It was a unique and awesome experience for the Sisters in the Visitation Province, Bangalore, to host the General Conference of 2024. We were to have hosted the General Conference in 2020 but this was cancelled due to the Covid outbreak. We happily welcomed the participants on different dates and by September 30, 2024, all the 20 participants arrived in the Provincial House.
The General Conference that began on October 1 with Holy Mass ended on October 21 with a concluding ritual. During the Conference, we engaged in valuable discussions and shared insights on numerous significant matters. We were also privileged to learn from exceptional resource persons, including Br. Philip Pinto, the former Superior General of the Christian Brothers. His inspiring message encouraged us to let go of old ways, embrace fresh perspectives, and “show the Face of the Father” to those we serve. Fr. Cedric Prakash, SJ shared profound insights into India’s complex socio-political and religious landscape, broadening our understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges ahead of us.
Sisters also had the opportunity to visit our communities in Mysore and Bangalore to experience the warm hospitality of our Sisters there. The visit to Mysore Palace and Brindavan Gardens was enriching, offering moments of learning, relaxation, and admiration for India’s rich heritage.
On the 24th, we celebrated our Platinum Jubilee Mass, presided over by Archbishop Emeritus Rev. Bernard Moras, with a number of concelebrants joining in the liturgy. Most Rev. Archbishop Peter Machado joined us for the program and dinner. The Mass was attended by Sister Mary Ann, Sr. Mary Kathleen, Sr. Mary Prabha J., Sr. Margaret Mary Gorman, Notre Dame Sisters from both the Patna and the Bangalore Provinces, as well as priests, religious, teachers, workers, and their families. Following the Mass, we held a felicitation ceremony, which included a beautiful and creatively staged dance drama by Sophia High School and Sophia Opportunity School. This performance depicted the inspiring history of the Notre Dame Sisters, the arrival of our pioneers in India, and the remarkable expansion of our mission across the country. It was a moving tribute to our legacy.
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