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.
BANDEL: “With unique God Experience, Towards Prophetic Religious life”, was the theme of the Annual Spiritual Retreat held at Auxilium Bandel from 03 – 10 January 2024. 50 Sisters from various communities of the province took an active part with the spirit of Refreshing, Rejuvenating and Renewing oneself. Rev. Fr. Austin Joy MSFS led the sisters to encounter Christ to live a consecrated life.
The Holy Retreat commenced with the introductory message and blessing of Provincial Sr. Leelamma Parlliparambil, at 5.00 pm. Thereafter it was followed by the Holy Eucharistic Celebration at 6.30 pm.
Fr. Austin Joy presented the various challenges of our Religious Life and also offered the group the solution to overcome them. He said, “Whatever may happen in your life, there is an answer in the Holy Bible.” He imparted to the group higher things – the treasures of our Religious Life. He dealt with numerous topics which led the retreatants to deeper God’s experience for the Prophetic Religious Life. Some of the topics were God’s call and anointing, serving the Lord with undivided heart, the common fall of God’s chosen ones, the power of the Word of God, the consequence of sin, salvation through Jesus, the way of treating God’s chosen ones, the power of praise and worship, how to live a blameless life, how to avoid the evil one, the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives etc.
Fr. Austin made the group realize the power of consecration which is meant for others. He also imparted how to win the battle with the powerful sword; the ‘Word of God’. His witty and rhyming words like “every disappointment is an appointment with God” and ‘create memories and not injuries’ made the retreat interesting and fun-loving. After participating in this inspirational and vigorous life-giving preaching, the retreatants unanimously decide to serve the Lord with an undivided heart. After the retreat, the retreatants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the preacher, the provincial and the community Sisters. It was one of the unique retreats for all the participants.
Annual retreat of the Sisters was held from 31 December to 7 January 2023, at Auxilium convent Bandel. It was preached by Rev. Fr. James Chacko SDB. 55 Sisters from all directions of our province gathered under the umbrella of Our Lady of Bandel to spend 8 days under her protection in the company and communion with her Son Jesus the source of all wisdom and knowledge and the true light. We gathered in the old year 2022, with all our old ways to welcome the New Year 2023 with the newness of His Spirit to be enlightened and renewed persons filled with his graces and blessings, to begin once again our life with renewed spirit.
All the way to heaven is heaven. Coming to Bandel is like Moses going to Mount Sinai to encounter the Lord or going to mount Tabor with the Lord to experience the divine. Our retreat days were like Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus to listen to him, to be enlightened and to begin a life of love and service, seeing the face of Jesus in everyone, and thus living a life of holiness. In reality life is difficult, everyday one needs to face the challenges, risks and difficult circumstances. From time to time we need to go to a lonely place to reflect, to meditate, to communicate with our beloved Lord Jesus and to get direction from Him. Our union with God is the greatest gift of our true happiness. We need to surrender our lives lovingly to God so that he can lead and direct our lives in a fruitful manner. Love is the guiding principle in our journey to God through our deep prayer lives. Our whole lives must become prayer, union with our beloved Lord. As the fruit of our prayer, our lives become God and other-centered. Constant prayer leads us to forgiveness and forgiveness leads us to true humility. Thus, prayer becomes life and life becomes prayer and we are able to live our spirit of prayer the whole day long, not only when we are in the Chapel, thus our life become more meaningful and we are able to live our consecrated life in union with God and one another. Mary is the model of prayer and perfection: our prayer leads us to holiness and perfection.
The event of the Samaritan Woman led us to the reflection that my wholeness is in Jesus and my life in communion with him and with others. The one who is at home in the heart, is at home everywhere, this leads us to live God-centered and other-centered lives. God has called us by name and we are precious to him. Jesus is present with us always. It is we who have to feel his presence in our lives. When this happens love becomes the essence of our existence and our life becomes life of communion with one another and everyone.
The practice of Evangelical counsels is our help for living healthy relationships. It is on my today that I build my tomorrow and my future by living the present. Our life is now the present moment. Let us live it to the full. There is a question to be answered: “If we do not live today, why should we live tomorrow? If we do not use the gift of our life, why shouldn’t be given to us tomorrow?” We need to be aware that our communion with Christ must always be accompanied by our communion with others. Jesus repeated over and over again “The Kingdom of heaven is here, now within you”. Often we are ahead or behind, we are hardly in the present.
In consecrated chastity, one receives the grace of falling in love with God, who is the most loveable of all beings. The love of others becomes an integral part of our love for God. Don Bosco lived his chastity as a love for God and for the young which had no limit. Our vow of chastity helps us to love God and others with undivided heart that relates with everyone, and have the readiness to serve others generously.
