6 of our Novices have made their religious profession on 29th June 2019 at DSS Novitiate House, Thazhathoor, Sulthan Batheri. Rev.Dr.Msgr. Jenson Puthenveetil was the main celebrant of the Ceremony.
The year 2018-19 is imprinted in the history of Dinasevanasabha in Golden letters marking the Golden Jubilee of the foundation of the Congregation. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the past achievements as well as introspect on the preparations to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Jubilees are occasions to be celebrated, to recall the marvelous ways in which the Congregation has fulfilled its mission in serving the Lord in His poor. From very humble beginnings in 1969, DSS has grown leaps and bounds, and now stands erected as a shade tree under which thousands of tiny lives find shelter. The Golden Jubilee could well be called the Year of Gratitude, because we have so much to be thankful for Realizing the manifold blessings of God, let us admit with gratitude the words of St. Paul, “I planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the growth”(1Cor: 3.6).
The festivities included exciting events spread over the year, making it one of the most festive and memorable periods in the history of the Congregation. Besides the inaugural function and Final Profession ceremony, Perpetual Adoration, Home Day, Benefactor's day, Obituary, Symposium and Parish day hoisted at Generalate, the Province also organized varied programs at different parts of India. The Jubilee celebration at Oelde, in the home parish of Mother Petra in Germany was something unique and graceful. Sisters organized the day of thanksgiving in San Antonio Archdiocese in Texas and Fulda in Germany in a most befitting manner.
All the Provinces carried out different charitable activities all throughout the jubilee year. To name a few; Jubilee memorial houses, Mother Petra memorial roads, bus waiting shelter, Jubilee memorial block in the hospital, Jubilee memorial chapel, Nursery school, therapy hall, education aid, medical assistance, marriage help, finance for self-employment program, Mother Petra endowment awards, program on environmental protection etc.
On the 1st June 2019, the Golden Jubilee Celebrations came full circle to culminate with the Pontifical High Mass and the public meeting at Pattuvam. On the same day a group of volunteers from Pattuvam and its neighboring parishes organized "Deepasikha Prayanam" from the Monument of Mother Petra at Manamtheri to Pattuvam. The 30 youth accompanied the pilot vehicle on bikes which carried the Deepasikha. The Rally reached at Pattuvam at 2.15 pm and Sr. Emestina received the Deepasikha from which the Jubilee candle was lit.
The Pontifical High Mass was solemnized at 3 pm by His Grace Dr. Soosai Pakiam, Archbishop of Trivandrum along with Mar George Njaralakatt, Archbishop of Tellicherry, Most Rev. Dr Varghese Chakkalakal, Bishop of Calicut, Most Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, Bishop of Kannur, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Parapullil, Bishop of Jhansi, Most Rev. Dr. Antony Poola, Bishop of Kurnool, AP and Most Rev Dr. William Antony, Bishop of Mysore. Thousands of people from near and far flocked into the campus from morning. Around 125 priests concelebrated the Holy Mass with the Bishops. A good number of religious from different congregations participated in the program.
The public meeting started at 5.30 pm under the presidency of Most Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, Bishop of Kannur. Sr. Emestina the Superior General cordially welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. His Grace Dr. Soosai Pakiam, Archbishop of Trivandrum inaugurated the meeting. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Pandarasseril, Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam and His Excellency Joseph Mar Thomas, Bishop of Bethery joined for the public meeting. Dignitaries from various walks of life graced the occasion with their presence and felicitations. Besides the ecclesial authorities, Adv. Sunny Joseph, MLA, Peravoor, Sri. Satheeshan Pacheni, DCC President, Kannur, Fr. M.K Geroge SJ, Provincial, Kerala Jesuit, Sr. Veena UMI, Provincial, Ursuline sisters, Sri. C.J Romid, Chartered Accountant, Smt. Latha, Block Panchayath President, Taliparamba, Sri. Anakkeel Chandran, President, Pattuvam Gram Panchayath and Sri. Prasad, Secretary, Parish Council, Pattuvam addressed the gathering and felicitated the Congregation for its great involvement towards the comprehensive development of the church and the society at large. All the dignitaries unanimously agreed upon the words of Most Rev. Dr Varghese Chakkalakal, Bishop of Calicut, who acclaimed that DSS was succeeded in exhibiting the Face of God all throughout the 50 years of its journey in love and service.
