The Bicentenary Celebration of the Carmelite Sisters of Charity, Vedruna was held with great joy and gratitude on September 12, 2026, at Vedruna Hostel, Maram.
The solemn occasion was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Varghese, Vicar of the Archdiocese of Imphal, together with concelebrants, religious sisters, and well-wishers. Our sisters from the Borlengri and Diphu communities joined in the celebration, adding to the spirit of unity and communion.
The Holy Eucharist, preceded over by Rev. Fr. Varghese with devotion and joy at the parish church, Maram, became the spiritual heart of the day. At the outset of the Mass, each Vedruna Sister carried a lamp in the entrance procession, symbolizing the light of Christ, entrusted to us by Mother Joaquina, still burning brightly, illuminating lives and communities. It was a moment that connected past, present, and future — a reminder that the flame of faith is never extinguished but passed on from generation to generation. The Eucharistic introduction highlighted the history and origin of the Vedruna congregation which started in 1826 by St. Joaquina with nine young girls. In 1953, the mission took root at Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. Fr. Varghese in his homily shared about St. Joaquina and appreciated Vedruna sisters who continue with the same charism to work for the glory of God and the good of the neighbours. The Eucharist was celebrated with devotion, prayer, thanksgiving, and joy, uplifting the hearts of all present.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a vibrant cultural programme was presented by the Vedruna Hostel girls with the help and guidance of Sr. Genevieve. The cultural programme started with a graceful prayer dance followed by a welcome song and welcome address delivered by Sr. Nita. She warmly greeted all those present and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their presence and participation. Maram is the cradle of the Vedruna mission in North East India that started in 2009. Sr. Nita remembered with profound reverence the four pioneer Vedruna Sisters-Sr. Ann Mary, Sr. Bindu, Sr. Jayakodi and Sr. Sincy who carried the light of Vedruna love to this mission of Maram. She, in a particular way, thanked Sr. Bindu Thomas, one of them for being a steadfast beacon of devotion and still walking gracefully alongside the mission in Maram.
The various performances of the Vedruna hostellers marked by enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication, reflected both their hard work and joyful participation in the Bicentenary celebration. Through a Power Point Presentation combined with acting for some slides, Sr. Genevieve, Sr. Nita, Miss Omila – an aspirant, with their team explained the life of St. Joaquina at different stages- from her childhood to the sainthood and how the Vedruna Charism spread from Vic, Spain to other parts of the world through the ministry of education, healthcare and welfare of the society.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks offered by Sr. Bindu, who expressed deep gratitude to God and to all who contributed to the success of the event and making the celebration memorable.
After the beautiful celebration all were gathered for a fellowship meal, lovingly prepared with the generous support of the Kabinam village women and the youth of Maram Centre. Their contribution of time, effort, and resources added warmth and meaning to the celebration.
The Bicentenary Celebration was truly a memorable occasion — a day of deepening faith, heartfelt gratitude, strengthened unity, shared joy, and profound communion. It was a beautiful opportunity to honour 200 years of the Vedruna mission and to renew the commitment to continue the legacy of Mother St. Joaquina de Vedruna: “Working for the glory of God and the good of our neighbour.”
We thank God for His abundant blessings and for all those who made this celebration a meaningful and unforgettable event.
