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Celebrating the milestone of 25, 50, and 60 years of Consecration

Oct20

The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians popularly known as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco have marked two great events in the history of the Institute i.e. the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Institute and the centenary of the arrival of the pioneers in India. Million thanks to the Pioneers who sowed the seed of vocation in our country. The fruit of their hard work was celebrated on 06 October 2022 in the Province of Kolkata at Auxilium Provincial House, Dum Dum as we celebrated the jubilee of the religious profession of our sisters. With great joy celebrated and thanked God for the life of fidelity and dedication lived by our dear sisters, Sr.Elizabeth Makil and Sr.Silvina Kujur for 60 years, Sr.Rose Ezarath, Sr.Teresa Korattiparampil, Sr.Dorothy Torcato, and Sr.Teresa Thudianplackal for 50 years, Sr.Minimol Chettayil and Sr.Taramani Minj for 25 years.

The day’s prayer was completely dedicated to the jubilarians. At Morning Prayer the outstanding and exceptional qualities of the sisters were highlighted in which each jubilarian was asked to place a monument with the year of the profession on it to place at the feet of Mary Help of Christians. Sr.Leelamma Palliparambil the Provincial brought to the limelight the various activities carried out by the jubilarians among the young thus imprinting in the young minds the lives of our founders and above all living an exemplary life as a true religious.

The climax of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist which was officiated by His grace   Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza the Archbishop of Kolkata. He was surrounded by four Con-Celebrants. The joy was doubled with the presence of different religious communities, teachers, students, Co-Operators, Past Pupils, ADMA members, Candidates, Benefactors, well-wishers, and the close relatives of our Sisters. During the homily, the Archbishop exhorted the beauty of religious life. He then continued saying, it is a love story of God which the church summarizes as gratitude and we celebrate this love story as a jubilee. Every vocation can be summed up with three stupendous words i.e. “following in love” to the one who calls. This is the reason why Christ calls us that we are precious in His sight.

The beautifully decked hall with Jubilee bells created an atmosphere of jubilation and celebration. An hour of cultural program was hosted by students, candidates as well as well-wishers. The last message was delivered by one of the jubilarians Sr.Rose Ezarath in which she shared her experience of religious life and thanked all who made the long-awaited auspicious day a great success with their token of love and expressions. The hour-long presentation came to an end. After which all were served a sumptuous meal.

This occasion of coming together did not remain only in mere celebrations but imprinted in everyone’s hearts the edifying lives of our jubilarians lived with total commitment and passion for young people.  

Reported by  Sr. Pranati  Sabasundar

Please find below a glimpse of the celebration

https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAbPqK

Silver Jubilee Celebration at Auxilium Convent, Dum Dum

Jun1

“In every age there have been men and women who devote themselves to Christ with an undivided heart in order to be with him and to put themselves at the service of God and humanity.” (Vita Consacrata)

On 30th May, 2022, the Community of Auxilium – Dum Dum celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the Religious Profession of Sr. Minimol Chettayil FMA, the Provincial Secretary. The community rejoiced with her for the wonders God has accomplished in and through her. The beautiful white roses in the chapel with their silver lining and the wreathes hanging in the dining room- all creative ideas of our dear Sr. Stella gave an exuberant welcome to all the guests.  The celebration began with a Solemn Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m. Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Kolkata along with Rev. Fr. I.C. Jacob SDB, Provincial Secretary, and four other concelebrants officiated the Holy Eucharist. The entrance dance by the young Catholic girls of our school with their rhythmic steps ushered the celebrants, the jubilarian, Provincial and Sr. Stella to the altar. After a short introduction to the celebration the Jubilee bells chimed. The presence of many sisters of our neighbouring communities, Salesian Family members, SMI, MC Brothers and sisters, Ursuline Sister, Past Pupils, teachers and youth made this event a grace filled and joyful one for our jubilarian. The main celebrant Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes in his homily highlighted the Bible quotation “Be not afraid, I go before you always…” the persistent phrase of Sr. Minimol in her 25 years which led her through. He assured that the Lord truly walks ahead of every event and every situation in our life and brings us out into safety and crowns it all with success. On this great occasion Sr. Minimol renewed her religious vows before the community and was felicitated with a garland by Sr. Provincial and adorned with a Silver Crown by the celebrant Rev.  Fr. Dominic Gomes. After the Eucharistic celebration Sr.  Minimol expressed words of gratitude to the celebrants and all well-wishers for their presence and the support of every one’s prayers. Everyone then proceeded to the dining hall where the Jubilarian was felicitated and congratulated with songs and dances and concluded with a sumptuous meal well served. This day will be remembered as a unique one by the Jubilarian and by all who cherish it.

