Congregation of Our Lady of Fidelity
welcomes a new sister

On Tuesday, 26th February 2008 in a joyful ceremony at The Faithful Virgin church in Upper Norwood Sheela Kachappilly made her First Profession as a sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Fidelity. She made her profession before Bishop Paul, Mother Heidi Koller, the Superior General, and sisters of the Congregation.

Sister Sheela, from Mala in Kerala, South India, is the daughter of the late Kachappilly Kunjuvareed and Evuprasia. She is the first Asian sister in the order's 175 year history.

The Congregation of Our Lady of Fidelity was founded in France in 1831 by Mother Saint Mary and opened a house in England in 1848. Now the sisters have houses in Italy and Belgium apart from France and England.

The Congregation is recruiting more candidates from India (at present six have been selected) in order to open a house there.
 

Sheela with Bishop Paul before the ceremony

The examination of Sheela by Bishop Paul

Bishop Paul gives the homily

Sheela makes her First Profession after the Lamb of God while Bishop Paul holds up the Body of Christ

Bishop Paul blesses the cross and veil

Sister Sheela carries the constitutions and decrees of the Order followed by Mother General

Sister Sheela and Sister Bernadette, the Mother Superior, thank everybody