Sunday 22 November 2015

First Profession of vows in Littlehampton














On 9th August 2014 Sr. Helina made first Profession of vows during Mass in St. Joseph's Convent, Littlehampton.  Mass was celebrated by Fr. Austin McCormack OFM at the end of a retreat in the convent.  Fr. Benedict Ngozi, Sr. Helina's uncle was among the concelebrants.  Other members of Helina's family had travelled to celebrate her commitment with us, some from as far as Nigeria.
We congratulate Sr. Helina on her commitment and invite you to join us in remembering her in prayer.




Saturday 14 November 2015

Reception of new novices

On 2nd August 2014, Sisters Marcellina and Patricia were received as novices at St. Joseph's Convent, Littlehampton.  Their next two years of novitiate training will be in Canterbury Community with Sisters Susan and Clare Bernadette.  Please remember them in your prayers.

Preparing for ministry in healthcare

In the summer of 2014, Sr. Attracta began part-time work as a volunteer in the wards of Kent and Canterbury hospital.  While applying for a degree in adult nursing at Brighton University, it was an opportunity to experience the daily routines and hectic pace on the ward, to learn how some medical equipment is used and see good caring professional nurses in action.  

Sr. Attracta just returned from a shift as a hospital volunteer

In 2014, Sr. Attracta also followed a course for training hospital chaplains at K & C hospital.   This involved learning the theory of ministry in healthcare chaplaincy and also praying with the ecumenical chaplaincy team and accompanying chaplains on ward rounds.  At the end of July 2014, Sr. Attracta completed the training course and received her certificate with the other new chaplains in a ceremony at the Franciscan Study Centre.


Sr. Attracta (right) among the newly-qualified hospital chaplains at the graduation ceremony

Our prayers and support are with Sr. Attracta as she moves to our Burgess Hill community to pursue nursing studies at Brighton.



Sunday 1 November 2015

Final Professions in Mysore

On 15th April 2015, three FMSL Sisters of our Mysore community: Sisters Elizabeth Varghese, Martha Murmu and Promodini Ekka, made their final profession of vows.  The ceremony was held during Mass in Mysore Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop Thomas Anthony Vazhapilly. 













Family members of the three Sisters travelled from Kerala and from as far as Orissa to celebrate with them. 
Entrance Procession
Srs. Martha and Promodini read the Scripture readings

The Psalm was sung by a Capuchin Friar.  The friars kindly led the music and arranged other parts of the liturgy. Rev. Desmond Rebello OFM Cap, Vicar for Religious read from the Gospel.

Bishop Thomas Anthony gave a homily about the role of consecrated life in the Church.
Sr. Clare Bernadette FMSL called the three Sisters to come forward.
The Bishop examined the Sisters about their intention to commit their lives to God.
Everyone prayed for the Sisters in union with the saints as we sang the Litany.

The three Sisters professed their vows










The Formula of Final Profession
“I, Sister N.N., vow to Almighty God in the presence of Our Blessed Lady, our Holy Father St. Francis and the whole heavenly court, and in your hands, Sister N.N., Mother General,  (or  delegate of Mother General) to live for the rest of my life in poverty, chastity and obedience according to the Rule of the Third Order of our Seraphic Father St. Francis, approved by Pope John Paul II and according to the Constitutions of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Littlehampton.”

 Signing the register followed.  

       Then congratulations.

Next, the rings, the symbols of their perpetual commitment to God in love were blessed by the Bishop and presented to the Sisters.
The Sisters and others brought the gifts for Mass to the altar.


At the end of Mass, Sr. Elizabeth gave the vote of thanks.
Photocall
A celebration with lunch followed in the Parish Hall. 

Then, a photo with family outside at the shrine.

We thank God for the vocations of Sisters Elizabeth, Martha and Promodini and their wholehearted response to God's call in a lifelong commitment.  
Please remember them, and our India mission, in your prayers.




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