Bengaluru, India – October 7, 2024
The Congregation of Rosarians came together at the Rosarian Generalate to celebrate their titular feast honouring the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary. The day began with Morning Prayer, uniting members from both the Rosarian Generalate (RG) and Rosarian Traning Centre (RTC), along with priests and brothers from various Ashrams (monasteries), and six Rosarian Sisters. Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao OCD from the Karnataka and Goa Province was also present for the celebration. Following the prayer, the community gathered in the RG refectory for a joyful cake-cutting ceremony and breakfast.
As the morning progressed, more guests, including Fathers, Brothers, Sisters from Carmelaram CRI zone and beyond some friends, and family members, joined the festivity. At 11:20 AM, the main event of the feast day began with the arrival of His Excellency, Most Rev. Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bangalore. Very Rev. Fr. Justin Raj CR, Prior General of the Congregation, extended a warm welcome with garland to the Bishop.
The Holy Mass began at 11:45 AM. Fr. Sahayadasan CR, Vicar General of the Congregation, introduced the Mass, which was concelebrated by the Bishop, Fr. Prior General, Fr. Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao OCD, and Fr. George Vettikuliyil OCD and other priests around 35 of them. The readings were delivered by a Rosarian Brother and Sister, and Bishop Susainathan’s homily resonated deeply with those in attendance. The Mass, which included the Prayer of the Faithful and the offering of gifts, concluded with a Marian hymn.
Book Release Ceremony
After the Holy Mass, the much-anticipated Book Release Ceremony took place. Rev. Fr. M. Jayaraj CR, serving as the Master of Ceremonies, greeted the attendees with the salutation “Ave Maria,” marking the festive mood. He introduced the program, which featured the release of a history book chronicling the journey of the Congregation of Rosarians from 1928 to 2024.
Originally written in Tamil by Rev. Bro. I.S.R. Alphonse CR, a pioneer of the congregation, the book, titled Aasiyavil Oor Aathisayam, has now been translated into English as A Wonder in Asia. Bro. Alphonse, who continued his work despite of his disability to see made significant contributions to the congregation, including writing the biography of the congregation’s founder, A Fool for Christ. The translation and editing of this work were undertaken by Mrs. Rose Catherine Gonsolvaz and Prof. Dr. M. Leema Rose. Although Mrs. Gonsolvaz was unable to attend, Prof. Dr. Leema Rose, a distinguished academic with 45 years of teaching experience, was present to share her experiences of translating and editing the book. Her reflections were both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Fr. M. Jayaraj CR then invited His Excellency, Bishop Joseph Susainathan, to officially release the history book. The Bishop presented the first copies to several key individuals, including:
- Rev. Fr. S. Lawrance, the senior-most priest of the congregation.
- Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao OCD, from the Karnataka and Goa Province.
- Prof. Dr. M. Leema Rose, co-translator and editor of the book.
- Rev. Sr. Rose Mary CR, Vicaress General of the Rosarian Sisters.
- Rev. Bro. S. Thomas, a senior member of the congregation.
Following the ceremony, copies of the history book were made available for collection by Reverend Provincials and Superiors.
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the Prior General, who expressed his gratitude to the Bishop, translators, and everyone who contributed to making the day’s events a success. This historic day marked a significant moment in the life of the Congregation of Rosarians, honouring their rich legacy with faith, community, and history intertwined in a beautiful tribute. A day of joy, gratitude and blessings.
