MONTHLY RECOLLECTION—DECEMBER 2023

MONTHLY   RECOLLECTION—DECEMBER 2023

                            Dare to Dream:  God’s Grace Shines UPON YOU

In the quietude of our hearts, let us pause and reflect on the tapestry of our lives, woven by the threads of daring dreams and divine grace. As daughters of the Crucified One, we are called to embark on a journey illuminated by the radiant light of God’s love. In the sacred tapestry of our lives as nuns, we are called to be dreamers. Each of us has embarked on a journey of faith, a journey where daring dreams intertwine with the radiant grace of our Heavenly Father. Today, let us reflect on the profound truth that within the hallowed halls of our vocation, we have dared to dream, and God’s grace shines upon us.

Dare to Dream

In the stillness of the mighty presence of God, dare to dream beyond the confines of earthly limitations. God’s grace is the gentle breeze that carries the whispers of His dreams for us. Each dream, a manifestation of His infinite love, inviting us to reach beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. Let the dreams that dance in the recesses of your soul be a testament to the boundless possibilities in Christ.

The very essence of our calling invites us to dream—dare to dream with the audacity that comes from knowing we are daughters of the Almighty. Our dreams are not mere flights of fancy; they are reflections of God’s infinite love and His profound plans for each one of us. As nuns, our dreams are intertwined with the divine tapestry of our vocation, calling us to heights we may never have imagined. It is a call to transcend the ordinary, to aspire to holiness, and to be bearers of the extraordinary.

In daring to dream, we align ourselves with God’s providence. Just as He called Abraham to journey into the unknown and promised him descendants as numerous as the stars, God invites us to dream beyond the limitations that our human nature and worldly circumstances may impose. Let us remember that our dreams, when surrendered to God, become pathways for His grace to work wonders in and through us.

As CCR Sisters, under the patronage of Venerable  Mother Veronica of the Passion, our beloved Foundress we can dare to dream, as we are aware that  our dreams are not whims of the imagination. They are the melodies that God plays on the strings of our hearts. In the silence of our contemplation, we hear the divine invitation to envision a world touched by His love and mercy. Daring to dream is an act of surrender to the plans God has for each one of us.

Consider the example of Mother Mary, a woman of profound faith who dared to dream a dream that surpassed human understanding. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, she embraced a dream that would change the course of human history—the dream of bearing the Son of God. Likewise, we are called to dream audaciously, to embrace the dreams that God places within our hearts, trusting that His plans for us are greater than we can imagine.

                                            God’s Grace Shines Upon You

The grace of God is a luminous garment, draping itself upon the shoulders of those who seek His face. It is not earned but freely given, a divine favour that transforms our inadequacies into vessels of His glory. As CCR Sisters, bear in mind that you are the recipients of this unmerited grace. Let it be a beacon that guides you through the darkest nights and a source of strength during the brightest days. The grace of God is a radiant light that bathes our souls in its warm glow. It is not a distant reward for our efforts, rather, it is a constant companion, an unearned favour that permeates every aspect of our lives. My dear Sisters, in your quiet moments of prayer, feel the gentle touch of God’s grace. It is a grace that sustains you in your challenges, uplifts you in your sorrows, and empowers you in your mission. Embrace it with humility, knowing that it is God’s way of saying, “I am with you always.”

 

God’s grace is like the sun, shining upon both the just and the unjust. However, for us, it takes on a special intimacy. It is not just a distant light; it is a light that dwells within us. This grace is the source of our strength, the wellspring of our joy, and the foundation of our hope. As nuns, you are not merely recipients of this grace; you are carriers of it, vessels through which God’s love shines forth to a world in need.

In the canvas of our lives, God’s grace is the illuminating light that paints the backdrop for our dreams. It is a grace that knows no bounds, a gift freely given, unmerited and undeserved. This grace is not a distant presence; it is an intimate embrace that accompanies us through the peaks and valleys of our journey. Just as the sun graces the earth with its light, God’s grace bathes us in warmth, providing the nourishment we need to blossom in our vocations.

As CCR Sisters, living the legacy handed down to us by our Foundress, we are not exempted from challenges, doubts, and moments of spiritual dryness. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that the brilliance of God’s grace becomes most evident. It is a grace that sustains us in our trials, a light that guides us through the darkness, and a gentle whisper that reminds us we are cherished daughters of the Most  High.

