Rev. Sr. Jocelyn Edathil, SIC, First Indian-Origin Religious Sister from the USA, Makes Perpetual Profession of Vows at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Trivandrum

In a solemn and significant liturgical celebration, Rev. Sr. Jocelyn Edathil of the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ (SIC) made her Perpetual Profession of Vows on Saturday, 17 May 2025, at the Malankara Syrian Catholic Major Archeparchial Cathedral, St. Mary’s, Pattom, Trivandrum. The ceremony was presided over by His Grace Archbishop Thomas Mor Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla.

The day was further graced by the presence of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mor Ignathios, His Grace Archbishop Dr. George Panamthundil, and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, whose participation added to the spiritual richness of the event.

The Eparchy rejoices with Sr. Jocelyn and the SIC congregation on this blessed occasion, praying that her witness inspires many to consider the call to religious life. Sr. Jocelyn’s journey holds special significance as she is the first religious sister of Indian origin from the United States to make her Perpetual Profession of Vows in the Syro Malankara Catholic Church. Almost nine years ago, on 6 August 2016, she made her initial religious profession at the Syro Malankara Catholic Cathedral in Elmont, New York, with His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Eusebius officiating. That moment marked a historic development for the Indian Christian diaspora in America, and today’s ceremony reaffirms her enduring dedication to the Church’s mission.

Sr. Jocelyn belongs to a family with deep roots in the Syro Malankara Catholic tradition. Her brother, Rev. Fr. Michael Edathil, is noted as the first American-born priest ordained for the Syro Malankara Catholic Exarchate in the United States. The family’s clerical heritage extends to their late uncle, Fr. Varughese “George” Edathil, who served with devotion in Kerala, India. This background reflects a family committed to serving the Church across continents.

The Perpetual Profession ceremony was attended by a large gathering, including Reverend Mother Little Flower SIC, Mother General of the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ; Mother Karunya SIC, Provincial Superior of the Trivandrum Province; and many Bethany Sisters from the United States, India, and Germany. Clergy, religious, and hundreds of faithful joined in solemn prayer and celebration, honouring Sr. Jocelyn’s commitment.

Sr. Jocelyn’s profession is a clear witness to the vitality of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church’s mission, both in diaspora communities and at its historic roots in the West Syriac Rite tradition. Her example encourages many to consider the call to religious life and to uphold faithfulness, humility, and dedication in their service.

As the Church celebrates this important event, the Syro Malankara Catholic community offers prayers for Rev. Sr. Jocelyn Edathil, asking for God’s abundant blessings upon her ministry and the communities she serves. May she continue to strengthen the faith of the people entrusted to her care through her life of devotion.