A skit on Mother Veronica -The Call to the East

Characters:

• Mother Veronica
• Sister Mary Joseph
• Bishop Marie Antony, O.C.D.
• Father Marie Ephrem of the Sacred Heart Garrelon, O.C.D.
• European women (optional)

Setting: A simple convent room with a desk, chairs, and a map of India on the wall.

(Scene opens with Mother Veronica and Sister Mary Joseph discussing their journey in India.)

Mother Veronica: Sister Mary Joseph, our voyage to India was indeed long and tiring, but we have arrived at St. Joseph\’s School in Calicut as requested by Bishop Marie Antony. The children here are eager to learn, and we must dedicate ourselves to their education.

Sister Mary Joseph: Mother Veronica, it\’s an honor to serve as part of this mission. The people of India have opened their hearts and homes to us. I believe we can make a significant difference in their lives.

(Mother Veronica\’s thoughts drift to the meeting with Father Marie Ephrem.)

Mother Veronica: Sister Mary Joseph, during my time here, I have had the opportunity to meet Father Marie Ephrem. He envisions a group of teaching Sisters to provide education to the women and girls of this region. His vision resonates deeply within me.

Sister Mary Joseph: (curious) Mother Veronica, are you considering leaving our community to join the Carmelite Order?

Mother Veronica: (pauses) Yes, Sister Mary Joseph. After much reflection and anguish, I have accepted the call to start this foundation. I believe it is a path laid out by God, and I cannot ignore it.

(Sister Mary Joseph embraces Mother Veronica with understanding and support.)

Sister Mary Joseph: Mother Veronica, your strength and conviction inspire me. I will stand by your side in this new journey.

(Mother Veronica and Sister Mary Joseph depart from St. Joseph\’s School and return to France. The scene transitions to a small house in Bayonne.)

Mother Veronica: (addressing the European women) Sisters, thank you for joining me on this important mission. Together, we shall form a new congregation, the Sisters of the Carmelite Third Order Regular, known as the \”Apostolic Carmel.\”

European Woman 1: Mother Veronica, we are honored to be a part of this foundation. Our dedication to education aligns with the vision you have shared.

European Woman 2: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, under whose patronage we establish this congregation, will guide us in our mission.

(Mother Veronica and the European women gather in prayer, symbolizing the official formation of the Apostolic Carmel on July 16, 1868.)

Mother Veronica: Sisters, our journey has just begun. With faith and perseverance, we shall carry the light of education to the women and girls of India.

(The skit ends with the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel preparing for their journey back to India, filled with hope and determination to fulfill their calling)