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Reception of five novices of the Sisters of Mary in India
Nachrichten - News - Noticias
 published: 2008-12-03

In the early hours of the day, a rainbow joined the celebration

Reception of five novices of the Sisters of Mary in India

 

Einkleidung von fünf Novizinnen in Indien am 29. November

Vestición de cinco novicias en la India, 29 de noviembre

Reception of five novices in India , November 29

Einkleidung von fünf Novizinnen in Indien am 29. November

Foto: Sr. Gisela-Maria Mues © 2008

 

INDIA, Sr. Gisela María Mues. A great joy came over everyone on the morning of Saturday, November 29th, when they saw a rainbow appear right over the Bangalore Shrine. A few days before it had rained continuously, but at this exact moment, while a few raindrops were still falling, the first rays of sunshine appeared. On this day, five novices from the Indian delegation and the Schoenstatt Institute of the Sisters of Mary received their Sisters’ dresses thus starting on their road in the life of the community.

The five novices are from the state of Kerala. Their parents, siblings, relatives, friends, priests from their home parishes, and many religious, some of whom traveled throughout the night, participated in the celebration. Furthermore, the Schoenstatters and the missionaries of the Pilgrim MTA in Bangalore and the surrounding area were invited. All total about 500 people gathered under the large awning on the patio of the kindergarten playground.

Through the grace of God, I am who I am

The altar was erected in front of the stage. The picture of the MTA and everything around the altar was decorated with magnificent bouquets of yellow daisies and red roses. The motto that was chosen by the novices for this day was displayed in large letters: Through the grace of God, I am who I am. The scene of bright colors defined especially by the multicolored celebration saris worn by the women was displayed before the spectators.

About 10:30 a.m., the solemn procession led by the cross and altar boys began from the Sisters’ main house. Their parents accompanied the novices, dressed with white saris and long veils. More than thirty priests and the Bishop of Mysore, Monsignor Doctor Thomas Vazhappily, who presided the ceremony of the reception of dresses and the Holy Mass, followed them. The texts and liturgical readings were read in English and Malayalam. Father Wilson, a Schoenstatt Father, was the master of ceremonies and explained each part of the rite in both languages.

At the beginning of the Holy Mass, the Sisters’ Superior, Sister Rosemary, cordially greeted everyone in the name of her community. Five important people lit the lamp of India as is the custom in India; they were: the Bishop, Sister Gisela María– the Provincial Superior, Sister Rosemary–Delegate Superior, Father Alex–the uncle of one of the novices, and the Palakkatts– parents of another novice.

Prayers for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Bombay

During the homily –after the Gospel reading of the Annunciation- the Bishop spoke chiefly about the importance of the novices’ decisions when they entered into a religious community. When he presented the Sister’s dress, he pointed out the importance of this religious symbol in a world threatened by terrorism –just having been recently experienced in India. He specially asked for prayers for all the victims of these terrible deeds.

For the first time, the new names of the novices were read after the Sequence of the Holy Spirit, and so it was that their parents and friends heard the names by which the Sisters would now be called. Before the rite of the reception of dresses began, the choir sang the Laurentan Litanies. The novices approached the altar, and after the Bishop blessed the dresses, they received the dress, cincture, veil, medal, and a lighted candle from the Provincial Superior– Sister Gisela Maria, as a sign of their undivided giving of self and their attachment to the Triune God and the Schoenstatt Institute of the Sisters of Mary.

An indescribable emotion

After awhile, the novices returned in procession dressed as Sisters, each carrying a lily in their hands, everyone in attendance spontaneously rose. A look of wonder, feeling, and great joy was on their faces. Later a youth said he had "goose bumps;" others had the impression that heaven had touched earth at that moment and the Blessed Mother had again stepped on Earth through these five girls.

Before the final blessing, Sister Gisela María expressed her gratitude to the novices for their willing "yes" to the God’s call to the Schoenstatt Institute of the Sisters of Mary. She expressed congratulations from the Superior General– Sister M. Jacoba Kesselheim and the Director General– Bishop Zimmerer, and she said that the entire community of Sisters was united with them in prayer. Then one of the novices cordially expressed gratitude, in both English and Malayalm, to the parents, relatives, friends, and to everyone who had had worked to prepare and carry out this celebration.

Then beneath a radiant sun and accompanied by the ringing of the Shrine’s little bell, they went to the Shrine with the Bishop, the priests, and Sisters. There in the place of grace, they expressed their gratitude to the Blessed Mother for the gift of their vocation.

The novices have begun an important stage on their road in the Family of the Sisters

A long line formed since everyone wanted to personally congratulate "their" Sister and to wish them many blessings for the next stage of their life. A song of congratulations for the Sisters was offered, the candidates gave their flowers, and of course photos had to be taken with the Bishop.

Meanwhile, it was almost 1:30 p.m. and lunch was served outdoors. They received expressions of gratitude from the many invited guests for the magnificent celebration, for the weather, and the good organization that they experienced. On this day, they manifested the experience of this reception of dresses as something of great importance in their personal lives.

Unfortunately, because of the long trip home, many relatives and guests had to leave that afternoon. Before they left, they visited the Shrine to present their petitions to the Blessed Mother.

The novices have begun an important stage on their road in the Family of Sisters that surely will be accompanied by the prayers of the many who were present at this celebration.

Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, TX, USA/amj

 


 

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