For Indian cloistered nuns, the Consecrated are a pledge of God’s love for the world
Religious from various congregations accepted the invitation from Sister Gemma, prioress of the monastery of Baroda, to celebrate together the end of the Year of Consecrated life. Such a meeting is very important “in a world threatened by terrorism, greed, and from offences to human life”. The various participants renewed the vows to their orders. “It was a great joy to witness so much brotherly love and unity from the various religious congregations."
Baroda (AsiaNews) – Speaking at the end of the Mass that concluded the Year of Consecrated life at the Prem Jyot (lights of love) Carmel Ashram, the Mother Prioress, Sister Marie Gemma OCD, told the 35 religious fathers and sisters present that in a world "threatened by terrorism, greed and from offences to human life; in land that is so exploited that its inhabitants are endangered; in a society where the poor are increasingly invisible and ignored, this final Mass celebrated in harmony and in the presence of members from various parts of the Church, is something very important.”
For Sister Gemma, who organised the event herself, "The cloistered Carmelites wanted to celebrate the Eucharist in communion with the other congregations in Baroda to thank God for the great gift of the Year of Consecrated life and pray for Pope Francis,” she told AsiaNews.
Salesian Fathers, diocesan priests, Jesuits, Carmelites, lay brothers and sisters, helpers and the Missionary Sisters of Charity attended the Mass.
“The celebration,” Sister Gemma said, “was officiated by a priest consecrated last month and was held in a solemn, serene and jubilant atmosphere. It was a great joy to witness so much brotherly love and unity from the various religious congregations."
“Consecrated life,” said the prioress, "is a call to embody the Good News, to experience the power of the Gospel and, like Jesus, to humanise a world that is waiting for the Kingdom of God on earth.”
“The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus, who immerses us in his own consecration. With Jesus, joy is continuously reborn."
After the Mass, the religious divided into groups to renew their vows to their respective orders in accordance with their constitution. (N.C.)
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