The deepest motivation for religious poverty is the acceptance of God as the center of our lives, which leads us to relive in ourselves the self-emptying of Christ. In this way our poverty becomes an act of total love and self-giving. Poverty gives us freedom to avail ourselves for selfless service.
Religious Obedience in an imitation of Christ’s Obedience. Like Jesus I love God my Father knowing that he loves me personally and cares for me, so I place all my trust in him and I am happy to carry out his will. Jesus obeyed his Father’s will through human mediation so too do we: the Gospel, the Constitutions, the superiors and the community. The characteristics of our obedience are: In a spirit of faith, filial, prompt and cheerful obedience. Our community is based on obedience. God brings us together for a “Purpose, which we have discovered as a community. Obedience is an attitude of a daughter. It is a kind of listening that only a daughter can do in listening to her parents.” Obedience to God is the path of growth, of freedom for the person because this obedience allows for the acceptance of a plan or a will different from one’s own. Freedom is also in itself a path of obedience. The presence of obedience in the fabric of the community.
The last day of retreat was making peace with God and one another through the sacrament of reconciliation in order to begin our new life with the Lord and with his grace. Mother Mary is the surest way to the Lord, whoever holds the hand of our Heavenly Mother will always be protected under her mantle. The Spiritual retreat came to an end with the solemn Holy Eucharist.
Filled with God’s grace after our spiritual renewal, the whole group felt the need of living the holiness of life
The Retreat had its start on 23rd at 9am with the recital of the rosary guided by Raymond David followed by a very interesting inspiring talk of Fr. Ramesh focusing on Old testament characters who were sinful but were chosen and accepted by God . The second session of the day was delivered by Mr. Vikash Daga on sin. He stressed that sin enters like a worm and if not rooted out it will turn into an enormous serpent that will suffocate. In the next session Ms. Padmini spoke on the need for repentance quoting personal experiences. After the evening hour’s prayer and worship, the rosary procession and supper Fr. Ramesh enlightened us on the topic 7 capital sins especially highlighting on the sin of pride. In order to be in the spirit of the retreat in silence all the mobile phones were submitted and Fr. Ramesh recommended the recital of four rosaries during the spare time. The mass was celebrated by Fr. John Chalil SDB provincial delegate for ADMA on our Blessed Mother which heightened each participants love for her.
On 23-25 October 2022 a retreat was organized for the ADMA members of both units of Barasat and Dum Dum organized by Sr. Stella the provincial delegate of ADMA. Some of the Barasat staff, one MC sister Jose from Syria also joined the retreat. The retreat was held at Auxilium Renewal center conducted by Rev. Fr. Remesh Cherian and his team Mr. Raymond David, Ms. Padmini , Vikash Daga , Sr. Pranati Sabhasundar FMA and the musicians John Joseph and Michael Anthony making it a great spiritual experience for all the participants
The second day 24 commenced with Morning Prayer and talk on pride with quotes from the bible. In the second session Fr. Remesh presented the 12 steps of humility by St. Benedict the father of western monasticism and in the third session he elucidated 17 signs of lack of humility again by St. Benedict preparing all for good confession. In the afternoon there followed confessions and counseling sessions. After the cleansing of the sins all gathered to partake in the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Anthony Earathara SDB the Parish priest. The day ended with the healing session by Fr. Remesh, Fr. Anthony and Alfred Paul from Auxilium Parish.
The third day was initiated with prayer and worship which continued with a session on the best time of prayer: ‘Early Dawn’ proving it with numerous quotes denoting from the bible explicated by Sr. Pranati Sabhasundar. She also further stated the need for family prayer, recital of family rosary and unceasing prayer. The next two sessions were illuminated by Fr. Remesh Cherian on the power and strength of the Holy Eucharist quoting numerous miraculous instances. The 3 days encounter with the Lord was climaxed with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist by 3 fathers Fr. Anthony Earathara, Afr. Alfred Paul and Fr. Remesh Cherian followed by anointing of all participants by all three of them.
Fr. Remesh gifted each participants with some memento in memory of the beautiful days with the Lord, a large picture of Divine Mercy and other memorable religious articles. The soul stirring retreat culminated with group photographs and all returned home carrying the keepsake of memories to witness in their lives.
The Catholic students of classes IX -XII of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, had the privilege of making an enriching retreat in the Bandel Church Retreat Centre from 12 to 15 August 2022. It was organized by Sr. Esther Rani Abraham, the principal of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, and they were accompanied by Sr. Esther, Sr. Anima, and the teachers. The spiritual retreat was animated by Rev. Fr. Remesh Cherian SDB of Auxilium Parish, Gobra and he was assisted by Mr. Vicky D’Cruze and his team.
