Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 22: The Congregation of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters celebrated the Perpetual Profession of eight Sisters at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia, here on Tuesday, April 22.
The Sisters committed themselves entirely to Jesus Christ through the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, in the presence of Sr Milly Fernandes, superior general of the congregation, as well as priests, sisters, family members and collaborators.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, officiated the solemn Eucharistic celebration, concelebrated by 23 priests. In his homily, he said, “Embracing a permanent commitment is one of life’s greatest challenges. It demands both courage and grace. In our moments of weakness, it is God’s strength that uplifts our inherent goodness. God often works through those who are weak to reveal his glory. He has filled the hearts of our sisters with His love.”
He added that just as God called ‘Mary’ by name, these Sisters too have been called to be His partners in spreading the message of love and service.
The felicitation programme that followed the Mass began with a welcome address and a greeting song by the choir in honour of the Sisters who had taken this bold step of total self-offering to the Lord and His Church.
Sr Milly Fernandes introduced the Sisters to the gathering, felicitated them along with their parents and expressed gratitude for their generous offering to the Ursuline family. In her message, she congratulated the Sisters for their loving response to God’s unconditional love.
Referring to the Sisters' commitment as a 'campus selection' for the Lord, she said they are now ready to go out into the world to proclaim the Good News of the Risen Christ. She encouraged them to remain faithful to their commitment with single-minded devotion, to discern rightly, and to face life’s challenges and temptations with strength drawn from the Eucharist, the Word of God and the Rosary.
She also thanked the parents and family members once again for their generous support, and urged them to continue encouraging their daughters through prayer. She appealed to all present to foster vocations in their families and support the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in its mission.
On behalf of all the newly professed Sisters, Srs Shainy and Joseline expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who guided and supported them in their vocation journey.
A fellowship meal was shared after the programme, offering an opportunity for the gathering to greet and congratulate the newly professed Sisters and their families.
Sr Edista Paul from the African Region also made her perpetual profession alongside the Indian Sisters, marking a joyful moment for the congregation. She is the 11th Sister from the African Region to make her perpetual profession.
One Sister from the North Province will make her perpetual profession on April 26 at Jeevan Dhara Convent, Lucknow, and five Sisters from the North East Province will do so on April 29 at Assisi Convent, Dimapur, Nagaland.
The congregation has extended its prayers and best wishes to all the young Sisters, praying that they remain faithful to the Lord and be blessed with perseverance in their holy vocation.