Karunapuram, Sacred Heart Home, INK Province, India
“Called to Serve, Formed to Love”
Step into the light of Grace: Ten new Aspirants entered Postulancy on 24.07.2026 a day dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, at Sacred Heart Home, Karunapuram. Mother Provincial Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil was given the most joyful and heartfelt welcome at the Sacred heart home with the traditional costumes of different culture and singing. They were deeply honoured to have her among them, leaving behind her many demanding duties to accompany them in that grace-filled occasion, especially as they have gathered to witness and celebrate the entrance of the candidates into Postulancy. A joyful milestone of initiation to Postulancy began with early Morning Prayer dedicated to the Postulants and Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Suman Kumar Goli SDB.
The key dignitary: was Mother provincial Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, Bangalore province FMA, INK.
The participants: were Postulants formation team community sisters, visiting sisters representing Warangal- Hasanparthy, Hyderabad -Secunderabad and aspirants.
Spiritual preparation: the entry ceremony was preceded by a grace filled period of spiritual preparation. The ten candidates Abhaya P, Dharani Yamala, Jancy Saju, Kamnidawan Shylla, Sebika Uthan Singh, Sita Badanayak, Supriya Balaraj, Syamalatha Vericharla, Syona James and Srujana Adamelli underwent a three full day of silent retreat animated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Palla SDB.
The main theme: “Called, Formed, and Sent: Walking with Mary Help of Christians.” The other topics dealt were the following:
- Day 1. You are Chosen: The God who calls (Vocation and Discernment),
‘Mary Help of Christians: Mother, Teacher, Missionary’ (Marian Spirituality for FMA)
- Day 2. “The Preventive System: Love that Educates”(Don Bosco & Mary Mazzarello Pedagogy)
“Community: Home that Welcomes”(Salesian Family Spirit)
- Day 3. “Vows: “Go and Make Disciples: FMA Mission” (Sending forth & Commitment) Love
that gives all” (Chastity, Poverty,& Obedience)
This intense preparation allowed them to reflect deeply on their vocational calling and prepare their hearts for the transition into Postulancy, also to celebrate His faithfulness and love towards them, who have heard His call and want to respond to it by deciding to take one more step in following Him in religious life. The official initiation ceremony commenced at 11:30 AM. Christ is the light especially for those who follow Him. As the candidates with their lighted candles proceeded to the altar, and sang “This morning belongs to you Jesus, guide my steps and lead my heart I belong to you,” the whole community prayed for them and supported them with their fervent prayers that they may be shining lights of Jesus to those who are in darkness.
Mother provincial Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil from Bangalore presided over the event. Her presence served as a source of encouragement for the new postulants during the right of entry and the aspirants were formerly received into the postulants marking a significant milestone in their religious formation.
The felicitation and community celebration immediately followed the ceremony. A warm celebration took place to welcome the newly initiated postulants’ congratulatory greetings. Mother provincial, the local community sisters, sisters from nearby communities Hasanparthy, Mahendra Hills Secunderabad and the Aspirants, felicitated the Postulants with wishes prayers and gifts. The aspirants guided by the formation team staged an inspiring cultural programme. They performed meaningful skit, titled, “a Pearl of great price, which beautifully illustrated the biological process of Pearl formation within oyster clams as a metaphor for spiritual growth and formation. The performance was enhanced by celebrating songs and dances. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks from the newly initiated postulants. They expressed their gratitude to Mother Provincial Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose, Sr. Shiny Karakkat, the Animator, the retreat preacher, Rev. Fr. Joseph Palla, the community sisters, sisters from Hasanparthy, Buoiguda, Uppal, Secunderabad and all those who helped them in the past in their formation journey that they may be blessed with God’s light and love and also thanked the aspirants for their constant support prayers and the beautiful welcoming celebration.
The hearts overflowed with joy and gratitude as they witnessed the candidates take a beautiful leap of faith and their entrance into Postulancy affectionately known as the stage of Pearl formation. The pearl precious and hidden is formed when an oyster embraces a grain of sand and patiently transforms it into something of great beauty. Similarly, our Postulants have chosen to embrace the divine call allowing God’s grace to mould and shape them into the spirit of Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Mazzarello. As the merchant sold everything for that one precious pearl, a Postulant gradually detach themselves from world to anchor their lives in Christ. The Postulancy is a time of deep personal growth and learning to live in community and assimilating the Salesian charism.
As they drew the meaningful ceremony to a close they realized that formation is a lifelong journey. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has prayed for, supported and guided on their vocational path. We shall keep the new postulants in our constant prayers as they begin the period of immediate preparation for novitiate. Thank you all for your devout presence and participation. Have a blessed day ahead.
