The Inter-Province Pre-Novitiate Programme for the year 2017-18 was held at Nazareth Home, Bajpe. The 12 Pre-Novices (Southern -05, Mangalore – 02, Bangalore - 03 and Western Province – 02) arrived on 6th June to this formation house. They were welcomed by Sr. Anitha Shanthi the Superior and directress, Sr. Lawerentia and and Sr. Leera the members of the Community.The initiation ceremony of the candidates to the Pre-Novitiate was held on 7h June, at 11.00 a.m. At the outset, Sr. Anitha Shanthi extended a warm welcome to Sr Santosh Maria the Provincial Superior of Southern Province, Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province,Sr Assumpta the Provincial Superior of Western Province, Sr Susan the Asst. Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province, Sr Roshel Asst. Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province for the initiation ceremony of the candidates and in particular the would be pre-novices. After the brief introduction the candidates were led to the main chapel with their unlit lamps along with the sisters singing Bethany Anthem. The Ceremony of Initiation began with the lighting of Kuthuvilaku by the Provincial Superiors, Sr. Anitha Shanthi the Superior and Pre-novice Directress and Hardilia, which helped us to experience the presence of Jesus- the Light of the world and Master of our vocation. After the opening prayer the readings from the Bible Rom.12:1-5 and Mt.7:24-27(The two house builders) were read. There after Sr Cicilia Mendonca the Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province invited the Pre-Novices to build the foundation of their Spiritual life on the person of Jesus Christ, the strong rock and to be open to the spirit of God. Then came the auspicious moment wherein with a brief introduction Sr. Santhosh Maria who is in charge of the Pre-Novitiate formation, officially called each Candidate by name, who in turn responded saying, “Hear I am Lord” and initiated the Candidates to the Pre- Novitiate by lighting thier lamps after which they surrendered themselves to the Lord by singing “ All to Jesus I surrender”. There after the Pre-novices and Sisters moved to the grotto to seek the blessings of Mother Mary while singing the Magnificat. The entire Para-liturgical service evoked enthusiasm and joy in the Pre-Novices and the Sisters present for the occasion. Later, all gathered in the classroom for felicitation programme.
Sr. Anitha Shanthi BS
Pre-novice Directress