September 17 was a special day for us SCJM in Mbujimayi. It was marked by the celebration of the platinum jubilee of Sister Hyacinthe Nganza Nkongolo, the silver jubilee of Sister Marie-Thérèse Nzeba Luboya and the perpetual vows of Sister Céline Kayiba Mukendi.

The thanksgiving Mass took place at 10.00 am at Saint Gérard Parish in Bipemba. It was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Emmanuel-Bernard Kasanda, the local Ordinary, and concelebrated by around thirty priests. In his homily, based on the readings for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time in liturgical year A, His Excellency emphasised the importance of forgiveness given and received.

After Mass, a festive meal was offered to the guests in the hall of the hostel for girls of the Missionary Sisters of Christ the King.

The Provincial gives the ring to Sr. Céline

Sr. Céline and her parents

Mgr. Kasanda congratulates Sr. Céline

Dear Sisters,

Thinking of you and looking forward to meeting you all soon…

Time and tide wait for no one. So it doesn’t wait for us SCJMs either. We have reached a stage where we struggled to put which word, where! All our creative writing skills were exercised, as we tried to formulate our orientations for the coming six years. We feverishly put words up and down and across our laptops, while endeavouring to articulate our dreams as a congregation at this point of our history.

This process helped us to know each one at a deeper level and to expand our vocabulary besides developing artistic expressions of what we were trying to convey through images. These final drafts were submitted to the skilled hands of the editing committee for the final ‘cooked’ version in the vocabulary of Br. Emili Turu, our facilitator.

Time was also allocated for another conversation to deepen our understanding and broaden our prospective on International communities. There was a rich exchange of ideas throwing light on the current reality and how we may move forward into the future in order to keep the flame of our charism alive. Deus Caritas Est!

Guidelines were given to assist us in the transmission of the essence of GC 23 to the Provinces/Regions and also to plan for the second session of Provincial Chapter.

We had a welcome break on Sunday which culminated in a social evening. It was marked by a visual and colourful expression of the richness and variety of the costumes and culture of each group. It was a most enjoyable evening with lots of fun and frolic, and also incorporated an aesthetic expression of the theme of the chapter through songs, dances and sketches.

The seventh of August brought us to the completion of the chapter work, leading to the approval of the documents and the Minutes of the whole Chapter. During her closing address, Sr. Lucy Jacob thanked the outgoing team for their generous contribution for the last six years and wished them well for their future mission. She acknowledged the presence and commitment of the facilitators and all our support personnel and thanked them on behalf of the entire group. She recalled that the process we embarked on in a contemplative way urged us to grow together and to walk the path of synodality. We return home with a heightened and renewed spirit which would be expressed in concrete actions that can enable us to hand over the flame of our charism burning ever brighter to the next generation.

On behalf of the delegates, Sr. Elizabeth Roche expressed our gratitude and appreciation to Sr. Lucy Jacob and the council members for giving themselves wholeheartedly to the mission that was entrusted to them in a spirit of Servant leadership.

Sr. Lucy Jacob, the president then declared the chapter officially closed. Sr. Kim Chi, the chapter secretary, gave an informative overview of the Chapter Procedure in which she captured the significant points.

Our final Eucharistic celebration took place on 08.08.2023 and Bishop Lode Van Hecke, the Bishop of Ghent, was the chief celebrant. We were delighted that many Sisters from neighbouring Communities could join us on this special occasion. The Bishop then in his homily expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate this Eucharist with us SCJMs.

In his homily, the Bishop drew our attention to the fact that there are two interpretations of the Good Samaritans: one element is what he termed as the “Samaritan syndrome” which speaks of the people who do very good work for the victims of the society, but do so to enhance their own good name/profile. The second is the Good Samaritan in the gospel sense and he/she acts out of compassion for the people in the peripheries without expectations.

Following the homily, the formal installation of the new General Team took place, during which the Bishop anointed the hands of the new leadership team, Sisters Lucy Jacob, Angelique Dikete, Beatrice Tshilemba, Suman Anima Toppo and Mary Joseph Valiyankal with oil. They confirmed their (Fiat) YES to the decision of the Chapter.
Sr. Elizabeth, the senior-most member of the Chapter, then presented them with the symbol which reminds us all of our call to live in the spirit of the Cor Unum. When the Eucharistic celebration was over we proceeded to the dining room dancing to the sounds of the drum and singing, where we enjoyed a celebratory meal. Now we are preparing to go home, renewed in spirit.

With God’s blessings and best wishes
From the Capitulants

Please click here to view the photos of the Chapter.

