June 21 was a
day of joy and celebration to the community of Mount St. Joseph and to the whole
Province of Karnataka. On this day nine Novices of Karnataka Province- Anthony
Sudeep, Joseph Jerald, Johnson, Kiran Leema, Roydon Misquith, Noel Dias, Maxim
D’Souza, Cannon Fernandes and Infant Vivian committed themselves to the Lord by
pronouncing the first vows. The vovents prepared themselves spiritually through
the retreat preached by Fr. Scotus Fernandez.
The grand
ceremony began at 5.45 pm. The chapel was decorated beautifully and
meaningfully highlighting the theme “Rooted
in Faith, Set apart for Service”. Fr. Francis Serrao the
Provincial was the main celebrant. Fr. Jossie Lobo in his thought
provoking homily urged the vovents to be persevering and faithful to their
religious life than being merely successful and to be strengthened by the
Cross. The climax of the ceremony was when the Novice-Director, Fr. William Sequeira
gave the final conference to the vovents. Fr. Provincial gifted each vovents
with a crucifix to make it their life companion in times of joy and
sorrow. A short felicitation programme was organised in which the vovents cut
the cake to mark this occasion. The second year novices wished them good luck
with their song. There was a sumptuous dinner prepared by the kitchen staff.
The presence of many Jesuits and the neighboring religious added grace to the
whole ceremony.
