June 24, 2022 was an exceptional day at the "Mother House" of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary in Ghent! Three events marked this day: the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the anniversary of the birth in heaven of Father Pierre-Joseph Triest, our Founder, and finally the perpetual profession of Sr Charitine Impuhwe in the chapel of the Mother House.

The ceremony began with the procession at the entrance of the chapel, while the organist accompanied the singing from the rood screen. The large presence of more than a hundred people at this celebration, including the Belgian South Community, Sr. Charitine’s family members, the staff of Tabor and our collaborators, marked this exceptional event.

In his homily, Bishop Luc Van Looy spoke about religious life saying that it is the same in Europe and Africa but the context is different. There is one God and we follow one Lord. Today, the world needs the presence of religious women who, in most cases, take the side of the poor and vulnerable. That is why it is important to pray a lot for the sisters who follow Christ.

The ceremony was very moving, especially for the sisters, who expressed the joy of experiencing such an event again after many years. During the Eucharist, hyms were sung in five languages: French, Dutch, English, Latin and Kinyarwanda, highlighting the international character of the community to which Sr Charitine belongs.

The symbols used in the offering procession were: the candle representing Christ; the flowers symbolising all the SCJMs; the grapes, host and wine symbolising the body and blood of Christ.

After the celebration, an aperitif was offered to the guests, followed by a fraternal meal in the dining room.

Please click this link to view the photos: Sr. Charitine Impuhwe’s perpetual vows

Video of the profession:

As you know, the Dutch-speaking Province has been in a process of restructuration for some time. On 20/06/2022, it was effectively restructured into a Region under the General Government of the SCJM.

The installation of the new regional team took place on the same day in the chapel of the Mother House, Ghent at 2pm.

The ceremony started with a procession : Sister Lucy Jacob, Superior General, carried incense, and the members of the regional team carried the Constitutions and Statutes of the SCJM, the encyclicals Fratelli Tutti, Laudato Si’ and the synodal document. These symbols were placed at the altar which was well decorated.

More than sixty Sisters, as well as lay collaborators, were present at this beautiful ceremony.

After the welcome by Sr. Dominiek Vanvoorden and the meditation of the Word of God, Sr. Lucy Jacob read the official letter of appointment of the new team which is composed of

1. Sr Birgit Goslain, Regional Superior

2. Sr Annie Duytschaever, Council Member

3. Sr Anne-Marie Castelein, Council Member

4. Sr Sushila Toppo, Council Member

Their mandate is for four years, with effect from 20/06/2022 to 19/06/2026.

From left to right: Sr. Annie Duytschaever, Sr. Birgit Goslain (Regional Superior), Sr. Anne-Marie Castelein and Sr. Sushila Toppo

After the reading of the letter of appointment, each member of the new team freely gave their response to commit themselves to the service of the Region and to work together hand in hand for the good of the Region. This was symbolised by the gesture of burning incense, each in turn, at the altar.

After the installation ceremony, the assembly moved to the corridor for the reception, followed by a fraternal meal in the Sisters’ refectory.

We wish them to be good leaders according to the heart of Jesus and assure them of our humble prayers.

11th June 2022 was a joyful day for the two Provinces in India as five novices pronounced their first vows in Hulhundu: two of Delhi Province and three of Ranchi Province. They had their Novitiate formation in Ashadeep, Hulhundu (Ranchi).

The newly professed are – Srs. Susana Cherowa, Mary Goreti Xalxo, Jyoti Hemrom, Salu Tirkey and Sumitra Laguri.

The Holy Eucharist was presided by Rev. Felix Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi archdiocese at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Hulhundu. Sr. Lucy Emmanuel, the provincial superior of Delhi Province, was there to receive the vows of two novices. At the reception after the Mass, many sisters of the Ranchi Province and the family members of the newly professed sisters were present.

We wish our heartfelt congratulations to the newly professed sisters! Our best wishes and prayers are with you as you begin your life in the SCJM family.

From left to right : Srs. Salu Tirkey, Mary Goreti Xalxo, Jyoti Hemrom, Susana Cherowa and Sumitra Laguri

Video of the profession:

After two years of formation in the novitiate, our three novices were ready to take their temporary vows. The novitiate has set a solid foundation for living their consecrated life. The novices entered into retreat for eight days, guided and accompanied by Rev. Fr Patrick OFM Cap. After eight days of silence and solitude, reflection and discernment, our three novices Aniqa Shoukat, Shiza Arif and Summan Ashraf, were ready to plunge their nets into the deep.