Dear sisters,

On the morning of 25 July, a surprise awaited us in the Chapter Hall: a magic box. It had a picture on each side: Pope Francis, Putin, Father Triest, Mother Placide, a tiger and an elephant. Then we discovered that inside the box there were chocolates. What does this mean? Everyone sees things from their own point of view, without realising that the essential is sometimes hidden. This helped us to look at the orientations we had previously agreed upon. This task was entrusted to the different groups which were formed the day before.

Having observed and discerned, on 26 July we moved on to another stage, that of taking action. The process of deepening the themes continued. We were asked to come up with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) responses.

From the 27th to 29th July, we spent time in silence, prayer and discernment which culminated in the elections for the new General Government. On the evening of the re-election of the Superior General, Sr. Lucy Jacob, the atmosphere was festive. Flowers were presented to Sr. Lucy and aperitifs were served. The following day, the four General Councillors accepted their election much to our delight. Like David, the little shepherd, each one was called at her place of ministry: Sr. Angélique Dikete renewed her mandate as General Councillor, Sr. Béatrice Tshilemba will be leaving Cana community/ juniorate in Lubumbashi, Sr. Suman Anima Toppo will leave her ministry as Regional Superior of Vietnam and Sr. Mary Joseph Valiyankal will change her ministry as provincial Superior of Ranchi.

On the evening, a special Eucharistic celebration brought us together. In his homily, the celebrant invited the team to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world in carrying out their new ministry. After Mass, the capitulants welcomed the team with a dance and shared a celebratory supper.

On Sunday the 30th July, at 8.00 am, we boarded a coach which took us to Mechelen, where we visited some of the sites on which Father Triest would have travelled in his time. At 10.30am, we attended Mass in the Cathedral of Saint Rombaut. Afterwards, Sr. Anne Marie Dhooghe took us to the Lunch Garden restaurant for a meal. From there, we headed to Brussels for a tour of the city where the guide, Patrice, was waiting for us at the Atomium. Everyone was impressed by the immensity of the symbol. Along the way, we had the pleasure of admiring from a distance the Palace, the Royal Park, the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the Belgian House of Representatives. Finally, we discovered the European Parliament, the parliamentary body of the European Union (EU). It shares the legislative power of the EU with the Council of the European Union. The unity of these countries proves that unity creates strength, and that they can work together for the well-being of their peoples.

On 31 July, we resumed the work of the Chapter with renewed zeal.

Dear sisters, we feel the effects of your fervent prayers. Let us remain united in ‘Cor unum, anima una.’

Your Chapter members sisters

Please click here to view the photos of the Chapter.

Dear Sisters,

Greetings once again from Dilbeek!

We continued our reflections in the context of the question –‘Who is my neighbour?’ by using a contemplative process of ‘Observe, Reflect and Act’. The two days of 19th and the 20th of July saw the presentations of the reports of the regions and provinces followed by those of the General Government. The Superior General Sr. Lucy Jacob and her council Sr. Deepthika Silva, Sr. Angelique Dikete, Sr. Roshni Barla and Sr. Cecile Ndaya presented a detailed report of the life and mission of the Congregation for the last six years, including the report on financial administration presented by Sr. Rosily Mathew, the General Bursar.

This necessitated that we listen with the ear of the heart to what the Lord is saying to us in all of the above. The presentations gave us a clear view of the life of the various units as well as the global picture of the congregation. At this point we were encouraged to move from being Delegates to Capitulants and to think Congregation.

From our global perspective of the Congregation we were immersed in the spirit of our Founder Fr. Triest and founding Sisters as we made a pilgrimage to Terhaegen and Lovendegem where we were warmly welcomed by Sr. Birgit Goslain and the international community. After some refreshments we moved on to the archives where the most emotional and profound moments were the time spent in the room of Fr. Triest and listening to the recorded conversation of Fr. Triest on his deathbed.

The next stop was at ‘Huize De Bron’ the foundational house at Lovendegem where Sr. Anne-Marie Dhooghe and Sr. Claire Boelens were waiting for us. The history of it was all too familiar and yet being there physically was an overwhelming experience.
From the first house we walked to the crypt where Rev. Fr. Triest, Mother Placide and the earlier Superiors General are buried and also the graveyard which is the resting place for over a thousand persons, including our Sisters. The new corridor lined with stained glass windows and quotations from Fr. Triest’s writings led us to the crypt. There we prayed to Fr. Triest and these were profound moments of special blessings.
A short but refreshing visit to the community “Zustergemeenchap” at Lovendegem was the last part of our pilgrimage to the origin. We were touched by the love and care showered on us by our elderly Sisters. All along we were inspired by the joyful presence and service of our Sisters in the three communities we visited. Much as we would have loved to stay on, we had to say goodbye to all. Enriched and enlivened by this experience we returned to Regina Caeli.