Sr. Emilia Vas

148th Foundation Day of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Silver Jubilee celebration of Sr. Jancy Pulickyathottil FMA

Aug16

BANDEL: The community of Auxilium Convent Bandel celebrated two great events on Wednesday 05 August 2020. During the Morning Prayer the community officially inaugurated the 148th Year of the Foundation day receiving the mandate: “I entrust them to you”.

The second reason for our celebration was the Silver Jubilee of our dear Sr. Jancy Pulickyathottil, the economer of our community. The community raised voices in thanks to God for her beautiful vocation as an FMA to the Institute and to the church through a well animated and prayerful morning prayer with fitting hymns and videos. She was felicitated soon after the prayer moments by the community with festal wishes, greetings and gifts.

The peak of the celebration was at 11.00 am with a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration. Though we were in the lockdown period due to Covid-19 pandemic and having no Educating community present for the celebration, the sisters took up the challenge of making the day a memorable and realistic experience for Sr. Jancy. As invitees we had only six Salesians from Don Bosco and Basilica communities of Bandel. The celebration comprised of appropriate introduction, renewal of Vows, prayers of the faithful, crowing the jubilarian and significant photo session at the end.

In his homily the chief celebrant Fr. E.J. Anthony sdb, Rector of Don Bosco Bandel invited the assembly to recall and thank God for the Silver Jubilee of three “C’s” – Call, Consecration and Commission. He brought out this theme as ‘Pay it forward’ through a series of anecdotes. Paying forward is a wonderful way in which we can network with others and pass on God’s goodness and love. He gave a new meaning to the word CORONA that is a Crown for God. C – for Community, O – for Obedience (vows), R – for Rosary, O – for Oblation, N – Nun and A – for apostolate. He concluded his inspiring homily inviting everyone with the following words: “Today as we thank God for the special Call He has given to Sr. Jancy, and for the gift of her faithfulness for the past 25 years, let us ask Him through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, to enable us also to become his CORONA VIRUSES in today’s world, not bringing about death and destruction, but it’s opposite: life, and life in its fullness, of which the Wine of Cana is a symbol”.

This was followed by a Salesian style of sumptuous meal which was prepared by our sisters and house staff. Sr. Jancy was congratulated with a melodious song composed and sung by the sisters. The Salesians too exchanged their greetings with the Jubilarian. Sr. Jancy expressed her gratitude with a few words of appreciation for their brotherly presence and cordiality.

The memorable day came to a conclusion in the evening with an hour of Eucharistic adoration where all thanked the good Lord for the gift of our institute, our vocation and especially for the Jubiarians of our Province particularly Sr. Jancy. She too thanked the community generously with her words of indebtedness and gratitude for the beautiful day celebrated in her honour.

“Recall, Rejoice, and Renew” – Mazzarello Convent, Ranchi

May17

 

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DSCN6441.JPGOn 13th May 2018, Mazzarello convent, Sahera, witnessed a dual celebration of Silver Jubilee of the School and the feast of our Foundress St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello. 600 invitees participated in the celebration. The Theme of the celebration was “Recall, Rejoice, and Renew”.  The celebration was commenced with the Holy Eucharist at 10.00 am in the auditorium presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Marianus Kujur S.J, the provincial of Ranchi Province. During his homily he stressed on the theme of the celebration. He said that we are gathered here to Recall the past with gratitude to God, then to Rejoice for His faithfulness in our fruitful mission of 25 years and to Renew ourselves for the betterment of our Mission. Speaking on the life of Mother Mazzarello he stressed on her Love and Thirst for the Eucharistic Lord and the Wisdom filled life that she lived though she was illiterate. We all can acquire knowledge but without wisdom we cannot know the will of the Lord neither we can known Him. Lastly, he summarized his homely, saying,

“If you cannot fly- Run,

If you cannot run – walk,

If you cannot walk- crawl.

Do not be stagnant but be on the move.”DSCN6489.JPG

After the Holy Eucharist the cultural program followed. The Chief Guest of the program was Rev. Sr. Rose Ezarath the provincial of Kolkata province, the guest of honors were Rev. Fr. Joseph Marianus Kujur S.J, the provincial of Ranchi Province and Mr. Regi Dungdung, Additional Director of police, J.A.P.

The life of Mary Mazzarello was presented through a short skit named “Love Conquers All”. Sisters too were seen on the stage with their melodious Italian Song “To be reborn with our Foundress”.  The Jubilee Song “A time of great Jubilee” was sung by the borders of Mazzarello convent.  The mementos were given to the dignitaries as a sign of remembrance of the auspicious day. Provincial Sr. Rose in her talk thanked all the sisters who toiled in this place. She also recalled the past moments and thanked the Lord for the wonderful deeds He has worked through our mission.

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Finally Sr. Lily D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks in which she thanked all those were responsible for the growth of the mission at Sahera starting from His Eminence Telesphore P. Cardinal Toppo, the Salesians of Hatia and Kokar and the Jesuit Communities from Namkum and all those present which made the day a memorable one with their joyous presence. The festal meal was followed after the program. The Lord seemed to bless each one of us as we received the showers of Blessings in the form of good showers of rain.

Sr. Neera Tigga & Sr. Siljera Marak

 

                                    

 

Celebrating the Twin Feasts of St. Mary Mazzarello and Silver Jubilee

May13

On 11 May 2018, the School community of Auxilium Dum Dum joined with the entire FMA world to celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Mazzarello. The celebration commenced with the lighting of the lamp by Principal Sr.Esther Rani, Vice Principal Sr.Jancy and the Coordinators of the school. Since it was the feast of the Green House, the members from classes III – XII were present with their various items, like, a song and a poem presented by the middle school,  a mime and a dance on ‘women empowerment’ by the high school and a short skit on how Mary Mazzarello trained the young girls to balance their emotions by the senior students.

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The homage to St. Mary Mazzarello was followed by the Silver Jubilee celebration of Sr. Jancy Valliyil the Vice Principal of the School. The school community thanked God for her 25 years of service in the Institute and prayed for God’s continued blessing upon her. Bouquets, cards, gifts and a big VIP suitcase were presented to Sr. Jancy. The students added grandeur to the celebration with classical and western dances and Jubilee songs. Sr. Jancy then thanked the Sisters, Teachers and the students for the surprise Jubilee celebration. In the evening, there was a thanksgiving prayer service before the Eucharistic Lord in which the Community members expressed their love and gratitude for the gift of Sr. Jancy and for her 25 years of joyful fidelity.

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The Jubilation continued on 12 May at 9am with a Solemn concelebrated Holy Eucharist presided over by Most Rev. Thomas D’ Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata. The Mass was offered to thank the Lord for the gift of St. Mary Mazzarello as well as to celebrate the 25 Years of dedicated service of Sr. Jancy. The chapel was packed with the students, teachers, co-operators, past pupil representatives, close by religious community members and the members of the ADMA. The entrance dance, prayer of the faithful and the melodious hymns sung by the senior catechism students of the school added solemnity to the twin celebration. Archbishop Thomas D’ Souza in his homily highlighted the urgency of living a saintly life as all of us are called to be holy. During the holy Mass Sr. Jancy renewed her Religious profession and received a crown of silver roses from the Archbishop and was garlanded by Superior Sr. Teresa Adampakallel.  Sr. Jancy thanked the entire assembly for making the celebration a very meaningful one. All the invitees then gathered in the school hall for further felicitation and Jubilation. Food packets were distributed to the students and all the others were given a high treat with a variety of items. All went home happy and contented.

Reported by

Sr.Esther Rani FMA

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Silver Jubilee Celebration at H.C. Auxilium, R.K. Puram

Oct16

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On  13th  October 2017, it was really a memorable day  for the Auxilians  as we  celebrated the Silver Jubilee of our   dear teachers – Mrs. Viola Joseph, Mrs. Sunita Sharma and Mrs. Cynthia Kumar. The programme commenced with  a prayerful note of thanking and praising God for the 25 long years of their committed and dedicated  service to the  Institution.

The culmination of the day was the colourful  cultural programme performed by our  little ones, expressing their great love and appreciation for their dear  teachers. Sr. Teresa P. the animator congratulated them and invoked  the Lord to bless them with peace and joy. As a token of love and gratitude to our jubilarians, she presented a memento  to each.

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Mrs. Viola, Mrs. Sunits and Mrs. Cynthia were overwhelmed with joy and  cherished every moment of the celebration  and thanked the educating community for making this day a memorable one  in their life. The day came to an end with a sumptuous lunch served by the jubilarians.

Mrs. Ashu Bhatia.

 

Silver Jubilee and Annual Day Celebration at Auxilium Convent School Barasat

Jan11

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On 20th December 2016, Auxilium Convent School, Barasat, celebrated their much-awaited Parents Day celebration for the Primary sections, after almost one month of preparations and hard work. The chief guest for that day was Shri Ratin Ghosh, the honorable Chairman of Madhyamgram Municipality and Mr. Sunil Mukherjee, Chairman, Barasat Municipality.