The retreat was animated through praise and worship sessions, the explanation of the Word of God laced with several real-life instances, sessions on the essence of virtues like humility, chastity, and truthfulness, an explanation of the power of the sacrament of reconciliation, and the nature of the Eucharistic celebration, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and healing session. Fr. Remesh also explained to the students the history of Bandel, Basilica after which there was a candle-lit Rosary procession to the main balcony. The counseling sessions were offered by Sr. Nirmal Jyoti to all the students. The informative and soul-stirring video on the life of the saint Maria Goretti drew the attention of the students to the need to possess a pure body as well as a pure soul.
It was a fruitful retreat for the students as they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and abundant blessings from God. The students resolved to keep the fire burning in their hearts so that they could become messengers of the good news.
The Retreat for the aspirants was held in the Aspirantate – Bamunmura from 20-23 July 2022. Rev. Fr. Robi Sarkar SDB, preached the retreat on the theme “: “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27. Provincial Sr.Leelamama Palliparambil exhorted the 35 candidates to spend the days in close intimacy with Jesus. One of the aspirants says, “We began our retreat with much enthusiasm and in the Spirit of recollection. It was a wonderful experience for all of us to spend our time with the Lord praying and reading the word of God”.
On the first day, of the retreat, the talks and prayer moments were based on the topic “God’s call”. We considered our call which was given to each one of us in different forms, of our lives. Whether it is in Religious life or in marriage, it is a call to which each one of us had to respond; and remain faithful until the end of our lives. Every day our day ended in the adoration to the Blessed Sacrament which we were helped to spend fruitfully.
At the end of the retreat, this is what echoed from the aspirants: “It was simply a wonderful experience for each one of us. We praised God, thanked God, and made petitions to God. We were helped to be reconciled with God and to one another. We were helped to forgive others. After being reconciled with God we were helped to make our resolutions, how we could grow deeper in our loving relationship with Jesus”.
As we concluded the retreat Fr. Robi reminded us that our spiritual retreat began the day we ended. So, all of us have started our journey with the Lord in earnestness and enthusiasm to be faithful to Him, who loves us and cares for us.
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 100th anniversary of the FMA presence in India and 150th 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!
BANDEL: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, be thankful in all circumstances (1st Thessalonians 5:6-8)
The 26 sisters from Kolkata zonal commenced their annual spiritual retreat at Auxilium Convent Bandel from 26th December 2020 to 2nd January 2021.The preacher of the retreat was none other than vibrant Fr Biji Thomas SDB. Sr Rose Ezarath the provincial welcomed the retreatants and encouraged to have a deeper encounter with the Lord during this time of grace and assured all of her prayers. It was indeed a good start as we began it with the Holy Eucharist. From the very beginning the retreatants were helped to prepare themselves meaningfully for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The entire retreat was centred around personal holiness, love for God and neighbour, stressing more on prayer life, community living, vocation and mission which are all expression of Giving Jesus to other and thus saving souls, supporting his views for the Scripture. The Old Testament and the New Testament were interconnected well for better understanding so as to delve into the depth of oneself.
Fr Biji dealt systematically the aforementioned points. Speaking of holiness he said that the basic awareness of the fact is that we are worthless and what we can’t learn in humility the Lord will teach us in humiliation. The grace of God is necessary in each of us which is equivalent to unjustified suffering and God. As he spoke of community life he focused on Love for neighbour which is indicated in owning up every sister in the community and to value them as St Paul says in Romans 15:1 we who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. He concluded saying we are convinced to keep our focus on where we need to focus and not to turn back, for the Lord knows how to provide if only we give Him a chance.
We gratefully acknowledge the valuable Salesian goodnights given by our provincial Sr Rose Ezarath from Constitutions, Circulars, family news and reminders. The day always ended with a good thought. We are privileged to conclude our Annual Spiritual retreat at the Balcony of the Basilica of Our Lady of Bandel with the Holy Eucharist.
We thank Sr Provincial for blessing us with this opportunity of making this spiritual renewal possible in a new normal way during this pandemic. Our gratitude and love to Sr.Rosy and the community of Bandel for their great hospitality and goodness in providing the best for our stay.
NEW CHUMTA: 14 sisters from North Bengal gathered at Auxilium New Chumta for their Annual Retreat. The retreat started on 27th December 2020 and was concluded on 3rd January 2021. Rev. Fr. Albert Kujur and Br. Kenneth Karan Pradhan were the facilitators of the retreat. The Theme of the retreat was Ps. 34:5 “Look to Him and be radiant”.
