PROVINCE DAY CELEBRATION

01st December 2019

Eight years after the formation of the Province of the Sisters of St. Dorothy, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts, in India, the Province Day was celebrated for the first time on 1st December 2019. The festivity began on 30th November with a meaningful Prayer service at 6.45 P.M., preceded by a floral procession from the holy Founder’s image at the main entrance, going up to the community chapel. An Indian oil lamp was lit by the Provincial Superior and other sisters representing Province, symbolizing the perennial presence of Christ who lighted the path for the developmental growth of the Province. The Prayer Service gratefully recalled the growth process of the province from its embryonic stage to its present status, appreciating the selfless sacrifices made by the pioneers whose dedicated service made the congregation to flourish in India. Unity of the members and their collaborative efforts were highlighted by various ritual representations. Renewing gratitude to God Almighty for all the past graces, and invoking abundant blessings for the future through the intercession of St. John Antony Farina, our father founder and St. Maria Bertilla, our co-sister, the stirring Prayer Service concluded on a joyful note.

The dinner that followed radiated joyful warmth and cordial family spirit. After dinner, colorful charts depicting the charism of the Congregation, prepared by various communities, were displayed. These were scrutinized and prizes were later awarded to the deserving chart designers.

1st November 2019

The actual Province Day coincided with the Liturgical celebration of the First Sunday of Advent which began with Eucharistic Adoration in the morning and followed by the solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr. Paul Cherupilly, Director, Social Service Centre of Ernakulam – Angamaly Archdiocese. After Holy Mass, the ceremony of the laying of the foundation stone for the Home for the senior sisters took place.

Breakfast was followed by an interactive session between the Junior sisters and the Seniors who had their initial formation in Italy. To the questions raised by the Juniors, the Seniors enthusiastically though with a tinge of nostalgia, described their experiential formative years in Italy, and their enviable visits to various holy places linked to the origins of the congregation. They recalled the early history of the congregation and their emotional narrative triggered greater love for the Congregation in the Junior sisters, igniting them to greater vocational fidelity and commitment.

The Province Day lunch was superb and delicious. A word of appreciation and thanks to the Provincial House community for the tasty meal that they had prepared with great care and concern.

Post-lunch slide presentation portrayed the origin and successive growth of the congregation in India. The graphic and vivid presentation was impactful and informative. A subsequent quiz further deepened the knowledge of the Province in the sisters.

The common recitation of the Rosary in the evening reminded the Marian dimension of our congregation. The Evening Prayer revitalized the spiritual energy that sustains our call to consecrated life.

Dinner time was yet again moments of fraternity and fellowship.

All the sisters then enthusiastically gathered together for the community recreation. In all openness and spontaneity all actively participated in a typically familiar atmosphere the various items - singing, entertainments, dancing and fun. Cordiality and warmth electrified the gathering exuding much joy and happiness.

The first Province Day celebration was indeed a grand success. It brought together all the sisters from different regions to experience unity, togetherness and a fresh bonding that empowered them all to get back to their mission field with renewed energy and committed dedication to their mission. Every one wished for an annual celebration of Province Day as they departed treasuring fond memories of the Province Day.

Prayer service

Rosary

Holy Mass Celebration

Cultural programme