30 September, 2020, was a unique and unforgettable day for us at Auxilium, Dum Dum. The much cherished initiative of our dear animator, Sr. Stella, to have a new beginning in the community was put into action. The moment of our coming together as a community began in the evening at 5 pm.  The theme “Community gathered in Love by the Father” was well highlighted. Sr. Stella, first and foremost, had a short and meaningful community encounter where she recalled the Constitution Articles on Community life, thereby reminding each sister of her role and the responsibility for the growth of a good and loving community. She distributed a file for each sister with her name and the responsibilities she carries out for the smooth running of the community.

At 6 pm the whole community had a synodal Prayer Service before the Eucharistic Lord. Sr. Stella, our animator introduced the “Commencement of the new beginning” as a moment of Community Communion: a family founded on the presence of the Risen Christ; a family rooted in the Salesian Family spirit, working with optimism and solicitude for the kingdom of God. At this juncture the altar was surrounded with lights, when each sister and each house girl placed a lighted lamp, while the animator exposed the Blessed Sacrament with great reverence and devotion. This was felt as the highest moment of our communion in the Lord.

The apt readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of St. John highlighted the aspect of a community that should work closely united among ourselves and with the Lord. “Remain in me, as I remain in you.” There followed a moment of thanksgiving for each sister that the Lord has placed in this beautiful community. The prayer ended with the hymn “Bind us together, Lord.”

After the photo session the community gathered at the dinner table for a sisterly agape, rejoicing in the Lord who has gathered us together in his name and enjoyed a sumptuous meal together.

We are grateful to our animator, Sr. Stella Potteparambil for her creativity and enthusiasm and the initiative she takes to make our community active, collaborative and synodal.  God bless us all. Sr. Emilia Vas fma