In communion with the entire Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata (INC) celebrated the 150^th anniversary of the Foundation of the Institute with great enthusiasm and splendor. Every community in the province raised a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for the wonders He has worked in the history of our Institute, in the province, in the communities and in the life of each Sister. On 5^th August 2022, the Sisters renewed their commitment to live with renewed radicalism and zeal as a living “monument of gratitude” to Mary Help of Christians. The celebrations carried out through liturgy, prayer moments, events and variety programmes along with the Educating Communities and representatives of the Salesian Family, at community, school, educational centres, parish and diocesan level were concrete means in making known the Institute far and wide. 

Given below are some highlights which reveal the fervor of the communities, welcoming the mandate made to Mary Domenica Mazzarello, “I entrust them to you” during these 150 years of the Institute and 100 years of FMA presence in India.

Auxilium Bandel: The morning of 5 August 2022 marked an important day of celebration for the community of Bandel as the FMA Family all over the world celebrated the 150^th foundation of our Institute. On this day Bandel Community was privileged to have two Golden Jubilarians, Sr. Rose Ezarath and Sr. Teresa Thudianplackal to add extra joy in their celebration. The day began with the placing of the key at the feet of Mary by the Superior of the house Sr. Rose Ezarath. The solemn Holy Eucharist at 11am gave a perfect note to the celebration of the 150^th anniversary and the Golden Jubilee. Several salesian family members, teachers, students and other close by religious communities joined in the historical event. After the homily the Sisters renewed their commitment and the Jubilarians were garlanded. The hymn Veni Sponsa Christi gave a perfect touch to the crowning ceremony of the jubilarians. Holy Eucharistic  celebration was followed by a felicitation program and fellowship meal.

Auxilium Barasat: The prodigious celebration of 150glorious years of the foundation day of the Institute brought great joy and enthusiasm in the hearts of every Daughter of Mary Help of Christians. The festivity of 5^th August 2022 began at Auxilium Barasat with the vigil service of surrendering each one’s life with a lighted lamp and accepting Mary as the Superior by submitting the house key by the animator. Presenting a brick each reminded each Sister to be an inseparable part of living monument, imbibing the qualities of  Mary our mother, and to be Don Bosco’s gratitude at all times. 

The community held a triple celebration: 150^th years of foundation Day, Diamond Jubilee of Sr. Elizabeth Makil and the profession day nine Sisters from Aspirantate and school community of Barasat. The holy Eucharist was solemnized by Fr. Davis Veliyan SDB and 10 con-celebrants and participated by the sisters, boarders, aspirants, postulants, and 85 past pupils of Sr. Makil along with their families. The celebration continued with a short felicitation programme by the boarders, pre-aspirants, aspirants, and postulants. The past pupils showed their love and gratitude by sharing their sweet memories and a festal song. Festivity concluded with a sumptuous meal.

Barasat School also held AUXI AURA 2022 with a plethora of creative events for 20 schools coming together for a day with the theme, Gioioso Centenario dell’ Eredita’  signifying “Joyful Centenary of Inheritance” to mark the 150^th of the Foundation and the centenary of the FMA presence in India. The fiesta achieved success in all the 26 events where the budding youths displayed their remarkable talents and were awarded with prizes and certificates. AUXI AURA portrayed the best form of holiness and happiness and the gala event came to an end with a mellifluous rendition of a musical performance enjoyed by everyone.

Auxilium Aspirantate: In the Aspirantate the 5^th of August dawned with a festive atmosphere. They began the day dedicated to the renewal of our first ‘yes’, on the occasion of the 150^th anniversary of the foundation of our Institute, thanking Mary for having called them to a Congregation that belongs entirely to Her, and placed themselves in Her hands imploring Her to guide their every step so that they may remain faithful to Him until the end of their life. With the same trust and confidence of Mother Mazzarello in Mary, Sr. Rosalia Tirkey the Animator placed the keys of the Tabernacle and of the House at the feet of our Blessed Mother, Help of Christians.

