Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 17: It was a golden letter day for the sisters of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation (UFC), Mangaluru province as they celebrated the golden jubilee of Religious Life of 11 sisters on February 15. Joy and jubilation, meaningful Eucharistic celebration, words of felicitation, and golden/festal meal coloured the day. Prior to that these 11 sisters had three days renewal and prayer in Rishivana, Ranipur wherein they were guided by director Fr Alfred Menezes OCD to make a inward journey and to reach the goal for which they have been called.

Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Alfred Menezes who in his homily highlighted the aspect of remaining thankful to God for the 50 years of religious life. After the Holy Eucharist there was short felicitation programme for which assistant general Rev Sr Milly Fernandes and Sr Lilly Pinto Councillor General were present. As many 37 elderly sisters who were doing their retreat in Shanthi Dham took part in the celebration. Sr Rita Vas, provincial superior felicitated and thanked the sisters saying ‘their life is thanks-giving and henceforth more thanks-living’. They were honoured with shawl, garland and a memento.

Sr Milly Fernandes, assistant general, felicitating the sisters thanked for their vocation to Ursuline Franciscan Congregation and for the service that they rendered to the Church and Society for the past 50 years. On behalf of the Superior General, her Team and Generalate community she too felicitated the golden sisters with shawl, garland and memento. Sr Clara Menezes, provincial councillor and superior of Shanthi Dham Convent welcomed the gathering, Sr Leena D’Souza, provincial councillor rendered the vote of thanks and Sr Sushma Lewis and Sr Renita Mathias compeered the programme. Shanthi Dham Sisters through their melodious choir greeted the jubilarians and with the Jubilee meal the programme was concluded.