The culmination of the month long earnest spiritual pilgrimage on the theme, “Be a Home that evangelizes and witnesses to the young people of today” made by each community of Kolkata province reached its climax during the dual celebration of the provincial community day and the Golden jubilee of Sr. Alice Olikal, Sr. Anna Varkey, Sr. Rose Simon and Sr. Teresa Varkey from the Province of  Guwahati on 21- 22 November  at Provincialate, Dum Dum.

The celebrations kicked off with the Vigil service on the theme of the Provincial Community Day   prepared by the community of Vasant Vihar.  Sr. Maria Pettayil, the provincial brought in, a symbolic home accompanied by all the animators with placards defining 22  characteristics of a home in procession to place them at the feet of our Blessed Mother.  The prayer service was a deep reflection on the home and challenges faced by the young people of today and an expression of thanksgiving to God for the gift of our Provincial Sr.Maria.  The transition that took place was to the land of fun and frolic with the arrival of two fantastic clowns played by Sr. Elizabeth Joseph and Sr. Anand Tirkey who made everyone present to be nimble to dance and prance round. The humorous games and competitions conducted by Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil made the hall vibrate with fun, joy and laughter. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various games, quiz competition on Sr. Angela Vallese, for the study of the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium and for the news reporting.

Provincial expressed her gratitude to each member of the province for their very gift and for their contribution to the growth of the Province.  It was followed by the inauguration of the exhibition of charts, posters and portraits done for the death centenary celebration of Sr. Angela Vallese and the various activities carried by each community. The next inauguration was the display of the House productions. The meal which followed was varied and delicious prepared by various close by communities.  The day drew to a close with the festal greetings to Sr. Maria by Sr. Teresa Adampackallel, the vice Provincial.

On 22^nd November 2014 dawned with the chiming of the golden bells announcing the jubilee celebrations of our four sisters filling everyone’s mind with vibrations of gratitude.  The Morning Prayer prepared by the sisters of New Chumta was an overflow of gratitude for the 4 sisters who have served the Lord for half a century.

The Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Most Rev.Thomas D’Souza and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Nirmol Gomes SDB, the Provincial of Kolkata and other twelve priests was solemnized with the contribution of various communities. In his homily the Archbishop drew the message  from his visit to the Holy land comparing the dead sea and the sea of Galilee, giving the message that which overflows enhances life and that which is stagnant is destructive for life.   He said that the Sea of Galilee represents the life of the jubilarians   whose testimonial life benefitted many.  He concluded his homily quoting the address of Pope Francis to Mother General and Chapter members exhorting us to be relevant, for today’s young people.

The felicitation programme consisting of song, speeches, dances, tele-movie on the life of the jubilarians by sisters, students, candidates, past pupils was beautifully anchored by Sr. Basanti Ekka. Sr. Anna Varkey on behalf of the jubilarians expressed her gratitude. The celebration drew its curtains with a fraternal agape hosted by the community of Dum Dum.

Sr. Stella P.