Visvadeep hosted a solemn valedictory celebration for religious sisters concluding the first phase of their Diploma in Theology. The outgoing group comprised seven resident sisters, along with candidates representing the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate (UMI), Sisters of St. Anne of Bangalore (SAB), and Congregation of Teresian Carmelites (CTC).
The day commenced with a Solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Rector, Fr. Varghese. In his homily, inspired by the martyrdom and steadfast witness of St. John the Baptist, Fr. Varghese imparted two foundational spiritual reflections:
- Conviction over Mere Knowledge: He urged the sisters to ensure their theological formation transcends academic acquisition to become deep personal conviction, actively informing their character, vocational discernment, and pastoral service.
- Faithfulness over Visible Success: Drawing upon the prophet’s uncompromising mission, he emphasized that authentic religious vocation is measured not by external metrics of success, but by unwavering fidelity to God’s calling. He exhorted the sisters to carry forward a renewed commitment to selfless ministry.
Following the liturgy, the formal valedictory assembly took place, during which completion certificates were awarded to the sisters concluding the three-month Basic Theology Programme.
Sr. Sahaya Mary Joseph SAB, Provincial Superior of Our Lady of Mercy Province, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In her presidential address, she commended the graduates for their perseverance and intellectual pursuit, urging them to serve as steadfast agents of evangelization and joyful hope. Reflecting warmly on her own formative years as an alumna of Visvadeep, she noted how the institute’s academic rigor and fraternity had profoundly shaped her religious life. She encouraged the sisters to remain resilient and authentic witnesses of the Gospel, even amidst challenging pastoral realities.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of the Superiors and representatives from the SAB, CTC, and UMI congregations, who joined the resident faculty and student body to felicitate the graduates. The event concluded with a festive fellowship lunch shared by the entire community.