JUBILEE PRAYER SERVICE
Sisters gather at the grotto with candles:
Mother Mary with hearts full of devotion,we turn to you, remembering your ‘YES’ to God and the immaculate heart we sing
ANGELUS IS SUNG
Welcome, dear Rev. Sr. Decla our Superior general, Rev. Sr. Kaspar the first councilor, Sr. Cynthia the regional superior and Sr. Jeya and members of our beloved Region! It’s a truly special day as we gather to mark a magnificent milestone: the Silver Jubilee of our region. Twenty-five years of God’s unwavering grace, countless blessings, and dedicated service. We are profoundly grateful for your presence as we commemorate 25 years of grace, growth, and divine providence. May this prayer service be a time of deep reflection, renewed faith, and heartfelt thanksgiving for all the blessings bestowed upon us. Thank you for sharing in this significant moment.
Introduction:
As we embark on this new brand day, we pause to express our gratitude. We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve, to innovate, and to connect with our people. Today marks a fresh start, a new beginning filled with potential. We open our hearts and minds to growth, seeking to learn, adapt, and improve in every aspect of our work. On this auspicious day, we come together with renewed energy and optimism. We commit this day to a purposeful initiation
A chance, a door, a path made clear,
A gift, dear Lord, dispelling fear.
For this great moment, I give thanks,
Beyond all words, from life’s rich banks.
Your guiding hand, unseen, yet true,
Has led us here, to ventures new.
With humble hearts, we stand in grace,
Embracing purpose, time, and space.
May every step, each thought, each deed,
Reflect the hope your love has freed.
For this bright dawn, this open way,
My grateful spirit kneels to pray.
Oh, Divine Source of all blessings, our hearts overflow with gratitude today. Gracious God, we come before you with our grateful hearts, mindful of the many specific blessings you have bestowed upon us. Thank you for your unwavering support, your guiding hand, and your boundless love. Thank you for the challenges that strengthen us and joys that uplift us. Eternal Spirit, we offer our deepest gratitude for all that has shaped us. Thank you for the moments of struggle that taught me resilience. Thank you for lessons learned, for wisdom gained, and for the unwavering hope that carries me forward. May my gratitude be a constant reminder of your grace and a source of strength in all circumstances.
Manifesting our special love to our dear mother, the mother of the Lord and the principal patron of our Congregation let us adore her earthly abode with the lighted candles.
HYMN: MARIYE UM OOZHIYAR THAAL PANINTHOM
Today the universal church commemorates the feast of immaculate heart of Mary. The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a profound and cherished Catholic devotion, inviting the faithful to contemplate the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. More than just a physical symbol, it represents her pure and sinless heart, filled with immense love for God the Father, her Son Jesus Christ, and for all humanity.
This devotion is rooted in Scripture, particularly in the Gospel of Luke, which twice mentions Mary “pondering all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19, 2:51). It gained significant prominence through the centuries, fostered by saints like St. John Eudes and especially emphasized in the 20th century following the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, where Mary called for devotion to her Immaculate Heart as a means of peace and salvation.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary serves as a powerful model of virtue, purity, humility, obedience, and unwavering love for God’s will, even amidst profound sorrow. It encourages believers to imitate Mary’s complete surrender to God and to consecrate themselves to her heart, thereby drawing closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
To honour this great mother of us all, let us invite our dear Sr.Decla the superior general to garland, Sr. Kaspar to adorn her with the crown and Sr. Cynthia to perform arathi. [Garland, crown, arathi plate]
SONG: Matha um thiru madiyathile
Dear sisters, let us all proceed towards the chapel in procession with the flag which represents the glory of blessed virgin with the intercessory prayer
1.Mary, mother of sorrows intercede for your children [10 times]
After each decade let us sing the chorus Ave Maria…….
2.Mary, mother of sorrows intercede for your children [10 times]
After each decade let us sing the chorus Oh, virgin fair…….
- Mary, mother of sorrows intercede for your children [10 times]
After each decade let us sing the chorus You are the honour…..
- Mary, mother of sorrows intercede for your children [10 times]
After each decade let us sing the chorus Holy virgin by God’s decree
[ Sisters are welcomed with tilak ( Chandan) ]
Sisters place the flag on the rangoli drawn with the outline of India
[ A hymn is played]
Dear Sisters
It is with hearts overflowing with gratitude, joy, and profound reflection that we gather today to celebrate a truly momentous occasion: the Silver Jubilee of our beloved maria mandal Region. Twenty-five years. A quarter of a century. It is a significant milestone that speaks volumes about God’s enduring grace, the unwavering commitment of countless individuals, and the profound impact this Region has had on so many lives.