They stopped for a while around the Charism of Don Bosco  and Mother Mazzarello to drink deeply the “Spirit of the Origins” as it was narrated by Sr. Rosalia, pledging to continually ‘return to Mornese’, to mirror themselves in the genuine holiness of Mother Mazzarello and our first sisters. Aspirants gave expressions as they presented “She the first, She the leader”, whom her daughters desire to emulate as they move into the next century. At 11.00 a.m they participated in the Eucharistic Celebration in communion with the Sisters of  Auxilium School Barasat to celebrate the triple milestones of FMA presence in the world, in India and the diamond Jubilee of Sr. Elizabeth Makil. At an opportune moment the Sisters of both the communities renewed their vows, reminding those present that they not only have a glorious history to remember, but a great story to tell: they left everything to follow Christ on the path of the evangelical counsels to witness to the young the wonders God accomplishes in those He loves. After the felicitation and jubilation,  the Postulants, Aspirants and Pre-Aspirants took the audience down the memory lane of the arrival of the 6 pioneering missionaries to India. It was a mesmerising performance. The day came to a close singing the praises of our Blessed Mother and recalling mother General’s message, “Call to Holiness.”  

Auxilium Dum Dum:  The community of Dum Dum celebrated the 150^the Foundation of the Institute on 17 July to witness the renewal of the commitment in the parish with the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Dum Dum. It was kept in two moments:  in our chapel and in the parish. This day was a red letter day in the annals of Auxilium Dum Dum for it was dedicated to renew the ‘yes’ together with the entire institute. The community had prepared for this event with three months preparation on the themes given by the centre: the Constitutions, a gift of Mary, the Trinitarian horizon in our Constitutions, the Christological horizon in our Constitutions, and one week of intense preparation through liturgical animation on appropriate themes. The first moment of the day commenced with prayer service animated by Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel. The introduction on the great event of the 150^th anniversary enabled each sister to say her yes like Mary at her annunciation when the angelus was sang. The great act of Mother Mazzarello placing the key at the feet of Mary was well explained. The hymn “At thy feet O Virgin Mother” was sung when the provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil and the animator Sr. Stella Potteparambil placed keys of the house gate and of the chapel at the feet of Mary. The lauds continued with commentaries and hymns sang with great fervour conscious of re-dedicating with greater commitment.

The second moment of the celebration took place at St. Patrick’s church at 8.30am English mass in the presence of the faithful and educating community. The Sisters had prepared the church with the caption below the altar “150 Anniversary – FMA Foundation” and also with artistic flower arrangements and the pictures of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello on stands in the sanctuary.  At the outset Sr. Lily read a beautiful commentary on the origin of the institute spread all over the world in 97 nations and how it has reached 150^th year  and 100 years in India.  The young girls of our school led the sisters and the celebrant to the altar with a prayer dance. In his homily the celebrant Fr. Dominic Kishore shared the impact of his experience with the Salesian sisters. After the Homily, Sr. Stella gave a short instruction on the renewal of the vows on this occasion. All the sisters arrayed in a line pledged the formula of the vows led by Sr. Leelamma.  The Sisters thanked Fr. Dominic Kishore who celebrated the mass and all the faithful. People appreciated the institute and its presence in St. Patrick’s parish.

On 3^rd August 2022 Auxilium, Dum Dum had great preparation for the celebration of the 150^th foundation of the Institute through a well prepared penitential service. On 4^th of August students, teachers and sisters were bubbling with FMA joy with the display of ‘CAPS 150’ in the playground singing the Centenary Anthem. In the evening there was the vigil service, joining with the FMA world to thank God for the gift of the Institute. At the dawn of 5^th August, the solemn twin celebration took place: 150^th anniversary of the Institute and the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Sr. Silvina Kujur. A meaningful morning prayer led the Sisters to experience the spirit of joy and gratitude to God and our Blessed Mother. The Eucharistic Celebration was solemnized with an introduction the Provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil carrying the replica of the Living Monument of the Institute consisting of the FMA of the 5 continents. The presence of the members of the Salesian Family – SMI Sisters, Cooperators, ADMA, Teachers, young people and the relatives of Sr. Silvina – added colours and joys to the celebration. Fr. Dominic Kishore Munda, the assistant Parish Priest officiated the Holy Mass. In his homily he invited the participants to remain always faithful as living monument of gratitude to Mary Help of Christians. After the Holy Eucharist greetings and felicitation were offered to Sr. Silvina and all present enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast together.        

Auxilium Kalyani: The community of Auxilium Kalyani woke up with great sentiments of praise and gratitude to God for inspiring our founders to begin the congregation 150 years ago and for the prodigious growth of the Institute worldwide. The prayer moment was well animated expressing our love and thanks for all that has been done through the intervention of Mary Help of Christians and for the docility of our founders, St. John Bosco and St. Mary Dominica Mazzarello. Solemn Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. V.S. Sebastian SDB, the rector of Don Bosco School Kalyani and participated by the neighbouring communities. Holy Family sisters, SMI Sisters, MC Brothers, some parishioners, and the boarders joined the Sisters in thanking and praising God.