The following day we had an enriching input by Fr. Peter Baekelmans CICM. With the theme New Trends in Mission, he helped us explore deeper the implications of the Chapter theme “Go and do likewise” from the perspectives of the Scripture, the world context and the SCJM spirituality. He emphasized on the need to have a non-dual approach in all these areas.

We were then ready to move on to the next stage of observing and sensing and thus further deepening the process in order to decipher what the Lord is speaking to us, what His plans are for the future of SCJMs or the vision for the next six to twelve years. We spent the day in quiet personal reflection, the Emmaus walk in groups of three in order to develop further understanding and gradually formulating our vision and presenting them in various forms in the plenum.

The process continued as we recaptured the cardinal points we had shared the previous day and those which needed to be included in the chapter documents and their implications. At this juncture, the facilitator reminded us of Pope Francis’s vision of the synod: “… to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships …”

In the afternoon, Br. Emili introduced us to some preliminary guidelines for the election of the Superior General and the Councilors.

We rely on your continued prayers in the spirit of Cor Unum.

Please click here to view the photos of the Chapter.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear sisters,

After long journeys from Africa, Asia and Europe, the delegates of General Chapter 2023 have been warmly welcomed. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The atmosphere was one of reunion for some and discovery for others. Here we are in Brussels, in the commune of Dilbeek, in our former house, Regina Cæli: a school and boarding school have been established here since 1927. The Superior General has invited everyone to take enough rest over the next two days.

Saturday, 15 July 2023: opening day

In the morning, the Superior General, Sister Lucy Jacob, welcomed all the members before presenting the different services and their sisters in charge.

At 4:30 p.m.: the opening Mass. His Eminence Cardinal Josef De Kesel presided over the Mass in the church of Sainte Thérèse. Many of our sisters came from the communities of the Dutch-speaking Region and the South of Belgium, as well as our lay collaborators. Many of you followed us online. An excellent choir from the Ghent area delighted the congregation. After the homily, the Superior General officially opened the 34th Chapter of the Congregation. Afterwards, there was a chance to meet and greet each other whilst enjoying some refreshments.

Sunday 16 July 2023 was devoted to the individual reading of reports from the various units.

On Monday 17 July, after contemplative prayer at 6.30am and breakfast, Sister Lucy Jacob reminded us of the purpose and objectives of a General Chapter, citing articles 160 - 163.

We were then invited to express our expectations. Several other exercises were proposed to help the capitulants enter into the contemplative process of the Chapter. This was inspired by the unfolding of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Fratelli tutti: OBSERVE - REFLECT - ACT.

We then reflected on the need to move from the role of delegates to that of capitulants to enable a change of focus from the local reality to the broader SCM reality. To do this, we identified the values to be lived throughout our Chapter.

Dear sisters, we continue to count firmly on your prayerful support.

Your Chapter members sisters.

Please click here to view the photos of the Chapter.

Perpetual vows and jubilees in the Province of Saint Bernard, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Every year, God gives us a taste of the infinite graces he bestows on those he freely calls to His service.

This year, we had the joy of celebrating the perpetual vows of Sister Henriette Linda and Sister Honorine Kusiamina, and the various jubilees: 25 years of Sister Agnès Ntumba and Sister Mathilde Ilongo; 50 years of Sister Marie Louise Masuku and 75 years of Sister Vincentia Muayi.

The Eucharistic celebration took place at 9.30 am on 1st July 2023 in Kimpese, presided over by Mgr. André Giraud Pindi, Bishop of the Diocese of Matadi.

From left to right: Sr. Honorine Kusiamina, Sr. Angèle Benabiabo (Provincial Superior) and Sr. Henriette Kinda

Some of the highlights of his homily:

Vocation is defined as a call from God to a person and the free response of the latter to the call he/she receives. God calls whom He wills, when He wills, where He wills and how He wills.

Jesus comes to meet us just as we are, to make us his servants, ready to work for the coming of his reign and the salvation of mankind. We are therefore called to trust him.
Being aware that we are not worthy before God will keep us away from the sin of self-sufficiency, self-determination and pride, and bring us closer to humility, empathy and the love of service given freely.

Recognising that we are unworthy but chosen will help us to build communities where members live together in understanding, dialogue and mutual support; communities where prayer and worship are lived out with great faith.

To be a disciple of Christ requires a radical and daily choice, a total and exclusive love; a passion for Christ and a passion for mankind.

