A heart-shaped card beautifully written with “You are precious to me” was handed to each temporary professed Sister as they were welcomed with arati and tika by Basanti Lakra, SCN, on Oct. 7 at Nazareth Convent, Ranchi. This area-wise gathering was the first after the COVID-19 pandemic and was organized for two days by Arpita Mundamattam, SCN. Twelve Sisters from Jamshedpur, Sale, Khorimahua, Ranchi, and Patna participated in the program.

Some topics, such as spirituality, emotional maturity, reflections on religious life, stages of human development and spirituality of Jesus, etc., were dealt with during these two days. The sessions were helpful, and they called the Sisters to develop more awareness to balance their emotions in day-to-day life and be rooted firmly in God. The main learnings from this program were to channel positive emotions, let go and let God into their lives.

The difference between religiosity and spirituality enabled the Sisters to look deeper into their lives and to become aware of their core identity as the “Precious child of God.” Reflections and sharing helped them to become more aware of themselves and to look deeper into life, to move from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, and deeper oneness with God. The method of internal anchoring motivated each to focus on positive energy and to radiate that joy and energy to everyone.

Though the time was short, the Sisters enjoyed the company of one another as it was a time to stop, relax, reflect and refresh themselves. The gathering ended with a prayer and a resolution to be rooted in God and feel secure within themselves.