The function witnessed the handing over the key of jubilee memorial house, releasing 'Saphaylam', the jubilee souvenir, 'Kanivinte Malakha', the audio CD directed by Mr. Christy Koyen, 'Spiritual Colloquies' the book ( the personal diary of the Servant of God Mother Petra in Engllish) and the 'Docufiction' produced by Fr. Lino Puthenveetil. Most Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, Bishop of Kannur presented the jubilee special issue of the diocesan bulletin 'Kannum Kannadiyum' to Sr. Emestina. The first batch sisters and the former Superior Generals were honored. The cultural events performed by Bakkalam, Pilathara, Mariapuram, Mattool, Payangadi, Pattuvam and Vellikeel parishes added festivity to the program. The curtain of the Golden Jubilee was lowered with the vote of thanks proposed by Fr. Benny Manappatt, the General Convener of the Jubilee Celebration Committee.
The DSS Congregation commemorated the 43nd anniversary of the death of Mother Petra Dinadasi, the Servant of God on 5th June 2018. Rev.Fr. Benny Manappatt concelebrated the thanksgiving Holy Mass.
The members of the LAMP (Legion of the Associates of Mother Petra) animated the whole function. As the custom, rice packets were distributed and people with reverence to the Servant of God collected the oil from the lamp burning at the tomb of Mother Petra.
A Symposium on “ The Prophetic Personality of Mother Petra and Prophetic Mission of DSS” was conducted on 13th April 2019. Rt.Rev.Dr.Alex Vadakumthala inaugurated the Symposium. Rev. Fr. Augustin Mulloor OCD was the main speaker, and Rev.Fr.Jerome Chinganthara its moderator. Sr.Emestina gave the introductory talk. The three panel members were: Rev. Fr. Clarence Paliath, the Vicar General of Kannur Diocese, Rev. Fr. Jose Thachil SJ, the Director of SRC Christ Hall, and Prof. Moosa, the retired Principal of Sir Syed College Taliparamba. Nearly 300 persons including priests, sisters, and lay people participated in the seminar.
43 of our sisters have been called to their heavenly reward since the inception of Dinasevanasabha in 1969. As a mark of our deep respect for them as well as our indebtedness to their families, we invited their family members to the commemorative Mass celebrated on 28th February 2019. Representatives from almost every sister’s family participated in the holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Abraham Ponat. It was a unique occasion for the family members to experience the joy and thankfulness of the DSS community over the sacrifice of their families in having offered their beloved daughters to the Dinasevanasabha for the service of the poor and abandoned
The Benefactors Day was celebrated on 23rd January. Rt.Rev.Dr.Alex Vadakumthala celebrated the holy Eucharist. The Mass was attended by a good number of the members of Ammaveed which consist of the former inmates of our various institutions of care and love. They expressed their immense joy and happiness over having been taken care of in times of their need, and the case of many right from the days of their infancy, by the DSS sisters. The cultural programmes performed by the children from the St. Angela home, Pattuvam and Don Bosco home, Karakundu doubled the happiness of the day.
To add to our joy the following guests from Germany participated in the functions of the day during which they interacted with the members of Ammaveed: Rev. Fr. Hans Bernd Koeppen, Mr.Elmar Nordhus-Westarp, Mr.Dietrich Bretz, Mrs.Hildegard Meier, Mr.Ulrich Meier, Mr.Bernd Wiemeyer, Mrs.Anne Wiemeyer, Miss Santhi, Miss Salini, Mrs. Meera.
As the part of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Congregation, the Dinasevanasabha celebrated “HOMES DAY” on 23rd July 2018 with the inmates sheltered and cared in its various charitable homes all over India.
The gracious presence of Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, Arch Bishop of Cologne, Germany, His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kannur, Dr. Rodolf Bahar and his colleague Mr. Nadim K. Amman, of the Social and mission wing of the Archdiocese of Cologne Germany and added joy and grace to the day. The Dignitaries were welcomed with most cheer with the flower bouquet and the music band by our inmates of the Marian centre, special school and rehabilitation home for the mentally Challenged girls, Bakkalam.
Having visited the Museum of Mother Petra, the Cardinal with Bishop Alex Vadakumthala officiated the inauguration and blessing of the Mission Secretariat of DSS Amala Province and planted the Golden Jubilee tree.
