Daughters of Mary Sisters Celebrate Decades of Dedication

In a celebration that reflected both the depth of their faith and the impact of their mission, 40 Sisters from the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary (DM) marked their Golden and Silver Jubilees of religious consecration. The event, held at the DM Generalate in Kudappanakunnu, Trivandrum, became a profound testament to their unwavering commitment to Christ and service to humanity.

A Milestone Event Led by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos

The jubilee celebration was graced by the presence of His Eminent Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, who offered the Holy Qurbono and delivered a moving homily. Reflecting on the lives of the jubilarians, His Beatitude said, “Your decades of consecrated service are a shining example of what it means to live the Gospel. Through your prayers, sacrifices, and tireless work, you have been true ambassadors of Christ’s love and hope.”

The Holy Qurbono was a spiritual highpoint, bringing together the Sisters, clergy, and laity in a spirit of thanksgiving for the countless blessings the Congregation has received over the years.

Remembering the Legacy of Service: The Daughters of Mary

The Congregation of the Daughters of Mary was founded on 8 May 1938 by Monsignor Joseph Kuzhinjalil, a visionary missionary of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, with the paternal blessings of the Servant of God, Mar Ivanios, the founder of the Church. Established at Marthandam, Tamil Nadu, during the early days of the re-union movement, the Congregation began its mission among the socially and economically marginalised communities. The DM Sisters, guided by their charism to be “pure and poor” and to proclaim the Word of God, embraced the Franciscan spirituality, dedicating their lives to prayer, evangelisation, and service.

A Legacy of Dedication

Over the decades, the Daughters of Mary have established a remarkable legacy of service, focusing on education, health care, social welfare, and faith formation. From running schools and technical institutes to providing care through orphanages, old age homes, and palliative care centres, the Sisters have been tireless in their mission to uplift the underprivileged and spread the message of Christ. Their home-visiting ministry has brought Christ’s presence to countless homes, breaking barriers of caste, creed, and socio-economic status.

Today, the Congregation spans six provinces, with over 900 professed members serving in 56 dioceses across India and abroad, including mission stations in Germany, the United States, and Africa. The Jubilee celebration became an opportunity to honour this legacy while recommitting to their mission.

Honouring the Jubilarians

The Golden and Silver Jubilarians were at the heart of the celebration. Representing 50 and 25 years of consecrated life, these Sisters stood as witnesses to God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of a life dedicated to Him. Superior General Sr. Dr. Lydia DM, along with the Provincial Superiors, led the congregation in honouring the jubilarians. In her address, Sr. Lydia remarked, “Your lives have been a reflection of God’s love. Through your silent sacrifices and relentless service, you have sown seeds of hope and faith in countless hearts.”

Unity and Gratitude

The celebration also brought together representatives from all six provinces of the Congregation, showcasing the unity and familial bond that define the Daughters of Mary. Following the Holy Qurbono, the Sisters, led by Sr. Lydia, extended their heartfelt greetings to His Beatitude Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos on the occasion of his feast day. This gesture of respect and gratitude highlighted the close relationship between the Congregation and the leadership of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

A Rich History of Evangelisation

The Daughters of Mary have been instrumental in spreading the faith, particularly in South India, where their founder, Monsignor Joseph Kuzhinjalil, began his mission. Inspired by the vision of Mar Ivanios, Monsignor Kuzhinjalil dedicated his life to serving the spiritually and materially poor, establishing the Congregation to extend this mission. The Congregation’s work has been pivotal in the growth of the Church, contributing to the establishment of dioceses such as Marthandam and Parassala.

Looking to the Future

As the jubilarians and their congregation reflected on their journey, the celebration became a moment of spiritual renewal. His Beatitude, in his concluding words, encouraged the Sisters to remain steadfast in their mission, saying, “Your lives are a testament to the power of faith and dedication. As you continue your work, may you inspire future generations to follow in your footsteps and bring the light of Christ to the world.”

The jubilee celebration was more than an event; it was a profound expression of gratitude, unity, and hope. As the Daughters of Mary move forward, they carry with them a rich legacy and an unwavering commitment to their mission: to proclaim the Word of God and to serve those in need with love and humility.