Thirteen Novices from the four jurisdictions in India professed their First Vows in the Congregation of Holy Cross on May 25. The Mass of First Profession took place in the Convent Chapel of Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, whose property is adjacent to the Holy Cross Novitiate in Yercaud. 

Fr. Panneer Selvam, C.S.C., Superior, presided at the Mass and Fr. Simon Fernandes, C.S.C., Provincial, preached the homily. Also attending were Fr. Roque D’Costa, C.S.C., Provincial, and Br. PJ Santosh, C.S.C., Superior. All four Superiors received the vows of their respective members.

Following the ceremony, the newly professed, their guests, and community members enjoyed a celebratory lunch. All told, there were about 200 people in attendance for the inspiring celebration.

Learn more about the work of Holy Cross in India

Just prior to their professions, 11 new Novices were formally received into the Novitiate at a Mass presided by Fr. Mariaraj, the Formation Coordinator of the Province of North East India. Of the new Novices, who are representative of different states in India.

The largest group, six, are from the Vicariate of Tamil Nadu: Mr. Ajith Anbu Raj J., C.S.C., Mr. Antony Amalraj A., C.S.C., Mr. Arul Arockia Makimai Raj. C., C.S.C., Mr. Godwin Athisayaraj G., C.S.C., Mr. Jerald M. C.S.C., and Mr. Stephen Lawrence A., C.S.C.

Then four more came from the Province of North East India: Mr. Gilderious Khonglah, C.S.C., Mr. Henry Lalsangzuala, C.S.C., Mr. Pintu Marak, C.S.C., and Mr. W. Thamwar Monsang, C.S.C.

The Province of South India had two first professions: Mr. James Mallick, C.S.C., and Mr. Jerome Roy, C.S.C. Finally, from the Vicariate of India there was one brother to profess first vows: Br. Dysen Shewag J., C.S.C. 

The Congregation also extends it thanks to Fr. Joby Sebastian, C.S.C., who completes his term as Novice Master and who will soon assume his new role as Rector of Holy Cross Seminary in Pune. We also offer our prayers for Fr. David Adaikalasamy, C.S.C., who succeeds Fr. Joby as Novice Master.