On 15 March, has been our kairos moment when Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil arrived in our community at Bamunmura for the Canonical visit along with her secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei. The community gave them a fitting and traditional welcome and escorted them to the house dancing. At the entrance of the house she was welcomed with words of love and cheer.  A short prayer service was conducted based on the theme of the visitation.  Lighting of the candles and placing them on the altar along with suitable hymns led the community to savor the message offered to us by our Visiting councilor. The celebration of the Eucharist by Fr. Thamacin SJ was a time of welcoming dear Sr. Lucy Rose and her secretary, Sr. Veronica. The heart-warming introduction to the Eucharistic celebration by our aspirants touched our hearts. 

The theme of the visitation: “Do whatever He tells you” colored most of our moments of prayer! During the four days of her stay with us,  the sisters and the candidates spent time to meet Sr. Lucy Rose who comes to us in the name of Rev. Mother Yvonne Reungoat – each of us, one by one felt loved, understood and affirmed as we spent real ‘quality time’ with her! As dear Sr. Lucy Rose listened with her heart more than her ears, something happened within us, the new wine started to enliven us.

On the first day the community gathered in the name of the Lord around our beloved Sr. Lucy Rose and reflected upon the marriage feast of Cana. She appreciated our sense of belonging to the Congregation and to the province by being at the service of the young candidates in formation and we have a particular call in being here. On the second day Sr. Lucy Rose animated the Morning Prayer moments for the Postulants through visuals and songs. The remarkable event on the second day was the blessing of the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the niche of Sr. Joseph. The long cherished desire of the aspirantate community has come into existence! Rev. Fr. Tomy George SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Liluah blessed the statues of both places and Sr. Lucy Rose officially unveiled the statues. Sisters from Auxilium Barasat also witnessed the memorable event and added joy to the occasion. This was followed by the Holy Eucharist where the celebrant invited the community to entrust ourselves to the powerful protection of Our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph as they are blessed and placed around the house.

On the third day, in the afternoon the children and mothers of Sunday Oratory gathered around Sr. Lucy Rose.  In the welcome address, they thanked her for being present among them and spending time with them. They appreciated the sisters for allowing them to avail the campus on every Sunday and teaching them songs, games and speaking to them on Jesus. In the evening the sisters gathered around Sr. Lucy Rose for the community moment. She reflected with us on ‘Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath.’ The prayer moment was concluded with words of thanks for the enriching experience each one had in the community during her presence. She too thanked the community profusely for the warmth and affection expressed and experienced in the community. At the close of this prayer encounter, she urged us to be a part of the lives of the young; to make a breakthrough in their lives and God will certainly help us! At the end of the day, our heartfelt thanks prepared and contributed by all had a special note of originality! The candidates expressed it through dance, skit, mimic and a composed song.

The fourth day was a day of thanksgiving. She animated the Morning Prayer and meditation for the Aspirants. She also met the workers and the domestic staff of our community. She met them together and thanked them for their service. They expressed their willingness and cooperation for the welfare of the community. At 11.00 am we celebrated our Eucharist of thanksgiving. It was presided over Fr. Leo Jayraj from Minor Seminary.  From the outset of this celebration, we re-called, re-lived happy memories of moments of time spent with Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica during these 4 momentous days! 4 memorable days of infinite blessings, 4 grace-filled days of benevolence, goodness, immense kindness!!

Sr. Rosy Veliyan