The traditional ceremony of cutting hair of the novices took place on the eve of 22nd May, 2022 as all the Sisters were gathered together after their enriching experience of the Provincial Chapter session one. This ceremony has its origin dating back to the beginning of religious institutions. This traditional ceremony began with the hymn “I have decided to follow Jesus” which was followed by reading from the Holy Bible and psalm 45 was sung by everyone. As the psalm was sung Sr. Noreen Peter, the Novice Mistress performed this traditional ceremony of the cutting hair which symbolizes the total submission and offertory of oneself to God.

On 23rd May 2022 morning, at 7:30 am, the Formation Community proceeded to the Provincialate Chapel where the Provincial, General Councilor and Superior of the community along with the other Sisters welcomed and received them. All entered the chapel joyfully rejoicing and thanking the Lord for these new members in the Congregation. The Chapel was beautifully decorated and a meaningful liturgy was arranged for their Reception Ceremony. As the General Chapter theme is "Go and do likewise” so the novices desired to choose the same theme for their first commitment. They presented their request, after which they received habit and the veil, Constitutions and Statutes of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary by the Provincial. It was a moment of joy and blessing for the Province.

On the same day, the ceremony of pronouncing their temporary vows took place during the holy Eucharist in which the priests, religious, families of the novices and our SCJM Associates participated. The procession was led by the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary along with the three novices, their parents and the priests. After the introduction of the ceremony, the parents of our three novices entrusted their daughters to Sr. Victoria Rehmat, the provincial Superior to be the members of the SCJM family.

The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Asif Sardar, with other priests. During the Holy Mass, the sisters consecrated themselves by pronouncing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to God publically for three years, to serve the Lord and His people like a Good Samaritan.

After making their request known, they received the SCJM cross as a sign of being the member of the Congregation. The ceremony moved along to garland the newly professed Sisters, a symbolic gesture of acceptance and rejoicing which was done by three jubilarian sisters. These moments were very touching as the sisters accepted and promised to help and support our newly professed sisters.

After the final blessing, a ‘Vote of Thanks’ was presented by the newly professed sisters. The melodious choir for the occasion was well prepared by Mr. Amir Yaqub and Sr. Magdalene Yaqub, which kept up the spirit of prayer and blessing for the great occasion.

After the Holy Mass, the newly professed sisters led the congregation to the Sacred Heart Convent Hall. Another ceremony of cutting cake, offering and receiving gifts and blessings was held. The festive food was then enjoyed by all.

May God continue to bless our three SCJMs and accompany them in their life’s journey as His chosen disciples.

Formation Community, Lahore

From left to right : Sisters Aniqa Shoukat, Summan Ashraf and Shiza Arif

As many of you in various provinces / regions are listening to the call for an “ecological conversion” through your annual retreat, Laudato Si Week 2022 has come calling us to celebrate together!

This is held May 22-29 with the theme “Listening and Journeying Together”, guided by a quote from Pope Francis: “Bringing the human family together to protect our common home” (LS 13). This global celebration calls us to listen and respond together to the cry of creation.

Once again let us, as a global body of SCJMs, journey together with our sisters and brothers all over to world and intensify our efforts in solving the dual challenges of the climate emergency and ecological crisis. This is particularly significant as our focus for 2022 is “ecological conversion”.

Laudato Si’ Week 2022 is sponsored by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and facilitated by Laudato Si’ Movement in collaboration with a number of Catholic partners.

For more information on this “Week” and to get ideas for getting creatively involved, kindly log on to https://www.laudatosi.va

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Brussels
20 May 2022

• As already indicated in the last “update”, Sr. Lucy Jacob was with our Sisters of the Anglo-Irish region for a visit and returned to the Generalate on 7th May. Both for the Sisters and for Sr. Lucy it was a very enriching experience.

• Sr. Rosily Mathew, our general bursar, paid her maiden visit to England and Ireland and got herself better informed of the financial situation and administration of the region. This experience definitely enhances her in her role and tasks in the Congregation.

