By Sujata Jena
Bhubaneswar: As many as 17 Saint Joseph Sisters celebrated golden and silver Jubilee of their religious professions on 28 February at the Provincial house, Bhubaneswar in the Indian state of Odisha.
The highlights of jubilarians’ gathering were high mass and grand felicitation program.
Archbishop John Barwa was the presider as priests, nuns, friends gathered from near and far for the Eucharistic celebration.
During his homily Archbishop John Barwa congratulated the jubilarians for their faithfulness to God’s call and for being joyful disciples of Christ. In an atmosphere of gratitude, joyfulness and thanksgiving he emphasized, “religious life is to be lived in freedom. With total freedom and trust in God when we say YES, God will make our ways.”
The prelate remarked, “It is not our talents, abilities, capabilities sustain our vocation; we need faith to cooperate with the plan of God.” He invited the priests and religious gathered to give hope, courage to people shattered by hardships and challenges post pandemic while strengthening once own faith and trust in God.
The Josephites have been present in Odisha for over 150 years. They have Schools, Community College, Social outreach Centers, Vocational Training Centre, health Clinic and so on.
Among the golden Jubilarian of the religious professions were Sisters Pauline, Pushpa, Velangani, Mary Joseph, Jane Mary.
Sisters Mable, Cicily, Vijaja mary, Maria Rani, Sobha, Vincy Paul, Ancy Mathew, Divya, Shiny Joseph, Suchita, Imelda and Helen were the silver jubilarians.
It was a combine celebration of jubilarians from Andhra and Odisha provinces. “Thanks to the provincial sister of Andra who agreed for such arrangement”, said, Leena Jacob, provincial superior of Bhubaneswar province.
The jubilee celebration culminated with a grand felicitation program followed by a festive dinner.
Congratulations to the Jubilarians on the anniversary of their religious profession!!!