Wondrous was the afternoon of June 29th, 2024, in Gumla, Jharkhand, as 32 sisters from 8 communities (including Sr. M Alice, Provincial Superior and her council) and 14 aspirants gathered to celebrate the foundation of the “Christ the King” delegation of the Province of Our Lady of the Assumption, Patna, India. The sacred and solemn ceremony commenced at 3 pm with a welcome address by Sr. M. Ruby, our Assistant Provincial, invoking God’s wisdom and strength on all who serve with love in the mission.
On behalf of Sister Mary Ann, our Superior General, in the presence of our good God, Mary our Patroness, St. Julie our Spiritual Mother, Srs. Maria Aloysia, Ignatia, and all the Sisters of Notre Dame in heaven and on earth, Sr. M. Alice, our Provincial Superior, declared the birth of “Christ the King Delegation”. Our hearts brimmed with joy and gratitude as she invited the members of the new delegation to commit themselves to their new responsibility, following the rite of installation, the ceremony included readings from the Scripture, our Constitutions, and the pledge by the delegation team to God, to the Congregational authority, to the sisters in the delegation, and to each other on the team. Handing of the Coesfeld Cross and lighted candles added deeper meaning to the occasion.
The delegation is blessed with Sr. M. Manjushree as our first delegation superior, Sr. M. Pushpa Bilung as the first councilor, Sr. M. Philo as the second councilor, and Sr. M. Priyanka as the treasurer.
We are indebted to Sr. M. Alice and her council for journeying with us in making the dream of a new delegation a reality. We remember with gratitude Sr. M. Sreeja for her spirit-filled discernment process with the sisters and Sr. Mary Ann, our Superior General, and her Council for their support and encouragement to stretch ourselves and be disturbed by the Spirit of God. Sr. M. Anjala was especially recognized for her selfless service to the region during the past 9 years.
The historic ceremony concluded with an expression of gratitude from the new province delegation superior, Sr. M. Manjushree. Symbolizing the connectedness of the delegation members, she presented each sister with a rosary. Sr. Swati and the sisters in the Gumla Community deserve a big thank you for going out of their way to make all possible arrangements for the occasion.
May Christ the King and the Center of our hearts rule supreme in this delegation!
Sr. Mary Kavita, SND
by Dreamhost