The Eucharist began by screening a short power point giving a brief history of the inception of our congregation to all present for the Holy Mass. During the homily Fr. Sebastian spoke at length of our beginnings appreciating and motivating us to walk in the footsteps of our founders. After the homily the Sisters renewed their Religious Vows and at the end again the community recited the prayers composed by our Mother General for the 150 Anniversary. The liturgy was solemnized by a melodious choir. A festive breakfast was served to all the religious and priests who willingly and joyfully participated in our auspicious moments.

Auxilium Kurseong: The Kurseong community began the celebration of the 150^th anniversary on Sunday 31^st July  2022 when the community united with parishioners praised and thanked God for the 150 years of journey of the FMA world. Holy mass was presided over by Fr. Edward Lepcha. The 6 sisters renewed their vows after the creed witnessing the FMA vocation. After the mass the parishioners congratulated the sisters as the sisters shared sweets with them. On Friday 5^th August 2022 Sr. Nirmala Tigga the animator placed the keys of the house under the feet of the Bl. Mother during Morning Prayer and in the evening boarders presented a beautiful program highlighting the spirit of the origins. The following day 6^th August 2022 the Catechism children of the parish were invited for the celebration. They watched the movie on Mother Mazzarello followed by games. They returned home happily after having some snacks. The celebration ended with the joyful note of gratitude.

Auxilium Kurtumgarh: The Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians which began with May as living monument of Don Bosco’s love to Mary Help of Christians marked its 150^th foundation day on 5^th August 2022 after a long three years of preparation. Auxilium Convent Kurtumgarh made it a very memorable one by celebrating this day with the parishioners and the school children. They bgan this celebration on 31^st July when they proclaimed the “Yes” to the Lord by renewing the Vows in St. Sebastian Catholic Church Kurtumgarh. The community expressed gratitude to the Parish priest. Dushmonth Nayak and Fr. Aswin  Baliarsingh  the assistant parish priest for granting them the beautiful opportunity to renew their Religious profession during the Sunday Eucharistic celebration.

On the 4^th August evening the community celebrated the penitential service. On 5^th August 2022 they had a well animated morning prayer at 6.00 a. m. during which Sr. Theyattil Annie the animator of the community placed the house key at the feet of the image of Mary Help of Christians, symbolizing Mary Our Blessed mother as the head and Superior of the community as Mother Mazzarello felt. The Holy Mass was celebrated at 9.30 a.m. by six priests the main celebrant being Fr. Dushmonth Nayak the parish priest of Kurtumgarh. Fr. Sony Cyriac sdb in his homily helped the people to understand the meaning of the “Living monument of Don Bosco, to Mary Help of Christians.” Today the living monuments are the sisters presents among us, he told them. He also spoke of Mary’s presence in the community with Don Bosco words, ‘Mary walks in this house.’ During the Mass Sisters renewed their religious Vows. After the Mass there was a cultural programme by the school children and the young people from the four nearby villagers. Snacks and sweets were distributed to all. The priests joined the Sisters for a festive meal. The day was concluded with the evening Prayer service and adoration.

Mazzarello Convent and Sacred Heart Novitiate, Ranchi : Mazzarello Convent and Sacred Heart Novitiate communities of Ranchi unitedly celebrated the 150^th Foundation Day and 50 years of fidelity of Sr. Theresa Korattiparampil in the service of the Lord, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Pradeep Tirkey SDB, Rector and Parish Priest of Don Bosco, Hesag and 11 Priests from other Congregations. All were overwhelmed by the response of the various Religious Congregations, parish office bearers, past pupils, neighbouring families and representatives of youth group. The enthusiastic and joyful participation of the teaching and supportive staff, students, Catholic children from class VI above added joy to the festive celebration.

The Holy Mass began with a solemn entrance dance by the boarders accompanying the Jubilarian. The Liturgy was solemnized with an appropriate introduction, melodious singing, prayerful and active participation by the faithful. During the homily Fr. Pradeep highlighted the presence of Mother Mary in the life of Don Bosco. He also said that in order to show his gratitude to Mary, Don Bosco founded the living Monument of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. He encouraged the Sisters to be her true and authentic Daughters. After the homily the Sisters in communion with all Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, renewed their “YES” to the Lord with the formula of religious profession. Then Sr. Theresa was honored with a golden crown by the main celebrant Fr. Pradeep and Sr. Innocencia her animator garlanded her.

