16th May 2022 was a memorable day in the annals of Bethany Novitiate, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal. Fifteen second year novices hailing from the Northern and North Eastern States of the country pronounced their joyful ‘Yes’ to their beloved to be his forever. Mgr Dominic Gomes Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Kolkata officiated the solemn Eucharistic Celebration along with four concelebrants, offering special prayers for the novices to be professed. Their first vows were received by their respective Provincial Superiors; Sr Benedicta Aranha, Sr Erasma, Sr Lucious and Sr Jessy Maria of Guwahati, Northern, Silchar, and Eastern Provinces during the Eucharistic Celebration. Provincial Councillors Sr Ruth, Sr Surekha and Sr Helen D’Costa were present on the occasion. In his homily Mgr Dominic applauded the Novices for their courageous decision to be disciples of the Lord and their readiness to go forth to proclaim the Gospel wherever they are sent. He urged them to be the ambassadors of Christ amidst the challenges of the world.
Having gone through an intense period of formation for two years under the guidance of Sr Clare Toppo, the Novice Directress, assisted by Sr Jhansi and Sr Renita Pinto, the formation team, the 15 wise virgins discerned their religious vocation, offering their precious lives to Jesus their beloved spouse, to be his handmaids, in the Congregation of the sisters of the Little flower of Bethany. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a felicitation programme during which the newly professed were greeted with flowers and songs and words of encouragement. Sr Benedict Aranha, the Provincial Superior of Guwahati Province in her felicitation programme assured them that on their vocational journey they are never alone, God always walks with them. The newly professed Sr Khone and Sr Roselin expressed their gratitude to God, to the Superior General, Sr Rose Celine, her Councillors, the Provincial Superiors and Formators. The entire programme was compeered by Sr Jhansi the assistant Novice Directress. Thereafter a fellowship meal followed. This grace filled event was witnessed by many religious sisters and brothers from nearby religious communities. Indeed it was a joyful event which rejuvenated the spirit of all the assembled giving them a boost to live their renewed consecrated life in vibrant manner.
News By:Sr Clare Toppo BS,Novice Directress,Bethany Novitiate, Barasat