Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 2: Samudra Tare Convent, Kulur, celebrated its golden jubilee with profound gratitude and joy, marking 50 years of dedicated service to God, the Church, and society.
Established in 1976, Samudra Tare Convent has been a beacon of faith, prayer, and compassionate service. Over the past five decades, the convent has borne witness to God's love through the selfless dedication of the Sisters of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation. Through prayer, education, parish ministry, social outreach, and the joyful witness of consecrated life, the sisters have nurtured faith, inspired hope, and touched countless lives. Their unwavering commitment to promoting Christian values and serving those in need has made the convent a cherished presence in the Kulur community.
The golden jubilee celebrations commenced with a zonal recollection, highlighting that every milestone in life is an invitation to spiritual renewal. The recollection was animated by Fr Melroy, OFM Cap, whose inspiring reflections prepared the sisters to celebrate the Jubilee with hearts filled with gratitude and renewed commitment to their vocation.
The highlight of the celebration was the solemn thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration, which was celebrated by Fr Melroy, OFM Cap, concelebrated with Fr Arun Mendonca, assistant priest of St Anthony Church, Kulur. The Holy Eucharist was offered in thanksgiving to God for His abundant blessings, loving providence, and faithful guidance throughout the convent's remarkable fifty years journey.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme, compered by Sr Jovita Joshni Pinto and Sr Felciana Moras, was held in the convent premises. The dignitaries on the dais included Fr Arun Mendonca, Fr Melroy, OFM Cap, Sr Kala Nicholas, councillor for Social Development and Health Apostolate, Dr Vinay Rajath, vice-president of the Parish Pastoral Council, Laveen Ferrao, parish secretary, and Sr Janet Lobo, superior of Samudra Tare Convent.
One of the most memorable moments of the celebration was the felicitation of the former superiors and sisters who had served at Samudra Tare Convent over the past five decades. They were honoured in recognition of their vision, commitment, generous sacrifices, and dedicated service, which have significantly contributed to the growth and mission of the convent.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Sr Ancilla Pinto reminisced about the convent's humble beginnings and shared her experiences of its formative years. Recalling the challenges, blessings, and milestones that shaped the community, she inspired those gathered to cherish the rich legacy of faith and service handed down through generations.
Welcoming the gathering, Sr Janet Lobo expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who had contributed to the successful organisation of the Jubilee celebrations and warmly acknowledged the presence of the clergy, religious, benefactors, parishioners, alumni, and well-wishers.
Delivering the Jubilee message, Fr Arun Mendonca reflected on the rich spiritual heritage of Samudra Tare Convent and commended the sisters for their steadfast dedication to education, evangelisation, and compassionate service. Sr Kala Nicholas also addressed the gathering, encouraging the sisters to continue their mission with renewed zeal, fidelity to their charism, and unwavering trust in God's providence.
Dr Vinay Rajath lauded the sisters for their tireless sacrifices and invaluable contribution to the growth of the Kulur parish and school. He acknowledged their dedicated service in fostering the spiritual, educational, and social development of the local community over the past fifty years.
The celebration was further enriched by a special jubilee song, which added a joyful and festive spirit to the occasion while beautifully expressing gratitude for the convent's fifty years of faithful service.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Sr Judy Lewis, who conveyed sincere appreciation to the clergy, religious, benefactors, parishioners, alumni, well-wishers, and all those whose support and cooperation made the Golden Jubilee celebration a memorable and grace-filled occasion.
Sr Cecilia Crasta ably compered the entire programme, ensuring the smooth and dignified conduct of the celebrations. The Golden Jubilee festivities concluded with a fellowship meal served to all, fostering a spirit of unity, gratitude, and joyful celebration.
The golden jubilee was a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Samudra Tare Convent a legacy rooted in prayer, faith, and selfless service. As the convent enters a new chapter in its journey, the Sisters renewed their commitment to continue proclaiming God's love through education, pastoral ministry, and compassionate outreach, carrying forward their mission of hope and service for generations to come.