The Holy Mass celebrated at the Ashram Chapel by His Eminence Cardinal Maria Woelki with Bishop Alex Vadakumthala and many priests. His Eminence, in his homily, recalled the life of Servant of God Mother Petra who considered prayer and work of mercy as service to God.
In the felicitation programme, His Eminence released the History Book of DSS Congregation,“Mother Petrayude Pathayil - Part II”, giving the first copy to Sr. Mariam, Ex Superior General and first batch member of the Congregation.
Mother Petra Endowment award was conferred to the students of DSS Don Bosco Speech and Hearing School, Karakundu who acquired A+ for all the subjects in SSLC and +2 board exams.
Dr. Rodolf Bahar with his colleague Mr. Nadim K. Amman inaugurated the utilization of the Golden Jubilee Memorial Endowment Fund set apart for the charitable activities by giving the aid for medical treatment to two cancer patients from one family of Mariapuram Parish.
The mementos were distributed to the charitable homes. The celebration ended with the agape and the cultural programme of the children from our different homes.
5 of our Novices have made their religious profession on 29th June 2018 at DSS Novitiate House, Thazhathoor, Sulthan Batheri. His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalackal, the Bishop of the Diocese of Calicut was the main celebrant of the Ceremony.
The DSS Congregation commemorated the 42nd anniversary of the death of Mother Petra Dinadasi, the Servant of God on 14th June 2018. His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kannur concelebrated the thanksgiving Holy Mass with many priests. Religious and lay faithful in large number participated in the function.
After the solemn Eucharistic celebration, Bishop offered the flower bouquet at the tomb and paid homage to the Servant of God Mother Petra Dinadasi. The community then recited the prayer for beatification.
5 of our Novices have made their religious profession on 29th June 2018 at DSS Novitiate House, Thazhathoor, Sulthan Batheri. His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalackal, the Bishop of the Diocese of Calicut was the main celebrant of the Ceremony..
On the occasion, Bishop released the book “Mother Petra Ormakalude Thalukalil” and the first copy was presented to Mrs. Suci Kallen, who has been working in DSS Convent right from the time of Mother Petra. DSS Anthem prepared and uploaded in youtube by Rev. Fr. Lino Puthenveetil is advertized. It will be available in the You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk2aIKVbwic/ or Google search by name DSS anthem .
The members of the LAMP (Legion of the Associates of Mother Petra) animated the whole function. As the custom, rice packets were distributed and people with reverence to the Servant of God collected the oil from the lamp burning at the tomb of Mother Petra.
Sr.Shilpa DSS, then thanked the gathering. The celebration concluded with the agape.
Rehan - Pattuvam Parish
Nitha Kamelis - Vellikeel Parish
The Congregation “Dinasevanasabha” has celebrated its 50th Foundation day and the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee year on 1st June 2018 at Snehaniketan Ashram Chapel, Pattuvam. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the bishop of Kannur Diocese has officially inaugurated the Golden Jubilee by lighting the Jubilee Candle and His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal, the bishop of Calicut diocese switched on the Jubilee Logo in the presence of Sr. Daniela DSS, the Superior General of Dinasevanasabha. His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala solemnized the Holy Eucharist in which His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal preached the sermon.
More than 85 priests, many religious from different Congregations, parishioners, people from near and far including the family members of the 14 sisters, who made their final Commitment participated in the celebration.
Rev. Father Karl Kemper, the Parish Priest of the St. John’s Church, Oelde, Germany, the home Parish Church of Mother Petra, the Servant of God and Foundress of Dinasevanasabha and Srs. Brigitte OSU and Beatrice OSU, Werl, Germany, from the Congregation where Mother Petra had belonged to were also present to grace the occasion.
After the Holy Mass, Rev. Father Kemper officially conveyed the sisters the Jubilee wishes and prayers of the Diocese of Muenster and the parish community. He read the message of His Excellency Most. Rev.Dr. Felix Genn:, the bishop of the diocese of Muenster and presented the gift pack consisted of the Candle stick from the diocese and the photo frame of the Parish Church at Oelde to Sr. Daniela the Superior General.
The Federal Bank donated financial aid for the solar installation at Generalate house. During the ceremony. Mr. Radhakrinshnan, the zonal head of Federal Bank handed over the cheque to Sr. Daniela, the Superior General.
