English 
An anniversary is a time to reflect on our faith, celebrate our journey and renew our commitment to God and the Church. We, the Silver and Golden Jubilees, gathered at Nirmala Niketan, Vijayawada, to commemorate this milestone and reaffirm our dedication to His divine service.
The opening session, led by Sr Blanche D’Mello, lifted our spirits and filled our hearts with gratitude for the years of service to God. As St. Teresa of Avila wisely said, “The most important thing is not to think much, but to love much”. This sentiment set the tone for our gathering, emphasizing that our vocation is not just a duty, but an outpouring of love born of a deep connection with God.
Sr. Shaiji Paul Mundackal’s session further inspired reflection on the years gone by, years marked by firm faith and devotion. Echoing the wisdom of St Francis of Assisi, “It is in giving that we receive”, her words reaffirmed that our life of service is both a gift to God and a blessing to the world.
Reuniting with our companions allowed us to relive cherished memories with formators, superiors and fellow sisters who have shaped our spiritual journey. As Saint John Paul II reminds us, “The journey of faith is continuous, and in communion with others we find strength. The experiences we have shared and the communities we have lived in are powerful testimonies to the bonds of religious life.
In this moment of reflection, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our parents who first nurtured our faith. Their prayers and sacrifices were instrumental in guiding us to God’s call. St Monica, mother of St Augustine, is an example of persevering prayer and devotion, reminding us that “nothing is far from God”. Her love and faith have been unwavering sources of strength throughout our journey.
Fr. P. R. John, S.J., captured the essence of religious vocation in his reflection “His Story, My Story”. He reminded us that our individual stories are intertwined with God’s larger story of love. As St Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you”. Our vocation is a sacred journey where each step, despite its challenges, is in harmony with His divine plan.
The retreat was a sacred time of communion with God, allowing us to release burdens and rekindle the fire of our mission. Inspired by the words of St Ignatius of Loyola, “Go forth and set the world on fire”, we emerged renewed and with a strengthened resolve to serve with love and purpose.
The culmination of our Jubilee celebration on 18 January was marked by a beautiful liturgy. The inspiring message from Rt. Rev. Joseph Raja Rao, Bishop of Vijayawada, encouraged us to continue to say “yes” to the Lord in all circumstances. As St Therese of Lisieux said: “My God, I have no other desire than to love You and to make You loved”. Our mission is to respond to God’s call with love and to find peace and meaning in His service.
We express our deepest gratitude to our formators whose wisdom and dedication have shaped our spiritual journey. As St Catherine of Siena said, “Be who God intended you to be and you will set the world on fire”. Her unwavering guidance has helped us to embrace our vocation with confidence and faith.
Above all, we give our deepest thanks to God for the grace to live this vocation. May we continue to walk in faith, rooted in love, and ever mindful of the countless blessings that have illuminated our journey.
Golden and Silver Jubilarians, India