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The first went was the ‘Giubileo Fiesta’. With the school decorated in brilliant colours and the dancers in the glittering costumes it was truly a sight to behold. The dance was followed by a warm welcome speech by Sister Principal, Sr. Clara Saminathan and a cheerful welcome song by the junior students. The nest Programme was the play by the nursery and K.G students titled ‘Red Riding Hood’ and the dance by class I kids on the hit pop song ‘Bailando’ came after. The true majesty of our school was revealed in the evening when the sun had hit and the lights that had been hung all around the school was lighted. The school was bathed in the bluish and whitish glow and the trees in gold and red. It was a marvelous view.

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The following programmes were the Musical Amalgam, the musical fusion of Hindi and English songs by High school students and the dance performance by the class II students on the popular number, ‘Into the Paradise’. Then came the programme that everyone had been most eager to watch. The musical play the High school students titled ‘Benediction of the Ignoble”. The play went without a hitch and the dance portions left the audience stunned with their gracefulness. They were also awestruck by the excellent performances by the actors. The play came to an end with a huge round of applause. This was followed by the class III dance performance called ‘Timber by Chikaz kids’. The last event of the day was the Christmas play called ‘Christ is Born’ by the students of classes Iv and V. The celebration came to an end with the Vote of Thanks by Sister Superior, Sr. Stella at about 7.pm in the evening, but this was just the first day and the next day had many more surprise waiting to be revealed.

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On the 20th and 21st December, 2016 the students of Auxilium Convent school, Barasat had the gala celebrations of the Silver Jubilee of the school and the Annual day. The chief guests for the day were the Honorable Minister, Mr.Partha Chattopadhyay, the Education Minister, Ms.Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar Member of Parliament and Mr.Chiranjit  Chakraborty MLA and Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath. The event took place in the grounds and began at 3:00 pm The first event was ‘Giubileo  Fiesta”  by the students of high school. Then the parents and the Chief Guest were cordially welcomed through the welcome speech delivered by Sr. Principal.

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We had a dance drama titled “Ritu Ranga” by the middle school students. It highlighted the exuberant, colorful and vibrant hues of the seasons of Bengal dexterously. This was followed by a foot tapping dance by the class II students titled “Into Paradise”. The next event was a mellifluous Jubilee song titled “Canzone D’ Argento” sung by the High school students. It brought out the spirit of the students of our school.

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Next was the Musical Aamalgam performed by high school students, a musical play which focused on man’s redemption and struggle against evil’s iron grip, titled Benediction of “The Ignoble” by the high school students of class IV and V. This was followed by the Vote of Thanks delivered by Sr. Superior. The months of hard work put in by the staff and the students of the school truly bore fruit.

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Reported by Bipasha Bhowmick  and  Maitreyee Roy

 

 

MARY’S CONVENT SCHOOL, GEYZING CELEBRATES GLORIOUS 25 YEARS

Oct9

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SIMG_0803.JPGt. Mary’s Convent School, Geyzing celebrated the grand finale of the Silver Jubilee on 17th September 2016. On this auspicious occasion Rt.Rev.Stephen Lepcha D.D. Bishop of Darjeeling & Sikkim diocese was the Chief Guest. We were privileged to have the  dignitaries as Guests of Honour- Shri. Nar Bahadur Bhandari – Former Chief Minister Sikkim, Rev.Sr. Rose Ezarath- Provincial Superior, Mrs. Rinchen Ongmoo Bhutia- Chief Administrator, Govt. of Sikkim, Mrs. Aishvarya Singh- The District Magistrate & Collector- West Sikkim.

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Sr. Lucy John, our Principal felicitated and welcomed the guests and they were offered shawls and mementos. It was a moment of great joy and pride for all of us at SMS .The Guests were welcomed to the beautifully decorated stage & pendol accompanied by St. Mary’s pride– the school’s Brass Band.

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In his address, the Chief Guest Rt. Rev. Stephen Lepcha appreciated and congratulated the school in reaching  the milestone and also acknowledged the courage, aspiration, enthusiasm, energy and hard work of the missionaries and pioneers of the school. He said that the past and present pupils of the school must be proud and privileged to study in this beautiful school which is nestled at the foothills of Geyzing valley symbolising the “miracle of love” to carry the flame of values of  St. Mary’s school driven by their own spirit of adventure of excelling, learning, sharing and continue to fulfil the motto of the school.

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Guests of honour Mr.N.B. Bhandari addressed the gathering and said that one should rise to face the challenges and should create ones future. Critical, reflective and independent thinkers even after leaving the school. He congratulated the sisters & staff for the value based and quality education that the school imparts  to make better society for tomorrow. While delivering speech he said that the school is committed to help the children to translate their dreams and achieve to their full potential regardless of caste, creed and religion and added that “It is God’s work” that the school with this jubilee celebration has achieved milestone and embarked in a new journey. He also offered khada and cash award to the Principal Sr. Lucy John for the successful and noble work done by the school.

