Monday,the 29th December 1997, is a Red letter day in the History of the F.I.H Congregation. Four great and glittering functions coincided.

           1. Proclamation of the Decree raising the Congregation to the pontifical Status, by His Lordship the Bishop of Quilon.

            2. First profession of 13 Novices.

            3. Celebration of the Silver Jubilee of 13 sisters and Golden Jubilee of 4 sisters.

            4. Releasing of the Golden Jubilee Souvenir by His Lordship The Bishop of Punalur.       

           The Eucharistic Celebration  commenced at 9.30 A.M. with a solemn entrance procession of Bishops, hundreds of priests from the Diocese of Quilon and other Dioceses, vested with golden chausible ; headed by Crucifix-Gospel bearers ,Thurifer, Arathi girls,  Jubilarians , Novices to be professed and Dancers with divine musical steps.

            During the solemn Eucharistic Celebration Rev. Fr. Joseph James preached a very instructive homily. He congratulated the newly professed sisters and the Jubilarians .He also felicitated the Congregation for receiving the Pontifical Status    .

            He said that it is really an acceptance and recognition of the great and wonderful services they have been rendering in building up the mystical body of Christ in collaboration with the Local Churches .He pointed out that the call to consecrated life is a call to Holiness .By a life of Holiness in God ,with God and through  God one can lead others to God. He concluded with the wish that the Status of Pontifical Right would be an incentive for the sisters to glorify God and serve His people with renewed vigour and zeal.

            The Public Meeting began at 11.30 A.M .with a prayer dance by the FIH sisters           The Superior General, Mother Delphine Mary extended a cordial welcome to the dignitaries and other distinguished guests. Mother described the untold struggles faced by the Congregation in achieving Pontifical Status. ”The Devine Providence is very clear in the materialization of the long cherished dream of our Sisters” she asserted .With a deep sense of gratitude she mentioned all the seventeen Diocesan Bishop, for their testimonial letters. ”It was because of the whole-hearted and willing support of the Bishops and their  great appreciation  for our dedicated service in the respective dioceses the Holy See approved our ardent desire” the Superior General added.

            She cordially welcomed Bishop Joseph G. Fernandez, Bishop Mathias Kappil, Bishop Soosa Pakiam and Bishop Vincent Samuel. The Monsignori, Rev. Fathers, Sisters of other Congregations, parents well-wishers and friends were also welcomed gladly. She exhorted the Sisters of her Congregation to be burning torches with a spirit of love, hope and commitment.

            Dr. Joseph .G. Fernandez the Bishop of Quilon congratulated the Superior General of the F.I.H Congregation and its members on the special honour conferred on them by God. He instructed that the Pontifical Status demands the Sisters to be submissive and obedient to the local Bishops. They have to get along with mutual understanding and co-operation .They should seek the necessary guidance and blessings in their apostolate from the diocesan authorities. He wished them good through the intercession of Blessed Mother. Then the Bishop proclaimed the Decree   .

            Proclamation of the Decree was followed by the Felicitation of Bishop Soosa Pakiam. He compared the Pontifical F.I.H Sisters with student who had passed an examination. “They are in a victorious mood” he said. They could achieve this honour by answering correctly the following questions asked by Christ:” Do you love we”?” Do you love the church”? They have answered the questions by their acts of faith in a grand style that the highly estimable Order has been given to them.

            The Bishop instructed the sisters that they should read the signs of the time, neglect out-dated things, eliminate unessential elements and undertake new hardships. They should also explain the meaning of the cross, the meaning of suffering by their lives and follow the crucified Christ more closely and fervently.

            Sr.Irene Mary, the Assistant Superior General of F.I.H.M, Pondichery felicitated the Congregation.

            Dr.Mathias Kappil, the Bishop of Punalur carried out the function of releasing Golden Jubilee Souvenir .HE congratulated the Congregation especially the editorial board for brining out a beautiful Souvenir. ”It is rich in content, pleasing in shape and attractive in color”he commented.

            Rev.Dr.Vincent Samuel, The Bishop of Neyyattinkara received the copy of the souvenir.

            Finally Sr.Adolf Mary thanked all honourable persons who kindly officiated the functions and blessed the congregation with their esteemed presence and prayers. Besides, she great fully remembered the Rev.Fathers who played their special role to make the functions more meaningful and devotional, viz.Rev. Fr. Stanly Roman-the master of ceremony, Rev.Fr. Vincent Machado-the Gospal chanter, Rev. Fr. Joseph James-the preacher, Rev. Fr. Paul Ettuveettil-the choir master, Rev. Fr. Rolden Jacob-the organist.

            She extended hearty thanks to Rev.Fr.Lazar.S.Pattakadavu-the master mind behind the beautiful Golden jubilee Souvenir.

            With the National Anthem the functions came to an end. And the participants were lead to the table of for the banquet.