Archive | August 2024

ADMA DAY Celebration in the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata

Aug28

DUM DUM (KOLKATA): On 24th August 2024, the maiden ADMA DAY was celebrated with great fervor and devotion by the ADMA members at the FMA Provincial House, Kolkata. The event aimed to honor Mary Help of Christians, the patroness of the Salesian Family and to promote the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) among the faithful.

The day started with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Joseph Manipadam, the National delegate for the Salesian family. 20 new members from Auxilium Ranchi, Auxilium Barasat, and Auxilium Dum Dum took the pledge as they joined the ADMA family during the Eucharistic Celebration through the reception and promise ritual after the homily.  They were welcomed by garlanding by the delegates and the offering of ADMA kit by provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil.

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After a break, the cultural programme commenced with an introduction and warm welcome extended to Rev Fr Joseph Manipadam, Provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil and all the delegates from the different ADMA units. Sr. Stella Davis, the Provincial Delegate for Salesian Family and ADMA presented a combined report on the activities undertaken by the four ADMA units (Auxilium Ranchi, Gobra, Barasat and Dum Dum)

The ADMA day was also the celebration of the bicentenary of the Dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine so each ADMA unit presented a tableau on the Dream of St. DON BOSCO at the age of nine as the theme of the cultural programme was “A DREAM THAT MAKES YOU DREAM”.

In his message Fr. Joseph  Manipadam stressed on the significance of ADMA and Mary’s role in Salesian spirituality. The interactive session in the form of a quiz on the message helped the members to deepen their devotion to Mary Help of Christians and renew their commitment to ADMA’s mission and values.

In the afternoon the ADMA members of Mazzarello Ranchi and Auxilium Dum Dum made a pilgrimage to the Basilica Our Lady of Rosary, Bandel. All the sisters and ADMA members recited the rosary inside the church and visited the Balcony where the miraculous statue of Our Lady is enshrined despite incessant of rain.  The visit aimed to deepen their devotion to Our Lady and foster spiritual growth through pilgrimage and prayer.

Ms.Nisha Barui, an ADMA member Dum Dum shared her experience saying,” The ADMA day which was celebrated on 24 gave us a golden opportunity to renew our love and our entrustment to Mother Mary. We relived the dream of Don Bosco through the Tableaus presented by the ADMA units.” 

Ms.Isabella Antony said: “The celebration of ADMA was an overwhelming experience. It was such a joy to see so many Marian devotees come together as one under her mantle to make her known and loved.”

Ms. Shirely Gomes the newly pledged member has this to say, “The celebration of ADMA day as a new member was a homely and wonderful experience. Got to know what Mother Mary and Jesus wanted through Don Bosco’s dream.”

The ADMA DAY celebration was a spirit-filled event that nourished the devotion and commitment of the Salesian Family to Mary Help of Christians. We express our sincere gratitude to Sr. Stella Davis the Provincial delegate of ADMA for organizing this   event and for making us a part of it.

Eco-Ambassadors: Students Educating Students at Neighboring Schools

Aug24

AUXILIUM CONVENT SCHOOL, BARASAT: On 12 and 13 August 2024, students from Auxilium Convent School, Barasat, embarked on a comprehensive ecology awareness program targeting International Public School (IPS), Julien Day School (JDS), St. Jude’s High School, and Central Modern School (CMS). This initiative was spearheaded by Principal Sr. Esther Rani to foster environmental consciousness among the younger generation.

The program resonated strongly with students across all neighbouring schools in Barasat town. The students of IX-XII demonstrated keen interest and actively engaged in discussions on various environmental issues. The focus on bioaccumulation, biomagnification and the pollution of the sacred river Ganga particularly evoked strong responses, highlighting the students’ environmental awareness. The program also highlighted the importance of a spiritual connection with nature, drawing insights from various religious texts. This approach fostered a deeper appreciation for the environment and a sense of responsibility towards its protection.

The emphasis on adopting a simple lifestyle and eco-friendly practices proved impactful. Students were encouraged to reduce waste, conserve energy, and support sustainable initiatives. The distribution of jute, sugarcane bagasse, and paper bags symbolized a practical step towards reducing plastic consumption.

International Public School (IPS): The program at IPS was met with immense enthusiasm. Students were receptive to the message and actively participated in discussions. Their insightful questions and comments provided valuable feedback for future programs. The school’s administration, led by the Principal Miss Rangana Roy Burman, was incredibly supportive and extended warm hospitality to the visiting students and teachers.

Julien Day School (JDS:) At JDS, the focus on the pollution of the Ganga River struck a chord with the students, sparking lively debates and discussions. The school’s environment was conducive to learning, and the students’ eagerness to engage with the topic was commendable. The Principal, Sir Michael Rebeiro’s warm welcome and shared anecdotes created a positive atmosphere.

St. Jude’s High School: The students at St. Jude’s demonstrated a keen interest in environmental issues and were enthusiastic participants in the program. Their creative ideas and innovative suggestions were inspiring. The Principal, Miss Aditi Chakraborty’s support and encouragement played a vital role in the program’s success.

Central Modern School (CMS): CMS students were equally engaged and receptive to the environmental message. Their active participation and insightful feedback were invaluable. The school’s supportive environment was possible due to the Principal Miss Bharti Sharma, who contributed significantly to the overall impact of the program.

The success of this endeavour would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our accompanying teachers, Miss Dola, Miss Rubi, Miss Elizabeth, and Sir Sudip. Their expertise, patience, and dedication were instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of the program. They guided the students, managed logistics, and created a supportive environment, making the entire experience enriching for everyone involved.

Reported by Kashvi Arya, Class X  – B

 “The Story of a Divine Child” The Footprints of Ishani Das

Aug12

Ishani Das was a student of Auxilium School, Dum Dum, Kolkata who left this world for eternity on 08 January 2024 leaving her footprints in the family, the school and among her friends at the age of 15. Her legacy of exemplary life remains for others to follow and her suffering life for others to have the courage to emulate.

Ishani was a simple and ordinary girl of our time. She was diagnosed with cancer when she was studying in class IX and she suffered for more than a year with serenity and submission without any lamentation bravely.

She was a wonderful soul who lived heavenward. She is an inspiration to young people and their parents. She was a gift to others in the school and outside during her life journey.

When you read the story of this beautiful soul you will be awe-struck at how passionately she lived her life for others. “How could this young teenager have such faith and courage at a tender age? Let us live our ordinary lives extraordinarily.