FINAL PROFESSION IN INDIA
Every vocation to consecrated life is born in contemplation, from the moment of intense communion and a deep relationship with Christ. With this experience of unconditional love of God Sr. Susmita Kullu and Sr. Vennela Songa dedicated their lives totally to the Lord on 23rd May 2020 in Bangalore, India. Since the churches are closed due to Covid – 19, the Eucharistic celebration took place in St. Vincent Krupa Convent.
Fr. Valerian Charles Fernandes, SAC the Provincial of ABVM Province was the main celebrant. In his homily, he highlighted the call of St. Paul and his response to Jesus. He encouraged the sisters with the words of the Holy Father, speaking on consecrated life: “I am counting on you ‘to wake up the world’ and added: with the eloquence of your lives radiate the joy and beauty of living the Gospel and following Christ to the fullest. He invited the sisters to live the vowed life by abiding in Jesus and drawing strength from God. Straight forward he told the sisters that living consecrated life is a demanding task but one needs to keep the cross before one´s eyes, to gain victory with Christ. We are Easter people and Alleluia is a song of Joy for all those who are in Christ. Sr. Helen Lourdusamy, SAC, the Provincial Superior received the vows of final consecration.
This graceful event was blessed by the presence of Pallottine and Guanellian priests, Pallottine Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate and UAC lay members. Later all joined for an agape prepared by the community Sisters.
On the same day Sr. Nirmala Gongolu, who is from the same course, and due to the travelling restriction couldn’t join the other sisters in Bangalore, pronounced her vows in Andra Pradesh. Sr. Anthony Mary, the Superior of the community was delegated by Sr. Helen Lourdusamy the Provincial superior to receive her vows. Sisters are very much grateful to the Montfort Brothers for offering generously to have the sisters use their auditorium for the celebration. Fr. Joji Reddy SAC, presided over the Holy Mass together with other Pallottine Fathers and the parish priest. In his homily he emphasized the importance of a religious call and the witness of Christ, especially today. His encouraging words to Sr. Nirmala brought much meaning to her total dedication to God through a witnessing life. The celebration was marked by the presence of Peter Claver Sisters, Montfort Brothers, Family and friends of Sr. Nirmala. After joyful felicitation all joined for a festive meal.
The Mother of Divine Love Province thanks God for the gift of these Sisters – and of Sr. Binita Soreng who due to Covid-19 took her final vows recently in Rome, – for their selfless service to the Church and Congregation. May God strengthen their vocation and give them the graces to persevere in their religious journey as Pallottine Missionary Sisters.
