The Canonical Visit of Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the Visiting Councillor, to Auxilium Dum Dum coincided with the Holy Week celebrations and she indeed came as a harbinger of holiness and joy along with her secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei on 16^th April 2019. When they arrived at Auxilium, Dum Dum they were given a ceremonial welcome by the Sisters and house staff. Sr. Lucy Rose along with the other Sisters then proceeded to the Chapel for a short thanksgiving prayer.

Sr. Lucy Rose was accorded a very unique welcome by the community when she entered the residence. This was in keeping with the spirit of the holy Week. During the Holy week Jesus went to the house of Bethany and Sr. Lucy Rose was welcomed just as Jesus was at the house of Bethany. A beautifully decorated gate with the words “WAY TO BETHANY” on it was prepared and Sr. Lucy Rose was helped by two ushers to walk on the footprints of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. The whole ambience was made more joyful by the hymn: “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news….” As Sister reached “BETHANY”, the sisters’ refectory, Martha, Mary and Lazarus welcomed her with a dance “Bless the Lord, O my soul”. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet, Martha served and Lazarus sat at table; Sr. Lucy Rose was attended to in the very same way by the whole Community that joined that for tea.

“Your presence gives us joy.”- the essence of these words that adorned the bright backdrop of the hall of Auxilium Convent School, was earnestly expressed through the programme presented by the students in honour of Sr. Lucy Rose on the 17^th  April, 2019, the day on which Rev. Sister visited Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum. The entire school prepared intensely to host a grand celebration that unfolded in the form of tableaus, karate, colourful drills and a cultural programme. Sr. Lucy Rose along with Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath, Sr. Veronica, Superior Sr. Teresa A., Principal Sr. Esther Rani Abraham and other Sisters were escorted from the convent to the school hall by a solemn guard of honour. Her way to the hall was well decorated on both sides by beautiful tableaus and still presentations of various inter-school events. Sr. Lucy Rose entered the hall amidst the blowing of the auspicious conch shells and a thunderous applause.

The programme started with a welcome song presented by the Middle and High school. This was followed by the reading of the Annual School Report read out by our school captain, which recapitulated the highlights of the year 2018-19. The stage was then taken by the folk dancers of Auxilium who displayed the vibrant hues of West Bengal in the form of a rhythmic dance. The western dancers thereafter portrayed the spirit of togetherness through their performance. A skit portraying the tussle between vice and virtue was then presented by the students of High School. It reflected the importance of goodness and the need to abstain from all vices. The programme was brought to a graceful end by the presentation of various classical dance forms of India. The real highlight of the programme however was the inspiring message of Sr. Lucy Rose in which urged the students not just to dream while asleep but also to dream of one’s goals while awake. She focussed on the need to work hard to realise one’s aspirations and refrain from being lazy. Apart from hard work she also inspired the students to be prayerful and grateful.

Thereafter Sr. Lucy Rose met the teaching staff who welcomed her with a bouquet and gifts. She inspired the teachers to be active collaborators in the Salesian mission of the education of young. Quoting the words of the famous poet, Maya Angelou, she requested the teachers to become rainbows amidst the clouds in the lives of their students. The meeting with the teachers was followed by a meeting with the Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB). She encouraged them to carry on their prayerful lives and continue their reach out activities.

Sr. Lucy Rose also made it a point to meet the Parallel School students, the Evening School students and the Oratorians. In her meeting with each of the groups, she interacted with the young and spoke to them about Don Bosco’s vision for them. Thereafter Sister interacted with the members the Past Pupil’s unit of Auxilium Dum Dum and told them that they had been invested with great responsibility as Salesian pupils and asked them to continue to collaborate with the FMA to uplift the youth. Sister Lucy Rose’s series of formal meetings for the day came to an end with her meeting with the Salesian Cooperators and the ADMA members of the Dum Dum unit. In her message to them she spoke about the desire of Don Bosco to have dedicated lay people to assist the priests and religious in their mission to educate and empower the young. She stressed on the need for a strong family spirit which would help in making the youth of today responsible and prayerful citizens of the country.

On 21^st April 2019, the community went for an outing to Koardha River bank. It was a time to recoup, relax and revive the community spirit. The community gathered at 7.00 pm for a thanksgiving prayer service after a day of relaxation. The altar was well decorated and lit with Easter hues. The prayer was conducted with appropriate thanksgiving hymns, scripture reading and symbolic offerings. Sr. Lucy Rose carried the statue of Mary help of Christians as the community thanked the Lord for the gift of the vigilant presence, accompaniment and revitalization of Sr. Lucy Rose through meetings and conferences. Again the symbolic lamp, representing the FMA and the young people, a chain of strengthening bonds of union, a new wine of enthusiasm and the Chapter theme were all offered at the altar. The community thanked God for the enriching experience during these five days of Sister Lucy Rose’s Canonical Visitation. On 22^nd April 2019, a holy Mass was offered for the intentions of Sr. Lucy Rose and after breakfast the community thanked her and wished her a safe journey. At 9.00 am, Rev Sr. Left the portals of Auxilium Dum Dum and set off on her journey to North Bengal leaving behind a lot to reflect upon and renew.