In connection with the Jubilee year, the Congregation started perpetual adoration in the newly arranged Chapel in the crypt of Mother Petra situated in the underground of the Ashram Chapel. It is officially inaugurated and blessed by His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala. The first batch sisters of the Congregation are privileged to be free from all other designations to spend their time in adoration in this Chapel all throughout the Jubilee year. The ceremony ended with agape.
14 Junior sisters from Kerala belongs to four Provinces have made their final commitment on 1st June 2018 at Snehanikethan Ashram Chapel, Pattuvam
Seven Junior Sisters from Nirmala Province have made their final commitment on 4th June 2018 at St. Antony’s Church Cowdally, in the diocese of Mysore, Karnataka.
10 junior sisters from Vimala Province made their final commitment on 9th June 2018 at Lourd Matha Cathedral Church, in the diocese of Kurnool, AndhraPradesh.
8 of our Novices (Alphonsa Sebastian, Mary Roja, Nadeesha Francis, Sajeena M, Sara Padeeti, Shamily Albin, Velangini Yandhava, Vimala Tharlapalli) have made their religious profession on 29th June 2017 at DSS Novitiate House, Thazhathoor, Sulthan Batheri. His Excellency Most.Rev.Dr.Varghese Chakkalackal, the Bishop of the Diocese of Calicut was the main celebrant of the Ceremony.
The DSS Congregation commemorated the 41st anniversary of the death of Mother Petra Dinadasi, the Servant of God and inaugurated Mother Petra Museum "Smruthinilayam" on 14th June 2017. His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kannur was the main celebrant of the thanksgiving Holy Mass. Many Priests, Religious and lay faithful from near and far participated in the function and paid homage to the Servant of God Mother Petra Dinadasi.
Sr. Daniela, the Superior General inaugurated the Mother Petra Museum "Smruthinilayam" by cutting the Ribbon and Most Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Bishop of the dioceses of Kannur unveiled the plaque and blessed the Museum.
In honour of Servant of God Mother Petra, Superior General Sr. Daniela conferred "Mother Petra endowment cash award" to two SSLC top students from Pattuvam and Vellikeel parishes and one from DSS Don Bosco Speech and Hearing School, Karakundu, who acquired A+ for all the subjects. The art designer Rev. Fr. Roychen SAC, the Director of Pallotine Kalagram, Nagpur and all the artists who toiled with him for the completion of the Museum were honoured by presenting the Mementos. Sr.Vandana DSS, the Assistant Superior General thanked the gathering. The celebration concluded with the agape.
Prayer at the tomb of Mother Petra
Archana Ajith - Pattuvam Parish
Sandra Xavier - Vellikeel Parish
Namishna Lakshmanan
DSS Donbosco Speech & Hearing School, Karakundu
Honoring Rev. Fr. Roychen SAC, the art designer
13 of our Junior sisters from 4 Provinces have made their Final profession on 8th December 2016 at Snehaniketan DSS Generalate, Pattuvam. His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kannur was the main celebrant of the Ceremony.
10 of our Novices (Anitha Yerkipati, Anusha Francis, Lourd Rajeti, Rajeswari Kattula, Renuka Gunja, Jeslin Joy, Priyanka, Mary Smitha, Ruth Mary, Salomi Murmu) have made their religious profession on 29th June 2016 at DSS Novitiate House, Thazhathoor, Sulthan Batheri. His Excellency Most.Rev.Dr.Varghese Chakkalackal, the Bishop of the Diocese of Calicut was the main celebrant of the Ceremony.
The DSS Congregation commemorated the 40th anniversary of the death of Mother Petra Dinadasi, the Servant of God and the Silver Jubilee of 12 DSS Sisters (Srs. Shalini, Savitha, Sajivini, Thyjasa, Precilla, Delphina, Limsy, Merciline, Claret, Irene, Letitia and Lourde) on 6th June 2016. His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kannur was the main celebrant of the thanksgiving Holy Mass. Many Priests, Religious and lay faithful from near and far participated in the function.
After the solemn Eucharistic celebration, Bishop offered the flower bouquet at the tomb and paid homage to the Servant of God Mother Petra Dinadasi. The community then recited the prayer for beatification.
Thereafter, the meeting in commemoration of the 40th death anniversary of Mother Petra started with the prayer dance by differently abled children of DSS St. Theresa special school, Pattuvam. Sr. Daniela DSS, the Superior General welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. The dignitaries His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, Sr. Daniela, the Superior General, Rev. Fr. M.K. George, the Kerala Jesuit Provincial, Rev. Fr. Benny Manapatt, the Forane Vicar, Catechists from Pattuvam and Vellikeel Parishes and representative of the LAMP lighted the lamp on the Dias. His Excellency then delivered the inaugural address.
