Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 7 : The congregation of the Apostolic Carmel celebrated the final religious profession of the vows of ten young sisters on Saturday, December 07, 2024 at Presentation Convent, Maryhill, Mangaluru.

The ten sisters namely Sr Sunita Soren, Sr Maria Chanika, Sr Eline Fernandes, Sr Hima Maria, Sr Maria Jisna, Sr Bhakthi Mary, Sr Esma Maria Lobo, Sr Erina Fernandes, Sr Nimala Nitharshini, and Sr Mary Helen committed themselves totally and forever to Jesus Christ through the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience in the presence of the Superior General Sr Maria Nirmalini A.C, their parents and family members, priests and the other sisters.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore officiated along with twelve other priests at the solemn Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, bishop brought out forcefully that the Lord loves us immensely in spite of our sinfulness and imperfections. We experience this in the measure of our trust and our response to God’s love. The key phrase ‘abide in my love’ speaks of God’s bountiful love towards us. Citing the parable of the vine and the branches, we are instructed that fruitful branches need pruning and useless branches need to be cut off, therefore Cross is the part of every believer and specially the consecrated men and women.

The superior general Sr Maria Nirmalini A C, accepted the vows of the sisters in the name of the Church. For this solemn celebration, sisters of the generalate team, provincial superiors of the different provinces, the sisters, the family members of the finally professed sisters from different parts of India and Sri Lanka, their parish priests and well-wishers gathered in a spirit of thanksgiving to witness and share the joy of these 10 brides of Christ.

Sr Erina Fernandes expressed words of gratitude to the Bishop, priests, superior general and all who walked with them during their period of training. After the Mass, all were ushered into the school auditorium which was splendidly and artistically decorated in tune with the celebration.

The felicitation programme commenced with a vibrant welcome dance performed by the students of Mount Carmel, setting a joyful tone for the day. This was followed by a melodious greeting song by the novices, which uplifted the spiritual ambience of the gathering. The ceremonial cake-cutting by the ten young brides along with the dignitaries marked the joyous occasion. As the ten sisters were introduced to the audience by Sr Therese Teena in a crisp and creative manner, the superior general Sr Maria Nirmalini felicitated them with a garland endorsing their permanency in the congregation.

In her address, Sr Nirmalini congratulated the sisters for their loving response to the unconditional love of God. She advised them to abide in God’s love always even in difficulties and imperfections, and to live it with the strength of the Holy Spirit for the glory of His kingdom. She thanked the parents and family members, seeking their continued support of prayer and accompaniment in their struggles.

The event concluded with a fellowship meal, bringing together all present in a spirit of gratitude and togetherness. Sr Melissa compeered the felicitation programme which was a testament to the power of faith and the joy of celebrating the lives of ten young sisters dedicated to God’s service.

Kindly click on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVtRq0G4cds&t=750s to get a glimpse of the event.