India: Two Sisters Mark 25 Years in Music and Health Care as Pious Disciples Celebrate Divine Master

The Pious Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM), a Catholic religious congregation dedicated to Eucharistic adoration, liturgical ministry, and pastoral service, celebrated the Solemnity of Jesus the Divine Master and the silver jubilee of Sr. Reshma D'Souza and Sr. Amita Mascarenhas on October 25 at Prarthanalaya Chapel in Mumbai, western India.

Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay presided over the Eucharistic celebration, concelebrated by Fr. Joby Mathew, provincial superior of the Society of St. Paul, and other priests.

The celebration marked 25 years of religious profession for the two sisters, whose ministries reflect different aspects of the congregation’s mission: Sr. Amita serves through music, while Sr. Reshma is engaged in health care.

In his homily, Archbishop Rodrigues urged the faithful to live their faith sincerely, ensuring that their words and actions remain consistent. Reflecting on the Scripture readings, he contrasted the hypocrisy condemned by Jesus with God’s faithfulness throughout salvation history, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, “the way, the truth, and the life.”

Congratulating the jubilarians, he thanked God for their vocation and perseverance and acknowledged the love, sacrifices, and encouragement of their families and religious communities. He encouraged them to continue using their gifts in the service of the Church and society, bearing witness to Christ through their words and deeds.

Highlighting the PDDM charism of adoring, proclaiming, and imitating Jesus the Divine Master, the archbishop outlined the congregation’s Eucharistic, liturgical, and pastoral ministries. These include perpetual adoration, liturgical formation, collaboration with clergy, prayer for vocations, and care for sick and elderly priests.

Recalling his own experience of Prarthanalaya during a period of vocational discernment, Archbishop Rodrigues described the chapel as a house of prayer where people find silence, strength, and courage. He said the words “Do not be afraid, I am here” had encouraged him during his own journey.

Celebrating 25 years of service

The Mass was followed by a cultural program featuring performances by the sisters and students of the institute. The program included a prayer dance by Sr. Sushma and Sr. Fiyona and performances by the PDDM Fine Art Centre, Divya Kala Kendra, in Mumbai.

Provincial superior Sr. Celine D’Cunha felicitated the jubilarians. A video presentation by Sr. Sharoline traced Sisters Reshma and Amita’s vocational journeys, formation, and years of religious commitment.

Sr. Amita has served in music ministry, using her talents to enrich the Church’s prayer and liturgical life. Sr. Reshma has dedicated herself to health care, bringing care and compassion to people in need.

Both sisters expressed gratitude to their parents, extended families, priests, religious, formators, and superiors who had supported their vocations. They also remembered their late novice mistress, Sr. Mariam Xaxa, and their vocation promoter, Sr. Josephine Rodrigues, for helping them respond to their call.

Members of the Pauline Family, clergy, religious from other congregations, relatives, friends, benefactors, and well-wishers attended the celebration.

The jubilee concluded with thanksgiving and fellowship, honoring the sisters’ 25 years of consecrated life and their continued service to the Church through prayer, music, and health care.