As we stand at this threshold of celebration, we look back with immense appreciation at the journey we have traversed. From humble beginnings, with seeds of faith and hope, our Region has blossomed into a vibrant community, a beacon of service, and a testament to the power of shared vision and dedicated action. We recall the pioneering spirit of those who laid the foundation, former superior generals, mission superiors and the regional superiors, the sacrifices made, the challenges overcome, and the countless blessings received.
But this celebration is not merely about looking back. It is also a moment to rejoice in the present, in the strength and vitality of our Region today, in the diverse talents that enrich us, and in the bonds of fraternity and solidority that sustain us. It’s a time to acknowledge the tireless efforts of every member who has contributed to our growth, each in their unique way.
And as we celebrate the past and embrace the present, we also cast our gaze forward with renewed hope and determination. The Silver Jubilee is a springboard, a moment to re-dedicate ourselves to our founding charism, to envision new horizons, and to continue our mission with even greater zeal and fidelity. May this day inspire us all to further our commitment to serving God and humanity, carrying forward the legacy of our Region for generations to come.
Let us all chant psalm ——111
As we turn to the Scriptures now, prepare to encounter a love that is deeper, wider, and more steadfast than anything we’ve ever known, a love perfectly revealed in His Word.” God’s love. It’s a message that resonates through every page of Scripture, offering comfort, guidance, and a deep sense of belonging. We are about to explore something truly extraordinary: the unique and unchanging love of God. This isn’t just any love; it’s a divine affection that stretches beyond our understanding, reaching into every corner of our lives. We’re going to open God’s Word to discover more about this incredible, limitless love – a love that offers hope, healing, and true purpose to each one of us. Let’s pay heed to the divine words
Reading: Is: 61:1-3,9-11
This particular passage encourages us to:
READER 1 * Embrace our own anointing:
READER 2 Recognize that God has equipped us with gifts and a purpose to bring His love and light to others.
READER 1 * Be agents of healing and freedom:
READER 2 Look for opportunities to bind up the brokenhearted, offer good news to the disheartened, and help set people free from whatever binds them.
READER 1* Live as examples of God’s blessing:
READER 2 Let our lives be a testament to God’s transformative power, so that others may see His goodness in us.
READER 1* Rejoice in our salvation:
READER 2 Never forget the immense gift of righteousness and salvation we have received through Christ.
READER 1* Trust in God’s ultimate victory:
READER 2 Have confidence that just as a garden sprouts, God’s righteousness and praise will ultimately spring up throughout the earth.
It reminds us of the profound calling we have as those who are “anointed” by God’s Spirit to bring hope, healing, and freedom to a broken world. It also reassures us that as we faithfully live out this calling, God will work through us, making His glory visible to all nations. Our response should be one of deep gratitude and joyful participation in His redemptive plan.
BIND US TOGETHER LORD
1.”As we move into the Offertory, a young sapling, a living symbol of our hope. Just as this tiny tree holds the promise of future shade, fruit, and life, so too does every new beginning, every new person, and every new idea bring the potential for growth and flourishing within our community. This sapling represents our commitment to nurturing what is new, to providing a foundation for growth, and to trusting in God’s provision to help it – and us – thrive, much like the vibrant greenery we see around our region. Let us offer all the administrative team of our Congregation both past and present whose support laid a legacy of this region. With the grateful hearts we offer these saplings to the almighty by placing around the rangoli. Here we request our dear Sr.Decla the superior general, Sr. Kaspar and Sr.Jeya.
SOFT MUSIC IS PLAYED
- We present this sapling as a living offering, symbolizing the fresh starts and new possibilities that grace our path. It’s a testament to our dedication to plant seeds for the future – not just for ourselves today, but for generations to come. As this sapling will grow to bless its environment, may our gifts and our welcome to all ‘new entries’ contribute to a flourishing and sustainable future for our community, reflecting the beauty and natural bounty of our region.” May we request our dear Sr. Cynthia and all the sisters working in Madhya Pradesh to offer the saplings.
[Regional house, Queen Mary’s, Kalpana Nagar, Narmadapuram, Damoh, Sunderpur, Dewas ]
SOFT MUSIC IS PLAYED
- Just as we must nurture a young tree to ensure its strength and growth, so too must we nurture every new person, every new idea, and every new beginning that comes into our midst. This offering signifies our prayer and our promise to welcome, support, and provide fertile ground for all ‘new entries,’ so they may take root and contribute to the richness of our shared life here on this earth. May we request all the sisters working in Maharashtra to offer the saplings.
[ Hingoli, Buldana]
SOFT MUSIC IS PLAYED
4.This young sapling, small as it may seem, holds within it the incredible potential for a mighty tree. It reminds us of how life unfolds – from a tiny seed to a towering presence. In the same way, our faith, our community, and our individual lives are constantly called to grow. As we present this sapling, we offer our prayers for continued growth in grace, wisdom, and spirit, trusting that with God’s nurturing, we too will flourish and bear much fruit, much like the abundant nature we see here on this earth. May we request all the sisters working in West Bengal to offer the saplings.
