Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 20: 30 Sisters of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation made their perpetual profession in three different places in April. The perpetual profession of six Sisters of North East Province namely, Sr Apoline Povel? D’Vadeo, Sr Arhoni Theresa Murry, Sr Chumchano Martha Ezung, Sr Diana Kabuini, Sr Roseline Sangtam, Sr Toli Maria Sumi was held at Holy Rosary Convent Chapel, Jeppu on April 14. Fr Sr Juliana Pinto the councillor-general delegated by the superior-general of the Congregation received their vows during the solemn Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by Fr Paul Melwyn D'Souza OFM Cap the episcopal vicar for Religious of Mangalore Diocese.
12 Sisters, Sr Dayan Rose, Sr Deena D’Souza, Sr Deshma Olivera, Sr Gresoria Sahana, Sr Latha C, Sr Lilly Supriya, Sr Neelamma, Sr Philomena Jyothi, Sr Prabha Pannakar, Sr Selina KA, Sr Sushma Priya, and Sr Supriya J, pronounced the perpetual vows on April 19 at Maria Niketan Convent, Bogadi Mysuru during the Eucharist solemnized and concelebrated by Fr Dr KA William the Bishop of Mysuru. Sr Lily Fernandes the provincial superior of Mysuru Province received their vows.
The perpetual profession of 12 Sisters Sr Jovita Pinto, Sr Joyline D Cunha, Sr Judith Saldanha, Sr Linet Danthi, Sr Renita Mathias, Sr Jacintha Fernandes, Sr Janet Machado, Sr Nisha Galbao, Sr Sendra Gonsalves, Sr Gladys Rodrigues, Sr Reema D Souza, Sr Kanchan Toppo was held at Vincent de Ferrer Church, Valencia, Mangaluru on April 20. The solemn Eucharist was presided over by Fr Dr Peter Paul Saldanha the Bishop of Mangaluru and around 24 priests concelebrated. In his homily, he said that the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation which was founded on Easter Sunday at Rosario Cathedral, Mangalore gives significance to this day of the perpetual profession of the Sisters as they are set to proclaim the Paschal Joy to the world. The Sisters while contemplating the crucified Lord have been called to be the hands, feet, heart and mind of the Risen Lord to bring the people to Christ, to work for the welfare of families, towards ecological welfare, and above all to be the witnesses of Christ’s compassion to the world. He invited all gathered to support the Sisters through their prayers and encouragement.
Sr Susheela Sequeira the superior general of the Congregation received the perpetual vows of the 12 Sisters in the name of the Church in the presence of the bishop, priests, parents and relatives and the Sisters of the Congregation during the solemn Eucharistic celebration. As an external sign of their consecration and perpetual profession, they were given rings that marked their total commitment to their divine spouse Jesus Christ. Sr Susheela while felicitating the perpetually professed Sisters after the Mass thanked the parents of the Sisters for gifting their daughters to the Congregation for the mission of Christ and for their continued support and prayers in the past years. She appealed to them to continue to encourage and pray for them especially when they face the challenges of consecrated life. While congratulating the perpetually professed Sisters she appreciated their courage and willingness with which they have come forward to make their profession and assured wholehearted support for their future life.
These 30 Sisters underwent an intense preparatory period called tertianship of four months at Generalate, Somarpann under the guidance of Sr Juliana Pinto the councillor-general and tertian directress. The general council members, provincial superior of Mangalore Province, Sr Rita Vas and her councillors, the provincial superior of Mysuru Province, Sr Lily Fernandes and assistant provincial, Sr Irene Leena Pais, the provincial superior of North Province, Sr Shanthi D’Souza and Sisters of the Congregation with family members of the perpetually professed Sisters were present for the celebration at Valencia and prayed for the Sisters.
The celebration ended with a fellowship meal served at the Valencia Church Hall.