- Janis Norris
Ichapur: 24th October, 2017, a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration was held to mark the completion of 75 years of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC). The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Fr. Dominic Gomes , Vicar General of Kolkata Archdiocese along with 10 other Con-celebrants. Sr. Molly James (Provincial), in her introduction, shared about the solemnity of the Foundation Day of the Congregation. Sr. Molly said, “We fondly remember our beloved Founder and pioneer Sisters who gave themselves for the Congregation and its Mission. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain. This is true in the life of our Founder and pioneer Sisters”.
Our beloved Founder’s Episcopal motto was “Apostle of Christ” which he lived by, till the end. Just after a year of his vibrant missionary life as pastor and shepherd of Krishnagar, he was transferred as the second Bishop of Shillong. The 34 years of his life as a Bishop, in the vast area of the Assam mission, he constantly encountered the cross of Christ.
As we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of our Congregation, we humbly stand before the Lord with hearts filled with sincere gratitude for having given us life and nurtured us with his providential care for a span of 75 years.
Fr. Dominic Gomes, in his homily, lifted up praises to God, with grateful hearts of all those present on this auspicious occasion and sang praises of His goodness. God has bestowed on the congregation, vocations and the consecrated life of the Sisters. He shared that on this solemn Eucharistic Celebration, all were fortunate to have with them Sr. Nellie Kujur, who had completed 25 years of religious life faithfully. He extended his deepest thanks and sincere appreciation for keeping alive the spirit and charisma of the Congregation in accordance with the wish of the Father and Founder Venerable Stephen Ferrando through the turbulent sails of difficulty. Fr. Dominic added, “This memorable anniversary impels us to congratulate you, dear Sr. Nellie, with all our hearts for the 25 of years you have served His people. We recall to our minds the diligent exercise of your apostolic mission; over and above you have contributed much to the congregation and towards the growth of the Church especially in the Diocese of Darjeeling.
On behalf of the Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, Fr. Dominic thanked the MSMHC for their continued service to the Archdiocese by providing full timers to be in charge of the Small Christian Communities Office over the years, namely Sr. Rita, Sr. Meena and now Sr. Gulab.
After the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, there was a cultural program organized by the children who brought cheer, vibrancy and color to the Occasion.
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