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Theme: “I have come to do your will, O my God.”
On February 1, 2025, a momentous occasion unfolded as the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM) Indian Province joyously celebrated Sr. Rosy Dhanwar’s First Profession of Vows at the Mariam Nilaya Novitiate Chapel in Bangalore. The Eucharistic celebration was beautifully officiated by Rev. Fr. Clarence D’Souza SJ, a faculty member and retreat minister from Dhyanashrama, Mount St. Joseph Bangalore, alongside four other priests.
In his homily, Fr. Clarence emphasized the power of personal prayer in our spiritual journey. He reminded us that following Jesus is not about our choice, but rather about God’s loving call to each of us. He further illuminated the profound significance of the evangelical counsels: Chastity as centring our lives on God alone, Poverty as living in service to others, and Obedience as listening intently to the Holy Spirit. Concluding his message, he shared a powerful quote from Pope Francis: “Wherever there are consecrated people, there is always joy.” He urged everyone to seek daily communion with God, asking, “Who are You for me today?”
The presence of Sr. Helen Flavy Castelino (Province Leader of India South), Sr. Crescentia Sun (Province Leader of India Central), Sr. Bich Quyen (Province Leader of Vietnam), Sr. Rosy’s family, RNDM sisters, members from other congregations, novices, aspirants, teachers, parishioners, and invited guests brought a radiant joy to the event, filling the chapel with a spirit of celebration and love.
The profession ceremony began with a solemn procession from the Novitiate veranda, led by the RNDM sisters. Sr. Rosy, accompanied by her mother and grandmother, the Province Leaders, her team members, the novice director and assistant, and the priests, made their way into the chapel. To honor the main celebrant, Aarthi was performed by Sr. Hema Kerketta RNDM, followed by the lighting of the lamp by Fr. Clarence D’Souza SJ, Sr. Helen Flavy Castelino, Sr. Crescentia Sun, Sr. Bich Quyen, Sr. Rosy’s mother and grandmother, Sr. Lovely Mary Kharnaior (novice directress), Sr. Mary Anna (assistant), and Sr. Rosy herself. The RNDM sisters and novices, under the guidance of Sr. Ida Wilma Fernandes, led the choir, accompanied by the musical talents of Sr. Ibanriful Marngar.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a photo session was held, followed by a grand felicitation program in the hall. The festivities kicked off with a lively Adivasi-style dance, warmly welcoming Sr. Rosy and her family. Sr. Sunita Munda and second-year novice Rihaka Bamon served as the event’s compères, while the students of Mariam Nilaya High School enchanted everyone with a beautiful welcome dance. The celebration continued with heartfelt honors for the special guests, the star of the day, and Sr. Rosy’s mother and grandmother, culminating in the cutting of a delicious cake. The RNDM sisters and novices serenaded Sr. Rosy with a song of congratulations. The program reached its peak with a vibrant dance by the aspirants, a chant of Euphrasie Barbier, and a blessing of the food by Fr. Joseph Francesco Fernandes SAC, the parish priest. The event concluded with the delightful lunch, where everyone enjoyed the delicious feast and the company of friends and family.
Later in the afternoon, at 4 PM, the gift-opening ceremony took place at the Euphrasie Hut of Mariam Nilaya Provincialate, where the elderly sisters joined in the celebration. Before the unveiling of gifts, the sisters and novices entertained the guests with an engaging performance. The event was blessed by inspiring messages from the leaders of the three provinces, gifts were opened, and the celebration came to a close with the chanting of the Gloria Patri and a delightful high tea.
We give thanks to God for the success of this joyous occasion, which brought everyone together in a spirit of love and joy. The day was a true celebration of Sr. Rosy’s commitment to God’s will, and we all left with hearts full of gratitude and happiness.
Thank you! May God bless us all.
