News/ Events

24th January 2022 marked the commencement of the 25th Ordinary Provincial Chapter of the Province of Karnataka. The meaningful opening Prayer Service led by Sr Dorothy DSouza enabled the Chapter delegates to enter into the Spirit of the Chapter and uphold the dignity and sanctity of this grace-filled event.

Sr Maria Shamita, the Provincial Superior who is also the President of the Chapter welcomed Sister Ancilla, the General Councillor, delegated by the Superior General Sr Nirmalini to be the observer at the Chapter. Sr Maria Shamita then delivered her Presidential Address and declared the 25th Provincial Chapter open.
Sister Ancilla was invited to give her message to the delegates after which followed the Election of the Chapter officials – Sr Lydia as the Coordinator, Sr Nirmala Francis as Secretary, Srs Rose Agnes, Carmel Rita, Melissa and Ida Barboza as Moderators, and Srs Roopa Rodrigues and Zeena as Tellers.

On 25th January the triennial Report of the Province including Finance was evaluated and taken up for discussion. On the following day, the Paper on ‘The Way Forward’ for the Province was taken up for study and discussion.

Fr Joseph Ivel Mendanha CSsR addressed the delegates on the Chapter Theme – ‘Christ Centred communities, responding in Compassionate Love’ for the next two days for reflection and prayer.

On the evening of 28th January, Bishop Peter Paul D’Souza gave his message on the theme of the Chapter and ended the session with his pastoral blessing.
29the January was a day of prayer and reflection. Fr Dhilraj OFM (cap) facilitated the action of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sister Nirmalini, the Superior General addressed the delegates of the Chapter in the evening.

On 30th January, we had the ELECTION OF THE PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR. The Mass of the Holy Spirit was offered by Rev. Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Mangalore Diocese, at 9.00 a.m. in St. Ann’s Chapel for which the Sisters of the local communities were present. The delegates then assembled at the Chapter Hall for the election presided over by the Superior General. God’s elect was Sister Maria Shamita A.C. to lead the Province of Karnataka as the Provincial Superior for the next term of 3 years. A short felicitation programme was held to greet the newly elected Provincial Superior, ending it with refreshments to all.

In the afternoon after spending time in silent prayer, the delegates met to elect the Provincial Councillors. The Councillors elected were: 1. Sister Rose Agnes 2. Sister Maria Melissa 3. Sister Maria Sudeepa 4. Sister Julie Ann. Sister Julie Ann and Sister Marina D’Cunha were elected as the Provincial Secretary and Provincial Bursar respectively. Sister Lydia was elected as the delegate to the General Advisory Council and Sisters Carmel Rita, Venissa, Ida Barboza, Maria Naveena, Daisy and Linet D’Souza were elected for Provincial Advisory Council.

May God bless each one of them with strength and courage to lead the Province to journey together in realizing the Chapter theme – ‘Christ Centred Communities, responding in Compassionate Love’ in each sister of our Province.

The discussions and deliberations continued from January 31st to February 4th and Plan of Action for the next 3 years was finalized. On the evening of February 4th, Provincial Superior Sr Maria Shamita gave the valedictory address and declared the chapter closed. Sr Ancilla, the General Councillor shared her experiences and gave a short feedback. The chapter concluded with a thanksgiving prayer service.