8 December marked an important day for Hatigaon as it had twin celebrations: First and Final Profession of Sisters. 24 novices made their first profession at Hatigaon while another group of 24 novices made their first profession at Tinsukia. The day’s programme began with the Holy Mass at 6.30 a.m. celebrated by Rt. Rev. Thomas Pulloppillil of Bongaigaon Diocese along with a few priests from various institutions. The formal initiation and official ceremony of profession were held during the Holy Mass. Sr. Philomena Mathew, the Superior General received the vows in the presence of the Provincial Superior of Shillong, Sr. Mary Concepta Dkhar and the Novice Mistress, Sr. Rani Mathew.
Bishop Pulloppillil in his homily expressed his happiness over being present for the occasion and congratulated the Novices for their readiness in answering to the call of God to serve His people. He said, “It is a proud moment for the Church in Northeast as twenty-four of them are coming forward to offer themselves to God, the Church and the humanity”. He appreciated the parents of the novices who brought them up in Christian faith and values and asked them to continue to support their daughters with their prayers as they go ahead in religious life. He focused on role of consecrated persons in the Church and explained it as a radical following of Christ. Quoting Pope Francis he said that the radical following is meant not only for religious but also for every Christian.
The First Profession was followed by another solemn occasion during which twenty-seven Sisters made their Perpetual Profession at Hatigaon. The Holy Eucharistic celebration began at 10.30 a.m. was officiated by His Grace, Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahti.
The formal proceedings of the final profession were held during the Liturgy. Sr. Philomena Mathew, the Superior General received the vows of twenty-seven sisters in the presence of Sr. Mary Perunilam, Assistant General and Sr. Christine Mynsong, General Councillor.
In his homily, Archbishop John spoke to the Sisters about the meaning of consecration and reminded them of their call to live the MSMHC way of life. Commenting on the day’s importance, he said, “the feast of the Immaculate Conception is a beautiful occasion for one’s self-offering to God. You become like the Mother of Jesus by making her sentiments as your own as you say, I am the hand maid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your will’, and you promise to imitate her in her purity.” He further explained the role of Mary as the chosen instrument of God and the centrality of her mission.
The day’s programme was graced by the presence of many priests, sisters and brothers from nearby institutions, and the sisters’ parents and relatives.
In the evening, the community organized a meaningful prayer service at the School auditorium, wherein the finally professed sisters surrendered the crowns before the statue of our Blessed Mother as a sign of their trust and confidence in her maternal care and love.
Prior to the event, the Sisters had a two-month long intensive programme of prayer and special classes at Bethel, Barapani under the guidance of Sr. Nancy Augustine, General Councillor for Formation.
The group arrived at Hatigaon on 4 December and continued their prayer and reflection until the awaited morning, 8 December