Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 25: Sr Maria Shamita AC, the provincial superior of the Apostolic Carmel (AC), Karnataka province, re-elected for a second term along with her team Sr Rose Agnes, Sr Maria Melissa, Sr Maria Sudeepa, Sr Julie Ann and Sr Marina D’Cunha was installed on Sunday April 24 at St Ann’s Convent here, the Mother House of the Congregation.
The installation ceremony began with the Eucharistic celebration at St Ann’s Convent Chapel celebrated by Fr Archie Gonsalves OCD. During the homily, he explained the height and depth of Jesus’ compassion and mercy which we need to reflect in our mission. After the Mass, as the choir intoned Te Deum, a song of praise and thanksgiving, the sisters pledged their love and loyalty to the provincial superior.
This was followed by a felicitation programme at St Ann’s High School Hall, to greet the provincial superior Sr Maria Shamita and her team, and to thank the outgoing team members for their loving service to the province. The day was also an occasion for the province to celebrate our togetherness. The celebration started as the formees invoked God’s blessings with rhythmic steps in praise of God, followed by welcome and felicitation. In greeting the Jubilarians, there was gratitude, appreciation and warmth for what they have been for the past 70, 60, 50, 40 and 25 years of their religious life. A skit based on the theme of the provincial chapter ‘Christ Centred Community, responding in Compassionate Love’ was enacted. The St Agnes Special School children who reached the semifinals in Namma TV reality show surprised us with their well coordinated rhythm and dance.
The Eco commission of the province with the support of the Provincial Superior released a book on Herbal Home Remedies titled, ‘Pruthvinthlya Gharbanthle Nysargik Vokthan Bhandaar’ written by Sr Lucy Benedicta AC, who is in love with nature’s healing power and greening the Mother Earth. The prize distribution for working at serving Mother Earth in little spaces in the campuses, with vegetable and herbal gardens was well appreciated and encouraged by giving every community a memento and prizes for the winning institutions.
Provincial superior, Sr Maria Shamita in her message expressed her gratitude to her team and all the sisters of the province and urged every sister to be messengers of peace and mercy. She said, being present to the other itself is compassion both in the community and in our mission.
The celebration ended with a fellowship meal, exchanging views and news, strengthening the bond of unity and togetherness.