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FMA-PCI 2017 HELD at St. Joseph Training Centre, Lonavla – Mumbai

Sep5

 

The Annual Meeting of the FMA-PCI 2017 was held from 29-31 August 2017, at St. Joseph Training Centre, Lonavla – Mumbai. There were 28 participants from the seven FMA Provinces of India including Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the Presiding General Councilor and her Secretary. The theme of the meeting was: “Mid-Chapter Evaluation 2018”.

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The meeting began with the Morning Prayer on the theme “Transformed by the encounter”. The participants were then welcomed to the Eucharist with a bracelet representing the different colours of the rainbow and a traditional welcome with sandal paste and kumkum. The inaugural Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Valerian Pereira SDB, Rector of Don Bosco, Lonavla. In his homily he presented the encounter of Mary with Elizabeth. At 8.45 a.m., the participants were escorted to the school hall with the accompaniment of “Maharashtra  dhol tash” by the Auxilium School students. The welcome ceremony began with a prayer dance and a symphony of cultural dances followed depicting the culture of Maharastra.

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At 11.00 a.m. the participants gathered in the conference hall to proceed with the day’s programme. Sr. Rose Ezarath the PCI coordinator extended a warm welcome to all the participants of FMA PCI 2017. The three new provincials Sr.Celine Jacob INK, Sr.Nirmala Lazar INM and Sr. Mary Margaret Amalanathan INT were offered a shawl and a gift as a gesture of welcome.

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Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, in her keynote address presented the two symbols of the origins of the Institute, the Well and the Window. She exhorted the participants to make every encounter a moment that forms and transforms and wished everyone a fruitful journey towards the Triennial Evaluation 2018. The National Coordinators for Formation, Education and Youth Pastoral, Social Communication, Youth at Risk, National Development Forum and Mission ad Gentes then presented their annual reports.

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The second day began with a meaningful Morning Prayer focusing on the theme of the day “Missionaries of hope and joy and being with the young”. Sr. Lucy Rose in her opening talk explained the modality for Triennial Evaluation 2018 which will take place in Kolkata from 24-28 January. She also announced the name of Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel (INC), as the contact person for the Triennial Evaluation 2018 and the names of the General Councillors who will be participating in it along with Mother Yvonne Reungoat: Sr.Runita Borja, Sr. Maria Elena Moreira, Neves Phyllis and Sr. Lucy Ozhukayil. The assembly was then divided into four groups to suggest the icon, theme, modality of presentation of the answers during the Triennial Evaluation.

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The theme of the third and the last day of the PCI was: “Consecrated life – to be a prophetic sign for the future” and the resource person of the day was the founder of Universal Solidarity Movement (USM) Fr. Varghese Alengaden. Some of the main topics he dealt with were: the challenges in the changing socio – political context in India and the position of the Church in India; ‘Put New Wine in New Wineskin’; Net working to uphold Constitutional values; 50 practical tips for Congregational leadership.

The meeting came to a happy conclusion with words of gratitude from Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil who also exhorted the members to verify the output, outcome and impact of our mission today.

      Seminar on ‘Initial Proclamation’

Sep4

Missionary Animation and Formation Seminar on “Initial Proclamation and the Salesian Mission” was held  from  14 – 20 August 2017 at Sam Phran – Thailand.

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There were 80 participants consists of SDB Brothers and Priests, FMA Sisters with few of Lay Mission partners coming from 16 countries of Asia and Oceania: Hong Kong – China, Japan, Indonesia, Timor Leste, India, Sri Lanka, Korea, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Myanmar and Russia.  There were 7 FMAs and 17 Salesians from all the provinces of India,.

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The meeting was a joint venture of SDB-FMA General Councillors for the Missions: Fr. Guillermo Basanes, Sr. Alaide Deretti and their sector members: Fr. MC George, Sr. Blanca Sanchez. Sr. Maria Assunta Inoue, Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga and Fr. Vaclav Klement too were present for the seminar. Among the special speakers of the seminar was Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, SDB from India.

