April 25, 2025, was a grace-filled and memorable day for our Congregation, as six of our dear Tertians—Srs. Manisha Damor, Conzita Thopelya, Sejal Kokni, Nikita Gamit, Rejina Gamit, and Jenivia Dias—made their Final Profession at Fatima Convent, Jail Road, Bhavnagar. They embraced the motto “Called to Be a Beacon of Hope”, inspired by the Jubilee Year theme declared by Pope Francis: “Pilgrims of Hope.”
The day began with a beautiful and reflective Prayer Service led by Sr. Salley, using the metaphor of a seed growing through its various stages— germination, growth, and blossoming—symbolizing the different stages of Formation in Religious Life. Just as a mother lovingly nurtures her child through every stage of development with care, patience, and tender guidance, so too have our Formators accompanied each Sister with dedication and love. This symbolic journey set a deeply spiritual and emotional tone for the celebration that followed.
The Eucharistic celebration was both solemn and vibrant, presided over by Most Rev. Bishop Rethna Swamy, Bishop of the Ahmedabad Diocese. He was joined by 14 concelebrating priests, whose presence added great joy and spiritual richness to the occasion. We were especially delighted to welcome the parents and relatives of the Finally Professed Sisters, many Vedruna Sisters from various communities, as well as our Parishioners. Over 300 people gathered to witness this sacred moment, filling the atmosphere with prayer, love, and heartfelt support. The Bishop’s inspiring Homily deeply touched and motivated the Finally Professed Sisters to live purposefully in imitation of Jesus, the true Beacon of Hope.
The ceremony was further blessed by the presence of Fr. Joseph Kallampalil CMI, Provincial of St. Chavara Province, Fr. Abraham CMI, our Parish Priest, and Fr. Joby Koloth CMI, Principal of St. Xavier’s School.
Heartfelt gratitude was expressed to Sr. Maria Teresa Cuervo, our Superior General, and her team for their prayerful support and encouraging letters, and to Sr. Daisy Cyriac, our Provincial, who received the Vows with warmth and joy. Thanks were also extended to her Councillors—Srs. Rita Rebello, Dorothy Michael, and Rubina D’Mello—as well as to former Provincials, Sr. Carmen Borges and Sr. Rani Painumkal, for their formative guidance.
The Sisters acknowledged with love and gratitude all their Formators, especially Srs. Josephine Daniel, Chinni Mathew, Lorraine, Daisy Cyriac, Anandi Parmar, Bonita Phillips, and Sr. Salley, who journeyed with them these years. Special remembrance was given to Srs. Amala and Sr. Valsamma, who have gone to their eternal reward.
A sincere thanks to Sr. Salley Cyriac, all the community Sisters, candidates, and the school staff for their hard work and dedication in organizing every detail of the programme and making this day a truly successful and memorable one.
Indeed, it was a day of deep thanksgiving, filled with God’s grace, as our Sisters committed their lives fully to Christ and to serving the world as Beacons of Hope.
Sr. Romania D’Souza ccv
