The Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, Mangalore Province organized the Ursuline Franciscan Lay Association (UFLA) Get-Together 2026 on Monday, 14 September 2026, at Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru, bringing together UFLA members from 22 units of the Mangalore Province and one unit of the Central Delegation for a day of prayer, fellowship, celebration and shared mission.
The Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, Mangalore Province organized the Ursuline Franciscan Lay Association (UFLA) Get-Together 2026 on Monday, 14 September 2026, at Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru, bringing together UFLA members from 22 units of the Mangalore Province and one unit of the Central Delegation for a day of prayer, fellowship, celebration and shared mission.
The gathering commenced with the Holy Eucharist at 9.30 a.m., presided over by Rev. Fr Robin Victor D’Souza, OFM Cap, Provincial Minister, Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, concelebrated by Rev. Fr Valerian D’Souza, Rector of Rosario Cathedral, and Rev. Fr Valerian Fernandes. The celebration provided an opportunity for the UFLA members to come together in faith and thanksgiving, renewing their commitment to live and share the Franciscan spirit in their families and communities. Reflecting profoundly on the celebration theme, "Poor on Earth, Rich in Heaven — Glorious Journey of St Francis of Assisi," Rev. Fr. Robin Victor D’Souza delivered an inspiring homily. He highlighted how St Francis voluntarily renounced earthly riches to embrace radical evangelical poverty, thereby inheriting the imperishable wealth of God’s kingdom. He urged the lay associates and faithful to walk in the footsteps of the Seraphic Father by detaching themselves from worldly materialism, practicing Franciscan humility, and discovering true spiritual richness through selfless service to the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the gathering continued at the Rosario Cathedral Church Hall with a vibrant cultural and fellowship programme. The programme began with a prayer song presented by the Panir Unit, invoking God’s blessings upon the gathering, followed by a welcome dance performed by the children of Angela Home, Bejai. The programme was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries.
The gathering was graced by the presence of Rev. Sr Rita Vas, UFS, Assistant Superior General and Coordinator General for UFLA, who presided over the programme. Fr Robin Victor Dsouza OFM Cap, Fr Valerian D Souza Rector of Rosario Cathedral, Sr Clara Menezes, Provincial Superior, Mangalore Province, Sr Gretta D’Souza, Provincial Superior of Hubli Province, Sr Sumana Pinto, Delegate Superior of Central delegation, UFLA representatives, the Provincial Councillors and other invited dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
In her welcome address, Sr Clara Menezes warmly welcomed the dignitaries, Sisters and all the UFLA members. She expressed her joy at their presence and appreciated their active collaboration with the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters. The gathering served as a meaningful occasion to strengthen the bond of fellowship and to encourage the members to continue their commitment to faith, service and mission.
The UFLA members from Venur and Sullia Unit respectively shared their experiences, highlighting the joy and meaning they derive from being part of the association and from collaborating in the mission of the Congregation. The occasion also witnessed the release of the UFLA magazine, Nadhar, marking another significant moment in the life and journey of UFLA.
In her inspiring presidential address Rev. Sr. Rita Vas, captivated the gathering by reflecting on the profound paradox of Christian discipleship. She emphasized that St Francis found genuine treasure not in worldly power or possessions, but in complete surrender to God and passionate solidarity with the poor. She exhorted every UFLA member to let this glorious journey guide their daily lives by choosing simplicity over consumerism, practicing active compassion, and becoming joyful ambassadors of peace and gospel love in society.
The cultural presentations added further vibrancy to the celebration. The Sisters and Pre-Novices presented dances, while the Novices presented a tableau, reflecting creativity, values and life of St Francis of Assisi. The Belthangady Unit presented the UFLA Anthem, bringing the cultural segment to a meaningful conclusion.
The programme also provided ample opportunity for fraternal interaction and fellowship among the UFLA members from the different units. The gathering concluded with the Vote of thanks followed by the grace before the meal by Rev. Fr Valerian D’Souza, Rector of Rosario Cathedral, which was shared by all the participants.
The UFLA Get-Together 2026 was a joyful and enriching occasion that strengthened the bonds of unity between the UFLA members and the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. The enthusiastic participation of the 22 UFLA units of the Mangalore Province and one unit of the Central Delegation reflected the spirit of collaboration, belonging and shared mission. The celebration became a beautiful expression of the UFLA spirit of togetherness in faith, service and mission.
