The Perth Plenary Members came together today, between sessions on day one of the first Assembly of the Plenary Council, to celebrate Sister Chitra Justin OSM’s 25th anniversary as a Servite Sister.
“It is very special that my anniversary falls on the same day as the first session of the Fifth Plenary Council,” Sr Chitra said. “And it is also the anniversary of my arrival in Australia.”
Born in South India, Sr Chitra joined the Servite Sisters in 1994, after graduating with her Master of Arts in English Literature, but was professed (becoming a Sister herself) in 1997 – leaving her home to come to Australia that same year.
She explained that the Servite Sisters from her original convent in India had selected today to celebrate the profession of all the sisters who joined that year and that a big celebration was taking place – one she hopes to watch online after Day One’s closing Mass.
Sr Chitra had only just finished telling The Record about her anniversary when a cake appeared and Plenary President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB led the delegates singing “For She’s a Jolly Good Sister.”
Throughout her ministry in Australia Sr Chitra has undertaken many roles including community administrator, working as a school chaplain, supporting Parishes as co-ordinator of Children’s Liturgy and various bible study groups, as well as facilitating sacramental workshops and retreats for youth and adults.
Sr Chitra currently works at Servite College as the Retreat and Liturgy Co-ordinator and is very involved with the Kora Centre, based in Bayswater, which strives to uplift the quality of life of disadvantaged families in the area.