of the Congregation of Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa, of Mangaluru Province made their Perpetual Profession on November 21, at Guardian Angel Church, Angelore. On this day the church celebrates the feast of the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who while a still child, was brought to the temple to be offered to God. This unique day is also commemorated as the Foundation day of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity and like Mary the young sisters take their courageous step to offer totally to the Lord who continues to call to dedicate themselves to God and neighbour. This year the Institute of Sisters of Charity which is spread over the world rejoices with the ‘Fiat’ of 23 young sisters and their total gift to the Lord in the alluring glamorous world of today.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore officiated at the Eucharist along with Fr William Menezes, the parish priest of Angelore and other priests. Appreciating the consecrated life he said religious life is not like the ‘Dead Sea’ but is like the Jordan river;it gives new life, new light to the society and new meaning to other’s life. He encouraged the faithful to look at the religious life with different outlook and to pray for the vocations.

Two sisters made their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience before the public, in the hands of Sr. Irene Menezes the Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province who accepted them in the name of the Church and welcomed them as full pledged members of the family of Sisters of Charity.

During the felicitation programme arranged after the mass Sr. Irene Menezes congratulated them for their courageous choice and undaunted step to consider all the promises of the world and every other thing as ‘nothing’ and for their determination to spread God’s kingdom.She congratulated their parents for Christ values with which they have brought up their daughters and offering them willingly to God’s service.

The assembly witnessed the joy of self-offering of two young sisters, the simplicity of religious life and the contentment which can be gained in donating oneself for the good of the neighbour.