Chumukedima: Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Nagaland, solemnized the First Religious Profession of ten Novices in the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel. The newly professed Sisters were Priscilla Elis, Kaine Theresa, Monica Kerketta, Pavana Cecilia, Rosina Mary, Faustina Toshila, Lisha Euphrasia, Dona Therese, Fatima Leishina and Rita Tigga.
A press note informed that prior to the Holy Eucharistic Celebration, Sr. Sibi CMC, Provincial Superior, Sanjoe Province, Dimapur welcomed, all the invited guests, particularly the parents and relatives of the Novices and thanked them for offering their daughters to the service of the Church, to the mission of Christ.
Bishop James in his homily congratulated the newly professed sisters for their courage to be a counter witness to the world that glorifies and glamorizes unbridled materialism and excessive consumerism through their religious vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. In our world of today where respect for authority, order and discipline seem to be dwindling and personal egos and whims are celebrated, where everyone wants things in his/her own way, they are witnesses, who are prepared to accept directions and guidance and to be at the service of the community, and thus feel fulfilled as persons. As religious sisters they now stand for something very special – the sign of the transcendent and spiritual. When people see them in their religious habit, their minds are automatically drawn to the things pertaining to God and a sign of their inner purity, renunciation and dedication. They are preaching even without a word, as St. Francis said; “Preach always, use words when necessary”.
The Bishop also cautioned them by saying that religious profession does not mean the end of the struggle to holiness, but rather it is the beginning of a journey that the patriarchs and prophets, apostles and martyrs undertook. Their “yes” today is not a cry in dark, it is “yes” to Christ who lives and walks with us out of love. They need the community’s support and prayers. The newly professed sisters were given the constitution, the prayer book, a wreath of flowers and lighted candles as outward signs of a life of dedication and prayer.
The newly professed sisters expressed their gratitude to God and to all the present through their songs and words of gratitude. The programme ended with a felicitation to the newly professed sisters and the community meal.
