Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, Mangalore Province celebrated its Silver Jubilee of the Erection of Mangalore Province on 26th October 2022 at Assisi Central School, Derlakatte, Mangalore. It was a red letter day in the history of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of Mangalore Province.
Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, Mangalore Province celebrated its Silver Jubilee of the Erection of Mangalore Province on 26th October 2022 at Assisi Central School, Derlakatte, Mangalore. It was a red letter day in the history of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of Mangalore Province.
The celebration commenced with the Holy Eucharist officiated by Monsignor Maxim L. Noronha, the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese and concelebrated by 27 priests of Mangalore and Udupi Dioceses. The entrance procession with 25 lamps added beauty and offered silver fragrance to the audience. Rev. Fr Archibald Gonsalves OCD in his preaching highlighted the importance of gratitude quoting the ten lepers in the Gospel and said we need to be always thankful.
The Silver Jubilee celebration was symbolically inaugurated by Rev. Sr. Milly Fernandes, Superior General, president of the day’s events. In her presidential address she congratulated the Sisters of the Province and said that the Silver Jubilee is a celebration of God’s providential care and an expression of our deep gratitude. In the words of Pope Francis, she challenged the Sisters not to cling to security but to be more an oasis for the weary and downtrodden. To abandon the culture of comfort and to go to the periphery to serve people. She appreciated the Sisters for doing just that - day in and day out, even without saying it aloud. The Sisters have become thus the sacrament of God’s love for the world.
Among the dignitaries present on the dais are: Msgr Maxim L Noronha, Vicar General, Diocese of Mangalore, Rev. Fr Roshan Menezes OFM Cap, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Udupi Diocese, Fr Victor D’Mello, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Panir, Mr Albert D’Souza, Chairman of Aldel Education Institutions, Palghar, Maharashtra, Rev. Fr Anil D’Mello SJ, Director of Fatima Retreat House – representing Jesuits, Fr Rockey D’Cunha, Superior of St Ann’s Friary, Mangalore – representing Capuchins, Mrs Saritha D’Souza, Vice President of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Panir and representative of Ursuline Franciscan Lay Association.
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Rev. Sr Edilburga Monteiro, Rev. Sr Doreen D Souza, Rev. Sr Susheela Sequiera - the former Superior Generals, Rev. Sr Lenita D Souza and Rev. Sr Rita Vas Provincial Superiors of Mangalore Province were honored. The past Councillors and the Economers of Mangalore Province, Editors of the newsletter of the Province ‘Shanthi Sandesha’, Superiors of the Provincialate House, achievers in academics were also honoured with shawl and mementos.
A Souvenir ‘Silver Lines’ was released by Msgr Maxim L Noronha the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese. A documentary video ‘Silver Lines’ is also released at the venue. To mark the Silver Jubilee the Sisters of the Province gifted a house to Mr. Felix D’Souza, the driver and to his family as a token of love for his dedicated service more than twenty five years.
Various Competitions and games were arranged on this occasion and the winners were awarded. In the end a ‘Tableau’ in Kannada, depicting the history of the Congregation and Mangalore Province in particular was staged by the Sisters and formees of the Province under the direction of Mr. Christopher D Souza, Lecturer in St. Aloysius College, Mangalore. The Programme ended with the festal meal, which was relished by all. May silver turn into gold and may the Sisters continue to be the messengers of God’s love and peace.