The Bicentenary celebration of the Vedruna Carmelite Sisters of Charity and the silver Jubilee of the Jyotighar Vedruna sisters was celebrated on 17th October at Catholic Church Nanakantharia. The solemn occasion was graced by the presence of Rev. Archbishop of Gandhinagar and con-celebrated with several priests of the diocese.
The Holy Eucharist started with the procession and a Lejim dance by the women, followed by twenty five Vedruna sisters holding lighted lamps symbolising the light of Christ entrusted to us by our Spiritual Mother Foundress St. Joaquina. The introduction of the Holy Eucharist highlighted the history of the Congregation and the Vedruna sisters presence in Nanakantharia, which started in 2001.
We remembered with profound reverence the five pioneer sisters- Pushpa, Joycee, Elizabeth, Rekha and Ann Mary, who carried the spirit of Vedruna Charism to the mission at Nankantharia. The offertory prayers symbolised the radiant milestone of the growth and to renew the commitment to continue the Legacy of Mother Joaquina de Vedruna: ‘’working for the Glory of God and the good of our neighbour’’.
Followed by the Eucharistic celebration, a short cultural program was presented by the boarding children and village women. Arch Bishop Thomas in his address gratefully acknowledged that he was formed by the Vedruna Sisters, especially by Sr. Pilar. He appreciated our dedicated service through socio-pastoral, education, health care and boarding to the people of this mission. Sr. Daisy, the provincial Superior, appreciated and acknowledged the monumental significance of the day. The historical sacrifices of all the sisters laid the foundation of the Tribal community, serving as a lasting blueprint for dedicated, grassroots services rendered to many people and children who were touched to build up their bright future.
Sr. Reka in her Mission report highlighted the profound hard work of the Christ the King sisters, who started the grass root level service among the tribal people of this area, being deeply embedded themselves in the social fabric of Lusadiya. The mission of Nanakantharia was handed over to the Vedruna Sisters by the Congregation of Christ the King, who were the ones to sow the foundational virtues of hope, love and Christian Charity. Also the unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit of the Jesuit fathers through evangelisation and social development works continued and which was then handed over to the diocesan fathers, who collaborated and supported in keeping the mission alive. The program concluded with the vote of thanks expressing deep gratitude to God and to all who contributed to the success of the event and making the celebration memorable.
This memorable day of celebration filled our hearts with renewed Spirit of Jesus in our midst glorifying and thanking Him for the wonders He had worked in and through all the sisters, and to continue the mission having Jesus in our centre with renewed zeal.
