All the Animators of INC Kolkata and Provincial council had their spiritual retreat from 3rd March – 11th March 2018 at Auxilium Kurseong. The retreat was directed by Dr. Fr. Jose Parappully SDB, Director of Sumedha centre for Psychology and Spirituality at Jeolikote, Uttrarakhand.
The retreat preached on St. Mary’s hill, the director of the retreat made each participant to make a desert sojourn – an inner journey to the core of our souls through praying the scriptures, challenging and substantial talks with analytical questionnaire and diagnostic probing survey of conscience . At the end of the retreat each one felt the intense need to recall, recount, relive and thank the Almighty for the transformative experience of this memorable retreat.
We commenced this journey placing the footprints with the inscribed grace of the retreat in the symbolic desert in front of the altar seeking his blessing. Thank you, Jesus, that we had not to trek through this frightful tour alone as you had given an expert and experienced guide in the person of Fr. P.O Jose.
The first day’s journey was significant and transforming in the company of Jesus in the desert, Abraham, Moses, Nehemia confronting inner demons and experiencing the presence of ministering angels. On the second day the trek became so dangerous with desert storms to decipher helplessness and powerlessness that each one gave up the baggage of pride and self-sufficiency and surrendered themselves to God and there was calm. Third day was a trip on the road of religious life and the sand dunes of infidelities and short falls made trail not traceable and the destination not visible. But the oasis of realization that failures are graceful moments of renewal and determination to be courageous as the rope of life become stronger and shorter with the knot. Half way through there stood the mountain of enlightenment ‘Religious life is journeying together to God in the radical following of Jesus of Nazareth in creative fidelity to the charism of the founder and religious are to be passionate pilgrims of the absolute. 5th day there was a stopover at the desert shelter to watch the movie justice that heals. Movie made the pilgrims feel the need for forgiveness, reconciliation and healing and 3 ministering angels garbed in priestly attire made themselves available for the sacrament of reconciliation and the healing service helped to prepare the travellers for last stage of their journey. The last day the guide gave us a great surprise the meeting with Jesus of Nazareth engaged in his ministry of preaching and healing to the poor desert dwellers . As he was ready for next itinerary we could not all take selfies and group photos but all managed to take portraits. All the pilgrims preserved this memorial portrait in their hearts and it became alive and resonated the postures and gestures ‘that Jesus of Nazareth was most perfect teacher and healer, compassionate caring individual who spent himself for the others, who showed special predilection for the suffering and marginalized, who promoted respect for and dignity for women, who in the midst of busy life felt the need to turn to his father in prayer and who humbled himself to be servant and slave.
The pilgrims made a pledge to engrave this image in their soul till they could be transfigured to his likeness in their attitudes. The enlightened guide made us to do a review of our pilgrimage before they can set off to the green meadows through mind provoking questions to make them derive and arrive at the insights, prayer experience, significant graces received, shift in relationship with God, interior movements of the desert journey. And they were ready to set off strengthened by the thanksgiving Eucharist and strong will power to live with resoluteness the promise they made to be passionate seekers of God Giving primacy to him, journeying together in community communion following radically the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth and imbibing the virtues of Mary of Nazareth. The participants want to sing the magnificat like Mary to the Lord.
for this magnificent and energising experience and Praise him again and again for the architect of this experience, Fr. P.O Jose. As our token of our gratitude we implore the Lord to bless him abundantly and make his dream of having a psychological and spirituality centre at Jeolikote become a reality very soon.
Sr. Stella P.
Day Out
The 27 FMAs were thrilled to be out after the intensive desert journey. The destination was Auxilium – Mirik. They set out in the bright sun shine and the trip was enjoyable in the company of one another. But to our surprise as we reach the venue we couldn’t come out freely as it was raining cats and dogs. We had the beautiful panorama in the kitchen where all landed up vying with one another to be the No.1 chef. One could imagine the varieties of dishes were prepared by the main chef who in her normal situation never even saw the working areas. There were few supervisors who enjoyed only tasting the food. By 1.00 pm all were settled to relish the meal prepared by many hands, enjoying the fun and frolic together.
The rain couldn’t deter us from enjoying the day; moreover it brought us together to spend our time with our Blessed Lord and Our Mother by singing and praying the rosary and seeking protection and blessings on the sisters of the community especially for their warm and loving hospitality.
How could we think of leaving this beautiful place without wishing our Salesian brothers next door. The fathers welcomed us with a warm family spirit and enjoyed the delicious tea prepared by them with the family chit chat. Though the rain continued to accompany us we enjoyed the wonderful day all the same. We thank our Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath , Sr. Dorothy and her community for making the necessary arrangements for the trip, Sr. Maxima and the community of Mirik for hosting the picnic.
Sr. Leelamma P. & Sr. Rosalia T
Transmission of Triennial Evaluation
On 12th March 2018, soon after the Annual Retreat of the Animators at Auxilium – Kurseong, Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath transmitted the Triennial Evaluation – FMA PCI 2018, which was held from 24 – 28 January 2018 at Auxilium Provincial House, Dum Dum. During which she presented the inauguration of the Triennial Evaluation, the choices of pastoral conversion, prophetic gestures prevalent in the Provinces, good night given by the provinces etc. Finally Provincial exhorted the animators to communicate the same to the communities.
At 3.00 pm, Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil, the General coordinator presented the Province Project prepared by the Province Team members. Later on the Province calendar was looked into. The moment of sharing and planning was concluded with an hour of prayer.
The second day commenced by invoking the assistance of the Holy Spirit upon the participants. Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel, the Province Economer demonstrated and explained the function of the ‘platform of the institute’ and the various administrative issues. The afternoon session was dedicated to hear from the Province secretary Sr. Mini Chettayil about the importance of documentation.
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