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Centenary Celebration of Sr. Angela Vallese
On 17th August 2014 the community of Aspirantate celebrated the centenary of the death anniversary of Sr. Angela Vallese, the pioneer of the South American Missions. The celebration was preceded by the reading of her life and sharing of the same at different moments of the day. Three days of solemn prayer service helped the community to imbibe her missionary spirit and sacrificing life. On this occasion the Postulants and Aspirants presented a short stage program and put up a self composed Skit, a Poem and a Quiz on Mother Angela. The oratory children witnessed the performance and were happy to depart with a packet of jal muri each. The glorious missionary evening was concluded together with the Sisters of the campus community meditating on this valiant missionary with the help of a power point presentation.
Celebration of the death centenary of Sr. Angela Vallese FMA – Holy Child Auxilium – R.K. Puram
Celebration of the death centenary of Sr. Angela Vallese, pioneer of the Salesian missions in Tierra del Fuego.
Outreach programme with children in honour of Sr. Angela Vallese FMA
Independence Day Celebration
The staff and students of Janta Higher Secondary School, Jumaikela celebrated the 68th Independence of our country with great honour and pride. They also showed their love for our Blessed Mother Mary, who assumed into heaven. At 6.30 am in the Parish Church together with the parishioners the staff and the students took active part in the Holy Eucharistic celebration. The celebrant, Fr. Varghese Palatil SDB, the assistant parish priest inspired the faithful through his sermon to become beloved of God like Mary by living a virtuous life.
Varghese Palatil SDB hoisted the flag and presided over the Independence Day celebration. In his speech he encouraged the students to be effective citizens of India. The Students drew the attention of the audience by their parade, and other beautiful, creative and lively performance. On this day we experienced God’ blessing visibly as the day was bright and pleasant from the other rainy days.
Sr. Shanti Tirkey
All hail to you Don Bosco !
Today we celebrate the birthday of Don Bosco and we begin our journey of preparation for the bicentennial celebration of Don Bosco’s birth which will be celebrated on August 16, 2015.
Just before Don Bosco’s death, he said “Do not ever forget these three things: devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and devotion to the Holy Father!” On January 31, 1888, Don Bosco’s worn-out body finally returned to its creator. Don Bosco left a legacy. His ideals, his spirit, his constant activity lives on through his sons and daughters. On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1934, Pope Pius XI declared Don Bosco a saint. As for himself, Don Bosco would say, “I have been an instrument in the hands of Mary. She has done everything. Had I been a worthier instrument, I would have accomplished a great deal more.”
Day of prayer and adoration for peace
In response to the news that reaches her from all parts of the world where peace is threatened, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Superior General of the FMA sent the following message to all the provinces. «Dearest Sisters, I would like to offer a proposal; sure that it will find your acceptance. In every part of the world, frequently at the level of Episcopal conferences, days of Prayer are indicated for those who are persecuted for religious reasons, and in general for peace in the world.
Faced with a resurgence of violence in many parts of our world, we cannot keep silent. Therefore, we join our voice to those of Pope Francis, many priests, religious and faithful.
We know that there are many outbreaks of war and we see an escalation of intolerance, persecution, and cruelty. The victims of this senseless violence are frequently ordinary citizens, in particular women and children. We want to be at their side, to have them hear our voice, and especially our prayer, accompanied by a lifestyle in the sign of communion, solidarity, and a greater Gospel witness. Therefore, together with the Sisters of the Council, I propose that August 15 be a day of prayer and adoration throughout the whole Institute for peace in those places where war rages, and especially in the Middle East. We will thus join with many initiatives in the world, activating the first, most fundamental assistance, the spiritual.
I ask that you involve in the initiative the members of the educating community, in particular the young people, the Salesian Family groups who have as a reference point communities of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and the people of the place.
Peace is, above all, a gift of God. For this reason we invoke it in first place by prayer. But we also want to commit ourselves to actions of peace and be persons of peace, educating ourselves and others to relationships that manifest it in our communities and in the mission entrusted to us.
Discouragement and pessimism are enemies of peace. The precious good of peace, while being a gift of God, is entrusted to fragile human hands. For this reason, even when we do not see immediate results, we know that working for peace, educating to peace, carrying out gestures of peace, constitutes a human fabric more respective of the dignity of all. In this way by using the building blocks of peace, we want to arrive at building a house for the human family where all feel welcome and live in dignity and safety.
May Mary Help of Christians, Queen of Peace, help us to build it wherever we are and no matter what we are doing. And may Don Bosco, in whose honor we are preparing to begin the bicentenary celebrations, instill in our hearts his pastoral enthusiasm, that of the da mihi animas cetera tolle .
I greet you with great affection,
Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Superior General of the FMA
6TH ASIAN YOUTH DAY OPENED
Juniors’ meet
From 8 – 11 September 2014, 30 junior sisters of Kolkata Province gathered at the Provincial House – Dum Dum for the juniors’ meet. Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel, Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel and Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil were the resource persons of these four days of programme. Sr. Lily in short explained the study programme of juniors. Sr. Annie dealt the Spirituality of Don Bosco based on the Preventive System. She stressed much on the educative, loving and vigilant assistance among the young people. Sr. Leelamma touched upon the holistic growth of human being and some problems of the contemporary world. Sr. Teresa Adampakallel in her good nights exhorted the juniors’ to become passionate and enthusiastic in our mission. The meeting was a great help for the sisters to become committed and authentic FMA in our mission.
Sr. Ongmit Lepcha & Sr. Pranati S.
Interview with Sr. Rose Simon FMA
Dear Sr. Rose Congratulations!
What are your happiest memories as an FMA?
The day of my First Profession, the Salesian Family Spirit, the joy of living with the first missionaries, happy communities where I encountered good friends and lively young people.
What thoughts gives you comfort?
The thought of becoming a saint gives me comfort.
What was your strong weapon during your 50 years of your religious life?
Prayer and community life
What message do you have for the sisters of the Province?
Do your daily duties well because it is in fidelity to small things will bring us joy and happiness. Live and appreciate your vocation, and be ever grateful to God for His predilection and love.
Golden Jubilee is a happy event for you isn’t it? Why?
Yes. Because I feel I am a fortunate FMA to celebrate this great event. Many people longed for it but did not. I am ever grateful to our Blessed Mother for her continuous support and guidance.
What would you like to tell the young people of today?
If you feel the call of God follow it because you will find a great treasure in Jesus.
50 years of service in the vineyard of the Lord
Golden Jubilee of Sr. Anna Varkey was celebrated with great preparation and solemnity on 3rd August 2014 at Don Bosco Parish, Mirik. The Holy Mass was at 9.30 a.m., presided over by Rev. Fr. Fabianus Kujur the parish priest and Fr. Raymond Tudu the assistant parish priest. The Holy Mass began with the entrance dance by the boarders. During the homily the celebrant congratulated Sr. Anna and spoke of the faithfulness and generosity of God towards us. The liturgy was animated by the parishioners. After the Holy Mass Sr. Anna spoke few words to all those who were present quoting the Psalm 16:9 “I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead.” I am feeling very happy and contended. I never thought that I will be celebrating my Golden Jubilee. But it is God, who makes everything wonderful in our life, she said. It was followed by cutting of the cake and felicitation. The three neighbouring communities Jaigaon, Kurseong and New Chumta represented the whole province.
Once again the jubilee was celebrated on 5th August in the Convent chapel together with the boarders. Fr. V.C. Jose the Rector of Don Bosco Community celebrated Mass. In his homily he spoke about those who hear the Word of God and fulfill it and congratulated Sr. Anna.
Sr. Cecilia K.
FMA INC News Update 