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The newly professed nuns along with other priest pose for a group after the final profession ceremony on April 21.[/caption]
Dimapur, April 27 (EMN): The final profession of seven nuns of Bethany congregation was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Viswema, on April 21.
The seven nuns were Methasünü Agatha BS of Viswema village, Sr. M Charou Elizabeth BS of Poumai tribe, Sr. M Marina Therou BS of Poumai tribe, Sr. M Roselima Thamei BS of Rongmai tribe, Sr. M Roseline Dukru BS of Chakhesang tribe, Sr. M Line Raymond BS of Poumai tribe and Sr. M Silvia Daphrou BS of Poumai tribe.
By the profession, they become a permanent and full fledge member of the congregation. They have vowed to live their lives in chastity, poverty, and obedience to their superiors and in their faith.
The rite of perpetual profession was administered by the main celebrant Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, DD, Bishop of Kohima Diocese, accompanied by Rev.Fr. Charles D’Souza SJ, Parish Priest, Mary Help of Christian, Jakhama; Rev. Fr. Nicholas Kamei, secretary to Arch Bishop of Imphal; Rev. Fr. Victor Renthungo Odyuo, secretary to Bishop of Kohima; and a host of priests in presence of Rev. M Lillies BS, assistant superior general, Mangalore, and Rev. Sr. M Joy BS, provincial superior, North East Province, Guwahati. Besides well wishers from neighbouring villages, the programme was attended by delegates from Mizoram and Manipur.
The main celebrant in his speech encouraged the professed sisters to remain committed and steadfast to their call and commitment. He stated that out of love for their faith and missionary, the seven sisters have sacrificed worldly desire to serve God and humanity.
During the rite, professed sisters were given traditional shawl by their parents symbolising giving up of worldly interest for their missionary and religious life. As a sign of their profession, a ring and a cross were offered to them.
The eucharist programme was presided over by Sulahele Teresa BS and the felicitation programme was chaired by Melissa BS. A special number on Tati by VCYA enthralled the gathering.
This was stated in a joint statement issued by convenor and secretary of organising committee on final profession Vikhoneil Philip and Zhoto Stephen Naleo.
