Kohima, October 16 (MExN): Sr. Sonamuni Hasdak was vested and professed as the newest member of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) at St. Leo Church, Kacharigaon, Dimapur, while Rev. Sr. Lins Paramala, FCC celebrated her Silver Jubilee of the First Religious Profession on October 15.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, was the main celebrant. 29 Priests con-concelebrated the Holy Mass in the presence of Rev. Sr. Lily Maria, FCC, the Provincial Superior of St. Clare Province, Imphal, Manipur, all her councilors, the parents and relatives of the Sisters and many faithful in and around Dimapur.
The Bishop congratulated the Sisters for their courage and determination to opt to live the religious life in a world that “glamorizes unbridled materialism and excessive materialism; in a world where respect for authority and discipline are dwindling and personal egos and whims are celebrated as the will of God, it a courageous step to be a religious.”
A press release from the Bishop’s Secretary further quoted Rev. Thoppil as saying that Christian spirituality means imitation of Jesus. “In this respect, all are called to the same vocation – vocation to imitate Christ, vocation to holiness.” Bishop concluded the homily saying that the ‘Yes’ in religious life is not a cry in the dark; it is a ‘Yes’ to Christ who lives and walks with us out of love.
The solemn singing of the Litany of the Saints and singing the hymn to the Holy Spirit while the candidate prostrated herself added solemnity to the function, the release said, adding the choir by the postulants and aspirants added vivacity and meaning to the celebration.
In the short felicitation program, special choreography and congratulations song were presented. Sr. Lins Paramala, FCC, the Jubilerian gave a personal testimony of her vocation, while Rev. Sr. Sonamuni Hasdak thanked everyone for their presence and prayers.
Priests from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh also took part in the function.
