Dimapur, October 28 (MExN): The Franciscan Congregation of St. Clare (FCC) Sisters have inducted five new members. Rina Theresa, Nencha Mary Baite, Rosna Baskey, Venes Yekuto, and Regina Munda made their vestition and first profession during the blessing and inauguration of San Damiano Novitiate House at Medizephema on October 28.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, officiated the ceremony in the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Aind, SDB, Bishop of Dibrugarh, priests, Sr. Lilly Maria FCC, the Provincial Superior, all her councilors, parents and relatives of the Sisters, provincials, Sisters and faithful from Manipur, Assam and Dimapur.
Sr. Lilly FCC highlighted the importance of the day and the Charism of the congregation. There was lighting of lamp, removal of the traditional attires and receiving blessing from parents before the Holy Mass.
A press release from Fr. Victor Renthungo, Secretary to Bishop of Kohima said that Bishop James congratulated the Sisters for their courage and determination to choose to live the religious life.
Meanwhile, Bishop Joseph during his homily reflected on the word of God based on creation story. He exhorted the Sisters to be faithful by responding to the love of God in living the evangelical counsel. The Bishop told to think of the consecrated life as not a perfect state or a higher state of life, rather “as a privilege state that makes us free from hindrances that could hold us back from loving God ardently and worshipping him perfectly.” The newly professed sisters were urged to be strong in their commitment in the Lord Jesus and trust him profoundly. He recommended them to be strengthened in their deep personal prayer and in the Eucharist.
Rev. Sr. Iren Yanthan, FCC anchored the ceremony of the Holy Mass. During the short felicitation programme, special songs and rhythmic steps were performed by the candidates.
Earlier, the new San Damiano Novitiate building was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil and inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Aind, SDB.
