News & Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD/SB)
Mangalore, Feb 2: The liturgical celebration of Solemn Profession of Sr Maria Juanita of Jesus was held at Sacred Heart Monastery, Cloistered Carmel, Kankanady, here on Tuesday February 2. The liturgical theme was ‘Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.’
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza presided.
Speaking on the occasion, Sr Maria said, “I had a great desire to be a nun, but did not know which congregation to choose. One day something made me read the Raknno, Konkani illustrated weekly which otherwise I was never in the habit of reading. Suddenly my eyes fell on a classified advertisement, which the Sisters of Cloistered Carmel, Kankanady, had put for vocation. I took down the telephone number and called. I got a job and worked for one year, she reminisced.
Elaborating further she said that soon after an year, I came alone to the convent and prayed in the chapel for half an hour, to show me the way. Then I went and rang the bell. Sr Jacintha welcomed me. I told her that I am from Bejai and she immediately recognized me. I later was introduced to Mother Superior. Within a week I entered the Carmel, despite of all the obstacles, she added.
Deacon Prakash Tauro compered the ceremony. Carmelite provincial Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Bikarnakatte St Joseph’s Monastery superior Fr George Santhumayer, Madantyar Asha Deepa superior Fr Patrick Lobo, Fr Walter D’Souza, Mysore Pushpashram superior Fr Gregory D’Souza, Fr Santhosh Kamath, Fr Felix Moras, Bejai assistant parish priest Fr Ajith Menezes, Fr William, Fr Oswald, Fr Valerian D’Souza, Fr Ben Britto and cloistered Carmel superior Marie Celine was also present at the occasion.
About Sr Maria Juanita of Jesus
Born Jaleene D’Souza on December 20, 1979 to John and Irene D’Souza of Bejai parish, the occasion, come and see was held on July 23, 2002. She entered Carmel as postulant on January 1, 2003. The vestation was on January 11, 2004 and her profession was on January 13, 2006.