[ Santragachi, Jholi]
SOFT MUSIC IS PLAYED
5.This sapling reminds us that growth isn’t always instant; it requires nurturing, patience, and the right conditions. Our offerings today, whether in time, talent, or treasure, are like the water and sunlight for this sapling – they are investments in growth. As this tree will grow to provide shade, beauty, and perhaps even fruit, may our collective gifts and efforts contribute to the flourishing of our mission, allowing us to grow in impact and service, reflecting the vibrancy of life around us on the earth. May we request all the sisters working in Delhi and Bangalore to offer the sapling.
[Delhi and Bangalore]
SOFT MUSIC IS PLAYED
6.This offertory represents a simple yet profound offering: a sapling, symbolizing the powerful theme of growth. It stands before us as a reminder that even the smallest beginnings hold immense potential. Just as this sapling will reach for the sun and deepen its roots, so too are we called to stretch ourselves, to deepen our faith, and to grow in our understanding and love. May this offering be a prayer for all forms of growth within our community and in each of our lives. May we request all the sisters working in Andhra Pradesh to offer the saplings.
[Atmakur, Komorole ]
7.This young sapling, small as it may seem, holds within it the incredible potential for a mighty tree. In the same way, our faith, our community, and our individual lives are constantly called to grow. As we present this sapling, we offer our communities for continued growth in love and sharing that with God’s nurturing, we too will flourish and bear much fruit, much like the abundant nature we see here on this earth. May we request all the sisters working in Odisha to offer the saplings.
[Odisha]
SOFT MUSIC IS PLAYED
Let us now bring our intentions before our gracious God, confident in His love and mercy.
1.We pray for the universal Church, for peace in troubled regions, for justice for the oppressed, and for a renewed sense of hope in a world yearning for Your presence. May it become a beacon of hope and endurance. Here we pray
* Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
2.We pray for our entire congregation as we celebrate this, Silver Jubilee. May this milestone be a moment of profound renewal, inspiring us to deepen our commitment to our founding charism and mission. May Your Holy Spirit ignite within us fresh zeal, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose for the years ahead. Here we pray
* Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
- We pray for the administrative team and formators both past and present, for their wisdom, courage, and selfless service. We also pray for all those involved in formation, that they may inspire and guide future generations, nurturing vocations with prudence and love. Here we pray
* Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
4.We pray for every individual member of our region, wherever they serve. Strengthen them in their dedication, console them in their struggles, and fill them with joy in their ministry. May their lives be a continuous testament to Your presence and love in the region of north and beyond. Here we pray
* Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
- We pray for all the services and ministries undertaken by our region – in education, healthcare, social service, pastoral care, and all other areas. Bless our efforts to serve humanity, especially the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. May our actions always reflect Your compassion and bring about lasting transformation. Here we pray
* Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
6.* We pray earnestly for an increase in vocations to our congregation. Inspire young girls to hear and respond generously to Your call to consecrated life and service. Guide them to discern Your will and grant them the courage to follow where You lead. Here we pray
* Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
- We pray for all the Benefactors and Collaborators who support our region through their generosity, prayers, and collaboration. Reward them abundantly for their kindness and partnership in our mission. Here we pray
* Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Let us sum up all our prayers and petitions with our Lord’s prayer.
Let us pray.
Almighty and Ever-Living God, source of all grace and goodness, twenty-five years have unfolded, each day a testament to Your unfailing faithfulness and boundless love.
We thank You, Lord, for the visionaries who, a quarter of a century ago, with courage and unwavering faith, planted the seeds of this Province. We thank You for their tireless efforts, their sacrifices, and their unwavering dedication that laid such a strong foundation. We thank You for every individual who has been part of this journey.
We thank You for the countless blessings You have showered upon us: for moments of joy and triumph, for strength in times of challenge, for wisdom in discernment, and for the grace to persevere. We thank You for the growth, the learning, and the deepening of our shared charism that has marked these twenty-five years.
As we stand at this significant milestone, we humbly ask for Your continued guidance and blessing. Renew within us, O Lord, a spirit of zeal, vision, and fidelity as we look towards the future. Help us to build upon the legacy of the past, to embrace the challenges of the present, and to walk forward with courage into the next chapter You have prepared for us.
May our region continue to be a vibrant witness to Your love and mercy, a beacon of hope, and an instrument of Your peace here in North and wherever You call us to serve.
All praise, honor, and glory be Yours, now and forever.
Amen.
Kindly rise for the Congregational hymn as our superior general offer a lighted lamp and our sisters sprinkle flowers.
MARIYE VAALGA MARIYE VAALGA