 

BIBLICAL FIGURES WHO DARED TO DREAM AND FOR WHOM THE GRACE OF GOD WAS NEVER LACKING

* St. Joseph – the one who adhered to the will of God (Mt 1:20-25; 2:13-14,19-21, Mt 2:12,22) (Imagery of sleeping Joseph)

* Joseph (Genesis 37:1  and   44:9)

* Samuel (1Samuel Ch: 3)

There are many more instances of Prophets, Kings and People of God dared to dream. You may take any other Biblical personality of your choice, for your Reflection.

Recall the moments when you felt the tender touch of God’s hand upon your life. In prayerful recollection, revisit the milestones of your spiritual journey. See how His grace has moulded you, refined you, and brought you closer to the heart of the Incarnate Word. Remember, in every step, you are not alone; the Spirit of God is your constant companion.

 

The Mystery of Incarnation

As we approach the celebration of Christmas, let the mystery of the Incarnation captivate your hearts anew. The Word made flesh, dwelling among us, is an invitation to intimacy with the Divine. Contemplate the humility of the infant Christ, born in a stable, and recognize that God’s grandeur often hides in simplicity. In your prayers, draw near to the manger, and allow the mystery of the Incarnation to deepen your love for the One who became one of us.

Amidst the festivities of Christmas, may your joy be rooted in the profound truth of Emmanuel – God with us. Let the carols resound not only in the air but echo in the chambers of your soul. Celebrate with a heart overflowing with gratitude, for in the birth of Christ, all our longings find fulfilment. Share this joy with those around you, and let the love born in Bethlehem radiate through your words and actions.

 

St. John of the Cross – the giver of special Dream

On the 14th of December we recall the solemnity of a marvellous person of St. John of the Cross. St. John of the Cross, a mystic and doctor of the Church, beckons us to journey through the dark night of the soul, where God purifies and refines our love. In this season of Advent, embrace the longing, the waiting, and the purification as essential components of spiritual growth. Allow the teachings of St. John of the Cross to guide you through the contemplative silence, trusting that God’s transformative love is at work in the depths of your being.

 Living in God’s Dream

Living in God’s dream requires a disposition of openness and surrender. It is about letting go of our own plans and allowing God’s providence to shape our lives. Remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Trust in these plans, even when they seem mysterious or challenging.

In the spirit of Advent, a season of waiting and anticipation, let us reflect on the dreams of Mary, the humble handmaid of the Lord. Her “yes” to God’s unimaginable plan brought forth the greatest gift to humanity—the Incarnation of the Word. Likewise, our “yes” to God’s dreams, no matter how daring, opens the door for His grace to shine upon us and through us.

Living in the Intersection of Dreams and Grace

To live at the intersection of dreams and grace is to surrender our own will to the divine orchestration of God’s plan. It requires trust, a willingness to step into the unknown, and an unwavering belief that God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs.

Consider the life and teachings of St. Teresa of Ávila, a mystic and Doctor of the Church. She, too, dared to dream of a deeper union with God, founding the Discalced Carmelites in response to His call. St. Teresa’s life reflects the seamless dance between her audacious dreams and the abundant grace that accompanied her every step. In embracing the challenges of reform, she discovered that God’s grace was not only present but more than enough.

 

                                            Conclusion

My dear Sisters, in the stillness of your prayer, in the simplicity of your daily tasks and in the depths of your community life, dare to dream. Allow God’s grace to illuminate your dreams, guiding you on a journey of faith that transcends the ordinary. As you navigate the challenges and joys of your vocation, remember that you are not alone. God’s grace is with you, shining upon you, and His dreams for you are grander than you can fathom.

May you continue to dare to dream, knowing that the God of grace is ever-present, ever-loving, and ever-dreaming with you. Dear  Sisters, may your hearts be filled with the daring dreams inspired by God’s grace, as you celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation this Christmas, guided by the wisdom of St. John of the Cross. In this season of joy and reflection, may you discover anew the beauty of surrendering to the divine love that sustains and empowers you on your journey of faith.

Let us not forget, that our journey as nuns, as women consecrated to God’s service, is a daring adventure—an odyssey of faith, love, and dreams illuminated by the radiant light of God’s grace.

With holy daring allow the dreams that God plants in your hearts to take root, for they are a testament to the unique way He wishes to work through each one of you. Embrace the challenges, knowing that God’s grace is the unyielding force that propels you forward. May you find inspiration in the daring dreams of Saints and in the unwavering grace that sustains them. As you continue to weave the fabric of your religious life, remember that God’s grace shines upon you, lighting the path of your journey.

