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I have called you by name, You are Mine. Is 43 :1
God in his goodness blessed our two novices Surjala Behera and Kottesi Velangani to respond to God’s call in our religious family of St. Joseph of Annecy, Bhubaneswar Province. The two novices made a fruitful and grace filled retreat for eight days under the guidance of Rev.Fr. Satheeesh Kumar CMF, the retreat preacher. He helped them to reflect and personalize all the aspects of the religious life based on Scripture, Church documents and personal life Experiences. They were enriched and revitalized to take courageous decisions to say ‘Yes’ to the Lord and to offer their lives in the service of God.
The long awaited dream of their First profession took place on the 5th January 2024 at St.Joseph’s Novitiate, Cuttack. The Novitiate hall was well decorated and looked grandiose. The Holy Eucharistic celebration was presided by the main celebrant was Rev.Fr.Satheesh Kumar, CMF the retreat preacher at 11am.The parents, relatives, special invitees, priests, religious and our sisters from nearby communities as well as candidates were present for the Eucharistic celebration. The two Novices came in procession with the lighted lamps in their hands along with their parents followed by Sr.Leena, the Provincial Superior and Sr.Regina Mary, the Novice Mistress, followed by the main celebrant and con-celebrants. The Ceremony started by the lighting of the lamp invoking the presence of the Almighty.
Introductions were mainly read in English, Odiya and Telugu. The celebrant gave an inspiring homily to live a meaningful religious life. The priest said that we are consecrated by God, to God and for God. The Altar wordings were apt enough to captivate the attention of everyone to the main focus of the day “All I am, I give to you”. The Consecrated life has three aspects: Consecration, Communion and Mission. We are consecrated to live fraternal life in the community. This itself is a mission which helps us to carry out the Missionary activities in the Church and in the world at large. It was the most auspicious moment for the Novices as they made their first profession and Sr.Leena the Provincial, received their Vows. They received their religious names as Sr.Surajala and Sr.Velangani. The ceremony ended with solemn final blessings.
It was followed by wishing the newly professed sisters hearty Congratulations and cutting of cake. A delicious Lunch was relished by all those who witnessed the great event. It was an awesome experience and a great day of blessings for all of us especially for the newly professed and their family members.
As St.Paul says in Phil: 1-6 I am confident of this that the One who began this good work among you, will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
St.Joseph’s Novitiate
Bhubaneswar Province
Cuttack.