It was a beautiful Sangam - the union of 32 branch houses of Mangalore Province as they came together to celebrate their Province Day and greet their Patroness Mary, the Immaculate Conception on 7th December 2014 at Bethany Provincialate, Vamanjoor. There was a festive mood everywhere in the campus with unique, meaningful and artistic decorations and displays.
The theme of the celebration was ‘The Joy of Consecrated Life’. The day began at 9.30 am with welcome followed by the inaugural address of our Provincial Superior, Rev. Sr Mariette BS. In her note of joy and gratitude she recounted God’s blessings through all the members of the Province for their uncalculated generosity during the year. She greeted all the sisters on the occasion of the Year of Consecrated Life. She shared a few reflections on the letter of Pope Francis ‘Rejoice’ on the occasion. She invited us to experience the joy of consecrated life, joy that comes from the Lord. Following the example of our beloved Founder RFC Mascarenhas the Servant of God, she called us to make a difference by choosing to walk on the unbeaten path.
Thereafter Sr Dr Dona BS the resource person of the day spoke in detail on the Joy of Consecrated Life. She said that the joy is the messianic gift, par excellence. Through her inspiring thoughts she instilled in us awe and wonder of our being set apart to belong to the Lord in an exclusive way. She said that unless we know Jesus it is impossible to follow him and therefore called us to be at His feet and experience the joy of belonging to HIM.
At 11.30 am there was the solemn Eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev Fr Joe Tauro OCD, the Superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte. The celebration began with an entrance procession with lighted lamps by the 50 representatives of the Province symbolizing their offering to the Lord. Fr. Joe Tauro in his homily stressed on the primary duty of the religious, i.e. to be with Lord. He further said that all our mission endeavours will be fruitful to the extent we remain with the Lord and discern his will. He invited us to find the Lord where he is truly present in the unjust and poverty stricken world around us. After Mass everyone shared the joy with one another through a sumptuous fellowship meal.
At 01.30 pm there was a colourful cultural gathering of the formees and sisters displaying variety of programmes on the theme - The joy of consecrated life. Modern trends affecting families were enacted making us aware of our role in shaping the young minds. The call of Jesus to be rooted in him in order to overcome the temptation of the Evil One was clearly enacted through a skit. A quiz was conducted on the four study material of the VI General Chapter to recapitulate our knowledge. At 3.30 pm the day came to a close and there was wonder, joy, gladness and gratitude in everyone’s heart for the marvellous day we spent together enriching our minds, hearts and revitalizing our spirit to go ahead with the mandate of Pope Francis to Wake up the World.
Sr M Lisa BS
Nazareth Convent
Bajpe