As we conclude, let us pray for the courage to dare, the faith to dream, and the humility to receive God’s grace with open hearts. May your lives be a radiant testimony to the Divine dance between daring dreams and the illuminating grace of our loving God.

May God bless each one of you in abundance. Amen.

 

                              Some Questions to deepen our Reflection:

  1. What is God’s dream for me? Am I ready to co-operate with the Divine dream?
  2. Reflect upon the Biblical figure related to the theme – ‘Dream’
  3. God’s dream for human salvation was fulfilled through Incarnation. Can I be thankful to all those people who played a vital role in fulfilling my dream, to be a CCR ?
  4. What is our dream for our Congregation, Province, Community and for our personal life – as the General and Team, Provincial and Team, Animator, Principal/Headmistress, Administrative Staff,   Social Worker, Nurse  and a CCR ? What concrete steps do we take to realise the dreams we  have?
  5. St. John of the Cross reminds us, ‘as religious, our common dream should be to arrive at holiness/Sainthood’. Does it appeal to me?
  6. Am I a religious of shattered dreams? Unhappy, grumbling, negative and hopeless one ?
  7. Edith Stein tells us, “What did not lie in my plan was in God’s plan”. What inspiration can I take from this saying of Edith Stein?
  8. If I were to die today, would I be daring to say with St. Paul, I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have fulfilled the dream and now I am waiting for the crown?

 

 

 

Sr.Philda Varghese,CCR

Councillor Incharge of Spirituality

Mother of Carmel, and the Saints of Carmel, Pray for us.

Prayer Request and Enquiries





    Provinces

    CCR Generalate

    Superior General
    Sr. Molly Attully CCR
    CCR Generalate,
    All Saints’ Campus,
    Chackai P.O
    Thiruvananthapuram–695 007,
    Kerala, India

    St Therese’s Province

    Provincial Superior
    Sr. Lucy Mary CCR
    St. Therese’s Provincialate, House
    “Pushpadhara”, Kizhavoor,
    Mukhathala, P.O.
    Kollam-691577

    St Teresa’s Province

    Provincial Superior
    Sr. Wilma Mendes CCR
    St. Teresa’s Provincialate,
    Teresian Mansions,
    St. Teresas’Campus, S. V. Road
    Santacruz (W), Mumbai–400 054

    St Joseph Province

    Provincial Superior
    Sr. Jane Bavelil CCR
    St. Joseph’s Provincialate,
    Sachidanand Niwas
    Opp.Mahalakshmi Lawns
    Nagar Road, Aple Ghar Kharadi,
    Pune-411014


    © 2025 The Congregation of The Carmelite Religious. All Rights Reserved.

    Mother Mary Michael of the Redemption (1860-1926)

    Mother Michael was our first Mother General. Elected in 1908, this first architect of our Congregation, established her foundations with steadfast courage and great patience despite lack of personnel and funds, the first one at Anjengo (1916), the next at Santacruz (1922) followed by another at Neyyatinkara (1926) and the last one at Karwar (1926) where she was called to her heavenly abode. She was at the helm from 1908 to 1926.
    With a heart of gold, intrepid spirit and the virtue of a saint, Mother M. Michael proved herself a skilled captain steering the ship of the infant Congregation through stormy waters and safely to harbour, with firm faith and confidence in God. She had the satisfaction of seeing the Congregation firmly established.

    Every moment of her life was characterized by the spirit of humility, simplicity and charity to the poor, the sick and the orphaned. God accepted every sacrifice made by Mother M. Michael for the sake of the Congregation she loved so well and served so nobly – even the supreme sacrifice of dying and being interred far from her beloved daughters in Mangalore

    Rev. Mother Mary Archange of the Sacred Heart (1879-1944)

    Mother Archange, our second Mother General was trained by Mother Mary Elias of Jesus at Ypres in Belgium. Her great and loving heart was ever open to all and she devoted her life especially to the poor and needy in the missions in India. Concentrating on prayer and spirituality she used her talents in God’s service, to draw her Sisters nearer to God. The sentiments voiced by an English lady, D. H. Watts, an ex-student of Holy Angels’ School capture Mother’s beautiful personality. “With spiritual qualities she combined an intellect, disciplined by reading of the literature of more than one country, the intuition and receptivity of an accomplished musician and artist, a talent for organization and reaching straight to the heart of things and understanding our human frailty. Hers was the all- embracing charity, which Christ ranked above all other virtues.”
    An outstanding educationist, blessed with generosity and greatness of heart, she was also an ardent lover of nature. Her sincerity and straight-forwardness, her culture and refinement, her foresight and zeal, her love for the Church and the Congregation did much to lead the Sisters along the path of progress. Mother Archange was Mother General from 1926-1944.

