53 Sisters of the province made their Spiritual Annual Subscription to the Mercy and Compassion of God at Bandel from 28 December 2021 to 4 January 2022.  The theme “Rooted and Established in love” was dealt at a deeper level by Rev. Fr. V.M. Thomas S.D.B from Don Bosco Renewal Centre, Bangalore (formerly known as Don Bosco Yuva Prachodini).  The Holy Retreat commenced with the inspiring introductory talk by the provincial, Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil.  It was an awesome experience when she asked the retreatants to bless each other.  Her good night talks were very thought-provoking and based on the General Chapter XXIV theme and today’s reality.

The entire retreat revolved around making Jesus come alive in our consecrated life: in our being and doing.  The intensive days spent with Jesus was for all the participants an experience of walking down the dark corridors of our inner world; searching the hidden corners that have remained unexplored in our subconscious; tracing our path along the slippery slopes of uncertainties, and exposing the areas of our intimate being to the Word of God.  The preacher said that in order to be vibrant and efficient in our life and mission we need to ask 3 questions to ourselves like the pilots: Where am I?  Why am I here? And where am I going?  The participatory method used by the preacher helped the retreatants to get personally involved in our inner spiritual journey. The video clips, sweet chanting of devotional hymns, short prayers, discussions in two’s kept us in connection with the Lord all through the day.  The figures of Simeon, Anna, Leper, Zaccheus, Nicodemus, Bartimeus, and ten virgins through light on our inner journey spurring us to imitate their attitudes of CS AAP: Come, Surrender, Acknowledge, Ask, and Proclaim.  Fr. V.M. challenged the participants not to be a “Fuse Box” wire that comes in and goes out in the same manner, instead we should go out with a determination to be faithful and fruitful, and be a transformed person in the likeness of Jesus. A glimpse on our first missionaries and sharing of his own work experience enthused us to be more fruitful and faithful in our journey with the young.  All the participants desired to put on the ‘Armour of God’ (Eph.6: 10-18) to bear witness to Him, generate life, and to produce ‘New Wine’ in the mission among young people as we are on the eve of 100^th anniversary of the FMA presence in India and 150^th anniversary of the foundation of our Institute. 

The holy and fervent Retreat was concluded with Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist and renewal of the Vows.  Indeed, the Almighty has done great things for all the retreatants.  With hearts filled with love and gratitude they expressed their thankfulness to the provincial, preacher and community in a very creative and festive manner.  Praise, Honour, and Glory to God today, tomorrow and forever for His countless blessings upon everyone!

Sr. Shanti Tirkey