SISTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE – EAST AFRICAN PROVINCE
he months of November and December were the busy days for us in (EAP) as all of us are kept busy running about to put the nets for better catch and getting ready for the Initiation and First Profession of our formees. Yet they were enjoyable days as we were fully occupied and had no time to think about any other things.
Closing of Diamond Jubilee Year and Opening of Silver Jubilee
This year forum was a year of graces and blessing for our SMI family as we recalled and reflected upon our 60 years of existence in the Church. During the Holy Eucharist on 12th December our hearts were glowing with gratitude to the Lord who took care of us and we praised the Lord for the precious gift of our beloved Father Founder and for all his teachings and inspiring life. Rev. Fr. Alex SDB offered the Holy Eucharist and during his homily he shared a very inspiring reflection on the charism of our Founder. He highlighted his personality of being a man who was led by the Holy Spirit and who could read the signs of the time. He also spoke on his exhortation that first of all we are religious and our professions as teachers, nurses, social workers etc. are secondary. The day was concluded with a thanksgiving adoration during which we thanked Jesus for the numerous blessings we as a congregation received during the past 60 years of our presence in the church and in the world. And so the Diamond Jubilee celebrations were closed. During this year we are looking forward to the Silver Jubilee celebrations of our presence in Tanzania. May the blessing of our Father Founder be always upon us to be faithful and holy religious.
Initiation Ceremony
On 12th December at 3.00 pm was initiation of our Postulant Clarina to Novitiate and 5 candidates began their Postulancy.
The joy of first profession began on 13th December evening, as our second year novices Ester Ngede, Lucia Mwaipungu and Neema Mkwizu were dressed in their bridal attire. During the prayer service they received their religious habit from Sr. Dina Vellamaruthunkal, our Provincial Superior.
The long awaited day arrived. The whole creation rejoiced with us as we began our morning worship, under a starry sky. Rt. Rev. Yuda Thaddeus Ruwai’chi, Bishop of Dodoma Diocese, concelebrated the Holy Eucharist together with former Bishop Rt. Rev. Mathias Isuja and 19 priests. During his homily the Bishop stressed the importance of discerning the religious vocation. Well wishers, our friends, parents and relatives of our novices joined us in thanking the Lord for the gift of the three consecrated flowers to the church through SMI family. The liturgy was inspiring and enriching. Our novices, postulants and candidates led the entrance procession in dance and joyful noise. The melodious choir from St. John Bosco Parish, Miyuji made the liturgy lively. Our Junior Sisters and formees entertained us with their songs, dances and skits. This was followed by a delicious luncheon prepared by us.
Congratulations dear sisters for your willingness to offer yourself to God, we are proud of you, dear little sisters.
Sr. Delora Correya