    Rev. Mother Mary Louise of the Holy Angels (1882-1981)

    A towering personality, Mother M. Louise our third Mother General infused in her daughters a deep Carmelite Spirituality. Mother incessantly endeavoured to instill in her daughters, by example more than by precept, a love for prayer and the interior life even while engaged in the active apostolate of teaching, caring for the destitute and orphans.

    A good helmsman, Mother M. Louise was steadfast in spirit, sturdy of heart and steady of purpose, both spiritually and morally. Her virtue was genuine and truly heroic. The light of the Holy Spirit, a guiding star all through her life, infused into Mother prudence, tact and discretion.
    Mother’s term from 1944 to1975 was an era of expansion, progress and change for the Congregation. During her term the Congregation was declared a Pontifical Religious Institute in 1950 and the brown Carmelite habit was changed to white. The vestition ceremony was replaced by the Rite of Initiation into the Religious Life. Foundations increased in countries outside India.

    Rev. Mother Mary Angela of the Resurrection (1916 - 1995)

    Mother Angela, our fourth Mother General was a gracious and elegant person who steered the Congregation to great heights. As a leader, she was strikingly superior in every respect first as Secretary General, as Councillor and later as Mother General. With authority, fervent energy and an irresistible urge for perfection, she forged ahead, fostering unity and ensuring that the Sisters did their best.

    A pioneer in many ways Mother started a New Novitiate in Pune due to the increase in the number of Aspirants during her time. Sisters were sent abroad for studies. Twenty-three Convents were started both in India and outside. Mother offered the services of our Congregation to the International Church in Rome – Collegio Missionaries Internazionale San Paolo Apostolo. The All Saints’ College was her biggest enterprise in the field of education. The Congregation was divided into four Regions for better administration and support as it had grown considerably during her tenure. Regional delegates were appointed and the code of governance given.

    Her commanding personality impressed one and all. A tower of strength and spirituality, her kindness, generosity, beneficence and munificence was unparalleled. Seminarians, Institutions, hospitals, families, several spiritual and social enterprises like the Home for the Aged were funded by her and even strangers benefited. With her charming smile, polite demeanour and the softness and warmth of a mother, she endeared herself to everyone.

    Mother was at the helm for twenty years from 1975 to 1995. She was a beacon light to the coming generations, the dreamer and shaper of the Congregation’s destiny.

    Rev. Mother Mary Frances of Holy Mary (1946)

    Mother M. Frances, the fifth Mother General focused on development and renewal. She urged the sisters to update their knowledge in Theology, Biblical studies, academics and other professional courses. Her approach to renewal was to overhaul Formation and instill a deep Carmelite spirituality and love for the interior life even while being engaged in an active apostolate. Her simple, charming, humble and humane personality won the hearts of all who interacted with her. Her love for nature was phenomenal and she completely changed the landscape of All Saints’ College during her time as Principal. A seasoned orator she could hold an audience spellbound as she spoke. The highlights of her tenure were the shifting of the Generalate to the serene campus of the All-Saints’ College, organization of Provinces and the Revision of the Constitutions and Directives. Though faced with many challenges, Mother Frances forged ahead valiantly to open new convents in Assam, the United States of America and Africa.

    Rev. Mother Mary Elma (1952)

    Mother Mary Elma, the sixth Mother General, with deep faith and trust in God, accepted the role of Superior General, knowing that He who chose her would guide her all through. She worked zealously and sincerely for strengthening and developing the existing institutions. Prior to this Sister Elma was in the Formation team and thereafter she was elected Provincial of the Kerala Province. In her early days she was sent to Africa, where she worked whole heartedly in that mission. She was very sensitive to the needs and did her best to keep the boys cheerful and happy.

    Soft spoken, calm and serene, with her gentle smile and sparkling wit, she added joy to the sisters on her rounds to the various convents, advising them to use freedom with responsibility.

    Sr. M. Elma forged ahead with great fidelity to duty, firm in the assurance that God watched over her, leading her to guide the Congregation to green pastures.

