The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS) Congregation joyfully celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their presence in Northeast India, marking fifty years of dedicated service, faith-filled witness, and transformative ministry in the region on 17th November, 2025. The celebration commenced with the lighting of the Golden Jubilee candle by the Superior General, Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, symbolizing the Congregation’s continued commitment to their mission.
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS) Congregation joyfully celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their presence in Northeast India, marking fifty years of dedicated service, faith-filled witness, and transformative ministry in the region on 17th November, 2025. The celebration commenced with the lighting of the Golden Jubilee candle by the Superior General, Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, symbolizing the Congregation’s continued commitment to their mission.
This was followed by a solemn Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist presided over by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. In his introductory message, Bishop Thoppil congratulated the Sisters and expressed deep gratitude for their enduring ministry. He prayed that the Lord may continue to bless the congregation with “dedicated, committed, and convinced members to carry forward: the mission entrusted to their pioneers with faith and trust.” During his homily, the Bishop remarked: “Through your presence, you have brought Good News to those in need, uplifted the poor, healed the brokenhearted, and empowered the marginalized. Whether through education, healthcare, pastoral care, or social work, you have been instruments of God’s love and mercy.” Reflecting on the day’s readings, he added that the words—”I thank my God every time I remember you”—beautifully captured the gratitude felt by the Church as it celebrates the congregation’s 50-year journey.
The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a Jubilee felicitation programme. Rev. Sr Juliana Pereira, Provincial Superior, welcomed and honored all special invitees and the pioneering missionaries of the congregation. She also released the Jubilee e-souvenir marking the historic milestone. The community presented a variety of cultural items in honor of the UFS Congregation and the Jubilarians. The novices staged a captivating play depicting the history of the UFS mission—from its humble beginnings, through years of service, to its vibrant growth today. Fr Valerian Castelino, Provincial Superior of the Jesuits, recounted the profound history of the congregation’s arrival in Nagaland. He shared how, in 1975, at the invitation of Jesuits such as Rev. Fr Ligoury Castelino, five pioneering UFS Sisters ventured to Meluri Village in Phek District. This marked the beginning of the congregation’s mission in Nagaland. He lauded the Sisters for growing “from five tiny seeds to 169 vibrant members with 30 communities across Northeast India.”
Addressing the gathering, Sr Milly Fernandes, the Superior General, emphasized that the story of the UFS in Northeast India is not merely one of presence but of tireless ministry undertaken in challenging and unfamiliar terrains. She acknowledged with gratitude the First Bishop of Kohima, the Jesuit pioneers, and all collaborators who supported the mission. A particularly emotional moment came when Mr. Shiekutho, a former student of the first pioneering Sisters in Meluri, shared his heartfelt memories. He expressed deep gratitude to the UFS and the Jesuits for sowing the seeds of the Catholic faith in Meluri. He proudly noted that their early efforts have borne abundant fruit, with St. Xavier Parish, Meluri, now expanded to ten villages, and preparing to celebrate its Golden Jubilee on 17 December 2025. The Golden Jubilee celebration of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters stands as a powerful testimony of faith, service, and the enduring impact of committed missionary discipleship in Northeast India.
