Province of Delhi

Roja and Dipti said “YES” to the Lord!

The Lord said to me, “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:4-5). These words of the Lord to prophet Jeremiah have come true in the lives of our dear Sisters Roja Gopanaboina and Dipti Kerketta. The words of the Lord who called and chose them to fulfill a special purpose for Him and his people have been fulfilled on 10th February 2023, when they said their final “Yes” to Him. I believe that their mission will continue in the footsteps of the Lord with greater enthusiasm and zeal. The Lord has been and is faithful to them and they in turn grew in His love and service and accepted Him as their sole Master.

The SCJM (Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary) family and Delhi province in particular join you, dear Sisters, in praising and thanking the Lord for the gift of yourselves to the Congregation, the Church and the society.

The Final Profession ceremony that took place on 10th February 2023 started at 11.30 a.m. with a devotional and prayerful dance as the choir intoned the entrance hymn. Sisters Roja and Dipti were led to the altar in procession accompanied by their parents, Sr. Lucy Emmanuel, our Provincial Superior, Sr. Moly Augustine, the Tertian Mistress and His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Agnelo Rufino Gracias, the Apostolic Administrator of Jalandhar Diocese, the main celebrant and other con-celebrant priests from the diocese and elsewhere.

Bishop Agnelo gave a homily befitting to the occasion based on the theme chosen for the Eucharist, “Called to serve the most vulnerable” in reference to the parable of the "Good Samaritan". The melodious singing, offertory procession, doxology at the elevation, etc. made the Eucharistic celebration more solemn and meaningful. The presence of the parents and relatives of the two Sisters, a number of parishioners, religious from nearby communities, besides the SCJMs from many communities, added joy to all present, especially Sisters Roja and Dipti.

After the Eucharistic celebration and the photo session, the two young sisters who committed themselves to the Lord were taken to the dinning place where they cut the cake first and that was followed by a congratulatory song, greetings and wishes. All those who were present for the ceremony partook in the agape. Our dear sisters in Sacred Heart community went out of their way to do everything possible to make it a memorable day for Roja and Dipti. It was a day of blessing for Delhi Province and every SCJM.

We pray that the Lord who held their hands and led them so far continue to lead and guide them. May He accompany them always! Wish you dear Sisters a fruitful ministry wherever you may be placed.

Sister Teresa Thomas

From left to right: Sisters Dipti Kerketta and Roja Gopanaboina

Video of the profession:

Province of Ranchi

Hearty congratulations to Sisters Apolina Horo, Alka Kujur, Rosline Aind and Premika Lakra who made their final vows on 11th February at Nirmala College Hinoo.

The Final Profession ceremony took place during the Eucharistic celebration which began at 10.30 a.m. with a beautiful entrance dance by the hostel students, while the four Sisters carrying lamps in their hands, accompanied by the Provincial, Sr. Mary Joseph, and her councilor Sr. Sushma Beck, the junior mistress Sr. Albina Mundu, the priests and the Archbishop Most Rev. Felix Toppo SJ, walked in procession to the altar. At the altar, they were welcomed by the traditional aarti and tikka and they placed the burning lamp on the altar as a symbol of their life, surrendering to Christ their spouse. The beautifully decorated auditorium was filled with many SCJMs, family members, invited guests and friends to share the joy, and witness this important event. There was an atmosphere of joy and gladness everywhere and on the faces of everyone.

The welcome address was given by Sr. Sushma Beck, the superior of Nirmala College community. The choir led by Sr. Sushma Ekka, Sr. Rita Beck and Sr. Dayamani Tirkey along with some junior sisters and the hostel girls made the liturgical celebrations more devotional and meaningful. The archbishop gave a very inspiring sermon on the theme of the day: “He who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit” (Jn 15:5b). Just before they pronounced their vows, the Litany of the Saints was sung - imploring them to intercede for these four sisters who were going to commit themselves to God for the rest of their lives. The vows were received by Sr. Mary Joseph the Provincial. After the prayer of consecration was the ceremony of the blessing of the ring and they received the ring from the Provincial with great love, respect and honor. During the offertory, the sisters offered symbolic gifts and prayers to the Lord. After Holy Communion, Sr. Rosline Aind, one of the finally professed sisters, proposed the vote of thanks.

At the end of the Mass, the archbishop and all the priests joined the finally professed sisters for a photograph. As they cut the cake, and sweetened their mouths, the choir sang the Congratulation song, and the felicitation went on for some time, after which everyone proceeded towards the community dining room and enjoyed the agape.

Sister Elsy Cherian

From left to right: Sr. Premika Lakra, Sr. Alka Kujur, Sr. Apolina Horo and Sr. Roseline Aind

Please click here to view the photos of the final profession.

Video of the profession: