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Retreat at Auxilium Kurseong

Jun11

 

The Annual Spiritual Retreat started with the message of Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath on 31st May at Auxilium Kurseong.  She wished the 33 participants to have a desire of loving God in the heart, wisdom in the mouth and Holy Spirit in actions.  At 6.00 p.m. the Holy Eucharist was presided over by the preacher, Fr. Varghese Chittilappilly SDB, the Rector of Don Bosco School, Dimapur.  It was the feast of the visitation of our Blessed Lady to St. Elizabeth.  So Fr. Varghese wished us to meet the Lord in haste like our Blessed Mother.

During the retreat the preacher dealt with various topics such as; Eucharistic person, religious as a prophet, ongoing formation, community living, vocation, evangelization, vows, and consecrated life.  He also took an extract from the meeting of the entire superior general from all the continents in 2004.  In it he commented on the theme that was taken, “Passion for Christ and Passion for humanity” and also the three icons, the Transfiguration, Samaritan woman and Good Samaritan.Retreat

He stressed the need to stay always in the upper room rather than down stairs and not send baggage of negativity before the person reaches to her community.  When he brought out the example of the fig tree in the gospel, he urged the participants to bear fruit in season and out of season.  All the retareatants took active part in the whole day’s programmes and spent quality time during the expositions of the Blessed Sacraments and other moments.

Provincial during her good night talks touched on the Constitution particularly prayer and community life.  She often referred to the spirit of Mornese exhorting to imitate Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.  She expressed her dream of living as sisters and invited everyone to love everybody in the community and make it a home, which will make us responsible sisters in the apostolate.

At the end of the retreat the following commitments were taken:To be constant, faithful and diligent to personal prayer. To be gentle, kind, prudent and appreciate one another in our dealings.  To be Joyful, active and vigilant presence among the young.

PilgrimageOn the 7th morning all the sisters went for pilgrimage to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Darjeeling.  They thanked the Lord for all the graces received and prayed for various intentions and received plenary indulgence.

Outing

 

 

REST FOR A WHILE…

May30

 

 

DSC00571On the day of Pentecost 26 sisters of Kolkata province, started their Annual Retreat at Sacred Heart Novitiate Ranchi from 15th – 22nd May. The retreat was preached by Fr. Shilanand Kerketta SDB, rector of Kokar. At the beginning of the retreat Sr. Rose Ezarath, provincial asked us to bless each other, and then she by her inspiring thought encouraged us to make good use of these eight days and especially to waste our time in front of the Lord. Truly we were happy to waste our time in front of our Divine Master from dawn to dusk. The  Preacher  in his talks focused on the different dimensions of religious life. He mainly spoke of two dimensions of love: love of God and love of neighbor, since our hearts are not meant to be empty but to love. Our consecrated life is a process of searching the ultimate good: Jesus.

There are many to whom  we would like to express our thanks firstly to the Almighty God for His  blessings upon us during these eight days, Fr. Shilanand Kerkatta for helping us to have God experience and teaching us the importance of praying before the blessed sacrament, Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath for being our constant support and guide to be closer to God, Sr. Rosalia Tirkey and her community for their generous service, Sr. Teresa Pulickathadathil and her Community for their availability and last but not the least we thank all our community members and all those who supported us through their payers. The retreat helped us to believe: “Love, Love, Love no other way but we are going out to be God’s Love to others”.

By Sr. Dominica Thapa

 

 

COME APART AND REST A WHILE

Mar26

Retreat From March 8-15, 2016 hearkening to the call of the Lord “Come apart and Rest A while”, 25 Animators of the FMA Kolkata Province hurried off to St. Mary’s hill Kurseong to be energized and enthused to be messengers of peace and joy in this year of Mercy. The driving force was Fr. Biji Thomas sdb, Rector of Don Bosco Liluah.

Sitting at the feet of Jesus they treasured each word as the preacher Fr. Biji led the retreatants  to delve deeply into the treasury  of his deep encounter with the Lord. As they came face to face with reality in the light of  the Word of God ,strong convictions etched in their memory ; to let the Rule of love supersede obedience, the Lord calls  to be Holy  and sets  apart to be fruitful at all times, under all circumstances in and out of season,  calling to greater  self giving.

“I am raised up to be fellow workers with God” was another clarion call to be holy as God is Holy. God has not exposed my weakness because of His mercy. Thus I am called to cover the evil and the nakedness with all charity. Discerning everything to be good but not everything beneficial is a wise decision to live for the greater glory of God.

Descending from the Tabor experience the 25 community leaders surely desired to let their  holiness to flow into the streets of their community living amidst dust and dirt but  still  remain crystal clear  so as to change the saltiness in others ‘ lives after the example of  Don Bosco who willingly plunged into saving souls. They courageously set sail to collect the broken pieces of their lives understanding fully well that no one is a finished product, that we are all work in progress. So not to give up on any one but cling to Him in order to put on the mind of God .They are convinced that   being  at the feet of  the  sisters  and not at their  head in love and service will bring about communion. For they are sure that when they go after God, God will come after them.

Sr. Provincial  Sr. Rose Ezarath interspersed the community leaders with her “Pep Talks “ to fall in line with the Post Chapter journey of our Institute keeping the profile of the FMA as our pointer to be prophets of hope and joy among  the young by keeping alive the Spirit of Mornese seen as the “ House of the Love of God “.

PilgrimagePilgrimage to the cathedral of Darjeeling Diocese after the retreat was another unique experience   to encounter God, during the Year of Mercy.

On 17th March Fr. Nobby George sdb from Salesian College Sonada presented to the animators the “Encyclical of Pope Francis on care for our common home “ – Laudato Si”

Going back to the book of Genesis we read  what God told our first parents ‘cultivate it and guard it” for everything God created He found it very good. Today the ground we stand is so fragile. So, as custodians of mother earth we are called to keep it safe for the future generation.

SeminarDelving deeper into the encyclical Fr. Nobby added that human life is grounded on three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbour and with the earth itself. According to the Bible, these three vital relationships have been broken, both outwardly and within us. This rupture is sin. The harmony between the Creator, humanity and creation as a whole was disrupted by our presuming to take the place of God and refusing to acknowledge our creaturely limitations. Thus the custodians of mother earth are called for rreconciliation with creation and our responsibility to be taken to task. We as community leaders have a great role to play, Fr. Nobby added. This will enable us to strike out new paths meeting the needs of the present with concern for all and without prejudice, towards coming generations.

We were presented with practical tips which could help us to speak with an attitude of the heart, one which approaches life with serene attentiveness, which accepts each moment as a gift of God to be lived to the full. Thus to promote a new life style establishing a new covenant based on justice and in solidarity with all.
Reported by Sr.Rosalia Tirkey

ANNUAL RETREAT

Jan11

Retreat.

51 sisters from different communities of the Province arrived at Auxilium Convent, Bandel to commence their retreat on 30th December 2015. The group was warmly welcomed by Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil, the animator and the Sisters of the community. The retreat was preached by Rev. Fr. Varghese Chittilappilly SDB from Dimapur Province. Sr. Teresa Adampakallel, the Vice Provincial wished the sisters a fervent retreat and presented the message of the provincial, Sr. Rose Ezarath to the retreatants.

The preacher helped the sisters to attain spiritual depth, with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reflection on the Word of God. The various themes he dealt with were Consecrated persons, as mystics, prophets, and witnesses of the Gospel joy. Ongoing formation, Passion for Christ and humanity, all linked with the Salesian Spirituality, exhortations of Pope Francis and the Holy Year of Mercy.

On 3rd January, feast of the Epiphany, the preacher exhorted the sisters to be a star in the community, a star that shows the way, leads the way and guides the way. The 57th anniversary of the religious profession of Sr. Teresa Theruvamkunnel was celebrated with joy.

On the sixth day, the retreatants had the joy of entering through the Door of Mercy at Bandel Basilica to receive the plenary indulgence. Fr. Varghese Chittilappilly, the Retreat preacher solemnly opened the Door of Mercy in procession singing hymns of mercy, and continued with a fervent Eucharistic celebration.

The preacher helped us to feel the closeness of our Blessed Mother and our Lord through his meaningful homily expressing his gratitude to God. He said, “Let us think deeper and deeper His great love and mercy for each one of us present here. We are one step closer to God and we can never thank Him enough”.

Retreat

On the last day, the sisters expressed their gratitude to the preacher Fr. Varghese, vice provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel and the community of Bandel for facilitating the retreatants to make a comfortable spiritual journey with the Lord.  The retreat ended with an enriching outing to the ice cream factory at Kalyani.

Sr. Sadhana Majumdar

 

 

Three essential aspects for a happy living: Faith, Prayer and Trust in God

Nov3

retreat 2The spiritual retreat for the Catholic students of Auxilium Convent School Barasat commenced on 31st October 2015 at 8.45 am.and ended with holy Mass on 1st November at 1.30 pm. Altogether 43 students participated actively in the spiritual retreat preached by Rev. Fr. Eugene Kujur SDB the Vice Principal of Don Bosco School Liluah. He instilled awareness of the fact that human being are both spiritual /Divine and human. Therefore it is the prime duty to take care of both human body and the spiritual aspect else one will become handicap and will always be limping. The balance between human and spiritual aspect will make a person a balanced person. Through his simple talks and sharing of various experiences he invited the students to develop three important things in life; prayer, faith and trust in God in order to lead a happy life. He stressed on the fact of being true to oneself as God has created human beings in His likeness and image. Nothing can add the beauty in the creation of God neither cosmetics nor plastic surgery. Accepting oneself as the unique creation is the only one thing which makes a person contented. Respect for oneself and for others is essential and to love someone means to be ready to make sacrifices and also be ready to be betrayed as Jesus was betrayed by his own chosen ones.He also challenged them with the fact that the change is a painful process but it is indispensable to attain happiness. One needs to make a right choice for life and also need to have a spiritual guide who can support constantly in order to make right choices in life. One’s vocation has to be followed and also believe in oneself to be someone and to do something great in life. The students were given much help through talk and Taize prayer to prepare themselves to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They had two long hours to put forward their queries and the preacher tried to clarify their doubts. Many of them asked various doubts regarding the Scripture and others about the present situations in the societies. In this way they had not only prayer experience but also the opportunity to ask and clarify many teenagers’ doubts and clarifications.retreat 1 The feast of all Saints day was another invitation to cooperate with God’s grace in attaining sanctity and be grateful to the saints who intercede for the various needs of the world. In this way they had a wonderful opportunity to develop their conviction and conscience to be happy here and in the life to come. They expressed gratitude towards father and sisters for this wonderful occasion for the development of faith.

Sr. Basanti fma

“Joy of being consecrated”

Jun1

FMA - retreat

The Annual Spiritual Retreat for junior sisters, novices and postulants was held in Auxilium Bandel from 17th – 23rd May 2015. It was preached by Rev. Sr. Celine Tharapel MSMI and Fr. P.V. Thomas SDB. There were 22 participants: 2 postulants entering into the novitiate, 2 novices going to make their First Profession, 2 SMI sisters, 5 sisters making their Perpetual Profession and other 11 sisters renewing the vows.

The retreat was based on charismatic inner healing. It was a time of receiving special grace, to rediscover ourselves and our inner wounds that we posses from our childhood onwards. Sr. Celine through her talks and short video clips made us realize the importance of our prayer life and the aim of our consecrated life. She emphasized that holiness is personal. It does not consist in not making mistakes or never sinning. Holiness grows with capacity for conversion, repentance, willingness to begin again and above all with the capacity for reconciliation and forgiveness.

All the retreatants had a wonderful experience of God, the power of the Holy Rosary and freedom from our inner wounds. At the end of the retreat the retreatants took the following resolutions to live our consecrated life to the full.

  1. Regular for personal prayer
  2. Read the Word of God
  3. Regular reception of the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confession
  4. Have devotion to Mother Mary, Saints and Angels
  5. Be submissive and obedient to Superiors
  6. Fast once a week with permission
  7. Pray every day for inner healing
  8. Stop criticizing people
  9. Continuously pray for the fruits of the Holy Spirit
  10. Continuous life style of repentance.

Sr. Shradha Kispotta

Retreatant

Retreat

May9

Retreat

The H.C Auxilium School Vasant Vihar has organized and conducted the “Annual Spiritual Renewal shepherded by Reverend Fr. Joseph Eluvathingal V.C and his dedicated team from the Divine Retreat Ashram, Faridabad.

The retreat was held from 8 am to 4 pm, for the spiritual renewal of the Christian Parents and Staff of both junior and senior schools. The gathering comprised of about 500 parents, ardent listeners to the Word of God. The main themes discussed were ” Importance of seeking God’s Kingdom”, “Giving God the first place in our life” , “Family prayers” and above all “Love”.

During the Holy Mass, Father accentuated on the obligation and need of “Mercy, Forgiveness and Reconciliation”. Ebullient participation was witnessed as all experienced mighty anointing of the Holy Spirit, which was externally marked by healings and miracles, fully refreshed during the praise and worship the crowd was refilled with the grace and love of the Lord.

The day of prayer was concluded with the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament through powerful prayers and songs. It was a spectacular and enlightening experience for each and every person present, being surrounded by God’s Presence, taking home God’s word, which would strengthen them and give them hope, to live a life of goodness and also guide and mentor the upcoming youth to take up the path of righteousness, to live a life with the grace of the glorious divine Love.

Mrs. Ancy George

Jaigaon Basin afire

Feb16

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Jaigaon a growing city surrounded by the Bhutan mountains was the hallowed place chosen for the animators of the communities and Provincial council to Retreat, reflect and introspect on their spiritual itinerary.  The newly built chapel and the residence was so very conducive and ignited the 25 retreatants commence this divine encounter from 2-9 Feb 2015.  The preacher Rev. Fr. Jose Varickasseril SDB , a scripture Scholar  was apt to lead all  into the deserts  of the Holy Bible  scanning  the pages from Genesis to Apocalypse  instilling  in each one an ardent desire for the Word of God. In the eight days he enabled the participants to decipher the Divine and human face of Jesus, the teacher par excellence through the exploration of the Word and to live with enthusiasm the multifarious aspects   of true discipleship.  He expounded how without working astonishing miracles we could calm the storms in the mind of the people, settle the aftermath of human tsunami through compassion, break down the barriers of division and conflict with the balm of gentleness,   and heal the psychological wounds with understanding and prayer.   He in his typical humorous style accompanied us to fathom the three elements of Jesus messianic ministry teaching, preaching and healing.  He drew our attention also to interesting topics like the role of women disciples in the New Testament, Mary the perfect woman,   repentance and forgiveness.   In these days of interior journey we pledged to say no to minimalism and generous yes to 100% commitment in our Religious life following the footsteps of our Master.

On this joyful expedition, Sr. Maria Pettayil, the Provincial turned our travel guide with her tips and directions. In her inspiring and motivating goodnights she  drove  home  messages;  how to be pliable in the hands of the divine potter, leadership  trend of Mother Mazzarello,  deriving  graces at the feet of the master, Good health tips from Archbishop Emeritus  Thomas Menamparambil  during GC XXIII.  We are deeply grateful to all those who   contributed to make this holy interior pilgrimage  so wonderful and  memorable  especially the hospitality section of Jaigaon community who turned better than   ITC Maurya   with Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel  at the helm.

Sr. Stella P.

God Experience

Oct21

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Two days of retreat was organized for the boarders of Mazzarello Convent, Ranchi from 18th – 19th October, 2014.  It was preached by Rev. Fr. Cyprian Kullu SDB from Bariatu.

            They began their retreat with Morning Prayer and guided meditation by the preacher. He led them to experience the gentle touch of the Holy Spirit in their life and experience God more deeply. They were enthused by the talk given on the topics: prayer life, importance of Eucharist, Word of God, Vocation and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The retreat was concluded with the Sacrament of confession and meaningful thanksgiving celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

            At the end the retreatants felt the need for prayer and to love God more and more. Anshumala Lakra said, “I felt life without prayer is incomplete just as body without soul” Celestina Hemron added, “Prayer plays a vital role in our life it is the biggest weapon to fight against any evil.”

By Anshumala, Celestina, Manish and Rose Horo

A day of encounter with the Lord

Oct12

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On 7th October, 35 workers and house staff of our four houses of New Delhi – R.K. Puram, Snehalaya, Najafgarh and Vasant Vihar made their annual retreat at Auxilium Holy Child, Vasant Vihar.

The day’s programme was animated by Rev. Fr. P.J.  Mathew from Dharuheara.

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Through input sessions with the help of motivational stories the preacher led the participants to arrive at the following conclusions:

  • God created us to play a responsible and unique role in our life.
  • We are surrounded by difficulties and problems, but we must respond to these positively, for our God is with us always.
  • The Family Rosary is an essential element for our Christian living

In the afternoon the participants spent the time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, reception of the sacrament of Confession and the Holy Eucharist. At the end of the day the retreatants praised and thanked God for the wonderful opportunity to spend the day in His Company. At the end of the retreat everyone reached a Rosary as a gift.