Doors of Mercy closed, but Keep your hearts ever open: Archbishop Moras
Bengaluru, Dec 3: Three nuns of the Congregation of St. Ann (Luzern) made their ‘perpetual profession’ December 3rd, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, patron of Missions and of the Archdiocese of Bangalore. “Focus on saving souls and never look back, just as St. Francis Xavier did” Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras in his homily told a gathering of at least 200 people who gathered at the Convent’s quadrangle on Davis road in Bangalore.
In the Holy Mass con-celebrated by 15 priests, the Prelate exhorted “We must never grow tired of proclaiming Christ and can draw inspiration from St. Francis Xavier who left his homeland to proclaim Christ to people in India. While we are grateful to him, we must also make every effort to proclaim Christ through our very way of life. We must pray that we have a burning desire to save souls and establish the kingdom of God”.
The Archbishop reminded the gathering though the Holy doors of Mercy were closed on November 20th, the doors of our hearts should continue to flow with Mercy for it is only mercy that will take us to the heart of the gospel.
Enunciating the 10 key points of Pope Francis Apostolic letter Misericordia et Misera, the Archbishop exhorted the 3 nuns to “let the seal of God’s love be in your heart always, so that challenges of the world in the spirit of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience that you have taken”. He added that prayer alone does not suffice but mercy and love should be translated in concrete action.
Sisters Josmin Joseph, Florencia Samad and Sunitha Joseph were felicitated after the Mass in the presence of Sr. Elizabeth Antony from the Generalate (Hyderabad), St. Pauline Augustine (Provincial Superior, Sr. Anitha(superior),Sr. Britto , Fr. Sebastian (Secretary-CCBI) and Fr. Sagay a John (Director-NBCLC)
The Archbishop after being felicitated and applauded for his commendable pastoral work in the Archdiocese, took time-off to interact with children in the pastoral care of the nuns.