The Sisters of the Canossian Daughters of Charity popularly known as Canossian Sisters celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of their existence in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh marked with a Concelebrated Solemn Eucharist at 5 pm on 27th October 2013 and thereafter a short felicitation programme. Most Rev. Ignatius Menezes, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Allahabad, along with 25 priests, about hundred Sisters and 500 lay people prayed for the Sisters who served and who are serving the people of God with love in Pratapgarh.
In his homily Bishop Ignatius said, “St. Francis Convent stands erect today because of the sweat and blood of the dedicated nuns who sacrificed their comforts and served the needy in the field of education, health, social work and pastoral care for the past 75 years. We salute them for their dedication and selfless service towards the humankind.” He invited nuns to base their ministry on the foundation of prayer.
Sr. Reema FDCC in her introduction to the Mass recalled the pioneer Sisters: Mother Maria Ferrario, Sr. Victoria Soares, Sr. Rosetta Vigano and Sr. Elsie Kelly who arrived at Pratapgarh on 6 July, 1938 at the request of Bishop Angelo Poli. Education was their priority in the ministry then. Later in 1958 they extended their area of evangelization to Health Ministry too. Today they are involved in social ministry and pastoral care too. Sr. Prafulla invited the congregation to pray for various needs of the Church in general and of the Canossians need in particular.
A ceremonial felicitation, blended with cultural program began with a prayer dance by Srs. Meena, Leeshma and Ms. Sunidhi. Sr. Catherine Rudolf welcomed the distinguished guests while they were greeted with flowers and badges. After the lamp lighting ritual, the Bishop blessed the cake, and Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Thottumari, the Provincial Superior along with Sr. Maxie the local Superior and Sr. Veronica Mampilly cut the cake and shared the joy of the jubilee.
The Lay Canossians depicted the ministry of the Canossians through a tableau. The teachers from St. Francis Primary School sang a jubilee song, while the kids from the school danced to the “Rock and Roll, Jesus came to save my soul” tune. The power point presentation refreshed the past memories of the Sisters. The youth enthralled the audience with their scintillating and rhythmic western dance. The nurses from Canossa Hospital too presented a melodious item.
The provincial felicitated Mr. Edward D’Souza for his association with the school for the last 40 odd years, and Ms. Khurdula for serving in the Hospital for the last 40 plus years. Sr. Maxie Monteiro FDCC expressed her gratitude to various people associated with the Platinum Jubilee Celebration. The celebration ended with a delicious dinner.
St. Francis convent was honoured to have the Bishop, the provincial, the former provincials Sr. Ita Fernandes and Sr. Tresa Ambookan; Dr. Sr. Veronica, various other sisters from all the communities of Queen of Peace province, priests and sisters from neighbouring stations and laity too. Mr. Sriram Mishra, Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava and Mr. Hari Pratap Singh were the other local eminent personalities present during the celebration.
The program was beautifully compeered by Mr. Prashobh D’Souza and Ms. Chou En.