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Every day the Seminar was characterized by Lectio divina by Sr. Mario Ko, FMA. Main input was prepared by Fr. Alfred Maravilla (Provincial PGS). Each day there was ample time for group work (seven groups according the languages).  The following topics were dwelt: ‘Remembrance of the past journey’ by D. Alfred Maravilla, which helped the participants to deepen the theme “Initial Proclamation and Salesian Mission Today”;   ‘Listening to the Word’ by  Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil, during which he shared his personal experience of an Initial Proclamation in North East India;   ‘Listening to the Charism’ by Sr. Teresa Joseph FMA from Mumbai province interpreted ‘Don Bosco’s  letter  from  Rome of 1884 in the light of Initial Proclamation. with Sr. AlaideOn the 4th day, a  workshop was held in seven groups on ‘Sharing the Mission’. On the 5th day, a meeting was held according to the provinces to take the action plan for their respective province. The last day’s topic was ‘Reviewing the practices’- The day was dedicated for a separate meeting of the Salesians and FMAs. During the FMA’s encounter, Sr. Alaide Deretti helped the participants to relive the missionary passion dawn through the memory lane of the first missionaries of America to the call of GCXXIII “Broaden your vision with the young missionaries of hope and joy”. This seminar has been a moment of strong pastoral formation for the initial proclamation.

Sr. Nirmala Tigga

Youth Day Celebration

Aug18

On 23 July 2017, the youth of St. John Mary Vianney Parish, New Chumta celebrated the youth Day with great enthusiasm. 140 young  were present on this occasion. It commenced with solemn Mass in the parish Church celebrated  by Fr. Ignatius Bara. During the homily Fr. Ignatius Bara explained ‘the Parable of the Weeds’ and invited the young people to be good seeds which belong to heaven.

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Soon after Mass, the cultural program was followed in Auxilium auditorium. It was consist of  talks, action songs, and dances . Fr. Ignatius Bara in his talk  said that  we may fall many times but must we have the courage to get up each time when we fall. We are invited to make effort and to walk ahead in life.  Sr. Inocencia Jojo FMA also gave her valuable contribution by sharing  the preparatory document of the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with the theme  ‘Young People, the Faith and Vocational accompaniment’.

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After the  lunch all gathered again in the auditorium to entertain the assembly  with traditional dance.  Everyone actively participated in the game. Lastly, all the new office bearers were presented to the whole group. The celebration came to an end with the distribution of the snacks by Mr. Anil Singh from Siliguri.

Reported by Sr. Premika Tirkey

 

Feast Day Celebration

Aug18

On 6th August 2017, the Parishioners of New Chumta celebrated the feast of their patron St. John Mary Vianney. It was also a day for the parishioners to show their gratitude towards their Shepherd in this auspicious day.

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The program started with the solemn Mass animated by New Chumta Village in thanksgiving to God for the gift of their Parish priest Fr. Sanjay Kindo. It was followed by a cultural program at 10.00 a.m.. During the program the faithful expressed their love and appreciation to the Parish priest through words of greetings, gifts, songs, Boro, Nepali, Santhali and Adivasi dances. Fr. Sanjay Kindo thanked all the Parishioners, asked them to collaborate with him and to love Jesus Christ.  At the end of the celebration, all were given Ghugni and Muri, a sign of harmony and happiness.

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CRI Regional Secretaries Meet

Aug18

CRI Regional secretaries meet was held at National CRI Centre  Masihgarh, New Delhi  from 12-13 August spearheaded by Fr. Joe Mannath SDB the National CRI Secretary.

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The regional secretaries who participated were Sr. Mary Joseph Sap from Andhra Pradesh, Bro Cyril Chettiath SG from Bihar, Sr. Lalita Roshini Lakra DSA from Jharkhand/Andamans, Fr. Stifan Alvin Perera OCD from Karnataka, Sr. Modesta CTC from Kerala, Fr. Paulose Mangai SJ from North, Sr. Francis SMI from North East, Fr. Cherian Joseph SVD from Odisha,Sr. Sahaya Mary FBS from Tamil Nadu,Sr. Cecilia FSLG from UP,Rajastan, Uttarkhand, Sr. Stella D FMA from West Bengal Sikkim, Fr. Cleophas Braganza SDB from  Western.

The forum commenced with a prayer and inaugural address by Fr. Joe Mannath SDB the CRI national Secretary.  The secretaries presented one by one their power point presentation on the statistical data of the No of major superiors, no of Religious priests, sisters and brothers and no of  religious institutions in the region, the major activities carried out at regional CRI level.

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The second day was engaged in learning from each other’s presentations and planning for the programmes at national level.  The meeting was an eye opener and valuable learning experience especially for those who have taken up the responsibly newly.    The stay of just two days were made unforgettable  by the warm hospitality, varied food provided, clean and cosy accommodation and above all  for the love and care  by the duo outstanding team of Fr. Joe and Rita and  the perfect assisting staff.

