The 11th Regional Assembly of the Daughters of Divine Providence (FDP), Indian Region, was held at the Regional House in Kannur, Bangalore, from September 29th to October 1st, 2025, with 29 delegates in attendance. It was a moment of great joy and excitement to come together as one family under the theme: “FDP, aligned with the Divine Master, committed to be Providence.”
The day began in silence and prayer, as we opened ourselves to the outpouring of God’s blessings. Sr. Shanty Panamattathil, the Regional Superior, together with her council, warmly welcomed all the delegates who had come from near and far. After a fraternal encounter and a joyful breakfast, everyone gathered in the chapel to seek the Lord’s guidance and inspiration for the days ahead.
The assembly commenced at 8:45 a.m. with the Eucharistic Celebration. Sr. Daisy Kuriyedan, the Regional Councillor, opened the session by highlighting the assembly theme, “FDP, aligned with the Divine Master, committed to be Providence.” The Regional Superior led the entrance procession carrying the crucifix, while the delegates brought forward heart-shaped symbols, representing unity and love. These were placed around the crucifix beside the altar—signs of our shared commitment to Christ and to one another.
Rev. Fr. Velankani Raj OP, in his homily, invited us to interiorize the assembly theme. He emphasized the importance of being rooted in the love of God and of doing His will, reminding us that true alignment with the Divine Master flows from a heart grounded in love.
After the Mass, Sr. Reena Puthenpurackal explained the meaning of the assembly logo, focusing on the primacy of God in consecrated life. This was followed by a graceful dance by our aspirants, lifting our hearts in worship.
The sisters, carrying the symbolic hearts, then processed to the assembly hall, led by the Regional Superior bearing the crucifix. Once gathered, she placed the cross in front of the logo, and the delegates placed their symbolic hearts beside it. She then warmly welcomed everyone, read the official decree, and formally declared the 11th Regional Assembly open. The moment was marked by joyful applause and the singing of the institutional anthem, invoking the intercession and blessing of our Patroness, Mother of Divine Providence, and our Founding Mother, Venerable Elena Bettini. The Regional Superior then presented the agenda of the assembly.
The sessions began with the presentation of the 2024 Assembly Report by Sr. M. Lucy Puthenpurackal, Regional Secretary, which helped the members relive the beautiful moments of the previous assembly. The Regional Superior then gave a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the major events of 2024–2025. This was followed by the financial report by Sr. Reena Puthenpurackal, Regional Treasurer, offering a clear picture of the region’s income and expenditure. A colourful presentation of the communities’ celebrations and activities followed. The Regional Superior concluded the session by offering a few suggestions to improve future report presentations.
The maternal blessings and wishes of our Superior General, Madre Donata Bonfini, brought great joy to our hearts. Her reflection on the assembly theme inspired us and led us to a deeper understanding of the FDP charisma. In her message, she highlighted the theme, “FDP: Aligned with the Divine Master, committed to be Providence,” encouraging us to lead a life rooted in Christ and to place Jesus at the centre of our hearts. She reminded us that if Jesus is no longer at the center, we must re-align our lives with Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew and transform us. Later, Sr. Mary Thumbalan, the Regional Vicar, led a session on the Constitution, enriching us with fresh insights. The first day concluded with an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, led by the sisters from Elena Bettini Convent, Palamaner.
Tuesday, September 30th: The morning began with a beautiful adoration led by the sisters of Providence Nilaya, followed by the Holy Mass. The assembly then gathered at 8:45 a.m. for the input session by Rev. Fr. Joe Kokandathil, SDB, a renowned trainer in mental health and emotional well-being. His session was practical and deeply inspiring, focusing on holistic wellness—mental, physical, and spiritual. He invited us to stay positive, stay connected with Christ, and serve others with compassion, while cautioning against the “diseases” of consecrated life. Sr. Lucy Puthenpurackal proposed the vote of thanks.
In the evening, delegates participated in group discussions and presentations on various apostolic ministries—formation, education, care of the elderly, and parish work—reflecting on their blessings, challenges, and future vision. The Regional Team summarized the discussions and shared practical suggestions to help us live our mission more faithfully, being aligned with Christ and committed to be Providence.
The day ended with evening prayer, supper, and a joyful recreation, filling the atmosphere with laughter and fraternity. The sisters then entrusted the day to the maternal care of Our Blessed Mother.
Wednesday, October 1st
The final day commenced with Morning Prayer by the sisters from the Assam communities, followed by the Eucharistic Celebration. At 8:45 a.m., the assembly gathered for the final session, which opened with prayer. The drafting committee presented their report, followed by an informative session by Sr. Mary Thumbalan on land documentation, offering practical guidance on maintaining and updating property records. The Regional Superior then gave her communication, encouraging us to renew our personal and spiritual lives to make our consecrated and community life more meaningful, fruitful, and vibrant. She also reminded everyone about the responsible use of the common goods in the community.
This was followed by panel discussions based on suggestions and views from the communities. The discussions were lively and insightful, with active participation that fostered vision and unity for the region’s growth. Meetings for formators and superiors were also held to strengthen the animation and accompaniment of formees and communities.
Throughout the assembly, we prayed, reflected, and shared our experiences—recognizing both the challenges and opportunities of our mission. Together, we reaffirmed our call to deepen our communion with Christ, nurture community life, and embody God’s providence as bearers of hope, courage, and love.
As the assembly drew to a close, the Regional Superior expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and to all who contributed to its success. She officially declared the 11th Regional Assembly 2025 closed with the words: “Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (Jn. 15:4). The assembly members responded with applause and sang joyfully a hymn to Venerable Mother Elena Bettini. The delegates then expressed their gratitude to the Regional Superior and her team for their dedication and hard work, presenting them with a gamosa and a token of love. Each sister also received a small gift in remembrance of the assembly.
The 11th Regional Assembly concluded with a grace-filled thanksgiving prayer service led by the sisters from Manini Nivas and Divina Eventide.
Conclusion
Thank you, dear sisters, for your collaboration, generosity, and willingness to share your gifts and potential. Together, let us face the challenges ahead and be true witnesses of Providence in our communities and in the world—aligned and rooted in the love of Christ, paving the way for the growth of our Region.
Regional Superior & Team