Dimapur, May 1 (EMN): Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS) welcomed nine new members during a programme held at St. Ursula Novitiate in Kuda ‘A’ village on April 26, which was solemnised by the Bishop of Nagaland, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil.
The new members included Ajilina Tigga and Anantasia Barla from Assam, Roshni Lakra from West Bengal, Viketoshünu Kharütso Agnes, and Ph. Anna from Nagaland, Catherine Lalnunkimi and Felcy Zonunmawii from Mizoram, and Majunga Diana and Daikho Kaine from Manipur.
An update from UFS stated that the Provincial Superior of UFS North East Province, Rev. Sr. Benny Fernandes, welcomed the celebrant, concelebrants, all the sisters and the invited guests along with the parents of the newly initiated sisters. She thanked them for offering their daughters to the service of the church and its people.
She also accepted the vows pronounced by the newly professed sisters in the presence of their family members and the sisters of the congregation.
In his introduction, the Bishop stated that all the faithful are called by God and added that those sisters have professed in saying ‘yes’ to the call they have received.
In his homily, the Bishop lauded the sisters for their readiness to offer themselves to God and to the church in the religious Franciscan family. He also highlighted the meaning and significance of evangelical counsels, poverty, chastity and obedience that a religious takes in living the consecrated life.
“It is a total response and free choice to the invitation of God to give one’s life for the sake of the Kingdom of God by abiding in His presence and make Him known,” the Bishop said.
He also congratulated the Provincial and team and blessed the newly professed sisters and family members.
The programme concluded with a short felicitation programme and a vote of thanks delivered by Viketoshünu Kharütso Agnes.