Jubilation in St. Mary’son Golden and Silver Jubilee

Sr. Sylvia, Sr. Theophaneand Sr. Florence and Sr. Sabeena - the Golden Jubilarians, Sr. Anupa – the SilverJubilarian walked the aisle of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, along with their lovedones on 4th April 2013 at 11.00 am to thank the Almighty for His immensegoodness, love and fidelity that strengthened and inspired them to live thoseyears of life joyfully and meaningfully. The church was packed to almost fullcapacity with relatives, friends and well wishers who had come to share the joyof these women who responded to Christ’s call to mission with love, courage anddetermination.

 The Eucharistic celebration was presided overby His Grace, Archbishop Albert D’Souza while His Excellencies, Bishop IgnatiusMenezes, Apostolic Administrator of Allahabad and Bishop Raphy Manjali, Bishopof Varanasi along with a large number of priests from far and near joined the celebration.In her introduction to Holy Mass, Sr. Celine CJ, thanked each of theJubilarians for her life of generous dedication and service.

Bishop Ignatius Menezes inhis homily, congratulated them for answering the Christ’s call to the serviceof humanity, calling them ‘heavy weights’ who drew so many people from far andwide including three Bishops, to celebrate their special day. He reiterated theimportance of consecrated life in a world steeped in materialism, bringinglight and hope to many drowning in hopelessness and despair. Just beforeCommunion the Jubilarians renewed their Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obediencethereby once again surrendering their entire lives to God.

At the conclusion of theHoly Mass, Sr. Anupa, in her thanksgiving speech, expressed the heartfeltsentiments of joy and gratitude of all the Jubilarians , thanking veryspecially the bishops as well as all the Rev. Fathers, Sisters, friends, well-wishersand their own relatives for their gracious presence, prayers and blessings.

After Holy Mass allgathered in St. Mary’s School hall, where the four were honoured with bouquets,garlands and flowers. The students of SMC greeted them with a beautiful songand a lovely and graceful dance. The celebration came to an end with a festivelunch.

The diocese of Allahabad placeson record the services rendered by Sr. Florence in St. Mary’s ‘21’; Sr. Sylviain St. Mary’s 32, St. Mary’s 21 and St. Mary’s Kanpur; Sr. Theophane in St.Mary’s 32 and St. Mary’s 21; and Sr. Anupa in St. Mary’s Chunar, St. Mary’sGhoorpur, St. Mary’s 21 and St. Mary’s Kanpur.