From left to right : Sr. Marie Louise Masuku (50), Sr. Angèle Benabiabo (Provincial Superior), Sr. Agnès Ntumba (25) and Sr Vincentia Muayi (75) in the wheelchair.

Sister Angèle Benabiabo

First Profession 2023 - Ranchi Province

July 9th was a red letter day for the entire SCJMs (Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary), especially of Ranchi province. Four of our senior novices - Alice Kerketta, Anupa Kullu, Anjulia Pradhan and Beronika Bara celebrated their first profession of vows. The profession ceremony was held at Sacred Heart School Hulhundu. The Eucharistic celebration began at 10 am with a beautiful entrance dance by the novices and postulants while the new brides accompanied by Sister Mary Joseph, the Provincial and Sister Rashmi Kerketta, our Novice Mistress, Priests and the Archbishop, went in procession to the altar. As they reached, they placed lit lamp on the altar as a symbol of surrendering themselves to God. The welcome address was given by Sister Sushma Beck, one of the provincial councilors.

His Grace Rt. Rev. Felix Toppo SJ, Arch Bishop of Ranchi Archdiocese, was the main celebrant. The theme of the day was ‘You are precious to me’. Following the proclamation of the Gospel, the novices were examined by the Archbishop. He then gave an inspiring homily in his simple and yet profound manner. After the homily, the main part of the profession ceremony began. The novices pronounced the vows with conviction and courage before the faithful present, after which each of them received the SCJM cross from the Arch Bishop as a sign of their belongingness to Christ.

Indeed, it was a day of joy and gladness. Many SCJMs family members and relatives of the newly professed were present there to witness this event. The hall was beautifully decorated by the creative sisters of Fatima community and the novices. The hymns prepared for the event sung by Sister Alexia and team were melodious and added meaning to the Eucharistic celebration. The vote of thanks was proposed by Sister Anupa, one of the newly professed sisters.

After the Eucharistic celebration, the newly professed sisters cut the cake and Sister Mary sweetened their mouth while the choir kept singing the congratulation song. Finally, everyone enjoyed the festive meal prepared by Sister Davies and her team.

Sister Elsy Cherian

Perpetual and temporary vows in Lubumbashi

The 187th death anniversary of our beloved Founder, Reverend Father Joseph Triest, had a special character with the taking of temporary and perpetual vows by nine sisters in our Province of Saint Vincent de Paul.

It was a double ceremony in the same celebration. Sister Isabelle Ilunga, Provincial Superior, as delegate of the Superior General, first received the temporary vows of our seven novices: Henriette KYEUSI KUBELEZANGA, Marie-Brigitte KANKANA KATUMBA, Nathalie BABI MUKUASA, Ornella KABULO KABULO, Sabine NTENSYA KABENZE, Agnès MUMBA KANYAMPA and Madeleine KABEDI MAKOLO, and then the perpetual vows of Sisters Florence BANZE MANDE and Nathalie NDOMBELA KANKU.

Newly professed sisters: from left to right
Standing: Sisters Nathalie Babi, Ornella Kabulo, Sabine Ntensya, Henriette Kyeusi
Seated: Sisters Marie-Brigitte Kankana, Agnès Mumba and Madeleine Kabedi

New perpetually professed sisters
From left to right: Sisters Florence Banze and Nathalie Ndombela

This beautiful Eucharistic celebration took place in the church of Notre-Dame de la Paix, Gécamines at 9:00 am, and was presided over by Monsignor Dénis MOTO, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi, surrounded by a dozen priests who had come from various parishes in the archdiocese for the occasion.

In his homily, Bishop Dénis MOTO focused on the figure of John the Baptist, whose nativity the Church was celebrating. “Like John the Baptist”, he said, “we are all called to be witnesses to Christ, to shun lies, slander and deceit, to live in truth and bear witness with our whole lives.”

He went on to reassure the youngest, who are taking temporary vows, of the ecclesial concern in these words: "There is still a long way to go, and we ask the Lord to grant you much grace so that one day you will be able to celebrate perpetual vows, Silver Jubilee, Golden Jubilee, etc. But the important thing is not the number of years but the quality of religious life. The important thing is to live an intimate and profound relationship with Jesus. It is this intimacy with Christ that will have repercussions on others and on the world". And to those who make their perpetual vows: "You are making a commitment for ever, you will not be alone, all of us will support you with our poor prayers. The sisters will also accompany you.”

After Mass, a festive meal was served for all the guests in the P. J. Triest room at the Tshondo Secondary School. It was a wonderful feast!

