2 INDIAN BROTHERS TAKE THEIR PERPETUAL VOWS IN THE CONGREGATION

In the framework of meetings of the Enlarged Council of the Delegation of India, the Perpetual Profession of Brothers Praphul Guria and Simon Raj took place on 30 April in the Community of Madurai.

“Brother, you speak by your life and you pray by what you are”. With these words, which the Brothers chose as the motto of the celebration, after almost a month of preparation, Brothers Praphul Guria (from Jharkhand) and Simon Raj (from Tamil Nadu) said their definitive yes to the Lord as Brothers of the Holy Family.

Many Brothers were able to be present, as there were meetings of the Enlarged Council of the Delegation taking place during these days. Most of the family members who attended the ceremony came from Brother Simon’s side. Priests, religious men and women were also present. There was representation from all the Indian Communities. The Madurai community, together with the Brothers who were in the house, really got down to work and together we tried to make the event of Perpetual Profession as solemn as possible, with a lot of decoration and music.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop Emeritus of Sivagangai, Mgr. Susai Manickam, and concelebrated by several priests, including the parish priest of Br. Simon and a professor of Br. Praphul. The Brother Delegate received perpetual vows on behalf of the Provincial and the whole Institute. At the end of the ceremony, thanksgiving by the Brothers, messages from the Provincial and General, and the typical Brother and family photos. The event concluded with a fraternal and family meal with the tasty “mutton biryani” (Indian paella) from Tamil Nadu and fruit-salad for dessert.