“I have called you by name, you are mine (Is 43:1-2)”09 June 2024 was a day of great rejoicing as the 24 Candidates from seven different Provinces of the Congregation converged at Bethany Pre-Novitiate, Bogadi. They entered into the portals of the chapel in procession with a burning desire of following Christ the Divine Master, accompanied by Sr Sahana, the Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province, Sr Erasma, the Provincial Superior of Northern Province, Sr Jessy Maria, the Provincial Superior of Eastern Province, Sr Hilda Dias, the Pre-Novice Directress, Sr Rexita Fernandes, the Assistant Pre-Novice Directress, sisters and representatives from Western & Silchar Provinces.
The initiation ceremony commenced with a meaningful prayer hour reminding the formees of the preciousness of their calling and the fidelity of our Lord during the past years. They had the joy of responding to the Master’s call uttering the words, “Here I am” as their names were called out. They moved forward with lit candles in their hands singing the hymn “Lord we come, we’ve heard your gentle call, here we are to offer you our all…”, commending themselves to the total care of our Lord who will trim the wick of their lives to burn brighter for His kingdom and His glory. Sr Erasma, the Provincial Superior of Northern Province broke the Word of God. She beautifully elucidated the passage from Jn 15:1-11 and invited the formees to love Jesus with utmost faith and trust and to live life obedient to God in every circumstance. Sr Sahana, the Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province initiated them to the Pre-Novitiate as she lit their lamps and led them to the Tabernacle where the Pre-Novices made a total surrender of self. They then magnified the wonders God has worked for them in the spirit of our Blessed Mother in her ‘Magnificat’.
After the prayer hour there was a short felicitation programme where the Pre-Novices introduced themselves. They were greeted with floral bouquets and showers of good wishes and prayers. Sr Jessy Maria, the Provincial Superior of Eastern Province in her inspiring message called upon them that they need to aspire continually to acquire perseverance in their spiritual journey in order to grow deeper and stronger in their call, during the process of formation and also thereafter.
News By:Rebecca and Monika Kujur,Pre-Novices, Bogadi