Archive | January 2016
ANNUAL RETREAT
51 sisters from different communities of the Province arrived at Auxilium Convent, Bandel to commence their retreat on 30th December 2015. The group was warmly welcomed by Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil, the animator and the Sisters of the community. The retreat was preached by Rev. Fr. Varghese Chittilappilly SDB from Dimapur Province. Sr. Teresa Adampakallel, the Vice Provincial wished the sisters a fervent retreat and presented the message of the provincial, Sr. Rose Ezarath to the retreatants.
The preacher helped the sisters to attain spiritual depth, with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reflection on the Word of God. The various themes he dealt with were Consecrated persons, as mystics, prophets, and witnesses of the Gospel joy. Ongoing formation, Passion for Christ and humanity, all linked with the Salesian Spirituality, exhortations of Pope Francis and the Holy Year of Mercy.
On 3rd January, feast of the Epiphany, the preacher exhorted the sisters to be a star in the community, a star that shows the way, leads the way and guides the way. The 57th anniversary of the religious profession of Sr. Teresa Theruvamkunnel was celebrated with joy.
On the sixth day, the retreatants had the joy of entering through the Door of Mercy at Bandel Basilica to receive the plenary indulgence. Fr. Varghese Chittilappilly, the Retreat preacher solemnly opened the Door of Mercy in procession singing hymns of mercy, and continued with a fervent Eucharistic celebration.
The preacher helped us to feel the closeness of our Blessed Mother and our Lord through his meaningful homily expressing his gratitude to God. He said, “Let us think deeper and deeper His great love and mercy for each one of us present here. We are one step closer to God and we can never thank Him enough”.
On the last day, the sisters expressed their gratitude to the preacher Fr. Varghese, vice provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel and the community of Bandel for facilitating the retreatants to make a comfortable spiritual journey with the Lord. The retreat ended with an enriching outing to the ice cream factory at Kalyani.
Sr. Sadhana Majumdar
EDUCP Policy Seminar
On 29 and 30 December 2015, 50 Sisters from the different communities of the Province participated in the EDUCP Policy Seminar (Education and Child Protection Policy) at Auxilium Convent, Bandel. The resource persons were Sr. Stella Potteparambil and Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, the coordinators of the Education and Social Ministry Sectors of the Province. They commenced the seminar with the basin spirituality of sharing the Word of God. Sharing in the group was indeed a beautiful God experience for everyone.
Sr. Stella explained about the Education policy of the Province with regard to the Admission Policy, Curriculum, Terms and conditions, the important role of the Founder Body, Managing committee etc. She also transmitted about the World Congress for Catholic Education which she participated in Rome, 18-21 November 2015 on the theme “Educating Today and Tomorrow A renewing passion” on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration Gravissimum Educationis and on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Apostolic Constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae.
Sr. Leelamma through her presentation dwelt about the various types of child abuses, prevailing laws and rights, preventive measures, code of conduct, prohibitive behaviour, structure of the complain mechanism etc. She also brought forth various examples through PPT in order to clarify the various skills.
Sr. Kanchan Karuna Bara enlightened the group about the Educational Rights of Minorities.
The participants appreciated the Team members for organizing the seminar.
Reported by the participants
Thank you !
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