Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 6: The Apostolic Carmel congregation rejoiced in a profound moment of grace as sixteen young sisters offered their lives to God through their Final Religious Profession on Saturday, December 6, at Presentation Convent, Maryhill, Mangaluru. It was a day when heaven seemed to touch the earth, as these chosen daughters of God freely embraced a lifelong covenant of love with Christ.
The sisters Sr Reema Monteiro, Sr Ashal Vinitha Sequeira, Sr Jovita Claret Dmello, Sr Angelina Lepcha, Sr Helena Marini, Sr Phidalin, Sr Binita Soreng, Sr Pushpa Tete, Sr Sangita Dung Dung, Sr Ibansara Marbaniang, Sr Kalpana Parmar, Sr Telma Dsouza, Sr Maria Nirma, Sr Ribanika Kurbah, Sr Amirtha Kane and Sr Anu Maria pronounced their perpetual vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience in the presence of the superior general, Sr Maria Nirmalini AC, along with their family members, priests, and the Apostolic Carmel family. With hearts surrendered to God’s call, they pledged to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, offering their lives as a living sacrifice of love.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, along with fifteen concelebrating priests. In his homily, he beautifully reflected on the sacred nuptial bond between the Divine Bridegroom and the bride. Drawing inspiration from St Teresa of Avila, the bishop spoke of the transforming power of divine love and invited the sisters to experience the same in their daily life. He urged them to clothe themselves with the virtues of Christ — love, humility, compassion, patience, and kindness. Referring to the parable of the vine and the branches, he reminded them that their fruitfulness in life and mission would come only from abiding deeply in the love of God.
Superior general Sr Nirmalini joyfully accepted the vows on behalf of the church, affirming their irrevocable commitment and placed a ring upon their finger as a sign of their final commitment to God. The gathering of the generalate team, provincial superiors, sisters from various communities, family members from India and Sri Lanka, parish priests, and well-wishers created an atmosphere filled with thanksgiving and praise. It was a celebration not just of sixteen vocations, but of God’s faithfulness through generations. Sr Jovita D’Mello, in her words of gratitude, acknowledged the many hands and hearts that had nurtured them on their journey of formation.
Following the Eucharist, the celebration continued at the Mount Carmel Central School auditorium, exquisitely decorated to reflect the sacredness and joy of the occasion. The felicitation programme began with a graceful cultural dance by the postulants, symbolizing the joy of a life rooted in God. The novices lifted the spiritual tone further through their melodious action song. A moment of special joy was the ceremonial cake-cutting by the finally professed sisters along with the dignitaries. As Sr Linet Maria introduced each sister with creativity and warmth, the superior general adorned them with a garland, a symbol of their belonging to Christ and their permanence in the Apostolic Carmel family.
In her message, Sr Nirmalini congratulated the sisters for responding generously to the Lord’s call. She reminded them that a vocation is a gift of God’s unconditional love, inviting them to cling to Christ, especially in moments of trial, and to remain steadfast in their mission of love and service. She expressed gratitude to the priests, parents, and families, urging them to continue supporting these sisters with prayer and accompaniment.
The programme, gracefully compered by Sr Linet Maria, stood as a testimony to the beauty of consecrated life, the power of God’s call, and the deep joy found in giving oneself entirely to God. The day concluded with a fellowship meal that radiated warmth, unity, and gratitude, an expression of the shared joy of witnessing God’s work in the lives of these sixteen young brides of Christ.