The Congregation of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters rejoiced in the celebration of the Perpetual Profession of six Sisters on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, at St Joseph Church, Jeppu, Mangalore.
The Congregation of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters rejoiced in the celebration of the Perpetual Profession of six Sisters on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, at St Joseph Church, Jeppu, Mangalore.
In a solemn act of consecration, these Sisters namely Sr Hashmitha Sylvia Pinto Sr Priya A.V, Sr Vinisha D Souza, Sr Ashmitha Hency Balan, Sr Priyanka Kanbarkar, Sr Priyanka Sanju D Souza, committed themselves totally to Christ through the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, in the presence of Rev Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General, the Sisters of the Congregation, priests, family members, and collaborators.
The Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Mangalore Diocese, together with twelve concelebrants. In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the depth of this lifelong commitment, emphasizing that it requires both courage and grace. He reminded the Sisters that in moments of weakness, it is God’s strength that sustains and uplifts them. Drawing from the Gospel, the Bishop spoke about four types of love: (1) parental love between parents and children, (2) philia – the love of friendship, (3) romantic love, and (4) agape – the selfless love of Jesus. He stressed that just as Jesus offered Himself completely for us, they too are called to offer and surrender their whole being to Him alone.
The vows were formally accepted by Superior General Sr Milly Fernandes in the name of the Church. The celebration drew together the Generalate team, Provincial Superiors, parish priests, family members, well-wishers, and lay collaborators, all united in thanksgiving for the gift of these six “brides of Christ.”
The felicitation programme began with a warm welcome and a greeting song by the choir. As the Sisters were introduced, Sr. Milly Fernandes felicitated them along with their parents, expressing sincere gratitude for their generous offering to the Ursuline Franciscan family. In her address, she congratulated the Sisters and encouraged them to live their vocation with single-minded devotion. She urged them not to be drawn by the fleeting attractions of the world, but to face challenges with courage and remain steadfast in their commitment.
She also expressed her appreciation to the parents and families for their constant support, encouraging them to continue fostering vocations for the Church and the Congregation. On behalf of the perpetually professed Sisters, two of them delivered heartfelt words of gratitude to all who had accompanied and supported them on their journey.
The fellowship meal that followed provided a joyful occasion for families, friends, and collaborators to greet the Sisters and share in their happiness.
The Congregation also looks forward to the Perpetual Profession of two Sisters on April 26th 2026, at Jeevan Dhara Convent, Lucknow, and another nine Sisters on April 30th, 2026, at Assisi Convent, Dimapur, Nagaland. The Ursuline Franciscan family prays that these young women may remain faithful to the Lord and His mission, strengthened with the gift of perseverance in their holy vocation.
