CALLED BY LOVE, CONSECRATED FOR COMMUNION

The eleven Sisters preparing for their final profession entered the chapel slowly in procession, each holding a flower and accompanied by their formators. This symbolized their journey of formation and the guidance they received. After the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sisters placed their flowers in a vase on the altar as a sign of their self-offering.

Sister Dolores, our Superior General; Sisters Celine and Cristina, the General Councillors; Sisters Clementina and Mariaelena from the Italian Province; Sisters Philo, Maurice, Lorraine Marie, Annie, Shilpa, Snehal, and Laveena from India; along with Sr. Jona the Provincial Superior of France, her council and the French Sisters, were present to witness the prayer of blessing. 

DEEPENING THE SPIRIT OF THE CALLING

The introductory prayer welcomed everyone into the joyful and sacred presence of the Triune God, stating the purpose of the gathering: to bless and pray for our Sisters as they prepare for their final profession. This is a moment of profound grace, as they offer their lives in perpetual commitment to the Lord. We are gathered here to celebrate a covenant—a covenant not of words only, but of love lived in communion with God, with the Church, and with the world.

The Scripture passage, taken from the Gospel of St. John 15:9–17, was most appropriate. The reflection on this Gospel highlighted key points such as the Trinitarian origin of vocation, the Cross and communion, the Eucharistic pattern of life, and Mary as a model—further deepening the spirit of our calling.

“FALL IN LOVE”

Sr. Dolores, the Superior General, in her message to the Sisters, encouraged them to reflect on St. Joseph’s calling to do the will of God. She also urged them to make the prayer of Pedro Arrupe, “Fall in Love,” a part of their daily life.

After the intercessory prayer, all those gathered were invited to bless the Sisters while the Hymn to the Holy Spirit was sung. During this time, Sr. Dolores offered a special blessing to the Sisters about to be professed. The prayer of blessing concluded with the singing of the Magnificat.

Afterwards, the Sisters to be professed went around seeking blessings from the elderly Sisters, marking a beautiful and humble end to the prayer service. The group appreciated the meticulous planning and generosity of Sr. Jona, the Provincial Superior of France.

Sr. Laveena D’Souza/ICC

Gertrudes Salette Beal

Deus as conserve na fidelidade.

Nilza Rodrigues

Parabens, happy feast dear sisters, God called you and you said yes, to continue follow Jesus and build the kingdom of God.