Archive | May 2025

Yes to the Lord … ‘to bring Good news to the poor’

May31

RANCHI: On 24 May 2025, the feast of the Mary Help of Christians, the province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata, joyfully celebrated the first Religious Profession of two Novices, Sr. Lily Synkli and Sr. Sumira Dundung, at Mazzarello Convent, Ranchi. This momentous event marked a significant milestone for the province and the congregation.

The Holy Mass was celebrated by Most Rev.  Vincent Aind, of the Archdiocese of Ranchi, who delivered a heartfelt homily highlighting the importance of Religious life. He spoke of the Divine calling to serve God, who called us before the foundation of the world, consecrated and set us apart, to proclaim good news to others.  He mostly emphasised Isaiah 61:1‘The Lord God has put his Spirit in me, because the Lord has appointed me to tell the good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort those whose hearts are broken, to tell the captives they are free, and to tell the prisoners they are released.  The Archbishop’s word deeply resonated with the newly professed sisters as they made their first Vows, embracing a life of sacrifice, commitment and devotion. The liturgical celebration was further enhanced by a beautiful choir, led by the past pupils of Mazzarello Convent School, whose hymns of praise filled the air with joy, reflecting the sacredness of this momentous occasion. Following the Mass, the sisters were presented with tokens of love and appreciation. The sisters, Novices, ADMA members and the parents of newly professed Sisters added colour to the celebration by singing festive songs and dances to make it a more memorable event.

Report by Sr. Shanti Lakda

‘Yes’ to you, Lord!

May31

RANCHI: Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.  (2 Cor 9:15) On 23 May 2025, in Sacred Heart Novitiate, Ranchi, the peaceful morning dawned for the 13 temporary professed sisters, as they decided once again to renew their love and commitment to the lord with joy and gladness. Sisters were honoured with the brooch and were led in procession towards the altar with flowers. The Eucharistic banquet was presided over by Fr. Nirmal Pratab Beck OCD. During the homily, he highlighted the importance of being privileged and called by the Lord and to live more faithfully the evangelical vows. Rev. Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, Provincial, the delegate of the Superior General, welcomed the 13 temporary professed sisters with a garland after the renewal of their vows to live their commitment in joyful fidelity. After the Mass, followed by a short felicitation programme.

Report by Sr. Mariyana Oliva Lakra

A Joyful Step into Religious Life

May31

RANCHI: On 23rd May 2025, the Sacred Heart Novitiate Community, Ranchi, celebrated a very special and joyful moment — the vestition ceremony of seven young postulants. This event marked the beginning of their novitiate, the second and deeper step in their journey toward becoming Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

The ceremony began at 3:30 pm in the Mazzarello Community Hall. The gathering consisted of Sr. Leelama Palliparambil, the Provincial of the Kolkata Province, Sr. Lily D’Souza, the Vice Provincial and Novice Mistress, along with other sisters of the community and the young people of Mazzarello Convent School, Ranchi.

The seven postulants were warmly welcomed as they took this big step in offering their lives to Jesus.  After a touching introduction given by Sr. Lemnom Mosang, the novices shared their deep desire to follow Christ more closely, living a life of prayer, simplicity, and love for the young, just like Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. Together, they sang a beautiful hymn of thanksgiving, expressing their gratitude to God for the gift of their vocation. A special moment in the ceremony was when the Provincial gave each novice a holy medal, a sign of their new identity and commitment to the Institute.  Provincial Sr. Leelamma shared a powerful message through which she encouraged the novices to be humble, open, and full of love, just like Mother Mary. She invited them to be “like a white handkerchief — ready to be used for God’s work,” and to follow the example of St. Dominic Savio, who wanted to be like a cloth in the hands of Don Bosco.

Holding lighted candles, the novices sang “God, the Light of the World,” showing their willingness to let God’s light shine through them and to keep the fire of their vocation burning bright. At the end of the prayer service, the Provincial officially entrusted the novices to Sr. Lily D’Souza, the Novice Mistress, who warmly welcomed each of them. The celebration ended with a joyful cake-cutting and singing, filling the hall with happiness and love.

The seven novices are thankful to God and to everyone who has made this day so special.

Report by Sr. Riya Rose Mary Biswas

Well-examined life is worth living

May31

RANCHI: The Ranchi Novitiate, Sacred Heart Community, hosted the retreat from May 17 to 23, 2025, for novices, sisters; there were 38 participants. The retreat was guided by Rev. Fr. Nirmal Pratab Beck OCD, whose insightful reflections centred on the theme of vocation. Drawing inspiration from the biblical calls of Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Blessed Mary, and the disciples, he offered participants an opportunity to deeply reflect on their spiritual journey. Fr. Nirmal Beck’s anecdotes enriched the sessions, as he shared examples from his life to illustrate the realities and responsibilities of answering God’s call.

Throughout the retreat, the Preacher addressed the challenges inherent in one’s vocation. He explored the essence of consecrated and religious life, emphasizing the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. The thoughts extended to community living, contrasting the lives of worldly and Godly individuals. Using the Trinitarian example, he explained the beauty of a synodal, humble, and service-oriented religious community. His teachings on reconciliation, detailing the four elements—contrition, confession, absolution, and penance—offered practical guidance for spiritual growth and renewal.

The retreat also underscored the significance of a vibrant prayer life. Fr. Nirmal Beck encouraged the novices to cultivate their spirituality by reading books that nurture the mind and soul. The sessions were deeply impactful, with participants appreciating his humility and down-to-earth approach. His messages resonated with everyone, providing them with tools to navigate their spiritual paths and deepen their commitment to their calling.

Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, the Provincial, delivered the Good Night message, focusing on key aspects of the FMA Constitution. She highlighted prayer life, fraternity, communal living and working together, personal responsibility, and the FMA profile.

 The spiritual retreat was a resounding success with a collective sense of enrichment, as Sisters expressed gratitude for the spiritual depth and practical wisdom they received during the week-long retreat.

Report by Sr. Lemnom Mosang