Professions
Video of the profession:
Pakistan (sent by Sr Maria Shaukat)
Reception ceremony (hair cutting ceremony)
In June, the heat is on its peak, but during the 3rd week of the month we didn’t feel it so much, as we were anxiously busy in the preparation for the reception and the first profession of our novices Anum Saleem, Anita Nasir, Soha Shaukat and Roma Kanwal.
On the eve of 22nd June 2021, the first symbolic ceremony of cutting of hair took place. Cutting of hair is symbol of sacrificing the female beauty. The novices had set their hair in beautiful decorated hair ornament called “Paranda”. They were then given red veils and led to the chapel, the palace of their King Jesus accompanied by the formation community, singing Ps. 45.
The Provincial team and the sisters of Lahore Community received them joyfully at the entrance of the chapel and together they went in the chapel for the evening program.
The first profession of Sr. Anum, Sr. Anita, Sr. Soha and Sr. Roma (23rd June 2021)
It was a blissful day for our Congregation and especially for the Province of Pakistan when our four novices committed themselves to the Lord. His excellency Rev. Bishop Sebastian Francis Shaw and about twelve priests presided over the Holy Mass. Many sisters of other Congregations and Brothers of Charity also witnessed the ceremony. The Mass started at 5:30 pm. The parents of the four elected novices accompanied their daughters to the altar as an offertory to the Lord. It was a very touching moment. The choir, under the guidance of Sr. Maggie Yaqub, sang beautiful hymns based on the theme " Come, Follow Me ". Rev. Bishop shared an inspirational, supportive and encouraging homily to help us to continue following Christ by bearing witness to the Gospel values.
All the sisters of our Congregation joyfully accepted the newly professed Sisters by garlanding them, according to our culture. When the Holy Mass ended, a newly professed, Sr. Anum Saleem, on behalf of her companions, Sisters Anita, Soha and Roma, presented a vote of thanks and invited everyone present to enjoy the delicious dinner in the convent garden.
After the celebration, the newly professed Sisters went home with their families for two weeks.
Sr. Soha, Sr. Anum, Sr. Roma and Sr. Anita
International Community
The long wait for the arrival of members from Africa for the formation of the International Community was partially fulfilled this week with the arrival of Sr. Charitine Impuhwe from the Vice-Province of Rwanda on 15th July. The Generalate Community has given her a warm welcome. Now we are looking forward to welcoming the fourth member in the coming days.
Floods
Coronavirus crisis
The virus does not seem to be in any hurry to leave us! The number of infections is said to be on the rise here in Belgium as well as in other countries where the SCJM are present; especially Vietnam, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, India...
News from the Generalate
Celebration of First Profession in Kimpese