 

The provincial Superior Sr. Rose Ezarath spoke on behalf of the Province. She endlessly thanked each and everyone who contributed and supported St. Mary’s Convent School to witness its very day of silver jubilee. She briefed the history of the school from its grass root level thanking Shri. N.B. Bhandari for his generosity in offering us the land and his indefatigable effort in building Sikkim into a developed and educated state, Mrs. Chandra Kumari Katwal for her support and care right from its inception.

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The programme was compeered by lighting 25 lamps followed by 25 little angels symbolising the school’s 25 years of existence, signifying peace & hope which ignited the stage. The students performed  the cultural programme magnificently, the dance drama with the theme” Quest- Sign of God’s Love’. Programmes were diversified starting from choir, traditional folk dances of different communities of Sikkim  followed by musical band and poem enactment on Good vs Evil, Family cradle of love.

Vote of thanks was proposed by vice Principal Sr. Sandhya Minj. The jubilee programme was attended by many of the ex- students, parents and well wishers which completed the Marian Family.

Ms. Esha Gurung

 

Twin Celebrations – FMA Communities of New Delhi

Aug14

Foundation Day FMA..On August 5, 2015, the 143rd Foundation Day of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians was celebrated solemnly by the four communities of New Delhi: H.C. Auxilium Vasant Vihar, R K Puram, Palam Goan and Najafgarh at Vasant Vihar at 6pm with a solemn Eucharistic celebrated.  On this occasion we also celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Gracy Parekattil. The liturgy was solemnized by all the four communities sharing the animation of the various parts of the liturgy. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Jose Mathew SDB the provincial of Delhi Province together with 16 other celebrants. In his homily he emphasized on Mary’s presence and active role in the life of Jesus’ mission. After the homily the sisters approached the altar singing with the lighted lamps as a sign of letting the light of Christ shine in all its radiance as we forge ahead to be missionaries of hope and joy together with our young people. foundation Day fmaTo mark the bi-centenary of the birth of Don Bosco united with the entire Institute, the sisters then received once again the Constitutions from the hands of Rev. Fr. Jose Mathew the Provincial as a sign of their willingness to welcome in a new way, the project of life that Don Bosco gave and which contains this dream for the Institute. The celebrant consigned the Constitutions by saying: Practice them and you will live to which each sister answered: Amen. On this foundation day of the Institute in the presence of the young people, laity and representatives of the Salesian Family and the local church the Sisters then renewed the Religious Profession, the covenant of love with God. These two gestures took place in a meaningful manner with appropriate introduction. After the Holy Mass there was a short felicitation programme put up by the sisters and the Snehalaya children followed by the fellowship meal.

Silver Bells ringing in Nirmala Niketan, Jaigaon

Aug11

JaigaonOn 5th August 2015 in the community of Jaigaon two memorable events marked on the same day. The Silver Jubilee of Sr. Amali John Joseph and the Foundation day of the Salesian Sisters. The celebration of the day began with the Eucharistic Celebration with the participation of around 300 people. A few people from the parish, teachers, well wishers and young people were invited for the celebration. The Eucharistic Celebration was headed by the Bishop of Jalpaiguri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Clement Tirkey along with six other priests of different parishes. By 10:30 am all started singing hymns of love and gratitude to God for the gift of our jubilerian. Bishop in his homily stressed on the love of God for each one of us. He also appreciated the mother and father of Sr. Amali, who looked after nine children with so much of love. After the homily Sr. Amali was crowned and garlanded by Bishop and the animator, Sr. Lily D’souza.

Focusing of the foundation day, the sisters of the community remembered the foundation of the congregation at Mornese, where the first eleven sisters received the Constitutions from Don Bosco, following the footmarks left by the first sisters; the sisters of Jaigaon community renewed their vows and received the Constitution from Bishop Clement Tirkey. After which the Sisters sang the Magnificat thanking God for the wonders the Lord had done in their lives.   The solemn Eucharistic Celebration ended with all the people wishing Sr. Amali a very Happy Jubilee, and to all the sisters a very Happy Feast. It was followed by a short cultural programme put up by the boarders of the community. They wished Sr. Amali in a very creative way; they portrayed her missionary journey of serving the Lord. The songs and dances showcased by them were very commendable. The days programme concluded with a short speech given by Sr. Rekha Joseph the elder sister of Sr. Amali. Lastly Sr. Amali expressed her love and gratitude to everyone with a short vote of thanks.