Across three jubilee celebrations, the Good Shepherd family honored five sisters whose lives reflect long and faithful commitment to the mission. Among them were Sr. Deepti Mukalel, who celebrated her Golden Jubilee, and Sisters Udaya Kondaveeti and Arockiamary S., who marked Silver Jubilees of religious profession.
These anniversaries were moments to recognize lives shaped by service, compassion and presence among people and communities. For our international Congregation, they offered a clear reminder that vocation to the Good Shepherd mission is lived day by day: through accompaniment, practical care, shared responsibility and hope.
On May 20, 2026, the Good Shepherd community gathered to honor the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Deepti Mukalel and the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Udaya Kondaveeti. Centered on the theme “A Journey of Faith and a Life of Gratitude,” the celebration brought together sisters, partners-in-mission, family members, and friends.
Sr. Deepti’s fifty years of religious life speak of perseverance, quiet leadership and compassionate service across many seasons of change. Sr. Udaya’s twenty-five years have been marked by humility, generosity and wholehearted commitment to the mission entrusted to her. Reflecting on their combined seventy-five years of service, Rev. Fr. Balaji Boyalla, SAC, described religious life as “a journey sustained by God’s faithfulness and nurtured through a grateful heart.»
During the celebrations, Sr. Mary Jose noted how the jubilarians embodied the spirit of the celebration through “fidelity, generosity, and steadfast response” to the Good Shepherd mission. Sr. Deepti and Sr. Udaya were honored with shawls and garlands by Provincial Leader Sr. Pushpa Louis, along with members of her council, sisters, and family members. A cultural program by children added color and joy, and the day concluded with words of gratitude and a fellowship meal.
At the Good Shepherd Convent in Salem, the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Arockiamary S. was celebrated with around 150 participants, including Fr. Arulselvam Rayappan, Bishop of Salem Diocese, priests, religious sisters and brothers, family members, partners-in-mission, staff, beneficiaries and well-wishers.
The day began with a traditional Tamil welcome and procession, rooting the celebration in local culture and community. Bishop Arulselvam Rayappan encouraged those present to continue their journey with “hope, gratitude, and trust,” words that reflected Sr. Arockiamary’s twenty-five years of compassionate, committed service.
A highlight of the celebration was the release of a commemorative book documenting Sr. Arockiamary’s life and ministry. Through photographs and reflections, the book offers a lasting record of relationships formed, lives touched, and mission lived close to people’s everyday realities. Tributes, gifts, messages of appreciation, and cultural performances by children and partners-in-mission expressed the deep affection of the community gathered around her.
Across the three celebrations, what stood out was the breadth of the Good Shepherd family: sisters, partners-in-mission, families, staff, beneficiaries, children and friends. These jubilees were shared moments of gratitude for women whose lives have strengthened communities and made the Good Shepherd mission visible in practical, human ways.
As the Congregation gives thanks for these Golden and Silver Jubilee journeys, it also looks forward. These milestones remind us that mission is sustained not only by great moments, but by daily fidelity, compassionate presence, and love expressed in action.
