Twenty Silver Jubilarians of the Apostolic Carmel of two batches (1984-2009 & 1985-2010) came together at Saranya, Bangalore, for a renewal Programme from the 20th Sep. to 17th Oct. 2009.With a motivational input on the first two days after arrival, the Jubilarians prepared themselves with prayer and rest for an eight-days retreat which was to follow. The retreat was directed by Fr. Amulya S.J. of Kolkatta Province. These days were a feast for the soul as the retreatants absorbed themselves in prayer, relishing God’s love and mercy. They flowed like a river, soared like an eagle, to get an over-view of what turn their life, of union with God and their mission, would take along the Golden Road that lay before them.
After the retreat, well chosen resource persons, Fr. Dion S.J., Mrs. Jeanette D’Souza, Srs. Agatha Mary (Sup. General), Liceria and Mabilia enlightened and guided them with inputs and the visual presentations on various topics like Psycho-Spiritual Integration, Discernment, Mid-life Transition, Practical Guidelines for Community Living, Life and spirituality of Mother Veronica and Apostolic Carmel Spirituality and Charism.
With such an enriched drinking in of varied content the jubilarians were equipped to re-view their Plan of Life (Reform of Life) and re-frame it realistically to make the years ahead more creative, fruitful and joyful for Christ, His Church and for themselves.
The pilgrimage to the places of our Congregation’s beginnings at Calicut and Mangalore, helped the jubilarians to imbibe the spirit of our Foundress, Mother Veronica, and of our First Superior General, Mother Marie des Anges, in this her Death Centenary Year. It was a joy to note that the spirit of zeal and dedication of our Founding Pioneers continues to inspire the Sisters we met. The provincial Superiors, their teams and the sisters of the communities the jubilarians visited in the Southern and the Karnataka provinces, shared their love through prayer, generous hospitality and gifts, to enhance their spirit of joy and unity.
The month-long Renewal Programme and the joint Silver Jubilee Celebration was brought to a climax at the Eucharist celebrated in the Lourdes Convent Chapel, breakfast at Saranya and a prayerful visit to the two shrines (Infant Jesus’ Shrine at Viveknagar and Our Lady’s Shrine at Shivajinagar), in Bangalore on the 16th of October. The Jubilarians expressed their gratitude to God, to the Superior General and her Team and to all the sisters of the Lourdes and Saranya communities for the rich experiences they were provided with. The 20 Jubilarians returned to their respective communities in India and Sri Lanka on and after 17th evening. May God bless the Jubilarians and their communities for their spirit of self-giving and unity.
