"I will sing endlessly the graces of the Lord, with my voice I will proclaim His faithfulness for ever and ever."

Today, July 2, 2022, in the Provincial House in Limassol and throughout the Province "Saint Elizabeth" is great celebration!  Memorable day in gratitude! To celebrate the Lord’s fidelity is to celebrate the YES of the self-giving and service that has made the Church fruitful.

At 11:00 everything is ready. The Chapel is decorated as for a wedding. The sisters all, joined by different communities, embrace us in a festive embrace.

Our joy is even greater when, as jubilants celebrating 50, 60, 70 years of Religious Life, we are accompanied to the altar by a host of priests, Latins and Maronites: a beautiful image of the Ecumenical Church of Cyprus.

With a warm welcome, the Provincial Superior Sister Antonia Piripitsi expresses the joy of meeting together to thank the Lord for the gift of the vocation and tireless service of the three sisters, Sister Piera Katsioloudi, Sister Anita Orphanou and Sister Elsapaola Pudussery. Their missionary life is a concrete example of a life dedicated and spent for the Lord and for others, especially for the little ones, the poor and the least. Life consumed with love, generosity and Franciscan joy. Sister Antonia wished the jubilants to continue to radiate the perfume of God and to proclaim His Word for His glory alone in the mission where Divine Providence has placed them.

Holy Mass was celebrated by His Excellency Mgr. Selim Sfeir, Maronite Bishop of Cyprus. Next to Mgr. Father Jerzy Kraj Vicar of the Custody and Father Ibrahim Khita Maronite priest concelebrated in a very delicate way. Beautiful expression of unity in diversity.

Mgr. George Panamthundil, Chargé d'Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature of Cyprus was also present. In his homily, Mgr. George reflected on the vows of poverty, obedience and chastity in a key based on love.

- Loving in Christ is poverty.

- Loving for Christ is obedience.

- Loving as Christ is chastity.

Poverty is not only expressed by the deprivation of material goods. Poverty is possessing Christ in intimacy and peace. The more we are intimate with Christ, the more we possess Christ.

And whatever you do, in words and deeds, everything happens in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Thanking the Father in everything is obedience. Remaining faithful in the thanksgiving in every situation and in every one of our services is obedience.

Loving like Christ and giving everything unconditionally is chastity. We are chaste when we know how to give everything, at all times and without reservations. The vows, therefore, help us to remain in the Father’s love: As the Father loved me, I also loved you. Remain in my love.

The priests and sisters present were truly instruments of encouragement for us. With prayer and a smile, they accompanied us to renew our offering of life in following Christ for the good of the Church and of our religious family.

But everything does not end here! The dining room is set up for a party and the atmosphere is full of fraternal gestures. During the recreational moment the young sisters animated the party with songs, dances and short animated power point  about sisters jubilarians. Many memories and emotions that allow us to praise the God of our history for so many marvels lived and shared for the Lord and for the good of our neighbour.

We wish to express our deep gratitude to the Provincial Superior Sister Antonia Piripitsi and to her Council together with all our sisters who, with so many small gestures of affection and dedication, have contributed to this wonderful celebration.

Let us give thanks to the Lord for His infinite love!

Sister Elsapaola Pudussery
Sister Anita Orphanou
Sister Piera Katsioloudi