The holy mass was followed by a felicitation programme in the School Auditorium. The students with their harmonious and melodious voices welcomed the Guests and congratulated the Jubilarian. The Novices creatively staged the mandate given to Mary Mazzarello “I entrust them to you”. The Profile and the Anthem of the FMA were sung with “gusto” by the Sisters and Novices as a conclusion. The finale of the program was the gallery walk. The Boarders and Novices showcased their talents and creativity through a captivating and charismatic exhibition on the life of Mary Mazzarello and the growth, development and expansion of the mission and charism of the Institute. Thereafter, all enjoyed a delicious agape meal in Mazzarello community hall. On behalf of all the Sisters, Sr. Lily D’Souza, the animator of the Sacred Heart Novitiate, appreciated and thanked everyone for their gracious and affable presence.

Auxilium Gobra & Park Circus: Every day brings new blessings and clear vision in our lives. To commemorate this great and mysterious vision the communities of Auxilium Gobra and Auxilium Park Circus joined with the entire FMA world to celebrate its Foundation Day and the arrival of the first missionaries to India. To mark these historic events the community commenced the day seeking blessings from the Almighty with a meaningful and well animated morning prayer during which Sr. Alphonsa Kachappailly the animator placed a bunch of keys at the feet of Our Lady recalling the words of St. Mary Mazzarello that Mother Mary is the true Superior of this house and then bringing to the memories of the Sisters the consoling words of Don Bosco, ‘Mary walks in this house’. These words of Mother Mazarello and Don Bosco have become slogans for every Daughter of Mary Help of Christians. 

The second part of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist which was the climax of the day. It was presided over by Fr. E. J. Anthony SDB the Parish Priest of Auxilium Parish and two other Salesians who con-celebrated. It was indeed a fortunate moment to have this celebration in the shrine of Mary Help of Christians. There were 80 participants along with Religious communities of different Congregations, Co-operators of Park Circus unit, ADMA members of Auxilium Gobra, Past Pupils, and representatives of Parish councils, Charismatic Renewal Centre, collaborators and other Parishioners. The Holy Eucharist began with an entrance dance in which along with the celebrants sisters too joined in procession carrying the Word of God. The liturgy was wonderfully animated by the ADMA members and Parishioners. Fr. Anthony in his homily reminded the advice of Don Bosco to the first FMA, i.e. being faithful to God Almighty and to live as a true daughter of Mary. The renewal of the vows and the prayer of entrustment were done well in public which the celebrant commented saying that these are the true commitments which keep a religious to move forward in a tempestuous moment. After the ceremony Sr. Elizabath Joseph proposed a word of appreciation to every person who gave a helping hand to make this day a memorable one. After the Mass all were served a sumptuous meal at the Auxilium Hall. All the invitees made the Sisters happy with their festal greetings, melodious songs and dance. Towards the end the ADMA members were give special centenary caps prepared for this occasion. The day ended stupendously in the presence of Our Blessed Mother, thanking God for the giant souls who worked hard to make the Institute grow and flourish in every corner of this world.

Holy Child Auxilium – R. K Puram: The school community celebrated the 150^th  Foundation of the Institute with a variety of cultural programme. The events unfolded with a prayer moment thanking and praising God for the gift of Mother Mazzarello and Don Bosco. Students from class Nursery to class V expressed their joy  and happiness in belonging to  this  wonderful family called Salesian family, where  they experience the warmth and care of the sisters and teachers. A short skit highlighted how God chose  Mother Mazzarello a simple peasant girl from the village of Mornese to lead one of the most active congregations in the world.  The voice” I entrust them to you”  enabled her to make a choice in life,  giving hope and aspiration to thousands of young people. The program ended with the hymn, “Let’s  go to Mornese to see our Mother, Let’s   go to Mornes to find how life was there, let’s go to Mornese to breathe its spirit, let’s go to Mornese its virtues to relive”. The day ended with a joyful note by the distribution of the sweets.

The Solemn Holy Eucharist on 5^th August was con-celebrated by the Parish Priest of St. Thomas Church R.K. Puram Fr. Vijay Baretto and Fr. Remjius Tirkey, the assistant parish priest during which the Sisters renewed their vows solemnly. The whole celebration was preceded by a penitential service, placing of the keys at the feet of Mary and the prayer composed by Mother Chiara Cazzuola.

Vicuna Nivas Jumaikela: On 5^th August 2022 the Janta Jumaikela School celebrated the 150^th Anniversary of the founding of the Institute and the centenary year of FMA presence in India. At 9.30 am the solemn Mass began with the entrance dance and candle light procession by the community sisters, presided over by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Bishop Emmanuel Kerketta DD, the Bishop of Kunkuri Diocese. In his sermon Bishop emphasized the extension of mission work of Jesus by the Salesian sisters in different parts of the world. During elevation six sisters renewed their vows and commitment.

