Final Profession of PSA St. Joseph Province, Jaipur. 2021

April 10th - the long waited day of the Final Commitment of seven of our Sisters, Geeta Malik, Riya Gill, Pritirose Kullu, Mukta Tete, Rita Englengpi, Manju Damor and Soni Horo dawned in all its splendour and glory. There was an atmosphere of joy and gladness everywhere and on the faces of everyone. The Chapel was adorned with flowers and lights. All was resplendent for the Eucharistic celebration for which His Grace, Bishop Oswald Lewis, was the chief celebrant. The large number of priests present concelebrated in the Mass. The Chapel was filled with Sisters.

Mass began at 11.00 a.m. with a beautiful entrance hymn with dance by our formees, while the seven Sisters, Superior General Rev. Sr. Joicy, Provincial Superior Rev. Sr. Sushma & her councillors, Priests  and the Bishop, walked in procession to the Altar. When they reached there, they were welcomed with Tilak & Arti. The welcome address was given by Rev. Sr. Sushma the Provincial Superior.

Following the proclamation of the Gospel the Candidates for Perpetual Profession were examined by the Bishop. He then gave an inspiring homily in his simple and yet profound manner, exhorting the Sisters to be faithful to Community life and to live radically, the Perpetual Vows they are about to pronounce, and to lead lives of witness.

Just before they pronounced their Vows, the Litany of the Saints was sung - imploring them to intercede for these seven Sisters who were going to commit themselves to God for the rest of their lives. The Vows were received by Rev. Sr. Joicy. During the Offertory, the Sisters offered symbolic gifts and prayers to the Lord. After Holy Communion, one of the Finally Professed Sisters proposed the vote of thanks. The melodious singing of our choir - prepared for the event - added meaning to the Eucharistic celebration.

At the end of the Mass the Bishop and all the Priests joined the newly Professed Sisters for a photograph. As they cut the cake, and sweetened their mouths, the choir sang the Congratulation song, after which everyone took part in the Agape.

We thank God for the gift of these seven Sisters to the Church and to our Congregation. We wish and pray that they live to the full, the theme chosen for their Final Profession ceremony, “Called to witness God’s Love & Mercy in the broken world” and remain faithful to the Lord and to the Congregation. May Mother Mary and our patron Saint Joseph look kindly upon them.