About 500 Catholics, including 25 priests and 25 religious sisters, gathered at St. Sebastian’s Parish, Kurtumgarh, in eastern India on September 16 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Salesian Sr. Annie Theyattil, FMA.
Auxiliary Bishop Rabindra Kumar Ranasingh of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar presided over the celebration, which marked 50 years of Sister Annie’s consecrated life and service.
In his homily, Bishop Ranasingh described her five decades of religious life as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and her generous response to her vocation.
“Fifty years of consecrated life is a beautiful testimony to God’s faithfulness and your generous response to His call,” he said. “Through prayer, sacrifice, service and perseverance, you have become a witness to Christ’s love and a source of hope to many.”
Reflecting on Jesus’ words, “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16), the bishop encouraged Sister Annie to continue her vocation with renewed faith, courage and joy.
Sr. Annie was born on September 29, 1953, in Ernakulam, Kerala, to John and Annamma Theyattil. The second of four children, she completed her Class 10 education in 1971.
She made her First Profession in 1976 and Final Profession in 1986.
A member of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, popularly known as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, Sister Annie has spent 10 years serving in Kandhamal, a predominantly tribal district in Odisha state. Her ministry there included helping establish a new religious community and later a school, bringing her into contact with children, families and parish communities.
“On this Golden Jubilee, I offer my heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of vocation and to everyone who has walked with me throughout these fifty years,” Sr. Annie said. “I carry with me the memories, prayers and love of countless people. May the years ahead continue to be a humble offering of my life in the service of God and humanity.”
Parish priest Fr. Dushmonth Nayak said the jubilee celebrated not only the length of her religious life but also its impact on the community.
“Her presence has been a blessing to our parish and to the many lives she has touched,” he said.
Young people also participated in the celebration. Sunam Nayak, a parish youth, said Sister Annie had given young people an example of faith and service.
“Her 50 years of consecrated life are an inspiring example of faith, humility and service,” Nayak said. “As young people, we are grateful for her guidance, encouragement and loving presence.”
The celebration included a cultural program presented by parishioners and youth and concluded with a shared meal.
For the Kurtumgarh parish community, the jubilee marked five decades of Sister Annie’s religious profession and her continuing service among the people of Kandhamal.
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