As the saying goes ‘Charity begins at home.”, the inmates of Auxilium convent Barasat, had an ample opportunity to experience that, Forgiveness begins within one self.  In order to celebrate our life together as a community and as a province on October 5, 2016 evening the whole community gathered in the chapel for a penitential service. The ambient was well prepared for the occasion with a cross planted in the middle of the chapel a miniature of Calvary. Each one was asked to bring a stone along for the event. The service began with a song ‘come as you are into his presence’ followed by spending some time on reflecting on the stone each one picked up and brought along.The readings for the occasion were from Isaiah 1:18-19 and gospel taken from St. John 8: 1- 11, both the readings were on the mercy and forgiveness of God. The well prepared video clips enabled each one to look into ourselves and identify the areas where we need forgiveness and where we need to extend our forgiveness to others.

The prayer service enabled each one to introspect the areas which are hardened like a stone over the years and where we need to soften it. After reflecting on these and asking God’s mercy and forgiveness each one placed the stone at the foot of the cross. It was indeed a unique experience for many. The boarders, teachers and house girls were grateful and expressed their contentment for such enriching experience.

Reported by Mary John