CELEBRATION OF THE TWIN EVENTS AT HOLY ROSARY CONVENT, JEPPU, MANGALORE

CELEBRATION OF THE TWIN EVENTS AT HOLY ROSARY CONVENT, JEPPU, MANGALORE

CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST CENTRAL DELEGATION DAY – 13TH OCTOBER 2026

Theme: ‘FIAT’ - CONTINUES

The first ever Central Delegation Day was celebrated with great joy and solemnity on 13th October 2026 at Holy Rosary Convent, the Main House of the Central Delegation.

The day dawned with a meaningful morning prayer on the theme ‘Fiat - Continues’, meaningfully conducted by Sr Sara Pavirhu, setting a reflective tone for the entire celebration.

The formal programme commenced at 9:00 a.m. with a melodious Opening Chorus by the Sisters and Pre-novices of Holy Rosary Convent. This was followed by the solemn inauguration of the celebration. Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General, inaugurated the day by putting on the switch of the beautiful icon of Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, surrounded by the names of all the ministries of the Central Delegation. It was a captivating sight as the icon ascended gracefully, symbolizing our growing commitment to continue our Fiat in mission.

The Pre-novices invoked God’s blessings through a graceful prayer dance. Sr Sumana Pinto, Central Delegation Superior, extended a warm and hearty welcome to the dignitaries - Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General and her Councillors; former Superiors General Sr Edilburga Monteiro, Sr Doreen D Souza and Sr Susheela Sequeira; Sr Trecilla D Mello and Sr Jacintha Pereira, the Provincial Councillors of Mangalore and Mysore Provinces representing their Provincial Superiors; former Delegate Superiors, Sr Aurea D Souza and Sr Jeraldine D Souza and their Councillors; and all the Sisters of the Central Delegation.

A moment of gratitude and honour then followed. Sr Sumana Pinto and her Councillors, Sr Hilda Albuquerque and Sr Alice Serrao, honoured the Superior General and her team. Sr Milly Fernandes honouredthe former Superiors General, and also the former Delegate Superiors and their Councillors. Sr. Dimple Sherin D Souza read the words of felicitation. In a pleasant surprise, the Sisters of the Central Delegation honoured Sr Sumana and her Councillors, with Sr Doreen D Souza reading the felicitation message.

The celebrations came alive with enthusiastic competitions organized for the Sisters. The events included ‘Pick and Speak’ on the ministries of the Central Delegation, a Quiz on the history of Holy Rosary Convent from 1947 to 2026, singing of the Congregational Anthem, and in the afternoon, a creative presentation on ‘Mary in Different Attires’. It was delightful to witness the Sisters and Pre-novices participate with great zeal and joy.

At 2:00 p.m., the cultural programme began. All five communities of the Central Delegation and the Pre-novices presented colourful dances and meaningful skits. The highlight of the day was the Tableau titled ‘Fiat - Continues’, composed by Sr Aurea DSouza. It beautifully depicted the Trinity’s plan of salvation fulfilled in Mary’s Fiat and portrayed how her Fiat continues to live on in the life and mission of the Central Delegation. The performance by the young and old was a feast to the eyes and nourishment to the soul.

In her presidential address, Sr Milly Fernandes appreciated the meticulously organized programme. Speaking eloquently on the theme, she urged the Central Delegation to continue the beautiful tradition of celebrating Central Delegation Day in the coming years, marking this as a historic first in the life of the Central Delegation.

Sr Hilda Albuquerque, Councillor of the Central Delegation, proposed the vote of thanks. The entire programme was ably and gracefully compeered by Sr Gresoria Sahana. The celebration concluded at 4:15 p.m. with the singing of the Congregational Anthem.

The Sisters then dispersed to prepare for the second grand event of the day - the Feast of Holy Rosary Convent.

Feast of the Holy Rosary - A Celebration of Faith and Fellowship

The second grand event of the day, the Titular Feast of Holy Rosary Convent, began at 6:15 p.m. with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the beautifully renovated chapel of Holy Rosary Convent.

The celebration commenced with a graceful procession. The Superior General along with the Central Delegation Superior and her Council, and the Superiors of the five communities of the Central Delegation, proceeded towards the altar accompanied by the main celebrant and concelebrants, carrying lighted lamps which were later placed on the altar, while the entrance hymn echoed the joy of the Eucharistic assembly.

Rev. Fr Maxim D Souza, Professor at St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, in his inspiring homily, shed light on the Fiat of Mary and reflected on how her ‘Yes’ continues to live and bear fruit in the life and mission of the Sisters today.

After the Holy Mass, all gathered in the auditorium of Mary Queen of the Rosary Convent in the campus of Holy Rosary Convent. As this was the titular feast of both the convents, the spirit of collaboration and active participation of the Sisters of both communities was evident.

Sr Sara Pavirhu, the M.C. for the evening, invited the Pre-novices to invoke Mother Mary’s intercession and blessings through a beautiful and inspiring prayer dance. Sr Sumana Pinto, Delegate Superior, then welcomed the guests with her warm and cordial words.

To add thrill and joy to the gathering, Sr Juliet Serrao conducted a few lively spot games which kept the audience in high spirits. This was followed by the prize distribution ceremony. The winners of the competitions held in the morning, and the winners of the spot games were felicitated with prizes by Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes.

Sr Alice Serrao, Councillor of the Central Delegation, proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Rajesh Rosario, Rector of St Joseph Interdiocesan Seminary, prayed the grace before meals and invoked God’s blessings upon the Sisters of the Central Delegation.

A delicious festive meal, prepared and served by the famous Prince Caterers, was served for both the occasions of the day. The programme concluded around 8:15 p.m. All the participants joyfully partook in the meal, spending ample time exchanging greetings and sharing joyful moments with one another.

These celebrations were truly an amazing occasion for the Sisters of the Central Delegation to experience deep fellowship with one another, to express profound gratitude to Mother Mary for her maternal care and protection, to count the abundant blessings of God on the Delegation and its members, and to be empowered to carry on the Fiat of Mary, their loving Patroness, in their life and mission.