Sister Véronique Nyindu

First profession and clothing ceremony at Kimpese, in the Province of Saint Bernard

On 24 June 2023, the celebration of the clothing of seventeen postulants, nine from the Province of Saint Vincent de Paul, six from the Province of Saint Bernard and two from the Region of Mali, and the first profession of four novices took place in Kimpese. For some years now, this celebration has had the distinct honour of coinciding with the death anniversary of the Reverend Peter Joseph Triest, Founder and Inspirer of this vision which guides the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary throughout the world and continues to attract young generations all through the years.

The postulants before the clothing

To understand and grasp the secret of the fruitfulness of his life and mission, we need to refer to the evangelical radicalism to which Christ, Eternal Wisdom and Word of God, invites us: "If anyone comes to me and does not prefer me to his father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters, even to his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his cross and walk behind me cannot be my disciple... In the same way, he who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14: 26-27.33)

From left to right : Sr. Rebecca Lusamba, Sr. Sophie Kalela, Sr. Robertine Nduata and Sr. Chanceline Nsansi

Let us allow God to shape us into his image, so that we can live out love in our daily lives. May love become our identity, our life and the reason of our being.

May the Virgin Mother accompany us on this path of a renewed ‘Yes’ to God.

Sister Angèle Benabiabo

First profession and jubilee in Mali

God is at work, and we have received grace upon grace. The Lord has worked wonders for us. Holy is his name!

On 25 June 2023, God filled us with joy through the gift of our three young professed sisters: Sister Providence Kunsongi Vakanda, Sister Blandine Ntumba Kayenga and Sister Rita Masangu Banza, who made their first vows in San, Mali, and our two Jubilee Sisters: Sister Henriette Mulanga Kabengele and Sister Monique Mutshiaudi Mukenge, who renewed their fidelity after 25 years in the service of Love.

From left to right: Sisters Rita Masangu Banza, Blandine Ntumba Kayenga and Providence Kunsongi Vakanda

From left to right: Sister Monique Mutshiaudi Mukenge and Sister Henriette Mulanga Kabengele

We thank God for the gift of our religious vocation. May Father Triest help us to grow in numbers and in virtue.

Sister Rose Meta

SEDOS

The Service of Documentation and Study on Global Mission (SEDOS) organised a residential seminar from Monday 01/05/2023 to Friday 05/05/2023, on the theme: "Changing landscape of religious missionary life". Participants could attend it either on site or online.
Sister Roshni Barla and Sister Anne-Marie Dhooghe took part in this seminar in Rome and some members of the Generalate community attended it online.

Jubilee in Ghent

As you know, every year we celebrate the jubilees of our sisters in Ghent. This year, ten sisters from Europe celebrated their 75th, 70th and 60th jubilees, including three sisters from Dutch-speaking Region, three sisters from Belgian South Community and four sisters from Anglo-Irish Region.

On 13/05/2023, three jubilarians - Sister Françoise Bedoret (70 years of religious life), from Belgian South Community, Sister Lieve Ghijs (60 years of religious life) and Sister Rina Van Den Bempt (60 years of religious life), both from Dutch-speaking Region, were present at the celebration at the Mother House in Ghent. The other jubilarians could not attend the celebration due to their state of health.

A good number of sisters were present, including Sister Elizabeth Roche and Sister Helen O’Brien from Anglo-Irish Region. The celebration began with the Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Lode Van Hecke of Ghent. After Mass, the congregation sang their way to the refectory, where a fraternal meal was offered to all.

After the meal, Sister Lucy Jacob, Superior General, addressed a few words of congratulations and encouragement to the jubilarians, emphasising listening as one of the most important aspects of the journey together. This was followed by the presentation of gifts to each of them.
We extend our warmest congratulations to our jubilarians.

Please click here to see photos of the celebration.

General Treasurer’s visit

Sister Rosily Mathew travelled to Rwanda to visit the ministries and communities of the Vice-Province of Our Lady of Kibeho.
We wish her a successful mission and a pleasant stay in Rwanda.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Saturday 13/05/2023, the Vice-Province of Our Lady of Kibeho had the joy of celebrating the profession of perpetual vows of Sister Marie Uwambajimana and temporary vows of Sisters Marie Stella Habonimana and Marie Fronille Uwamahirwe. The Eucharistic celebration took place in Ndera Parish and was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Antoine Kabanda.

From left to right: Sisters Marie Fronille Uwamahirwe, Marie Stella Habonimana, Marie Uwambajimana

The Eucharist and profession ceremony were conducted in the local language, i.e. in Kinyarwanda, in order to be in communion with the families of the sisters and the whole Christian assembly. We congratulate Sister Mary Paul, our Vice-Provincial, for her effort to speak in Kinyarwanda during all the ceremony.

