16 October 2013 was an unforgettable day in the history of LST congregation. The celebrations began at 8.45 a.m with solemn welcome given to our guests at St. Joseph’s school gate, Khorabar. All the guests were welcomed with the traditional ‘tilak’ applied on the forehead by the Novices of our congregation. The chief guests of the function were received garlanding by Rev. Fathers of the Diocese as well as by the Superior General and senior members of the congregation. The rhythmic school-band played by the students of St. Joseph’s School, Khorabar added heartiness and richness to the welcoming and led them to the well decorated School Auditorium for the Eucharistic celebration.

The solemn celebration of the Silver jubilee Thanksgiving Mass was begun with the procession accompanied by the rhythmic movements of our aspirants. The main celebrant of the Eucharist was the founder, Most Rev. Bishop Dominic Kokkat CST. Very Rev. Fr. Jerome Puthukulangara, the chancellor of the Diocese was the Master of Ceremony during the Eucharistic celebration. As the entrance procession reached the altar, the con-celebrating fathers were welcomed with the ‘tilak’ and the bishops with ‘washing of their hands, Aarti, Tilak and garlanding’ as the Indian custom suggests. Then Rev. Sr. Elsy kudilil, the Assistant Superior General of the Congregation read a brief history of the congregation. The jubilee candle was placed on a stand specially prepared for it, by the founder. The solemn Eucharistic celebration followed and was presided over by His Excellency, Bishop Dominic Kokkat CST the founding bishop of LST Congregation and con-celebrated by His Excellency Thomas Thuruthimattam, Bishop of Gorakhpur, His Excellency Mar Mathew Arackal Bishop of Kanjirapally, His Excellency Mar john Vadakkel, Bishop of Bijnore, His Excellency Mar Franko Mulackal, Bishop of Jalandhar, His Excellency Mar Vincent Samuel, Bishop of Neyyattinkara, Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Kumbuckal, Superior General of Little flower Congregation along with Rev. Fathers of the Diocese and guests priests.

His Excellency Bishop Franko Mulackal gave an enriching and inspiring message. He said that we all are gathered in the context of the silver Jubilee of LST congregation. There are many colours in the world but it does not stop any one from walking. So also in the church there are many congregations and many Charisms. Under the Divine Providence and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Dominic Kokkat CST was shown the plan of God and that is what we see, one more colour, a Congregation in the name of LST in Gorakhpur. A charsim of St. Theresa of Lisieux is given here. Little Theresa becomes a kind of an icon, an indicator of the time of the mission that the Lord wants in this area. That is the reason Bishop Dominic was inspired to begin this congregation in this Diocese and today it has spread its wings to nine dioceses around. We cannot forget St. Theresa at this moment because it is her spirituality that this congregation is spreading to this area. She had only one desire in her entire life, that is, salvation of souls. She was ready to undergo any hardships provided that she could save more souls to heaven. That is her spirituality. Let the apostolate be any but the mission is to save souls.

The melodious singing of the choir led by Rev. Frs. Sibichan and Sijo along with LST Sisters and some of the parishioners and youth, made the liturgy active and alive. After the Eucharistic celebration all the audience greeted the LST Sisters and Jubilee cake was cut by founder Bishop and Superior General of the Congregation.

After a high tea and refreshment, the audience gathered in the same auditorium for the felicitation. It began with a prayer dance presented by the aspirants from Hata. Rev. Sr. Annie, the Superior General welcomed the distinguished guests namely His Excellency Thomas Thuruthimattam, Bishop of Gorakhpur, His Excellency Mar Mathew Arackal Bishop of Kanjirapally, His Excellency Mar John Vadakkel, Bishop of Bijnore, His Excellency Mar Franko Mulackal, Bishop of Jalandhar, His Excellency Mar Vincent Samuel, Bishop of Neyyattinkara, Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Kumbuckal, Superior General of Little flower Congregation, Rev. Fr. James Parekudiyil the VG of the Diocese along with Rev. Fathers and Sisters of the Diocese and guests priests and Sisters. The gathering was inaugurated with the lighting of lamp by His Excellencies. His Excellency Bishop Mathew Arackal in his felicitation said that the Jubilee is a year of thanksgiving. Quoting the book of Deuteronomy, he explained, when Yahweh asked Moses that the Israelites should celebrate every 50 year as Jubilee, the need also was made clear that they should celebrate it because they and their descendants all throughout their generation should know what Yahweh has done for them. Definitely this congregation, the founder and the pioneering members underwent many hardships and the Lord was with them, just as the Lord walked with the Israelites in the desert. He congratulated the sisters for their hard work and dedication especially in this Diocese. After the felicitation His Excellency Thomas Thuruthimattam the Bishop of Gorakhpur honored His Excellencies Mar Mathew Arackal and Mar Franko Mulackal for their maiden visit to the Eparchy of Gorakhpur and Superior General Very Rev. Sr. Annie handed over the Jubilee memento to His Excellencies. After the felicitation a video presentation ‘Ripples of Love’ of the growth and divine mission of LST congregation was presented. The differently abled children from Aasara Campierganj through their wonderful performance won the hearts of all present there. Felicitation speeches by His Excellencies Bishop Vincent Samuel, Bishop John Vadakkel, Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Kumbuckal CST, Very Rev. Fr. James Parekudiyil, Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Puthenchirayil the former Director of LST were followed. Cultural program was presented by the Students of St. Theresa High School Khorabar, Sant Pushpa English Medium School Hata and Sant Pushpa Inter College Hata. The words of blessings were given by His Excellencies Thomas Thuruthimattam CST Bishop of Gorakhpur and Bishop Dominic Kokkat CST the founder of LST Congregation. The remarkable event of the Jubilee celebration was the handing over of the keys of the houses constructed with the money saved by the sisters during the Jubilee year by keeping abstinence from the meat. Also the congregation presented sewing machines to six poor girls of the diocese after training them in tailoring. The LST sisters remembered with gratitude all their benefactors and well wishers for their timely help and support right from the infancy of the congregation till date. Jubilee mementos were given to them by Very Rev. Sr. Annie the Superior General. Rev. Sr. Therese LST proposed vote of thanks and the celebrations were concluded with the singing of congregational anthem by 25 LST sisters. The Jubilee fellowship meal was served to all thereafter.