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2017

Aug17

The students of HC Auxilium Vasant Vihar celebrated 70th Independence of our beloved nation on August 11, 2017. With hearts stirred up with patriotism, the students commenced the celebrations highlighting the great sacrifices and selfless service rendered by the freedom fighters and soldiers of our country. The short prayer service conducted by Class XII E  created an awareness in everyone present, the necessity of praying for peace and unity in the country and to acknowledge the challenging service of our soldiers to the nation and to be grateful to them for being the sentinels of our freedom in the country with daily prayers.

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The inter house competitions-March Past including NCC contingents, patriotic melodies and patriotic dances were part of the celebrations. The poem of Rabindranath Tagore “Where the mind is without fear” sung by the School choir and the official anthem -“Hum sab Bharatiyahain” by the NCC cadets helped the studentsto have a strong sense of patriotism by generously contributing their mite tothe progress of the nation.

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At the conclusion, Sr. Maria, congratulated the students for the wonderful performance and encouraged them to contribute towards the upliftment of our country and never to forget the sacrifices made by the soldiers and freedom fighters towards the independence of our nation. Sr. Celine, Principal then declared the results of the competitions and gave away the prizes. She congratulated all the participants and winners especially Vicuna house emerging as the overall winners.

God Bless our Country!

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GRATITUDE DAY CUM FOUNDATION DAY

Aug17

On 4th August 2017 was a great day for the students of Holy Child Auxilium Vasant Vihar as they celebrated Gratitude Day cum Foundation Day. With bouquets, planters, cards and meaningful stage performance, they highlighted and appreciated the Salesian style of value system and loving accompaniment experienced through the instrumentality of the Sisters. It was an opportune moment whereby they could express aloud for receiving the best education possible, all the opportunities, guidance and overall development at HCA.

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The programme came to an end with words of appreciation and encouragement from Sr. Maria, Superior. She encouraged the students quoting from the letter of Mother Mazzarello, “My dearest girls, always go willingly to the Sisters, tell them to teach you to love God and help you to learn your duties as good citizens. Always avoid bad companions and always go with good ones.” The Sisters blessed them to live always in the presence of God.

 

 

RECOGNITION DAY

Aug17

HCA is committed to providing an atmosphere to imbibe good values and taught how to think and not what to think, as quoted by the principal Sr. Celine Alexander on the occasion of Recognition Day celebration on 29th July 2017.It was an opportune day to appreciate the efforts and hard work put in by the students in scholastic achievements. Students of class VI-XII were awarded for their general and academic excellence in the presence of their parents and teachers.

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Shri Maneesh Aggarwal, the Counsellor from the Vasant Vihar Ward, working for the welfare of the people & society was the chief guest on the occasion. He was accompanied by Mr. R. P. Singh, Inspector of MCD. At the conclusion of the colourful programme by the students, Mr. Maneesh expressed his appreciation for the school which does lots of good for the development of the students and encouraged them to do always better. A parent of one of the school toppers also expressed his joy for the contribution the school makes to prepare the girls for future pursuits. The principal Sr. Celine Alexander encouraged the students with her motivational words: ‘Use your minds for innovation rather than memorization, a creativity rather than futile activity,for reflection and personal development rather than stagnation….Follow the spirit of Strive for Excellence, and the motto of the school, Virtue and Knowledge”.

 Rita Bakshi

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Juniors Meet Held

Aug8

 

The regular formative meeting of the Juniors was held at Dum Dum from 28 -31 July organized by Sr. Teresa Adampakallel the formation in charge. The main topic of the meeting was the Letters of St. Paul, imparted by Rev. Fr. Joe Kallirangat S.J. Sr. Rose Ezarath the Provincial explained the three choices of General Chapter XXIII -Transformation through encounter, Together with the young people, and Missionaries of hope and joy. Sr. Mini Chettayil the Provincial Secretary taught the juniors how to use the Publisher when writing the chronicles of different sectors.

   Juniors' Meet                                                                                                                                                                 Sr. Teresa Adampakallel  surprised us with many tiny “Salesian Traditions” which are very good and practical, but are not realized in our everyday life. They helped us to re-confirm the sayings of Mother Mazzarello,  “Sanctity consists in doing the right thing  in the right time and place and only for the love of God. We thank God for all these insights that we have received in order to grow and be an authentic FMA.