It was a joyous day for the Congregation of Holy Cross in India as eight novices made their First Profession of Vows at Francis Home in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, on May 25. The novices had been well accompanied during the year by Fr. David Adaikalam, C.S.C., Novice Director, and Fr. Gabriel Darlong, C.S.C., Assistant Novice Director.

Joining for the celebration were family members, religious from different congregations, other well-wishers, and representatives from the novices’ provinces, including their three Provincial Superiors: Fr. Gaspar Selvaraj, C.S.C., of the Province of Tamil Nadu, Fr. Roque D’Costa, C.S.C., of the Province of South India, and Fr. K.J. Abraham, C.S.C., of the Province of North East India.

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The Provincials received the vows of their respective novices after they were presented by Fr. Adaikalam. Fr. Selvaraj also presided at the Mass.

The newly professed are all members of the Priests’ Society. Two are from the Province of South India: Mr. Arun James, C.S.C., and Mr. Roque Fernandes, C.S.C.; two are from the Province of North-East India: Mr. Micky Jose Sangr, C.S.C., and Mr. Wilbert Lynghoi, C.S.C.; and four are from the Province of Tamil Nadu: Mr. Arun Kumar D., C.S.C., Mr. Remi Suganth R., C.S.C., Mr. Robin A., C.S.C., and Mr. Suthan J., C.S.C. 

The eight seminarians have headed to Pune, Maharashtra, where they will continue their initial formation at the Holy Cross Seminary under the direction of Fr. Joby Sebastian, C.S.C., Rector. 

In their place at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Yercaud, Fr. Adaikalam and Fr. Darlong received 14 new novices: three from the Province of South India, nine from the Province of North East India, and three from the St. André Province. The Rite of Reception, in which they officially receive a copy of the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, was held in the novitiate's chapel.