• In the spirit of synodality, the members of the General Council are engaged in the task of accompanying our sisters at their provincial/regional chapters as facilitators.
  • Sr. Cécile Ndaya has been with the chapter group of the Community of Belgium South which had its chapter over five weekends, from 04 April to 07 May 2022.
  • Sr. Angélique Dikete and Sr. Cecile Ndaya are in the provinces of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Bernard respectively. Both the provinces have their chapters simultaneously from 15-20 May.
  • Sr. Deeptika Silva is with the Sisters of Pakistan whose chapter falls between the 18th and 23rd of May.
  • Sr. Roshni Barla has just left for Ranchi. She will be with the chapter members of the province from 20-25 May.

We remain united with them and with our Sisters in these provinces in Spirit and assure them of our prayerful support as they journey together in discernment.

• On Saturday, the 14th, our Mother House in Gent welcomed a good many of our Sisters from the various communities of Europe who joined the Jubilerians of this year in praise and thanksgiving for their 75, 70, 60 or 50 years of their commitment in the Congregation. The thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was followed by a reception culminating in a sumptuous meal. Vibrations of joy and excitement filled the air as sisters socialised and exchanged news with one another.

Please click this link to view the photos : Jubilee celebration in Ghent

• On 16th May, the community had the joy of welcoming his Lordship Raymond Wickramasinghe, the Bishop of Galle, Sri Lanka who paid us a courtesy visit along with his secretary, Fr. Ruwan. We had some grace-filled moments with them.

Celebration of Easter

After the long period of Lent, we had the opportunity to make the ascent to Easter by offering our prayers to God for all those who suffer throughout the world.
Before the Easter vigil, we shared a fraternal meal together as a community. After the meal, the members of the community were free to go and celebrate the Eucharist in a parish of their choice in Brussels. Easter Sunday started with a beautiful liturgy in our well decorated chapel. After breakfast, everyone was free to participate in the Eucharistic celebration in the different parishes of Brussels.

The risen Christ is present among us, always bringing us peace, joy and hope.

Community outing

Two years ago, the members of the Generalate community had planned a community recreation day in Keukenhof, Netherlands; but this did not take place because of the Covid-19 situation.

As the situation has more or less stabilized, the community had the opportunity to make this excursion on 20th April 2022. We left Generalate around 7.30 am, after morning prayer, and had a very beautiful sunny day. After walking, enjoying and contemplating the different species of tulips and other flowers, we returned to the community in the evening.

Sr. Anne-Marie Berckmans came to look after the house during our outing; we sincerely thank her for her availability.

Sr. Lucy Jacob’s visit to the Anglo-Irish Region

Sr. Lucy is making her canonical visit to the Anglo-Irish Region from 23 April to 7 May 2022. We wish her a safe journey and a fruitful mission there and assure her of our spiritual and moral support.

As you already know, Srs. Angélique Dikete and Cécile Ndaya have been journeying with our sisters of the province of St. Bernard, Congo in the process of discernment for the appointment of a new leadership team. In effect, we have a new leadership team installed on 16th: Sr. Angèle Benabiabo as the Provincial Superior with Sr. Arlette Lusukamu, Sr. Chantal Mutombo, Sr. Annie Makiese and Sr. Hélène Doteane as Provincial Council members.

As the installation service was held also on line, several sisters from other parts of the Congregation too could participate at this joyful occasion.

From left to right: Sr. Angèle Benabiabo (Provincial Superior), Sr. Chantal Mutombo, Sr. Annie Makiese, Sr. Hélène Doteane and Sr. Arlette Lusukamu

Sr. Lucy Jacob, Superior General, started her canonical visit to Ranchi Province on 1st February online. She could not visit the sisters in person as Covid situation in India was bad. The Internet connection is a concern, especially in the communities situated in the villages.

Sr. Marie Louise went for her annual retreat to De Bron, Lovenjoel, on 4th February and came back refreshed and energised on 12th February to the community.

