In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on 2 February. This Feast is also known as Candle mass Day, the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. 

This year, the Salesian Sisters of Auxilium Dum Dum took the initiative to celebrate the World Day of Consecrated life together with all the Priests and Religious of Dum Dum. Rev. Fr. Irudaya Raj, Parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church Dum Dum, gave his full support and direction for the event. At 6pm on 2 February Fr. Irudaya Raj, Fr. Dominic Kishore Munda the assistant parish priest, Fr. Umakant Porichha SSCC  and Fr. Sumit SSCC,  MC sisters, MC brothers, SMI sisters, the Ursuline sisters, and Auxilium sisters congregated at Auxilium Dum Dum to celebrate the day of the consecrated.  In all 36  participants were welcomed at the gate, offering a brooch with 3 flowers symbolising the three vows.  The celebration commenced with the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr Raju and the three concelebrants. Blessing of the candles at the portico was introduced by a commentary by the SMI sisters. The procession entered the chapel all bearing the lighted candles. The caption ‘Consecrated to witness Jesus’ placed at the Altar invited the assembly to be like Jesus. The different parts of the liturgy were shared by the different communities, the first reading by the MC brothers, Psalm intoned by the MC sisters sung in voices, the second reading  & singing and orchestration by Salesian sisters, prayer of the faithful by MC Sisters and offertory by Ursuline sisters. Our parish priest in his homily emphasized the encounter of the Divine with the chosen people; one’s consecration aims at the sanctification of oneself and others; witnessing to Christ leads to building God’s kingdom. He concluded the sermon by seeking God’s assistance to walk courageously on the path of holiness.

After the mass the assembly gathered in the school hall for fun and bonding with one another   through games, like bouncing balloons with head, musical chair and housie conducted by the  Salesian sisters. Vibes of Freedom, simplicity and joy vibrated from wholehearted participation by all the fathers and sisters.  The winners were awarded with attractive prizes accoladed by the parish priest Rev. Fr. Irudaya Raj. After the games, all proceeded to Auxilium refectory where all enjoyed the agape shared by all the religious communities. The coming together was so fraternal, sisterly and enthusiastic that Fr. Irudaya Raj declared that we shall make it an annual event. The event came to an end at 8.30 pm with a thanksgiving prayer and the decision to have a picnic on 16 Feb. 2023 continuing to walk in synodality. 

Sr Stella D. FMA