GOLDEN AND SILVER JUBILEE MASS INTRODUCTION

GOLDEN AND SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION (22.02.25) “Praise to You, O Lord, for our 25/50 Years of Pilgrimage in Faith, Hope, and Love” A very good morning to you, Your Grace, Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto, the main celebrant of today’s Holy Eucharist, our Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Periyanayagam, all our concelebrating priests from various dioceses, all the religious brothers and sisters, esteemed family members and friends of our Jubilarians, and all the faithful gathered here. On behalf of our Provincial Superior, Rev. Sr. Matilda George, I extend a heartfelt and joyous welcome to each one of you! Today, we the cfmss family of St. Francis Province, Delhi, stand in awe of God's abundant grace, as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Ancy Parayankarayil and Sr. Lydia Joseph and the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Anice Nadumparambil, Sr. Mercy Attarackal, Sr. Shalini D’Souza, Sr. Rani Anthony Samy, Sr. Vineeta Pachapathickal, Sr. Chitra Michael and Sr. Amala Francis. Their journey of 50 and 25 years have been a sacred pilgrimage—a walk of faith, a testament of hope, and an offering of love. To embrace a vocation is to say ‘yes’ not just once, but every single day. A ‘yes’ that is whispered in moments of joy, and in silent nights of prayer. A ‘yes’ that surrenders to God’s will, through sunshine and storm, through certainty and unknown. And today, dear Sisters, your lives speak louder than words—proclaiming that He who calls is faithful. Jubilee is not just about looking back—it is about looking within. It is about recognizing the unseen hands that have lifted, the unseen grace that has strengthened, and the unseen voice that has whispered, “Fear not, I am with you.” Every step you have taken has been guided by this divine assurance, and today, we rejoice in the fruits of your unwavering trust. "A lamp does not speak, but it shines; A candle does not preach, but it gives light; A flower does not teach, but it spreads fragrance." And so too, dear Jubilarians, your lives have been a silent yet powerful witness— A flame that has not flickered, a light that has not dimmed. Through your years of dedication, you have brought Christ to the world—in the classroom and in the convent, in the joys of community and in the solitude of prayer. You have stood before the Eucharistic Lord, offering every joy and pain as an oblation, knowing that true strength is found not in holding on, but in surrendering all. Pope Francis reminds us, “Hope is bold; it knows how to look beyond personal comforts and security.” You, dear Jubilarians, have lived this boldness. You have left behind the familiar, walked the unknown paths, and become bearers of hope to all whom you serve. As we now enter into this Eucharistic celebration, let our hearts be lifted in gratitude. May this day be a renewal of your call dear Jubilarians, a rekindling of the fire that first burned in your hearts, and a foretaste of the eternal joy that awaits those who remain faithful to the Lord. May He bless you with strength for the journey ahead, joy in your mission, and peace in His presence, filling your heart with renewed zeal and boundless grace as you continue to walk in faith and love! May the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi inspire you to live in simplicity and profound trust in God's providence. May the wisdom and light of St. Clare fill your hearts, that you may continue to shine as beacons of faith and humility. And may the zeal of our beloved Foundress, Mother Seraphina, strengthen you, guiding your every step as you continue to radiate God’s love through a life of joyful service. With this sentiments, let us now unite in prayer, as we offer this Eucharist in thanksgiving for the precious gift of the lives of our Jubilarians.