    Rev. Mother Mary Frances of Holy Mary (re - elected in May 2017)

    A golden jubilarian in her religious life Mother M. Frances, the seventh Mother General bears the stamp of a sagacious, enterprising and dynamic leader. An astute visionary, an amazing organizer, a prayerful guide blessed with wisdom, prudence and efficiency beyond her years, her tenure marks the significant growth of the Congregation. She began her apostolate as a Professor in English at All Saints’ College, Trivandrum, teaching students at the UG and PG levels, instilling in them a love for the language. A gifted educator, her inspiring presence touched numerous young minds. As Principal in the same prestigious Institution, she renewed the infrastructure and led the Institution to lofty heights of excellence in academics and extra-curricular activities. From sandy dunes to a beautiful clean verdant paradise, the astounding transformation of the campus bears testimony to Mother’s ingrained love for nature and a deep concern for the ecology. Today as its Corporate Manager, she spearheads the move to revamp and re-energise the Institution in its march towards the future.

    As Superior General for two and a half terms from 1996-2011, she shepherded the Congregation through its transitional phase which witnessed the decentralisation of power and the formation of Provinces. Blessed with innate humanity, a responsive heart, golden eloquence and wide contacts Mother is well known and loved. Re-elected in 2017, she leads the Congregation into the future, bestowed with grace, turning vision into reality.

    Sr Molly Attully CCR

    Superior General

    An endearing personality blessed with a compassionate heart, Sr. Molly touched the lives of many as a Teacher and Head of Institutions in
    • Maria Assumpta Convent, Kashipur
    • Queen of Angels Convent H.S.S, Baruch, Gujarat.
    • Sacred Heart Convent H.S.S Mathura, U.P.
    • Lecturer in St. Teresa’s Institute of Education, Mumbai.
    • Holy Angels Convent H.S.S Trivandrum.
    • Elected General Councillor for Education and Mission in 2011
    • Re-elected as in 2017 as Assistant Superior General and was in charge of Spirituality and ongoing Formation.
    • In 2023 elected as the Superior General.

    Sr Paulina I V CCR

    General Councillor of Formation and Vocation Promotion

    – Served as a Teacher, Headmistress and Animator.

    – Councillor to the Provincial of St. Joseph’s Province, Pune from 2014- 2017.

    – Vocation Promotor and Formator of St. Joseph’s Province, Pune.

    – In 2023 elected as the General Councillor for Formation.

    Sr Mary M M CCR

    General Councillor of of Finance

    – Served as a Teacher, Headmistress and Animator of Communities.

    – Provincial Councillor of St. Therese’s Province, Kerala for Education and Mission from 2008- 2011.

    – Elected as the Provincial Superior of St. Therese’s Province, Kerala from 2011- 2017.

    – In 2017 elected as the General Councillor and in 2023 re-elected as the General Councillor for Finance.

    Sr Clare D’Souza CCR

    General Councillor of Education and Social Apostolate

    – Served as a Teacher and Principal.

    – Provincial Councillor of St. Teresa’s Province, Mumbai from 2006 – 2014.

    – Provincial Superior for the St. Teresa’s Province, Mumbai from 2014- 2021.

    – Elected as the 2nd General Councillor in 2023.

    Sr Philda Varghese CCR

    General Councillor of Spirituality and Ongoing Formation

    – Served as a Teacher, Assistant Headmistress and Animator of the community.

    – Assistant Provincial of St. Joseph’s Province, Pune from 2014- 2017.

    – Provincial Superior of St. Joseph’s Province, Pune from 2017- 2023.

    – In 2023 elected as the Assistant Superior General.

    Sr Mary Carmel CCR

    Secretary General

    Served as a teacher in:

    • Infant Jesus Convent ISC School, Murukkumpuzha, Kerala.
    • Rosa Mystica Convent School, Kamalapuram, Telangana.
    • St. Teresa’s Secondary School, Mbooni, Kenya, East Africa.
    • Tassia Catholic Primary and Nursery School, Nairobi, Kenya.

    Assistant Headmistress at Tassia Catholic Primary and Nursery School, Nairobi, Kenya.

    Animator at Little Flower Convent, Nairobi, Kenya.

    Appointed as General Secretary in 2023.

    Sr Teresa Joseph CCR

    Bursar General

    Primary Teacher & Office Administrator,

    St. Paul’s Convent School, Dadar

    Assistant Teacher:

    • St. Joseph’s Convent High School, Jalgaon (1996 – 1998)
    • St. Joseph’s Convent High School, Khadki, Pune (1998 – 2007)

    Secretary to the Provincial Superior (2007 – 2008)

    Provincial Councillor in charge of Finance (2008 – 2014)

    Principal, St. Joseph’s Convent High School, Khadki (2010 – 2022)

    Provincial Bursar (2014 – 2017)

    Animator – in Wagholi for one year. 2022- 2023

    General Bursar (2023 – Present)