After the Holy Mass, Bishop, Parish Priest Fr. James Jainivas and the sisters were escorted to the hall for a stage programme with the guard of honour by school scout and guide. The stage programme took track with the welcome song and prayer dance. The address read explained the importance of the day. The short programme included festal song, dance and the skit depicting the life of missionary sisters. At the end Sr. Superior Sr. Mary Ekka thanked the teachers and the students for organizing a meaningful celebration. The luscious meal was served for the teachers and refreshment for the students. Everyone enjoyed and went home happy and contented.

May the preparation and the celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the Foundation of our Institute continue to take root in the life of every FMA so as to keep alive the Salesian charism in creative fidelity to Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello!

Geyzing

JUMAIKELA: The Foundation Day  celebration began with the Morning Prayer  animated by Sr. Mary P. During the prayer moment, sisters received the Acts of the General Chapter XXIII from the hands of Rev. Sr. Rose Kureekattu the animator of the community. Sisters were felicitated with festal song by the boarders and school children. At 3.30 pm we had solemn Eucharistic celebrated by Rev. Fr. Patrick Tigga the Parish Priest. It began with entrance dance.   The liturgy was well animated   by our hostel children and participated by Don Bosco boarding boys and the technical students of Don Bosco Jumaikela. In his homily Rev. Fr. Patrick Tigga , appreciated the sisters for the  work done in the school, villages and the parish. During the Holy Mass sisters renewed their religious vows and received the Constitutions from the hands of the celebrant to mark the bicentenary year of the birth of St. John Bosco and 143 years of the foundation of our Institute. The presence of the teachers and the parents for the Eucharistic celebration doubled our joy. It was a joyful day for each one of us as we re-committed ourselves at the service of the Lord. We praise and thank God for our Institute.

GEYZING: On 5^th August 2015, once again we renewed our fidelity to the Lord. Teachers, past pupils and young people of our school were present for the celebration. Sisters entered into the house of the Lord solemnly in precession holding the Constitutions in our hands, and placed it before the Lord surrendering our entire life to Him. The celebrant Rev. Fr. Dilip Mondol SDB from Don Bosco Malbasi during his homily highlighted the aspect of the fear of the Lord. After the homily we received the Constitutions from the hands of Fr. Dilip representing Don Bosco and renewed our vows with great Joy.

In the evening our boarders performed a surprised items wishing each sister Happy Feast. They brought back to our memory the foundation of our Institute.

Sr. Clara Rai

“TO YOU I OFFER ALL THAT I AM” was the caption beautifully decorated around the altar of sacrifice this memorable day to celebrate and renew our total consecration and dedication to the Lord. The eve of this beautiful day took us to reflect on  the passage from the Cronistoria Vol.I “Don Bosco determines to prepare the first function for his Daughters” The Morning Prayer well animated was an igniter to help each of us in our fidelity to Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. The Holy sacrifice of the Mass led 6 virgins (sisters) with burning lamps to the altar followed by the chief celebrant Fr. V.L.Francis SDB. In his brief homily he said Don Bosco being a true Ethiopian and his Ethiopia was “Give me souls and take away the rest”. It was for the upliftment of society and the needy youth and their salvation. This same spirit could be said of St.Mary Domenica Mazzarello. The entire Salesian world recognizes this Ethiopia that culminates our energies and the Ethiopia of our Provinces in India is still true. He exhorted us to continue in this same spirit to be true disciples of Mother Mazzarello , true to our charism and its teachings. After the homily Sisters renewed the vows and received the Constitutions reverently. By 10 a.m. the boarders felicitated the sisters through a short and beautiful program of dance comic and skit depicting  the first sisters of Mornese meeting Don Bosco. The fraternal meal shared together as one big family including our Salesian brothers in the next door, once again brought us in the joy of family spirit of our first sisters.

By 1 p.m. we gathered for a brief prayer moment in chapel to receive each a copy of the Acts of the XXIII General Chapter. We recalled the last testament of Don Bosco to his Daughters who left them a legacy: “If you have loved me in the past, continue to love me in the future by the exact observance of the Constitutions”. The final hymn intoned to Mary brought us back to be her faithful daughters in our journey of our vocation. Thus our day was spent in gratitude to God and our blessed mother for the gift of our vocation and in gratitude to our Institute, Province and community.