MARIS STELLA CONVENT, VIJAYAWADA 22 nd November 2025
“150 Years of FMM Presence – Celebrating with
the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Workers”
In honour of the 150th year of the Jubilee Celebration of the Franciscan Missionaries of
Mary (FMM), the community at Maris Stella Convent, Vijayawada, joyfully welcomed the
city’s unsung heroes—the Municipal Corporation workers of Vijayawada. As a gesture of
deep appreciation for their tireless efforts in keeping the city clean, green, and vibrant, the
Sisters invited them to join in thanksgiving and fellowship.
On 22 November 2025, the college auditorium was filled with warmth and celebration as
nearly 100 municipality workers, both men and women, gathered for the occasion. The
beautifully prepared backdrop, titled “150 Years of FMM Presence – Celebrating with the
Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Workers”, set the tone for the event, creating an
atmosphere of joy, unity, and gratitude.
The Sisters extended a heartfelt welcome, greeting each guest with a warm smile and
gracious hospitality. Sr. Lavanya addressed the gathering, sharing the purpose of this
meaningful celebration. She highlighted the spirit and charism of the Franciscan Missionaries
of Mary, emphasizing our commitment to service, compassion, and social uplift. She also
outlined the various ministries through which the FMM community continues to contribute to
society. She acknowledged their crucial role in ensuring that the city of Vijayawada—and
particularly the surroundings of Maris Stella College—remains clean, orderly, and
welcoming. Their quiet, consistent labour, she noted, often goes unnoticed, yet it forms the
backbone of a healthy and dignified civic environment. Sisters of the community participated
in this programme and number of them expressed their profound appreciation for their
dedicated service of the municipality workers.
As a symbol of honour and respect, special guests were felicitated with saplings,
representing growth, life, and the shared responsibility of nurturing our common home. As a
token of love, gratitude, and sharing, a bedsheet was presented to each worker, followed by a
delicious lunch that all enjoyed together. They departed with hearts filled with joy and smiles
of genuine happiness. The event radiated a spirit of mutual gratitude, bridging hearts and
fostering a deeper sense of community. We had the joy and privilege of having Fr.Cedric
Prakash S.J and our Regional councillor Sr.Babitha with us on this great day.
The celebration not only commemorated 150 years of FMM presence but also reaffirmed the
congregation’s enduring mission: to recognize God’s presence in every person and to
celebrate the goodness that enriches our world.
“To love is to give everything, and to give oneself.” – Blessed Mary of the Passion
This line beautifully reflects the spirit of service, gratitude, and wholehearted giving
expressed during our celebration.