On the first day the theme was centered on the “Word of God – the Word made flesh.” In the afternoon Br. Kenneth reflected on the three steps to reach heaven: “Read, eat and do – live the Word. The Word of God has to be alive through us and people have to read the Scripture through our lives. He spoke on forgiveness and also the authority given to all to bind and cast all kinds of evil spirits at the feet of Jesus on the Cross. During adoration he animated the sisters to forgive the persons who have offended and the family members, ancestors and family tree. All the sisters openly and freely tried to forgive the offenders in the name of the Lord. On the second evening there was inner healing session during adoration and brother explained about the inner wounds which can be healed only by Jesus. Six areas – body, soul, mind, family, finance and demoniac power needs inner healing. There are various signs and reasons for inner wounds. Sisters were made aware of one’s inner wounds before experiencing healing. On the third day there was the meaningful Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some other topics dealt with were sin, eternal life, Mother of God, Holy Spirit and Holy Eucharist and the references made were mainly from the Word of God and the Constitutions. During his last session Br. Kenneth spoke on Holy Spirit: The characteristics of the Holy Spirit giving reference from the Scripture; the Holy Spirit makes us holy, the holiness of life, for which we are called and set apart. We ask for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit but we should ask for the gift of holiness. In the evening there was the infilling of the Holy Spirit session and all the sisters were anointed and received some gifts and charism. At the end sisters were made to reflect how to know the will of God while decision making. While making decision if the heart is at ease then it is the will of God. The Holy Spirit has to be allowed and given space to work in the daily life.
The retreat ended with the Holy Eucharist on 3rd January morning. The reading and reflecting the Word of God in depth enabled the sisters to have very enriching experience and also the meditations on various aspects of Constitutions articles helped to have better understanding of the Constitutions. Indeed after infilling and anointing of the Holy Spirit sisters had Pentecostal experience and were determined to live their commitment with much fervor and enthusiasm. Finally they expressed their gratitude to Rev. Fr. Albert Kujur and Br. Kenneth Karan Pradhan for being channels of God’s blessings during the retreat. They also expressed their gratitude to Sr. Superior and the community members for their hospitality and providing all their needs during their stay at New Chumta.
On 29 May 2019, 44 FMA of INC Kolkata, set out for a picnic with the Lord. The bus number ABCDEF driven by Fr. Cletus D’Souza SDB (INB) was an amusing picnic for eight days. At the starting point, the journey seemed to be frightening because it was an inner journey. At the outset of the journey a few simple tips were given: ESP – eat well, sleep well and pray well. The first clarion call was to “Be soaked in the Lord and enjoy the picnic”. The principal agent would be the holy Spirit who would guide, to re-consider, re-launch, re-charge and renew in the course of time. Rev.3:20-22, Ex.3:5, Ps. 46:10 and 1Kings 19:9-14 would help to experience the land of stillness, silence and solitude.
The first day was a wake-up call: A- AWARENESS, to be aware of one’s thoughts, words and deeds, of one’s sinfulness and faults. For a greater self-awareness Lk. 15:11ff – to analyse one’s own status and to recognize the magnanimity of God’s love and forgiveness. The second day focussed on B- BALANCE, to maintain one’s poise, keeping the head, heart and hands in the right place. A clarion call: It is better to strive for creative fidelity than mere perseverance. The three vows (PCO) have to be lived with wows. The simple formula for living in wow is to choose simple living, prodigious love, and total surrender.
The third day’s journey focussed on C-CHRIST, centering on Christ: The Christ of fantasy, of history, of scripture, the saviour and the indwelling Christ. Towards dusk everyone discovered their most beloved, the meaning of their lives. They were challenged to be WORDy (Welcome the word, Open the word, Read the word, Daily) FMA.
Fourth day unfolded D-DESERT, the desert experience in the hustles and bustles of life, a day out with the Lord. Even though the weather condition did not support the journey, the retreatants were determined to undergo even the toughest experience. Most of them really made it possible, few others went half way through and others had a desert journey under the same roof, alone with the alone. By 5pm all returned to their abode, fully contented. The meeting point at the Eucharist was unique and everyone was determined to be his witnesses in the world.
The fifth day was a day in with the E-EUCHARIST. The Eucharist, the source and summit of every Christian, energised and activated their faith. Whole day they gazed at the beloved of their life and thanked him for his tremendous love. During the holy Eucharist, the three parts of the Eucharist, sorry, story and glory was made very clear. A challenge was to be a MAD (Make A Difference) FMA and the four ‘L’ strategy, live, love, learn and leave a legacy, can nurture life in the community.
On the last day of the picnic with the Lord, the emphasis was on F-FAITH. Faith invites us to be faithful and faith-filled; awakening faith, maintaining faith and deepening the faith in order to live by faith. The dawn of 5 June brightened up as these travellers reached back after their rich experiential picnic, fully contented and they looked WORDy. After having recharged with the divine, they decided to be more human and more divine by being a WORDy fma as they get back to the Galilee of their daily life.
FMA INC News Update 