On 17 April 2017, the second phase of the second novitiate commenced at Sacred Heart Novitiate Ranchi. Sr.Eugenia Bareh from Shillong Province together with Sr. Lourdu Prema Francis, Sr. Sandhya Sudha Minj and Sr. Sosan Minj commenced their immediate preparation to dedicate themselves totally to the Lord.

They were welcomed to the inaugural ceremony in an atmosphere of prayer. The introductory talk was given by Sr.Rosalia Tirkey, the novice Mistress. Referring the Constitutions article 98 she stressed on the importance of the Second Novitiate.

Sr.Mukta Kerketta made us aware that we are called to be credible signs of God’s love to the young people with the charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. The theme chosen for this occasion was ‘Joyful Witnesses’.

While the clay was being carried to the altar, symbolizing the relationship between the potter and the clay the scripture passage was read from the book of Jeremiah 18:1- 4. It is better to be on the potter’s wheel  so that His hands are constantly working on us, and molding us to be the perfect vessel. The thought provoking message given by Sr. Philomena Prabalanathan with her creative stories brought into light three important aspects  necessary for our life: We are in the world but not of the world, we will be faced with many trails when we begin to treasure Jesus and Sprit of prayer is necessary for the encounter with the Lord.

At the end we asked the Lord to make us a vessel that is pleasing in His eyes and usable for His kingdom.

Reported by Second Novitiate participants