On this occasion, Bishop released the book "Atmasallapam" and the first copy was presented to Rev. Fr. M. K. George, S.J, Kerala Jesuit Provincial. Sr. Ancy, the Provincial of DSS Vimala Province introduced this book to the gathering. Rev. Fr. M. K. George, SJ, the Kerala Jesuit Provincial delivered key note address focusing the spirituality of Mother Petra.
The Second edition of the book Mother Petra Dinadasi written by Mr. Issac Pilathara has been released with the new Title "Servant of God Mother Petra". Rev. Fr. Benny Manapatt, the Forane Vicar, presented the first copy to Bishop Alex Vadakumthala.
In honour of Servant of God Mother Petra, Superior General Sr. Daniela conferred “Mother Petra endowment cash award” to two SSLC top students from Pattuvam and Vellikeel parishes and two +2 and two SSLC students from DSS Don Bosco Speech and Hearing School, Karakundu, who acquired A+ for all subjects. Sr.Vandana DSS, the Assistant Superior General thanked the gathering. The day’s celebration was concluded with the agape.
The Dinasevanasabha was given the prestigious award for the CARE OF THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED for the year 2015 by the Kshema Foundation Trivandrum. The award carrying a cash prize of Rs.25,001/-, a citation and a plaque, was presented by Mr. P.K. Kunhalikutty (Hon’ble minister for Industries and IT, Kerala State) to Sr. Daniela, the Superior General of Dinasevanasabha, at a function conducted at Hotel Royal Regency, Chennai, on 2015 August 13.
12 of our Novices have made their religious profession on 29th June 2015 at DSS Novitiate House, Thazhathoor, Sulthan Batheri. Rev. Fr. Thomas Panackal, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Calicut was the main celebrant of the Ceremony.
The DSS Congregation paid homage to the saintly memory of Servant of God Mother Petra Dinadasi, the Foundress on 5th June 2015, commemorating her 39th Death Anniversary. His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kannur with many Priests offered the thanksgiving Holy Mass. The Legion of Associates of Mother Petra animated the liturgy and all other programme of the day. Many Religious and lay faithful from near and far were present for the celebration. The presence of first 6 batches members of DSS Congregation graced the occasion.
After the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop offered the flower bouquet at the tomb of Mother Petra and with the community recited the prayer for beatification.
On this occasion, Bishop released the third edition of Mother Petra’s Circular. In honour of Servant of God Mother Petra, Superior General Sr.Daniela conferred "Mother Petra endowment cash award" to two SSLC top students from Pattuvam and Vellikeel parishes. Commemorating the World Environment day, saplings were planted in the ashram compound which enabled all to cherish Mother Petra’s love for the nature. The day’s celebration was concluded with the agape meal.
Sr. Daniela DSS, the Superior General, visits His Holiness Pope Francis on 3rd Sept. 2014 and gives the book and photo of Mother Petra Dinadasi, the Servant of God.
A Palliative Care Unit was started under Amala Province at Pattuvam on 10th October 2013 to give home care for the bed-ridden patients. Now around 200 bed-ridden patients and 100 other cases are being taken care off.
Snehaniketan foundling Home conducted the Children’s Day celebration and Adopted Families Get-together on 14th November 2013. About 60 families with their children participated in the adopted families meet. The programme was inaugurated by Sri. D. Ajith Kumar, the Honourable Judge, Family Court Kannur at 11am in DSS Auditorium Pattuvam. Sr. Snehalatha DSS, the Director of Foundling Home welcomed the dignitaries. Sr.Daniela DSS the Superior General, Dinasevanasabha, Pattuvam presided over the function. Sri. T.A.Mathew, Child Welfare Committee Chairman, Kannur and Smt. Anju Mohan M., Dist. Probation Officer, Kannur delivered the felicitation. After the inaugural session Dr. Toni Joseph, one of the adopted parents, Trissur gave a class on good parenting to the adoptive parents. Sri.T.A.Mathew gave class to the Children on importance of time management and importance of learning children. Varieties of entertainments were presented by children and adopted parents. Mr. Prabakaran Nileswar, Representative of adopted parents, proposed vote of thanks