Give Thanks with a Grateful Hearts 

05 August –

It is a day of joy and gratitude when we join our Sisters who celebrate their Golden – 7 Sisters and Diamond -1Sister Jubilees. At 6.30 all of us entered the chapel for the Morning Prayer. The Jubilarians carried a lighted lamp which was placed on the altar. The second moment was to thank our Bl Mother for all the graces they received from her during their life and placed 

Morning Prayer was followed by Breakfast. The kith and kin of our Jubilarians began to arrive and had their Breakfast. At 10.30 am began the Holy Eucharist with an entrance procession with M. Provincial, the Jubilarians and the celebrants (17) including the friends and relatives of the Jubilarians. A fitting introduction was read underlining the importance of the day prepared by Maradiyur community. In his homily Fr. Bosco, rector of KJC commented on the reading about the angels coming as guests and assuring that Sara will bear a son by the time they will visit them in the coming year. ‘Sara laughed’. Abraham was asked to believe on God’s promises. He was asked to leave his certainties. God had His last laugh and Isaac was born. He then connected this incident with the lives of the Jubilarians. What was God seeking of them? They are seekers of God, representing all the seekers of the past.  In their seeking the Lord had the last laugh. They might have the comic ways the Lord did in their lives. They are all treasure hunt, Vocation is their treasure – ability as consecrated Salesian sister is a treasure. It has not lost its luster; the luster of God’s kingdom is not diminished. Narrating the story of a lady finding a castle and the sapphire in, she took it as a challenge to get that sapphire. After finding it, she left it there for others to experience the challenge. He said this is what these Jubilarians do.  With their life they inspire others to experience the challenge in finding the treasure. He concluded thanking them for their life and encouraged them saying that their glow, the worth of their lives will lift up joy in the lives of others. During the Mass, the Jubilarians renewed their Vows. Like Mary, they too sang their song of Joy- Magnificat. Sr. Pauline’s family joined for the recessional hymn.

After the Eucharist, the Jubilarians cut the cake while the novices, sisters and others congratulated them. Mother provincial, Sr. Lucy Rose felicitated them. The programme continued with prayer dance by Nirmal Jyothi and other dances by AWC boys and girls. A video presentation about the Jubilarians was presented. Sr. Teresa Thomas delivered Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Jubilarians. Everyone enjoyed a festal meal and dispersed happily. Most of the relatives and Sisters from other Communities left in the evening itself. It was indeed a day of joy and jubilation!