The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of the North East Province marked their Profession Day with a solemn and joyous celebration at Assisi Higher Sec. School, Dimapur. Centered on the theme “Consecrated to Love and Serve,” the event reflected the Sisters’ commitment to their vocation of faith and service.

The Eucharistic celebration commenced with a heartfelt welcome by Rev. Sr. Juliana Pereira, Provincial Superior of North East Province. She warmly welcomed the dignitaries, priests, Sisters, and the people of God gathered for the occasion. In a special way, she expressed deep gratitude to the family members of the sisters- especially the parents- for encouraging and fostering vocations to the religious life, and for joyfully offering their daughters as a generous gift to the Church.

The Eucharistic celebration was led by Most Rev. James Thoppil, Bishop of the Diocese of Kohima, and concelebrated by 55 Priests.

In his homily, Bishop James congratulated the newly professed Sisters in the name of the Church and highlighted few points that in today’s world, many voices call, seek our attention and offer different ways of living, which may not always align with God’s call, but these sisters have chosen to listen to the voice of God. He emphasized that the quality and commitment of religious life depend on whose voice we follow; by their profession, the Sisters have chosen to stand for God and uphold His values. He encouraged them to remain in God’s love and bear fruit through faithful service, even amid difficulties and challenges. Through their profession, he told them that they have made themselves fully available to the mission of the Church, responding generously to Christ’s call: “I chose you to remain in my love and bear fruit.”

During the Eucharistic celebration, five novices made their Temporary Profession, while nine Sisters pronounced their Perpetual Profession. In a profound act of surrender and devotion, the Sisters professed the evangelical counsels of poverty chastity, and obedience—offering themselves fully to God and the service of His people. Despite coming from diverse cultural and regional backgrounds, their unity in mission was a testament to their shared dedication to love and serve.

Following the religious ceremony, a felicitation program was held in honor of the newly professed Sisters. Highlights of the ceremony included a welcome for the Bishop and Parish Priest Fr. John P. M, a greeting song by choir, and introductions of the newly professed by the novices. Sr. Juliana Pereira as the head of the institution offered  her congratulations, praised the Sisters for their faithful and courageous response to God’s call.

Representing the newly professed, Sr. Vilitoli Mary expressed gratitude to all gathered, specially to their formators, supporters, and those who had contributed to making the event memorable.  Mr. Veikho the parent of one of the newly Professed Sisters, offered words of thanks on behalf of all the parents. The celebration concluded with a “fellowship meal”, bringing together families, clergy, and the faithful to extend their best wishes to the newly professed. The entire day was marked by an atmosphere of joy and spiritual renewal. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters expressed their deep gratitude to God for this grace-filled celebration and to all those who helped make the day truly memorable, inspiring and blessed.