The Ursuline Franciscan Congregation (UFS) of Mysore Province hosted the Annual Superiors’ Meet along with Pre-Chapter study for 2-days on 14 & 15, July 2018 at Maria Niketan, Bogadi.  We collectively reflected on the theme of the forthcoming Province Chapter 2018 ‘UFS Commissioned to launch into the deep’  The meeting began with a prayer based on the theme and Rev Sr Apoline Cordeiro, Provincial Superior in her message emphasized on collective religious life and their strategic intervention of institutional and non-institutional activities with a Prophetic  stance can shed light to the unjust structures, to people who walk in darkness and indulge into inhuman and cruel acts to helpless poor people, women and children.  This approach requires intelligent, well informed, courageous, faith filled, spirit led, risk taking religious force with collaborative and networking approach.  The gathering consisted of over 100 participants mainly Superiors, Heads of the Institutions, Economers and Formators.  Subsequently two such other gatherings were called for the same purpose.  The group participated in the discussions actively and contributed their suggestions.  

Temporary profession of five second year novices namely Anisha Benjamine Gonsalves, Josephin Mary, Moksha Rakini, Prathima D Souza and Sherin Salma was held at Maria Niketan Chapel, Bogadi. Most Rev Dr Thomas A Vazhapilly Bishop Emeritus presided over the Eucharist. Rev Fr Stany D Almeida preached a befitting sermon on this occasion. The five Sisters pronounced their vows in the presence of Rev Sr Apoline Cordeiro, Provincial Superior. Priests, Brothers, Sisters, parents of the Sisters joined them in praying.

Five Sisters of Mysore Province made their Perpetual Profession on 24 April 2018 at St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia, Mangaluru. The Solemn Eucharist was officiated by Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru. Srs Nevita Mareena Castelino, Milagrin Fernandes, Priya Thoras, Shanthi Priya Santhis and Silvyn Shalita Lobo pronounced their vows in the presence of Rev Sr Susheela Sequeira, the Superior General. Family members of the Sisters, Priests, Sisters and well-wishers joined the Sisters in praying for them.

Domestic Workers Get together was organized on March 15 at St Joseph's Cathedral campus, Mysuru.

The gathering began with a meaningful prayer service. Domestic helpers of St Mary's Convent H.D. Kote welcomed the gathering with a beautiful welcome dance.  The program was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, participants and one of the UFLA members. As the president of the programme Rev. Sr Apoline Cordeiro addressed the participants by acknowledging the service rendered by them in the communities. She attributed call for service to God and requested all the participants to be thankful to God for every little work that each one does.  She appreciated them for supporting the Sisters by their loving service in order to enable the Sisters to be committed for the religious obligations and service.

Rev. Fr. NT Joseph, Parish Priest of Cathedral Church, Mysuru addressed the participants and appreciated the organizers for bringing together the supportive staff. He encouraged the participants saying that every little work done in love will not go unrewarded by God.

An ice breaking session was conducted for a free mixture of the group. Dignity of Labor, a session was given by Sr Felcy D Cunha in which she explained to the participants the credibility of helpers in the community by analyzing the dignity and contribution of labourers in the progress of the society.  She also connected it with the life of Jesus for he assisted his foster father in a carpentry work before he began his public ministry.

After the lunch a pilgrimage was organized to St Antony’s Shrine, Dornahalli. It was indeed a memorable day to all the supportive staff.

The 50 years of Religious Profession of Rev Srs Olinda Sequeira, Carmelita Monteiro, Godwin D Cunha, Jeswina Serrao, Mildred Crasta and Leonilla Pinto was celebrated with a great joy by the Sisters of Mysore Province on 12 April 2018 at Bogadi.  Most Rev Dr K A William, Bishop of Mysuru presided over the Eucharist along with Rev Fr Dominic Vas, CRI president and many other concelebrants.  After the meaningful Eucharist the Golden jubilarians were felicitated. Rev Sr Apoline Cordeiro, Provincial Superior presided over the felicitation programme. The Superiors of the Jubilarians read the citation and after which they were honoured for the selfless service and fruitful religious life. Rev Sr Apoline Cordeiro in her presidential speech she appreciated and thanked each Jubilarians. Rev Sr Juliana Pinto the Councillor General wished the Jubilarians thanked for their selfless service to the Church and the Congregation. They are indeed a blessing to the congregation she affirmed. Most Rev Dr K A William, Bishop of Mysuru appreciated the Sisters for the pastoral ministry that they carry on especially in remote places and encouraged them to continue the same with great zeal and enthusiasm. Thereafter, all joined in the agape meal. The family members of Jubilarians, Religious Sisters and Priests witnessed the great event.

Jubilee is an occasion to celebrate God’s steadfast love and faithfulness in the life and mission of the Sisters at Shanthipura village of Hunsur taluk in Mysuru District. The venture of faith formation and education mission has borne much fruit in 50 years of hard toil.

Shanthi Higher Primary School was established in the year 1968 which is situated in a remote area 40 kilometers from Mysore city and 16 kilometers from Hunsur Taluk headquarters. It was a very backward village deprived of every facility including basic needs. People worked very hard & were not at all exposed to the outside world. Basic education, hygiene and primary sanitation were not in the vocabulary of the people. Shanthi Higher Primary School caters to the educational needs of the poor village children with value based education.

The opening ceremony of the golden Jubilee celebration was held on 20^th January 2018. The solemn program began with a Holy Eucharist at 7 a.m. by Rev.Fr.Vincent Fernandes   the 1^st   Parish Priest of Shanthipura and con-celebrated by many priest.

Rev Sr. Apoline Cordeiro the Provincial Superior of Mysore Province and her councilors, Sisters from surrounding communities, parishioners,  SDMC Members, school children and staff  witnessed this  great event. After the holy mass breakfast was served to all the people who were present for the event.

To mark the year of Golden Jubilee new school block was blessed by Rev.Fr Naveen Kumar the Parish Priest of Shanthipura and was inaugurated by the Provincial Superior Rev. Sr. Apoline Cordeiro and Sr. Lilly  Rodrigues the Deputy Secretary  unveiled memory board.

 Along with school band we welcomed the guests and dignitaries to the dais.  Sr. Arogya Mary the Headmistress of Shanthi Higher Primary School extended a warm welcome to chief guests and dignitaries. The traditional lamp was lit and the unveiling of the board of events of the golden year was done followed by flying the balloons high in the sky to mark the inauguration of the golden year. The three Old Students of the School expressed their gratitude to the School and the teachers for shaping their life. The priest of the place Rev Fr J Rayappa blessed the event high lighting the role of the school in the development of the locality. The president in her speech recalled gratefully all the persons who worked hard withstanding all the hardships of the initial stage until this day.