Mangalore: Solemn Profession of Sr Maria Benedicta of the Cross Held at Cloistered Carmel, Kankanady
News & Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD/SB)
Mangalore, Oct 26: The Solemn Profession ceremony of Sr Maria Benedicta of the Cross OCD, Cloistered Carmel nun was held at Sacred Heart Monastery, Kankanady here on Tuesday October 26.
Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras of Bangalore presided over the Holy Mass here on Tuesday morning along with Carmelite priests Fr Alwyn Sequeira, Fr Dominic Vas, Fr John Sequeira, Fr Nelson Pinto, Fr Melvyn, Fr Sylvester and Fr Patrick Lobo, Valencial assistant parish priest Fr Roshan Crasta, Fr George Pinto of St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Fr Anthony Britto from Bangalore, Mangalore diocesan chancellor Fr Henry Sequeira and other clergies.
Fr Dominic Vas in his homily said that St Theresa of Avila lived her earthly-life for the sake of heavenly Father overcoming trials and tribulations till her last breath. She is the role model for all religious nuns and laity, he said.
Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras said that Cloistered Carmel nuns are spending their entire life within the confinement of four walls by prayers and meditation, they pray and offer sacrifices especially for the salvation of Mankind. The intercessory prayers to Mother Mary will strengthen the Christian faith and spread the good news of Lord, he said.
About Sr Maria
Sr Maria Benedicta (Merlyn Preeta Castelino) is the daughter of the late Jerome and Rita Castelino who was born in Madikeri on July 6 1978. She is the third among the four children of Jerome and Rita couple. She had done her early education in Madikeri, high school and graduation at St Agnes College, here. She is the parishioner of Holy Cross parish, Kulshekar.
Sr Maria had done General Nursing in Father Muller and worked for a few years there. She used to visit Cloistered Carmel chapel, located opposite Father Muller Charitable Institutions very often and heard the divine call to become religious nun. She joined the Cloistered Carmel, Kankanady on December 8 2006 and her first Profession ceremony was held during 2006 and the final Profession being held in the presence of a large number of gathering here on Tuesday morning.