Sister Mary Elizabeth Miller, SCN President received the first vows of the Novices, Anita Murmu, Hema Santhosa, Jonice Lepcha, Kalpana Kerketta, Mansuri Kujur, Maya Amolik, Nirmala Diggi, Prashanti M. and Sushanti Xaxa on March 2 in Mokama, India.  Father Alywn D’Souza, SJ, Parish Priest of Mokama concelebrated the Eucharist with six other priests.

Sister Mary Elizabeth welcomed these Novices into the SCN family as Sisters by putting the SCN rings on their fingers.  Sister Basanti Lakra, SCN Provincial, welcomed them by offering a chain and the SCN medal.

The Eucharist began with a beautiful entrance dance by the Candidates.  The melodious voice of the First Year Novices, Pre-Novices and the Candidates filled the Chapel throughout the celebration.

During the offertory, the family members of the Newly Professed Sisters offered baskets full of gifts.  On behalf of her companions and their families, Mansuri Kujur, SCN gave the vote of thanks for the numerous blessings they have received during their Formative Years as well as on the Vow Day.

A delicious meal was followed by cutting of cake by the Vow Group.  Every Newly Professed Sister had her family members present for the celebration. They came from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kalimpong, Jharkhand and Bihar.

A good number of SCNs from India and Nepal were also present.  The presence of Sisters Sunila Erumangalathu from Botswana and Carlette Gentle from Belize gave the true flavor of our internationality as a Congregation.

We wish you, Sisters a fruitful life and mission in the SCN family.

Story by Suchita Kullu, SCN