The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of the Central Delegation of the Congregation celebrated with great joy the Golden Jubilee of Sisters Annie D Souza, Hilda Albuquerque and Severine Carlo at Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu, Manglore, and thanked God for the life of fidelity and dedication lived by them.
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of the Central Delegation of the Congregation celebrated with great joy the Golden Jubilee of Sisters Annie D Souza, Hilda Albuquerque and Severine Carlo at Holy Rosary Convent, Jeppu, Manglore, and thanked God for the life of fidelity and dedication lived by them. The day began with the meaningful prayer service conducted by Sr Flavia Preethi Moras during which she highlighted the spirit of dedication and enthusiasm of the Sisters, their outstanding qualities and brought to limelight their courage in meeting the various challenges of their religious life.
The climax of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist at 10.00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Convent chapel. The main celebrant was Fr Anil Alfred D Souza, the Director of Family Life Service Centre, Mangalore and the Guardian of St Zuze Vas Senior Priests’ House, Jeppu, Mangalore, Fr Daniel D Souza, Sr Annie’s brother, Fr Patrick Lobo, Valarian Lobo and Sylvestor Miranda, Sr Hilda’s uncles, Rev. Fr Maurice D Souza her cousin, Rev. Fr Pradeep of Vasai and Fr William Barboza of Zuze Vas Home, concelebrated with him. In his homily he referred to what Pope Francis said in October 2015 about the women religious of United States that he owes profound gratitude to them for their service to the Church. He also said that on this day we memorialize three celebrations, namely the celebration of joy, the celebration of gratitude and the celebration of hope. He urged them to look to Jesus, look for Jesus and look with Jesus so that their life becomes an experience of Jesus. The liturgy was prepared by Sr Doreen D Souza giving due attention to the significance of the day.
The joy was doubled with the presence of the Superior General, Sr Milly Fernandes and her Councillors, Srs Rita Vas, Sr Juliana Pinto and Sr Lydia Serrao, Sr Clara Menezes, Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province and her Councillor, Sr Leena D Souza, the family members, close relatives, well-wishers of the Jubilareans, Ursuline Franciscan Lay Associates of Holy Rosary Unit, Pre-Novices and a few Sisters of nearby communities of the Congregation.
Thereafter the Felicitation Programme was held in the Auditorium of the Holy Rosary Senior Citizens’ Home located in the Holy Rosary campus. Air of jubilation filled the auditorium as the Jubilareans and the guests entered the beautifully decked hall. The Pre-Novices and a few Sisters sang the melodious Jubilee Song that left thrills of joy in the hearts of the Golden Stars of the day. Srs Jeraldine D Souza, the Delegate Superior of the Central Delegation and the Superior of the Holy Rosary Convent, Sr Alice Serrao, the Superior of the Senior Citizens’ Home and Sr Pramitha Cutinha, member of Holy Rosary community spoke the words of felicitation highlighting a few of their outstanding qualities and their various activities and the three Jubilareans were honoured by Sr Milly, the Superior General and those at the dais joined her in doing the honours.
In her message delivered by the Superior General, she expressed her gratitude to the Jubilareans for their dedicated service. In the words of Pope Francis, she called upon them to look to the past with gratitude, live the present with passion, embrace the future with hope and congratulated them for their beautiful life of consecration which will be remembered in the Congregation.
The Jubilareans responded to the honour done to them by their words of gratitude coming from the depth of their hearts and thanked all who made the long-awaited auspicious day a great success with their token of love and expressions. The felicitation programme was compered by Sr Sumana Wilma Pinto. A tasty festive meal served by Prince Caterers of Neermarga gave a fine ending to the programe of the Golden Jubilee of the Sisters.
It was not a mere entertainment and a get-together but the celebration of life of our dear Sisters who have the joy of living their life of dedication fruitfully leaving a message to all, in particular to the young religious and the young girls who find within them a sincere desire to make their life beautiful in the service of God’s people.