Pics: Dayanand kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Oct 30: The canonization of Blessed Josephine Vannini by Pope Francis in Rome was celebrated by daughters of the St Camilus at Jeevadaan, Gurpura, Kaikamba, near here with a solemn Eucharistic celebration followed by a brief stage function.
The celebrations began with the Eucharistic Mass offered by bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha. Fr Antony Lobo, parish priest, Gurpur Church, Fr Theji, superior, Shehasadan and Fr Biju were the co celebrants.
After the Mass, a brief stage programme was held and Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the programme. Fr Antony Lobo, Parish Priest, Gurpur, John Samuel, Edmond Frank, Vivian Pinto, sponsors, Fr Theji, superior, Snehasadan, Sr Juliana, superior, Rosa Mistika Community and Walter Nandalike, founder, Daijiworld Media Group, partook in the event as guests of honour.
In his presidential address the Bishop said, “God never leaves us alone or in sorrow. He has a plan for each one of us and loves us all. He can do miracles during the time of we are alive and also after our death. The life of Josephine Vannini is the best example for this. After her death, people saw miracles and realized God’s plans. By this, she got the honour of Sainthood. The trust which we keep on God makes us pure and gives us salvation. So we must follow the gospel of God as St Vannani did. Jeevadan is following the teachings of gospel and they are trying to bring happiness in the life of inmates. I wish them all success in their mission.”
Addressing the gathering Fr Antony Lobo said, “Life is very short and time also is short. We need to accomplish, without any delay, what we think of doing. Josephine Vannini did everything in a short time. She never kept her mission pending. The inmates of Jeevadaan also do not know about their time. So the sisters of, the Daughters of the St Camilus community are trying to give them everything. Their service itself is a message to us. So we need to focus on our time and do good things to society, especially the needy.”
In his speech John Samuel said, “Jeevadaan is my second home. Three years back I came here and experienced the life of inmates. I got attracted to the charity and the service of the sisters of Jeevadaan. Then I decided to get involved in the activities of Jeevadaan. After that I converted Jeevadaan as my own home. I thank all religious people of Jeevadaan for making me a member of their family.”
On behalf management of Jeevadaan, superior felicitated the bishop and John Samuel for their support towards the institution.
Sr Anju welcomed the dignitaries and guests. Sr Jancy, mother superior, rendered the vote of thanks. Various cultural activities held by inmates.