Group with Fr.Archibald Gonsalves OCD,
the Resource person
Celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their Novice Mistress , Sr.Marie Grace. 
The group being welcomed with the traditonal welcome
It was 24 August 2009! 22 active and energetic Ruby Jubilarians, all excited to meet their batchmates, arrived at Christ King Convent Tambaram. Here they had the first of the many surprises – a Jubilee Mass followed by a sumptuous dinner, recreation and gift-receiving!Next morning, 23 nuns were at the airport, pushing trollies, opening passports - a real sight indeed! At 7.15 a.m. they were received at the Bandaranayake Airport by Sisters Carmella, Menna and Miriam Clare, and six more Rubies, including Sister Fabiola from Kenya, with their broadest smiles, a fond embrace and a red rose each! An air-conditioned coach, with Sister Sunitha at the mike, gave them a glimpse of Sri Lanka as they wended their way to Borella. At the Provincial House, the rubies were welcomed with a lotus each and the Kandian dance by the nursery children.
A visit to the Good News Ashram, where Father Darryl anointed each Jubilarian with the Holy Spirit during the Eucharistic celebration, concelebrated with Father Archibald Gonsalves OCD, was an experience never to be forgotten!
The weeklong programme at ‘Divyadarshana’ renewed them in spirit and strengthened them for the rest of their journey. A rare privilege - the presence of the Novice Mistress and Golden Jubilarian, Sister Marie Grace! Father Archie Gonsalves OCD, strengthened their Carmelite roots and prepared them to grow old gracefully.
Visits to 17 A.C. convents including Trinco the first A.C. home in Sri Lanka, meeting the sisters, experiencing their warm hospitality, learning their rich cultural heritage, sharing their apostolic experiences, visiting churches, enjoying the scenic beauty of the land, the sea bath, the gardens, parks and elephants, was the rich banquet spread before the Jubilarians! Deep gratitude is expressed to Sister Vincent, who had thought of the programme, to Sister Agatha Mary who has continued it, and to Sister Carmella and all the Sisters of Sri Lanka, to Sister Deera and her community at Tambaram!
