AUXILIUM GOBRA: The 3^rd phase of the Young Sisters meeting was held at Auxilium Convent Gobra from the 14^th to the 18^th of February 2024.  The Introductory talk was given by Sr. Rose Kureekattu and two days of Scripture classes on the book of Revelation were taken by Fr. Tushar Gomes SDB. On the first day, he spoke about the four main positions, and the date of composition and explained in detail the historical background of the book and its purpose. On the second day, he dealt with the major theological theme and the structure of the book. He focused much on the signs and meanings of the seven churches, their seven seals and seven trumpets.  

The third day’s session was taken by Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil the provincial creatively. She explained very meticulously the profile and identity of the FMA as well as the three evangelical vows. She made the participants understand in a better way the preciousness of God’s call and the authenticity of living a religious life.

On the last day, the class was steered by Fr. Raju, the canonist of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church. He interactively took the session. Fr. Raju explained very clearly the importance of vows and the true meaning of consecrated life. He further spoke about the change of lifestyle in this modern era. Above all, the participants were urged to be committed seekers of God with a happy attitude. The day was concluded with a vote of thanks to God Almighty for having provided the great personnel who made the meetings very enriching and memorable.

The Barasat Boarding Reunion was held on the 21st of January 2024 at Auxilium Convent Barasat, bringing together the boarders who have passed out of Barasat Boarding. The event was organized by Sr. Esther Rani and Sr. Minimol making the day a memorable one for the 30 boarders who came along with their kids. The presence of Sr. Juliana Rozario, Sr. Elizabeth Makil and the community sisters of Barasat added joy to the gathering. The day commenced with a Mass Celebration at 11.00 a.m. with Fr. Albert as the celebrant. During the sermon, Father spoke about all the values instilled in each of us by the sisters during our stay in the hostel. He highlighted how beautifully each one of us has grown, spreading the love and values received from the sisters, and he also recalled the old days during his stay in Barasat.

It was followed by a wonderful and awaited group photo shoot. The boarders were then welcomed to the auditorium for the celebration, which began with the felicitation of respected Fr. Albert and the reverend sisters by the boarders. All the boarders were welcomed, and a fun activity of “Bombing the City” was organized, bringing a lot of enjoyment to the participants. Following this, the boarders were invited to share their experiences with the audience about their journey. Some shared how successful they had become and how their life in boarding, under the care and guidance of the sisters, helped them through thick and thin, shaping their present and future. Everyone expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of the sisters in caring for the boarders and acknowledged the impact they have had on society.

The day concluded with a thank-you note delivered by Miss Angela Tigga, expressing gratitude to Fr. Albert for being part of the celebration, and to all the sisters, for their dedication and guidance that shaped the essence of the gathering. Participants were also thanked for their active participation, bringing life to the event and making it truly memorable. After this, the boarders were provided with lunch sponsored by Mr. Sabir Ali, which was delicious.

The Barasat Boarding Reunion not only rekindled cherished memories but also showcased the enduring impact of the sisters’ guidance on the boarders’ lives. The event served as a testament to the strong bonds formed in the hostel and the lasting influence of the values instilled, making it a day etched in the hearts of all attendees.

Reported by Suzzane Shaw

The three-volume HISTORY OF THE FMA IN NORTHERN INDIA 1923-1983, published on the occasion of its centenary celebration, makes visible the enormous contribution of the FMA Sisters in the fields of education and evangelization. It takes into account the first 60 years of the life and mission of the FMA in Northern India. This herculean work is accomplished by Sr Lily Perumpettikunnel FMA from Kolkata Province and her team of Sr. Penny Rose Chinir FMA from Guwahati and Sr. Euginia Laloo from Shillong Province.

This year, the Salesian Sisters of Auxilium Dum Dum took the initiative to celebrate the World Day of Consecrated life together with all the Priests and Religious of Dum Dum. Rev. Fr. Irudaya Raj, Parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church Dum Dum, gave his full support and direction for the event. At 6pm on 2 February Fr. Irudaya Raj, Fr. Dominic Kishore Munda the assistant parish priest, Fr. Umakant Porichha SSCC  and Fr. Sumit SSCC,  MC sisters, MC brothers, SMI sisters, the Ursuline sisters, and Auxilium sisters congregated at Auxilium Dum Dum to celebrate the day of the consecrated.  In all 36  participants were welcomed at the gate, offering a brooch with 3 flowers symbolising the three vows.  The celebration commenced with the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr Raju and the three concelebrants. Blessing of the candles at the portico was introduced by a commentary by the SMI sisters. The procession entered the chapel all bearing the lighted candles. The caption ‘Consecrated to witness Jesus’ placed at the Altar invited the assembly to be like Jesus. The different parts of the liturgy were shared by the different communities, the first reading by the MC brothers, Psalm intoned by the MC sisters sung in voices, the second reading  & singing and orchestration by Salesian sisters, prayer of the faithful by MC Sisters and offertory by Ursuline sisters. Our parish priest in his homily emphasized the encounter of the Divine with the chosen people; one’s consecration aims at the sanctification of oneself and others; witnessing to Christ leads to building God’s kingdom. He concluded the sermon by seeking God’s assistance to walk courageously on the path of holiness.

After the mass the assembly gathered in the school hall for fun and bonding with one another   through games, like bouncing balloons with head, musical chair and housie conducted by the  Salesian sisters. Vibes of Freedom, simplicity and joy vibrated from wholehearted participation by all the fathers and sisters.  The winners were awarded with attractive prizes accoladed by the parish priest Rev. Fr. Irudaya Raj. After the games, all proceeded to Auxilium refectory where all enjoyed the agape shared by all the religious communities. The coming together was so fraternal, sisterly and enthusiastic that Fr. Irudaya Raj declared that we shall make it an annual event. The event came to an end at 8.30 pm with a thanksgiving prayer and the decision to have a picnic on 16 Feb. 2023 continuing to walk in synodality. 

Sr Stella D. FMA