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Vocation, a free gift from God: Respond it with an unwavering fidelity
On 29 June 2024, a day forever etched in our hearts, we — Rashmi Sudha Lakra, Supriya Kullu, Agasta Oraon, Ankita Panna, Riya Ansumala Minj, Payal Rana, Abina Mathew, Precila Awungshi, and Khushi Glory — were officially initiated into the stage of postulancy. Celebrating on the solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul, we prayed for lively faith, firm hope, burning love, and the grace to embrace God’s will wholeheartedly.
We, the postulants, are filled with immense joy and gratitude to God on this blessed day of our entrance into postulancy. Our preparation included a one-day orientation and a four-day spiritual retreat led by Fr. Jinu, a Marianist priest. His profound insights on vocation and discernment invited us to reflect deeply on our past and rekindle the first love we received from Jesus. Vocation, a free gift from God, calls us to choose with our hearts. Fr. Jinu’s words illuminated the purpose of our call, to live a life of holiness through the religious vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity. This retreat fortified our understanding of religious life, strengthened our vocation, and inspired us to embrace this life with boundless joy, love, and unwavering fidelity to Jesus.
A Memorable Day: 29 June 2024
On 29 June 2024, a day forever etched in our hearts, we — Rashmi Sudha Lakra, Supriya Kullu, Agasta Oraon, Ankita Panna, Riya Ansumala Minj, Payal Rana, Abina Mathew, Precila Awungshi, and Khushi Glory from three Indian organisms, — were officially initiated into the stage of postulancy. This sacred ceremony took place in the presence of Sr. Blanche D’Mello, province leader of Vijayawada, Sr. Theresa Nazareth, province leader of Hyderabad, and Sr. Suman Tiru, counsellor of the Siliguri province.
A profoundly inspiring prayer service, themed “I am the Vine and you are the branches. Remain in me,” was beautifully animated by Sr. Susana Maringmei, postulants’ in-charge. Our celebration coincided with the solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul, the two great pillars of the Church. Our prayers to these patron saints sought lively faith, firm hope, and burning love; complete detachment from self and a wholehearted embrace of God’s will, and perseverance in God’s grace. We give thanks to God for planting within us the desire to fulfil His divine plan.
Symbols of Commitment
One of the most significant moments of our entry into postulancy was receiving the Breviary and a chain with the Blessed Virgin Mary medal, symbolizing our belonging to the Institute and to Immaculate Mary. Sr. Suman Tiru encouraged us to use this postulancy period to deepen our faith through encounters with Christ and to respond to God’s call with generous hearts.
Personal Reflections from the Postulants
We, the postulants, shared our heartfelt reasons for embarking on this sacred journey, despite facing many hurdles and challenges.
- Many of us feel a sense of fullness of life, happiness, and peace in choosing this way of life.
- A passionate desire to proclaim the Good News to all people, especially those who do not yet know Christ, propels us forward in our life’s journey.
- There is a yearning to discover the deepest love of Jesus and to build a personal relationship with the One who has called us by name.
- We are certain that God is calling us, inviting us to continue this journey, affirming His call to the vocation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate, and to share this cherished Charism.
- During this time of formation, we aim to discover Jesus in everyday life and make Him known to others.
- Jesus invites us to feel His love through the people who accompany us on this journey.
- Our hearts’ desire is to offer ourselves, our gifts, and talents to Christ.
- To savor the sweetness of the Lord and to be with Jesus is our deepest aspiration for this formative year.
- After years of searching, many of us have found our passion for Christ in MSI.
With hearts full of gratitude, we thank the Lord for the precious gift of our missionary vocation in this MSI garden. We strive to remain firmly rooted in the true vine, drawing nourishment and strength from Him alone.
At the conclusion of the prayer service, we received these comforting words: “The God who has called you will be with you. Mother Mary, who has chosen you to be her daughters, will lead and guide you. Rejoice in your choice to give yourself wholly to the Lord and remain united to the One who has called you by name”.
Postulants, Siliguri