During the Mass, Sister Athanasie Mukangoga, one of the Councillors, was at the side of Sister Mary Paul, Vice Provincial. Sister Colette Uwamahoro was the Mistress of Ceremonies (MC), Sister Josephine Sieta was the ceremonialist, Sister Marie-Claire was in charge of the liturgy, Sister Teresa Le decorated the church.

After the mass, we headed to the multi-purpose hall of our Mother Placid School Complex for a fraternal meal.

After the guests had settled in, His Eminence, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, entered the hall, accompanied by Sister Mary Paul, Vice-Provincial Superior. They were welcomed with Indian music and an Indian dance performed by Sisters Nisha, Isabella, Teresa Le, Francine, Janvière and Félicité.

After the prayer and the blessing of the meal, the cardinal, the vice-provincial and the newly professed sisters cut the cake. In the meantime, the table was ready and the MC invited us to help ourselves. We joyfully shared the festive meal, accompanied by music and dancing.

Sister Joséphine Sieta

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:

The Celebration of 125 years of our Foundation Day was an occasion that brought all the SCJM in the Province home at the Provincialate in Lahore on 3rd February 2023. It was a day to recall a historical era and to enliven the life story of the mission of our sisters in Pakistan, starting from our five pioneers. We believe that to speak of a mission is to re-live in faith the mysterious action of God in all those who formed a part of this history. Hence, the overall tone of the entire program was that of gratitude, affirmation and hope for the future to promote the mission of Jesus for our future generation in this beautiful land.

On this day, we were also happy to celebrate fifty years of loving and dedicated service of Sr. Maria Teresa and the silver jubilee of profession of Sr. Elfrieda Inayat and Sr. Rosy Sadiq.

The presence of His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts, His Excellency Christophe Zakia El-Kassis, the Papal Nuncio, the bishops, priests, religious, the families of our jubilarians, and other guests was a great honour and a source of immense joy, encouragement, support and blessing for us all.

The jubilee celebration started with a warm welcome from the sisters and St. Joseph’s hostel girls to the Papal Nuncio, Christophe Zakia El-Kassis, His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts, the bishops, and all the other honorable guests.

At 4:00 pm, the procession for Holy Mass began traditionally by singing the hymn: “I rejoiced when I heard them say, let us go to God’s house”. The Holy Mass was presided over by His Excellency Christophe Zakia El-Kassis, the Papal Nuncio. The homily was given by the Nuncio in which he recalled the outstanding events of our history right from its start in 1897, highlighting our charism of ministering to the needy and vulnerable of our society and our work in education, health care and pastoral ministry. The whole Mass was celebrated solemnly, with beautiful melodious hymns. The Chapel was arranged beautifully and artistically in a befitting manner for the joyful occasion of the 125 years jubilee.

After the Holy Mass, all proceeded to the ground of St. Joseph School, the place where our first sisters touched the holy ground 125 years ago. Here, the second part of the day took place. The venue was decorated magnificently with flowers and dazzling lights.
When all the guests were seated, first of all, our three jubilarians were invited onto the stage to be garlanded. Then there was the opening of the quasquicentennial monument. It was indeed a great honour for us all that His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Coutts blessed the quasquicentennial monument erected on the wall of St. Joseph School where the history of our Province was initiated.

To entertain the audience, various items and cultural dances were performed. An additional attraction of the ground was the Panaflex banners showing the history of SCJM and the services rendered by each community.

The social evening was prepared by the students of St. John’s School, Yohannabad, St. Joseph’s School, Lahore, and St. Mary’s School, Hafizabad.

A very informative Powerpoint presentation prepared by a group of sisters was given, which elaborated the entire history of our Province by showing the dedicated and selfless service of SCJM on the Eastern Soil. Through the presentation, we wished to invite all the guests to walk with us down memory lane of the past 125 years of SCJM history. It was appreciated by all viewers and it also revived our own spirit.

Acknowledging the deep commitment and generous service of our religious leaders, benefactors, lay associates, the teaching and support staff shields were awarded as a token of our gratitude and appreciation.

We thank the Lord for being with us, leading and guiding us at each moment of the jubilee year. It had been a year of grace and renewal, urging us to recommit ourselves in continuing to live the Charism of our Founders ever more fully and enthusiastically.

