June 7, 2017: The Initiation Ceremony of the candidates to the Pre-Novitiate was held on 7th June, at 11.00 a.m. At the outset, Sr Anitha Shanthi extended a warm welcome to Sr Santosh Maria, the Provincial Superior of Southern Province, Sr Cicilia Mendonca, the Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province, Sr Assumpta, the Provincial Superior of Western Province, Sr Susan, the Asst. Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province, Sr Roshel, Asst Provincial Superior of Mangalore Province, for the initiation ceremony of the candidates and in particular the would be pre-novices. After a brief introduction, the candidates were led to the main chapel with their unlit lamps along with the sisters singing Bethany Anthem.
The Ceremony of Initiation began with the lighting the lamp by the Provincial Superiors, Sr Anitha Shanthi, the Superior and Pre-novice Directress, which helped us to experience the presence of Jesus- the Light of the world and Master of our vocation. Sr Cicilia Mendonca read and broke the word of God.
Then came the auspicious moment wherein with a brief introduction Sr Santhosh Maria, who is in charge of the Pre-Novitiate formation, officially called each candidate by name, who in turn responded saying, “Hear I am Lord,” and initiated the candidates to the Pre- Novitiate by lighting the lamps after which they surrendered themselves to the Lord by singing, “ All to Jesus I surrender”.
Thereafter the Pre-novices and Sisters moved to the grotto to seek the blessings of Mother Mary while singing the Magnificat. The entire Para-liturgical service evoked enthusiasm and joy in the Pre-Novices and the Sisters present for the occasion.