20th February 2022 was a very significant day for the whole Congregation, when the official opening of the Terhaegen International Community in Ghent took place during a prayer service at 3.00pm, organized by the provincial leadership team and sisters of Nederlandstalige Provincie. The installation of Sr. Sushila Toppo as the superior of the community was done by Sr. Lucy Jacob. On this occasion, the relic (first degree) of our Founder Rev. Peter Joseph Triest was brought from Lovedegem and placed in the chapel of the Mother House. At the end of the prayer service, a young tree was planted in the garden of Terhaegen, symbolizing the beginning of the new venture in the Congregation. Many sisters from Nederlandstalige Provincie, Belgium South community and Generalate were present for the occasion.

Since it was streamed online, many of our sisters from all the Provinces, Vice-province and Regions could also watch the program. It was an opportunity to give a testimony of Cor Unum Anima Una. 

Terhaegen International Community

Please click this link to see the photos: Photos of the opening of Terhaegen INC

Video :

Sisters Angélique Dikete and Cécile Ndaya left for Congo, St. Bernard Province, on 23rd February for the animation of the Province in view of the nomination of a new leadership team. We wish them our prayerful support during this very important process in the Province.

Last week, the storm Eunice caused havoc in England and other western countries of Europe. The wind blew with the speed of 122 miles per hour. Belgium also was affected by it. We too felt its effect here in the Generalate. One huge tree in the campus was uprooted and it fell on other trees. Some branches of it have fallen on the compound of our neighbours – the Cloistered Carmelite Sisters. It has damaged some part of the boundary wall. Now it is a huge task to get it cleared and have the wall restored.

• Sr Valsam Jose came back to the Generalate on 15/01/2022 after the funeral of her younger brother who died in India and after spending her holidays with her family. It was a joy for us to meet in the new year 2022. We welcome her back to the Community after recovering her moral and physical energies.

• As you already know, the Belgian South Province has become the Belgian South Community with Sister Anne-Marie Berckmans as canonical Superior. The official installation of the canonical Superior took place on 15/01/2022 at Saint Servais and on 16/01/2022 at the home in Neufvilles. Sr. Cécile Ndaya was delegated by the Superior General for this occasion.

Our warmest and most sincere congratulations to Sister Anne-Marie for her new mission! We thank her for having accepted to carry this heavy responsibility and wish her a good apostolate in the Lord’s vineyard.

• The processes of the nominations of the provincial teams in the Congregation are taking place. Now it is the turn of the Province of Delhi. The installation of the new leadership team took place on 23/01/2022 during a meaningful prayer service. Many sisters attended it as it was online. The members of the new team are:

 Sr. Lucy Emmanuel Punnamukalel (Provincial Superior)

 Sr. Moly Augustine Vavukatt

 Sr. Kiran Kispotta

 Sr. Vandana Jose Kocholickal

 Sr. Vineetha Miranda.

We wish them a good mission in the Province.

From left to right : Sr. Vineetha Miranda, Sr. Kiran Kispotta, Sr. Lucy Emmanuel Punnamukalel (Provincial Superior), Sr. Moly Augustine Vavukatt and Sr. Vandana Jose Kocholickal

• Srs. Angélique Dikete and Cécile Ndaya, general councillors, came back to Generalate on 9th January after having accomplished their mission in the province of St. Vincent de Paul, Congo. The Community welcomed them back warmly. No doubt, they are happy to re-join the community.

• The process of nomination for the appointment of a new leadership team in the province of Sri Lanka was held on line. Srs. Deepthika and Roshni facilitated this process. As the members of the General Council were on different continents, they too met together on-line for consultation and discernment.

The installation of the new team took place on 12th January during a meaningful prayer service. Several Sisters from various parts of the Congregation as well as the communities of the province participated - on line, of course.

The new Leadership Team consists of Sr. Patsy Pitchai as the Provincial Superior and Sr. Pradeepika Perera, Sr. Malar Coonghe, Sr. Chandrika Liyanarchchi and Sr. Jenita Ragel as council members.
We thank them for their generous and courageous “yes” to the call of leadership in the province and assure them of our prayers.

From left to right : Sr. Chandrika Liyanarchchi, Sr. Malar Coonghe, Sr. Patsy Pitchai (Provincial Superior), Sr. Pradeepika Perera and Sr. Jenita Ragel.

• Due to the restrictions of Covid–19 in Netherlands, Sr. Lucy was unable to visit our sisters there when she was in the Province in November last year. The sisters were waiting to meet her face to face. In spite of her busy schedule, Sr. Lucy went there on 11th January and the Sisters received her with much joy.