Participants pose for a photo during the Profession Day programme held at Assisi Higher Secondary School in Dimapur on April 30.
Dimapur, April 30 (MExN): The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of the North East Province marked their Profession Day with a solemn celebration at Assisi Higher Secondary School in Dimapur on April 30, centred on the theme “Consecrated to Love and Serve”.
The Eucharistic celebration began with a welcome address by Provincial Superior Rev Sr Juliana Pereira, who greeted dignitaries, priests, Sisters and the faithful. She also expressed gratitude to the families of the Sisters, especially parents, for nurturing vocations to religious life and offering their daughters in service to the Church.
The Mass was led by Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev James Thoppil, and concelebrated by 55 priests.
In his homily, the Bishop congratulated the newly professed Sisters and said that in a world filled with competing voices and lifestyles, they had chosen to listen to the call of God. He stressed that the quality and commitment of religious life depend on whose voice one follows, and said the Sisters, through their profession, had chosen to uphold divine values.
He encouraged them to remain steadfast in faith and continue to bear fruit through dedicated service, even amid challenges. He added that by their profession, the Sisters had made themselves fully available to the mission of the Church, responding to Christ’s call to remain in His love and serve others.
During the ceremony, five novices made their temporary profession, while nine Sisters took their perpetual vows. The Sisters professed the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, dedicating themselves to God and the service of people. Despite coming from diverse cultural and regional backgrounds, their unity reflected a shared commitment to service.
A felicitation programme followed the religious ceremony, with highlights including the reception of the Bishop and parish priest Fr John P M, a choir presentation, and introduction of the newly professed Sisters.
Rev Sr Juliana Pereira congratulated the Sisters and commended their faithful and courageous response to God’s call. Speaking on behalf of the newly professed, Vilitoli Mary expressed gratitude to their formators, supporters and all those who contributed to the celebration.
A parent representative, Veikho, also conveyed thanks on behalf of the families.
The programme concluded with a fellowship meal, bringing together clergy, families and the faithful. The day was marked by an atmosphere of joy and spiritual renewal, with the congregation expressing gratitude for the occasion.
