Installation Ceremony of the New Delegate Superior of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, Italian Delegation, 23-01-2014.

Italian Delegation members with Don Luigi Testa sdb

The Italian Delegation too experienced this transformation and renewal in its administrative level, with the appointment of the new Delegate Superior and her team.

23^rd of January 2014 is a red letter day in the annals of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, present in Italy. To partake and witness the important event of the day, all the members from all the communities of the Italian Delegation and a representative from the students of Rome Sr. Rani Mathew were able to be present for this remarkable and memorable day. 

At 9.30 am, all the members gathered together in the hall of Crocetta .

The Compeer Sr. Leena Piholi invited the outgoing Delegate Superior Rev. Sr. Bridget Jacob and her team members, Rev. Sr. Ruby Moyol, Rev. Sr. Leoni Kandulna and Rev. Sr. Jessy K. Jose as well as the newly elected Delegate Superior, Rev. Sr. Marta Do Rosario and her team, Rev. Sr. Veronica Maiong, Rev. Sr. Bridget Jacob, Rev. Sr. Jessy K. Jose and Rev. Sr. Juliet Zothanpari to take their seats. The Compeer, then requested the assembly to stand in humble ovation to honor our beloved Father and Founder Bp. Stephen Ferrando, while the hymn to our Founder was being sung in one accord.

A word of welcome was  accorded to one and all. To express their exuberant joy and acceptance and for the gift of the new Delegate Superior and her team; the Delegation choir burst out with their Congratulation song. This was followed by the official welcoming of the new Delegate Superior with a bouquet which was accompanied by a thunderous clap.

To remark the passing over of the responsibilities to the new team, there was an exchange of symbols. Sr. Bridget Jacob handed over to Sr. Marta do Rosario a map of Italy, symbolizing the field of apostolate, where she has to worked tirelessly as a true apostle of Christ to save souls. The Constitutions from Sr. Ruby Moyol to Sr. Veronica Maiong, where the norms of the MSMHC is clearly designed and marked out to lead a holy consecrated life worthy of the call. The Holy Bible, from Sr. Leoni Kandulna to Sr. Juliet Zothanpari, to be nourished by it and to share it with others to make the message of Christ known and loved.  A plant from Sr. Pushpa George to Sr. Bridget Jacob, which symbolizes life and growth. Like a plant that needs nourishment for its growth, may you be a channel of life giving love and care to all. A fresh bouquet from Sr. Gina Beck to Sr. Jessy K. Jose, a symbol of trust in the Divine providence of God who never fails.

The assembly then proceeded from the hall to the chapel in procession led by the new Delegation Team with their respective symbols in hand. An introduction to the Holy mass was read by Sr. Lincy Thomas, expressing our due praise and thanks to the Almighty God who has never failed us with His abundant blessings. ‘Damihi animas- give me souls’, the motto of the year was emphasized to work more zealously for souls in the course of the year, following the footsteps of our beloved Founder who left no stone unturned to be a true apostle of Christ. The year of the Family, as dedicated by our Holy Father was also placed before the altar that true Christian families may be established in all parts of the world; and a humble request to the Lord to look upon our delegation with His kind favor and to pour His copious blessings upon us.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by don Luigi Testa sdb, the Rector of Instituto Internazionale Don Bosco, Crocetta. In his homily, he said that the important event that is being witnessed today is not only of the Congregation, but of the whole church at large. Commenting on the readings of the day, where King Saul falls a prey of jealousy to the young and ordinary boy who had excelled him in defeating the enemies, he brought out beautifully how Jonathan, the son of Saul proved to be a mediator of peace and reconciliation between the two. He exhorted the Congregation to be another Jonathan, bringing love, forgiveness and reconciliation between God and man and between humankind. He said, “This is a precious and bounden duty of all, without exception”. Following Jesus who is our mediator, who came to serve by taking the form of a man, we too become like Him when we serve the most needy people. He wind up by exhorting the group to never forget nor betray the saints and the Founders.

Sr. Bridget Jacob then read out the appointment letter of the Superior General which was followed by the oath taking by the new Delegate Superior Sr. Marta do Rosario. The prayer was read out by Sr. Leoni Kandulna. The assembly renewed the baptismal promises by the profession of faith.

This was followed by the felicitation programme.

Sound of thunderous claps echoed from all the corners of the hall as the  Delegation  Superior and her team entered the hall for the felicitation. As a sign of acceptance and love for the team, they were given a token in an Indian traditional way. The former Delegate Superior, Sr. Bridget Jacob was called upon to enlighten the assembly with her speech. She said that we need to begin our journey in faith, taking the symbol of a plant that needs tender care to make it attain its full growth and development. Likewise, we ought to help one another in tapping the full potentials of the other, keeping in mind the family spirit in fulfilling the mission entrusted to us. She also expressed her sincere appreciation and thanks to her team members who have co-operated with her with a single mind, to accomplish their target during their term of office.

 

Sr. Leena Piholi then thanked Sr. Bridget for her inspiring words and for the services she has rendered for the betterment of the delegation. She also thanked Sr. Ruby Moyol, Sr. Leoni Kandulna and Sr. Jessy K. Jose for their rich and valuable services rendered during the past four years. As a sign of gratitude, a token was given to each of them.

At 2.30 pm, the group gathered again in the hall to witness the exchange of responsibilities from the outgoing team to the new team with a signature on it. Having done that, the new Delegate Superior Sr. Marta do Rosario was requested to give a message to the members. Quoting from Isaia 40:31, she expressed her sincere desire to do the will of God who visits us with surprises at each new day. She invited the members to work together in unity like the first Christian community where love reigned and where  everything was shared in common.

To wind up the days programme, Sr. Juliet Zothanpari thanked the entire assembly for all the self-less sacrifices and hard work that each member has put in to make the day a very special and memorable one. A special note of thanks was given to Sr. Leena Piholi for the valuable services she has rendered especially in the field of documentation. A token of gratitude was given to her as well.

The assembly then dispersed to their respective places to return to their sweet sweet homes.

                       



                                              VIVA    MSMHC !!!!!!!!!