June 25 2018: It is God who ensures growth and we are His instruments. Through Sr Jyoti and her councillors, Sr Chantal, Sr Arpan, Sr Helima and Sr Violet, the Northern Province has shown remarkable growth in every field during the last four years. On 25 June 2018, the Provincial team, having completed their term of office handed over the leadership to Sr Erasma and her team. The service of Sr Jyoti and her team can be summed up in one sentence-by saying that they recognized the intrinsic value of every sisterwhile leading the province prayerfully. Through a prayer service, the sisters of the Province expressed their sentiments of gratitude to God for their valuable gift to the province and wished them well as they laid down their office.
Sr Jyoti, the Provincial Superior, is remembered for her priority for prayer, fostering communion in communities, option for the poor and pursuit of knowledge and compassionate love. Pastoral work took a new turn under Sr Chantal, who organized various meetings, strengthening the Bethany Lay Associates, Bethany Champions and Bethany Buds. Refresher courses for the Office staff wereanother feather in her cap. Sr Arpan, a veteran social worker, was the inspiring goal setter in all the e Social Work Centres of the Province. Pioneer in Karunalaya, a Centre for women in distress, she worked against child trafficking and is the president of AMRIT.Sr Arpan is also in charge of the Diocesan andRegional level Women’s Commission. Sr Helima gave a new dimension for Education. Seminars and meetings were galore during her tenure as the coordinator of Education. Retreats, dissemination of Founder’s life, cultural activities, developing eco-friendly atmosphere in the school were her priorities. As a formator and guide,Sr Violet came across as a soft spoken, self-disciplined and mature personality. Infusing in the young enthusiasm and spirituality of Bethany, she played a great role in goal setting and guiding and directing the young. The demanding task of a Provincial secretary was fulfilled by her patiently.
The new Provincial and Councillors-Sr Erasma, the Provincial Superior, Sr Helima, Sr Violet, Sr Helen D’Costa and Sr Stella D’ Souza, the Councillors, were installed by Sr Rose Celine, the Superior General. Professing their loyalty and love,almost sixtysisters participated in this ceremony. Sr Rose Celine reminded them that for the last 55 years, the Northern Province has been built up by the past leaders,and the present leaders are to carry on the legacy forward. She exhorted the sisters to support the team whole heartedly. During the Holy Eucharist, Fr Arun,the Provincial Superior of IMS Delhi Province, prayed that the newly elected leaders may become Good Shepherds.
Once again during the felicitation programme, the sisters thanked the previous Provincial team and welcomed the new team through songs, dances and flowers.Sr Rose Celine highlighted the qualities of SrErasma, Sr Helima, Sr Violet, Sr Helen and Sr Stella D’Souza, the Councillors. Expressing her willingness to be of help to the new team at any time, she soothed their anxiety. During the felicitation programme a CD- the ‘Springs of Hope’ was released by Sr Rose Celine. This CD is a collection of songs on Fr Founder composed by the teachers of St Theresa’s Convent School, Karnal. The concept and script of the CD was developed by Sr Helima and Sr Grace Maria and the Videography and direction by Fr Edwin Vas. A Punjabi Prayer book released on this occasion is the creation of Sr Diana. Serving the poor in a far away village at the border of Pakistan for six years, she realized the need for a prayer book for the ordinary Catholic.
25 June 2018 has thus become a historical day in the almanac of Northern Province. We wish Sr Erasma and her Councillors abundance of graces.
Sr Grace Maria, Northern Province