Mangaluru: The canonization of the Blessed Josephine Vannini by Pope Francis in Rome by the Daughters of St Camillus at Jeevadaan, Gurpura, Kaikamba with a solemn mass followed by a brief stage function.
The celebrations began with the Eucharistic Celebration offered by the Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha. Fr Antony Lobo, Parish Priest, Gurpur Church, Fr Theji, Superior Snehasadan, and Fr Biju were the co celebrants.
After the mass, a brief stage programme was held. Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the programme. Fr. Antony Lobo, Parish Priest, Gurpuru, John Samuel Edmond Frank, Vivian Pinto, Sponsors, Fr Theji, Superior, Snehasadan, Sr Juliana, Superior, Rosa Mistika Community, Walter Nandalike, Founder, Daijiworld Media Group, attended the event as guests of honor.
In his presidential address, the Bishop said, “God will never leave us alone or in sorrow. He has a plan for us because he loves us all. He can perform miracles when we are alive and also after our death. The life of Josephine Vannini is the best example of this. After her death, people saw miracles and realized God’s plans. By this, she was honored with sainthood. The trust which we have in God makes us pure and gives us salvation. So we must follow the gospel of God as St Vannani did. Jeevadaan is following the teachings of the gospel; they are trying to bring happiness in the life of inmates. I wish them all success in their mission “
Addressing the gathering, Fr Antony Lobo said “life is very short and time also short. We need to complete without any delay, whatever we think we must do. Josephine Vannini did everything in a short time. She never kept her mission pending. The inmates of Jeevadaan also don’t know about their time. So the sisters of Daughters of the St Camillus community trying to give them everything. Their service itself a message to us. So now we need to focus on our time and do good things for society and the needy”
John Samuel, speaking on the occasion, said, “Jeevadaan is my second home. Three years back I came here and experienced the life of inmates. I was attracted to the charity and sense of service of the sisters of Jeevadaan. Then I decided to involve myself in the activities of Jeevadaan. After that, I adopted Jeevadaan as my own home. I thank all the religious people of Jeevadaan for making me a member of their family”.
The management of Jeevadaan, Guests the Superior of Jeevadaan felicitated Bishop and John Samuel for their support towards the institution.
Sr Anju welcomed the dignitaries and guests. Sr Jancy, Mother Superior proposed vote of thanks. Various cultural activities were organized and performed by inmates.
