By Malini Manjoly, SCN
Sisters at Nazareth Convent, Mokama, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Sister Rajni Hemrom, SCN, with a thanksgiving Mass, felicitation, and lunch on Nov. 16, 2024.
Sister Rajni was solemnly brought to the Shalom chapel in a wheelchair. The able Sisters lined up from the door of her bedroom, holding golden pom-poms in their hands for the entrance dance, while the senior Sisters stood in procession with pom-poms.
In keeping with Munda tribal culture, Rajni’s hands were washed, given arati and tikka, and garlanded before entering the chapel.
Sister Priya Kalapurayil welcomed Sister Rajni and the main celebrant of the Eucharist, the Rev. Father Reni L. Prakash, secretary to the Archbishop of Patna, along with the other two co-celebrants and the deacon.
In her introduction, Sister Priya provided a glimpse into the life and mission of Sister Rajni: “It indeed is a joyful day as we celebrate the 50 years of Sister Rajni’s life as an SCN and her loving service to thousands of people in various missions of our Congregation.”
Born as the sixth child to Martin Hemrom and Paulina Tirui on July 15, 1947, Rajni was nurtured in faith by her spiritual father, who emphasized family prayers and attending daily Mass. It’s no wonder that three of his daughters embraced religious life.
After passing the matriculation exam, Rajni desired to become a religious sister. Though she had various known congregations to choose from, she was introduced to the SCN Congregation by Miss Mary Surin, a teacher at Nazareth Academy, Gaya. Attracted by the very name of the congregation, she visited the Ranchi Convent with her parents. All three were impressed by the joyful and welcoming attitude of the SCNs. Soon, she was accepted into the candidacy program. She joined the novitiate in 1971, took her first vows on December 27, 1974, made her final profession on December 1, 1980, and celebrated her silver jubilee in 1996.
As a candidate, Rajni excelled in the one-year ‘Domestic Science’ course at the Holy Cross Institute in Kurseong. Later, she completed a two-year training program in Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery at Kurji Holy Family Hospital in Patna. She further enhanced her education by undertaking a one-year Montessori training at the Holy Cross Institute in Ranchi and obtaining a bachelor’s degree through distance education. She also attended a short course in Bible study at Navjyoti, Patna. All these studies equipped her to serve people through various ministries.
As a pastoral Sister, she served in Chatra and Sale parishes. She was a veteran midwife at Community Health Centre, Bakhtiarpur; a medical assistant in Gomoh, serving persons affected by Hansen’s disease; and a school health nurse in Almora. In the education ministry, she served as a teacher in Khorimahua, Barauni, Sangsay, and Mokama. She also had a short stint in non-formal and formal education in Surkhet, Nepal.
Since 2010, Rajni has been at Nazareth Convent, Mokama, assisting in various capacities with her culinary and other skills. One can say there is no ministry in which she has not rendered service. Wherever she was missioned, she enjoyed family visits and connecting with the people of the parish.
Rajni is gifted with many talents! She is a good artist, a graceful dancer, an excellent cook, and an expert in tailoring and knitting. She has been generous in sharing these talents for as long as she could. Many of us and our missions have benefited from her gifts. She is a fun-loving person with a sweet smile. In her jovial mood, her laughter is contagious and brings much joy to the community.
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Her life journey was also marked by a significant challenge when she battled cancer in the mid-nineties. She put up a brave fight and emerged as a survivor. This experience drew her closer to God, deepening her faith and trust. She continued to take up ministries after her treatment and recuperation.
**Dear Rajni, today through this Eucharist, we express our gratitude to God for your 50 years of life as an SCN, all the blessings God has showered on you, and the blessing you have been to the SCN family and to all those who came in contact with you. Thank you for enriching our lives in the unique way God has created you! We pray that God fills you with a deep sense of joy and contentment and the virtue of hope on this day and in all the days to come. May God grant you good health, fulfill your desires and aspirations, draw you ever closer to God, and let you experience the Divine presence in your daily life. Like Mother Mary, may your heart sing, ‘My soul glorifies my God, my Saviour.’**
After Mass, Sister Rajni felicitated and blessed Father Reni in the chapel. She was then led to the dining room to the beat of drums and dance by the candidates and Sisters. The candidates sang a felicitation song, and Rajni cut the jubilee cake as all sang congratulations. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal.
It was a real surprise for Rajni, and with tears of joy, she commented that it was the best jubilee celebration she ever had. Indeed, it was a joyful day for all present.