“Be a Little missionary everywhere”

November 18 was one of the most memorable days for the Auxilium family of Thecho-Nepal. We commenced this preparation with the Tridumn from 11^{th _} 13th November. During three days of Tridumn the various letters of Mother Mazzarello was read, reflected and were cherished. On 18^th November Saturday we had a beautiful celebration along with the Parishners. The Eucharistic celebration commenced with the introduction read by Sr. Maria Goretti Ekka. It  was followed by the short enact  by  the boarders which was depicted  about final  departure and the last magic words   spoken by Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello to the first missionaries  as they  were leaving the port of Genoa. Then the Six Missionary sisters name was read out and displayed in front of the missionary ship. The globe and FMA flag was brought in procession. This scene made great impact on the participants because the way children presented themselves with the original habit of the FMA’s. The Holy Eucharist was solemnized by Rev. Fr. Raja Philip SDB. Fr. Augustine the Director the Technical Centre Thecho through deep insight on the Gospel of the Day exhorted everyone to become saints in the present world.  The Liturgical celebration was well animated with melodious singing, prayer of the faithful and offertory procession.

At the conclusion of the Mass Sr. Aquila seized the opportunity to thank each and everyone for sharing the joy of missionary religious vocation together as one family and exhorted the young people to take up daring steps   like the missionaries to go out to the whole world to preach the Good News to the humanity. After the Mass light refreshment was served for everyone.

In the evening the boarders put up significant and colourful mind blowing programmes with dances and short skit. Sr. Aruna Paul   made extra effort to help the children to put up a lively programme. The boarders through skit depicted the departure of the First missionaries’ which was presented very creatively. The Thecho community   was fortunate to have Fr. Nirmal Gomes, SDB the provincial of Kolkata who gave short speech at the end of the programme in which he motivated and encouraged the boarders to become missionaries of Hope and Joy to the world. To mark the day of the celebration of the 140^th anniversary of First Missionary Expedition   the sumptuous dinner was served for all.

On 14 Nov. 2017 HC Auxilium Vasant Vihar community celebrated the 140^th Anniversary of the First Missionary Expedition. To mark this day we chalked out various initiatives like solemn celebration of the Morning Prayer, Eucharistic celebration, special prayers during the day and speaking of the missionaries and their lives to the children. From 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm, guard of honour was kept to thank and pray for the Missionaries.

Recalling the lives of our courageous and generous missionaries, Class IX students distributed food stuff to 800 lepers living in Kusht Ashram, New Delhi. It was a beautiful gesture which inspired them to follow the great ideals of missionaries who sacrificed themselves in order to serve humanity without counting the cost.

Sr. Kanchan Karuna Bara

140^th anniversary of the first missionary expedition of our first sisters was centered on the Holy sacrifice of the Mass. It was announcing, preparing, celebrating and living this missionary zeal and fervor. Sr. Mary sarkar had made an announcement at the parish preceding the Sunday’s celebration of this event. At the Lauds and Vespers we had reflections on the missionary expeditions that enthused in us our call to be valiant and enthusiastic to the invitation “Here I am Lord, I will go Lord, if you lead me”.

Celebration of this event was the togetherness of the entire parish   community participating in the Holy sacrifice of the Mass, where 5 Salesians of the Kalyani community including Fr. Jose Pampaddil, the former vice provincial. The Mass was solemnized through introduction, a good choir and prayers of the faithful. “Hey Angela, O Teresa ….    a song composed by Mr. Apurba Halder  from Krishnagar which the congregation sang at the end of the Mass. Fr. M.C. Francis  the main celebrant briefed us about the journey and struggles made by the first missionaries at their departure to Uruguay and the fervor, zeal, enthusiasm and courage with which they set out only to accomplish one goal: of saving souls. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, a breakfast pack was offered to each one, sign of our joy and gratitude for joining us in this celebration. The following day the oratorians were happy to express their joy in celebrating this event.

On 5^th November 2017 St.Mary’s Convent celebrated the 140^th first missionary expedition of the FMA together with the parishioners. The celebration started with the Holy Eucharist which was presided over by Fr. Martin Lakra SDB the Rector &Principal of Don Bosco Malbasey and Fr. Walter the Parish Priest of St Mary’s Church Geyzing. In his sermon Fr. Martin highlighted the importance the missionary life. He said that we are all missionaries to spread the message of Christ. Soon after the Holy Mass a short program was presented by the boarders. The students acted out the first missionary expedition of the FMA and the parting message of Don Bosco which was given to the first Sisters. There was also a dance drama on the Gospel theme “Go to the whole world proclaim the Good News. At the end of the programme the picture of Mother Mary was given to all the parishioners.

On 11^th November2017, we started the triduum in preparation for the great celebration on 14^th of November. During the prayer moments we recalled the zeal, enthusiasm, courage and ardor of the great missionaries and we thanked God for their gift to our Institute. The short life sketches of our first heroic missionary Sisters were read. It was an opportunity for all of us to thank God for our missionary vocation.

On 13^th of November 2017, we had the vigil service. During the service different symbols such as Holy Bible which symbolizes the Word of Jesus “GO AND PROCLAIM”, Globe, the ship and the name of the six Sisters were placed in front of the altar.

On 14^th November 2017, we had the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev.Fr.Walter Crasta, our parish Priest. The well prepared introduction put all of us in the mood of celebration. Various symbols such as – the Logo of the Institute, Globe, springs of water, six burning lamps and fruits were carried by the students towards the altar by enchanting appropriate hymns. The homily was centered on the theme “God’s marvelous deeds”. “We all are created in the image of God; we should know God’s marvelous work. Soul of the virtuous are in the hand of our God.” We salute our first Sisters for their inspiring life.

Sr. Sandhya