The Catholic Diocese of Allahabad celebrated the Year of Consecrated Life on Thursday, September 17, 2015. Priests, sisters and lay persons from 12 districts of U.P. gathered at Allahabad to celebrate the mega event with much enthusiasm. The celebrations were held in St. Joseph’s College Auditorium. The entire program consisted of two parts; one spiritual and the other cultural. The program began at 9:30 a.m. with a solemn candle light procession from St. Joseph’s Cathedral to St. Joseph’s College Auditorium. After a short prayer service, Sr. Jane, Principal Teacher Training College gave a talk on the history of the religious life, expectations and challenges facing the religious in today’s context. Fr. Leo Sequeira, Director of Sadhana Sadan in his message explained about the three essential that constitute religious life, namely deep spiritual experience, sense of mission and community. He appealed to the religious to engage in dialogue, foster the spirit of pluralism, save families and be on the side of the excluded. This was followed by solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rt. Rev. Raphy Manjaly. In his message he said that the religious are called to re-dedicate themselves totally to the cause of humanity through their service in areas of education, health, social action etc.

After lunch, there was a colourful and beautiful cultural program during which Religious Fathers, Brothers and Sisters who worked longest were honoured. Children from St. Mary’s College, St. Anthony’s School, Bethany Convent School, Nazareth School of Nursing, St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Shishu Bhawan and St. Mary’s Convent 21 presented pleasing and meaningful cultural programmes with songs, dance and Tableau.

Fr. Louis Mascarenhas, Vicar General, Diocese of Allahabad welcomed our Chief Guest Rt. Rev. Raphy Manjaly, esteemed Provincials, Superiors, Fathers, and Brothers and all the participants. Fr. Eugene Mascarenhas, the Director for Religious too felicitated and appreciated the services rendered by the religious in the diocese. With profound gratitude Ms. Ankit Kerketta from Kidwainagar, Mr. Praful Tirkey from Anpara, Mrs. Mary Samuel from Allahabad extended words of appreciation and honour for the services rendered by the religious for many years. Sr. Germaine proposed vote of thanks on behalf of the religious while Fr. Rolfie D’Souza the convener expressed gratitude to all those people who made this event a successful one.