Junior Sisters

• Sr. Lucy Jacob, Superior General, and Sr. Angélique Dikete, General Councillor, are in Ranchi province for the installation and animation of the new provincial team of Ranchi province. The installation of the new team took place on 14th January, 2023 during a meaningful prayer service in the provincial house, Ranchi. Many sisters from nearby communities were present to grace the occasion. Some part of the nomination process was done online.

The new leadership team members are:

Sr. Mary Joseph Valiyankal (Provincial Superior)
Sr. Sushma Beck
Sr. Lilly Mary Pallipurathu
Sr. Jessy Joseph Varayankunnel
Sr. Manju Rajkishori Beng
Sr. Victoria Minj

From left to right: Sr. Victoria Minj, Sr. Sushma Beck, Sr. Mary Joseph Valiyankal (Provincial Superior), Sr. Jessy Joseph Varayankunnel, Sr. Lilly Mary Pallipurathu, and Sr. Manju Rajkishori Beng

Our warmest and most sincere congratulations to Sister Mary Joseph and the councillors for the mission! We thank each one of them for having accepted to take up this responsibility of leadership and wish them a fruitful mission in the Lord’s vineyard.

Srs. Lucy and Angélique are visiting some communities in the province as well and will be back to Generalate, Brussels by 24th January.

Please click here to view the photos of the installation of the new provincial team.

• The General Councillor, Sr. Cécile Ndaya went to the Community in South Belgium on 11th January. She will be with the sisters in Ave Maria community, St.- Servais for ten days.

The Generalate community is now complete after a long absence of some members.

• On 13/11/2022, Sr. Deepthika Silva came back to the Generalate from the Philippines where she went to visit the communities of Legazpi and the International Asian Novitiate. She was also present at the official opening of the International Community of the Sacred Heart in Legazpi.

• Sr. Angélique Dikete and Sr. Cécile Ndaya came back to the Generalate on 30/11/2022 after having been on mission in the Province of St Vincent de Paul in the D.R. Congo. We hope that the mission accomplished in the Province will bear lasting fruit.

• After her visit to the Region of Mali, Sr. Rosily Mathew, accompanied by Sr. Valsam Jose, came back to the Generalate on 02/12/2022. We continue to pray for the growth of the Region and for its members.

• On 10/12/2022, Sr. Lucy Jacob came back to the Generalate after a long stay in Delhi Province where she made her canonical visitation. We hope that her presence has brought new life and vitality to the Province.

• Sr. Kim-Chi Duong facilitated two online learning sessions on communication for some of our sisters from Asia and Africa who are communicators. Eighteen sisters from Asia participated in the program from 21st to 25/11/2022 and nine sisters from Africa were present at the session from 5th to 9/12/2022.

​​​​​​​

• On 01/12/2022, Sr. Roshni Barla received the sad news of the death of her father, Mr. Mathias Barla, in Ranchi. She could not attend the funeral as her residence permit had expired and has not yet been renewed. May the Lord grant the deceased a place of honour in his eternal home and console the whole family.

• Currently, Sr. Lucy Jacob, our Superior General, is in the Delhi province, India for the canonical visitation of the province. As the province is large and the communities are spread out in the country from north to south and east to west, she has a very busy schedule with many travels. She will be back at the Generalate by 10th December.

• The General Councillors, Srs. Angélique Dikete and Cécile Ndaya, are delegated on mission in St. Vincent de Paul province, Congo. We wish them a fruitful time. Both of them will be back to the Generalate on 30th November.

• The official inauguration of the Sacred Heart International Community in Legazpi, Philippines, took place on 4th November. The Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Rev. Joel Z. Baylon D.D., the bishop of Legazpi. Sr. Deepthika Silva was delegated to be present for the occasion and she left for the Philippines on 1st November. She will also visit the International Asian Novitiate at Tagaytay before returning to Brussels on 13th November.

• Srs. Valsam Jose and Rosily Mathew are at present making their annual retreat in Wépion, south of Belgium. They have started the retreat on November 7th and will be back by 15th afternoon.

• A visit of the general bursar, Sr. Rosily, to the region of Mali had to be postponed due to the uncertain situation of the country. Hoping that the situation will get better, it is now scheduled for the 21st of November. She will be accompanied by Sr. Valsam Jose.

• For health reasons, Sr. Marie Louise has joined the community Melle for a while. We hope to welcome her back soon with renewed strength and vigor.

“CARITAS CHRISTI URGET NOS” (The love of Christ impels us - 2Cor. 5:14) was the theme of the Inauguration of the Sacred Heart International Community on November 4, 2022, which was to coincide with the SCJM Foundation Anniversary. It was indeed a remarkable and joyful occasion in the life and mission of SCJM in Legazpi, Philippines.

Prior to this great event, the community had their preparation: cleaning, decorating the chapel, house, dining hall, kitchen, making booklets, logo. The Sisters were helping each other and organized the event with full energy, joy, enthusiasm, and commitment. Sr. Deepthika Silva, General councilor, delegated by Sr. Lucy Jacob arrived on the 2nd of November 2022. Together the sisters were able to plan and arrange everything in a simple yet meaningful celebration.

On the 4th November 2022, the Holy Mass was celebrated, presided by Most. Rev. Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, D. D. (Bishop of Legazpi) at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Sacred Heart Convent Chapel. Before the mass started, there was an introduction by Sr. Swarna Fernando. It gave a brief historical background of SCJM’s presence in Legazpi, Philippines, and the present context of its conversion into an international community. Sr. Deepthika Silva read the letter of Sr. Lucy Jacob Palliam Pallithura confirming the inauguration of the community and the membership namely; Sr. Swarna Fernando (Local Superior), Sr. Madelene Bibera Nueza, Sr. Anna Le Thi Thuy and Sr. Teresa Nguyen Thi Thuy.

Joining in the said event were the 3 Brothers of Charity and The Friends of Fr. Triest/Associates. The college scholars created a wonderful choir for the mass and the few donors and friends/partners in the mission graced the occasion. The highlight of the day was the AGAPE which everyone enjoyed the shared blessings and gift of each other. Before the departure, Sr. Deepthika gave a token of appreciation to Bishop Baylon on behalf of SCJM. A souvenir key tag with the symbol of the community was distributed to everyone.

Abiding in the spirit of “Cor Unum Anima Una” (One Heart One Soul), the Sacred Heart International Community sojourns together with all the SCJM in the world. In prayer and grateful response to God, may we be Christ on earth as Fr. Peter Joseph Triest confirmed to us all.

Sr. Anna Le Thi Thuy

“Terhagen” our Motherhouse as it was then!

A house hallowed by the presence of Founder Father Triest, Co-foundress Mother Placide and our Pioneering Sisters!

Let the 219th celebration of our Foundation Day be a celebration of their vision that gave birth to our Congregation!

May we be charged with the same daring faith and

indomitable courage that enabled them to

transcend borders and build bridges!

May God bless us lavishly on this our FOUNDATION DAY and

may we become channels of this blessing to all we meet today!

Sr. Lucy Jacob
Amritsar, India

• Sr. Lucy Jacob went to Ireland to facilitate the Regional Chapter in Anglo-Irish Region. She was accompanied by Sr. Kim-Chi Duong who was Secretary of the Chapter. They came back to the Generalate on September 21. We thank them for their work with our Sisters and continue to pray for the growth of the Region.

• After her visit to the Province of St. Vincent de Paul, Sr. Rosily Mathew went to India for her holiday. We wish her a happy holiday with her mother and the whole family.

• On 04/10/2022, the Generalate community had the opportunity to watch together « The letter », a Laudato Si’ Movement’s film with Pope Francis. It was a rich experience that invited us to reflect and meditate on the environmental crisis caused by climate change. This leads to the destruction of nature, the sea, vegetation, houses... and the poor are victims.

• The Generalate community had a visit from Sr. Suzy Spaenhoven who is in Belgium for medical care. She had a good time with the Sisters sharing news from Mali over a fraternal meal. We wish her a good recovery.

• On 06/10/2022, we were privileged to have the visit of Brother René Stockman, Superior General of the Brothers of Charity. It was an opportunity to learn about the process of beatification of our Founder Peter Joseph Triest and some news. The canonization process of our Founder is going on well, he said. An invitation for us is to continue to pray for this intention. The news was shared over a cup of coffee.

• On 08/10/2022, the Generalate community made a pilgrimage to Banneux, Belgium. It was an opportunity to bring to our Mother, the Virgin of the Poor, the intentions that each of us had in our hearts. Our Lady of the Poor, pray for our dear Congregation and for our suffering world.

• Sr. Lucy will be going to the Province of Delhi in the next few days for the canonical visit. We wish her a good stay and fruitful mission in the Province and assure her of our prayers.

  International Novitiate of Africa (NIA): Sr. Victorine Tshibola has finished her mission in Mali as Novice Mistress by 30/06/2022. We thank her for her service in formation of young novices. She has been replaced by Sr. Julienne Kiangudimosi. We welcome her and wish her a fruitful apostolate. The International Novitiate of Africa (NIA) has sent five second year novices for an exposure in different communities in the Region of Mali. They will have an experience of our SCJM charism in the ministries.