On 5th August 2014, the community of Auxilium Dum Dum celebrated the Foundation Day, the Golden jubilee of Sr. Alice Olikal and the Silver jubilee of Sr. Teresa Karakkal. Sisters from the Kolkata zone communities, candidates and the neighbourhood religious communities joined for the celebration. This memorable day, the solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr Hermil D’Souza, the parish priest and con-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Peter. During the homily Fr. Hermil congratulated the sisters and said it is the celebration of God’s fidelity towards us and our response to His faithful love that we celebrate. He concluded the homily by saying, “Before you expire you inspire, in life position is not important but disposition matters and before being samples give examples”. The entire liturgy was very meaningfully animated by the sisters.

After the Eucharistic celebration the jubilerians were felicitated with songs, gifts and gestures of love. The presence and the felicitation of the candidates added joy to the celebration. It was followed by a delicious and sumptuous lunch. Congratulations dear Sr. Alice Olikal and Sr. Teresa Karakkal. May God bless you and accompany you always. 

Sr. Dominica  J. Thapa

Sr. Prisila:  Congratulations!  Dear Sr. Anna.

 Sr. Anna:   Thank you sister.

Sr. Prisila:  On this auspicious day we bring you many wishes from all the sisters of our           Province.Today you look like an angel coming down from heaven to give us good  news with a smiling face.  I can see you always communicating good things that you know or heard to many   you meet.  Today as you celebrate your 50 years of service in the vineyard of the  Lord, can you tell me some golden words? 

Sr. Anna:  “I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, O Lord, 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.” Psalm 16:9. 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.

Sr. Prisila: Can you share some wonderful things happened in your life?

Sr. Anna: I never thought that I will become a FMA sister. But God’s plans are so wonderful. When I heard that sisters had come for recruiting the girls in Kerala, I got permission from my parents and went with them to my parish Priest to get the letter. When the priest asked me the name of the Congregation I want to join, I didn’t know the name. Parish priest was surprised. He asked me without knowing the name of the Congregation where do you want to go?  Finally he gave the permission. I was very happy and excited.

Sr. Prisila: Do you remember anything that your parents said before leaving home?

Sr. Anna: I don’t remember anything special but one thing I remember my mother asking my father “what type of dress do they wear”? My father said that their dress looked like frock attached with the fan. Ha ha

Sr. Prisila: What made you or inspired you to leave your loving family and join the Congregation?

Sr. Anna: I understood that my life is to live for Jesus and for the mission, making known His name. And now I feel very happy to serve the people wherever I am.

Sr. Prisila: I see you always cheerful, active and innovative. What is the secret of this joy? 

Sr. Anna: This is the secret of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. Be cheerful always. Young in spirit.  And so I like to be young.

Sr. Prisila: Sr. Anna, hearing your word, I don’t want to grow old.

Sr. Anna: (Laughing) I did not mean growing old physically but young in spirit. We must be always active and creative, young in spirit with the young people because now the world is changing every moment with the science and technology. 

Sr.Prisila: What is your suggestion for the young people of today?

Sr. Anna: Quoting the maxim of Don Bosco; “Dance, play and jump but do not commit sin.”

Sr. Prisila: What is your advice for the young sisters?

Sr. Anna: To equip themselves well to face the modern youth of today with the Spirit of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.

Sr. Prisila: What is your wish for the Province as a whole?

Sr. Anna: To be faithful to the charism of the Congregation; not to deviate from the Preventive System because our holiness depends by the way we live. Have great and strong devotion to Mary help of Christians and inculcate real love for her.

Sr. Prisila: Who is your favorite saint?  

Sr. Anna: St. Teresa of child Jesus. Also I have great devotion to Blessed Eusebia.  My family too is devoted to Bl. Eusebia Palomino FMA.

Sr. Prisila: Sr. Anna, can you tell me why are you devoted to Bl. Eusebia?

Sr. Anna:  Once my brother was suffering from slipped disc. He was admitted in the hospital and his condition was very critical. When I heard I could not go and see him, I prayed to Bl. Eusebia with great faith. I sent the relic of Bl. Eusebia to him. He put it in his chain and he was cured of his illness. My brother said, “Bl. Eusebia is a wonderful woman”.

Sr. Prisila: Thank you dear Sr. Anna, I am very much enthused by your golden words. With confidence I can say that you are really living the true charism of Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello. And I hope all the young people of today may be inspired by this way of living your religious life. May God bless you and grant you long life.

Sr. Alice can you tell me the person who was the motivating force behind your vocation ?

My Assistant Parish Priest was the motivating guide behind my vocation. He used to talk to us in the school every Friday about the missionaries and the great work they were doing for the spread of the Gospel. He also made us to act out the lives of the missionaries. I used to dream even in my childhood to go to the mission and speak about Jesus. This was an inspiration for me to become a missionary. So together with my two other companions Sr. Rose Simon FMA and Sr. Anna Varkey FMA I left my home to become a missionary. 

What are your happiest memories as an FMA?

I do not have any special happy memory but I was happy whenever I did my work well with a sense of responsibility and commitment. I recall with joy the times I spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament. There are many moments I felt happy in the company of others and I found them sharing my joyful experiences.

What thought gives you comfort?

The thought of living with and for Jesus and Mary in the Congregation gives me comfort. Another comforting thought that comes to me is that I was well taken care by all the superiors and sisters in which ever communities I belong to. Now I praise and thank God with all my heart for the great  love and care showered upon me by the community here at Dum Dum and all the prayers that are sent to me by many people especially the sisters of all the communities to console me and give me hope to live on with optimism and joy.  

Do you have any regret in life?

I do not have any regret in life but when I failed to carry out God’s will through my superiors I felt sorry.

How do you accept your inability to walk?

I acknowledge it as God’s gift but sometime I find it difficult to accept it. I request all those who visit me to offer prayers for me so that I may accept this gift with a spirit of faith and hope.

What messages have you for the younger generation?

I wish to tell them to live always in the presence of God and to obey the superiors, to pray well and to do their duty wholeheartedly for the salvation of young people.

Golden Jubilee is a happy event for you isn’t it? Why?

Yes, Golden jubilee is a happy moment for me because I lived 50 years in the love of God. I felt  that God was holding me in His palm and loving me tenderly.  I  thank Him and our Blessed Mother for granting me this grace of celebrating my golden jubilee year.  

Thank you dear Sr. Alice. May God bless you.

On 26th July, 2014 Nirmala Niketan, Jaigaon witnessed twin celebrations: The feast day of Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel, the animator of the community and the starting of the IGP group under the guidance of Sr. Sadhana Majumdar. During the inaugural prayer service Sr. Annie lit the lamp and invoked God’s blessings and encouraged the women with her enriching words. The women promised to work faithfully not only for their own benefit but also for the betterment of their neighouring families and society.

Sr. Pranati Manjari Sabhasundar

On 3^rd August 2014, the community of Auxilium New Chumta celebrated the community day. The theme of the celebration was “Serve the Lord in gladness”. The community expressed their love and gratitude to Sr. Teresa Vettuvazhiyil, the animator and to one another. The celebration began with vigil service, animated creatively by Sr. Sosan Minj and Ongmit Lepcha. It was a moment of thanksgiving and praising God for the gift of every person. The solemn Mass was presided over by Fr. Johny Nedungatt SDB. During his homily he highlighted the theme of our community day and spoke about washing of the feet of others, to be the servant of all. He encouraged us to let our ego for the effectiveness of the mission. He concluded by saying: Make the thought captive to transform oneself.

The day was ended with the short program by the sisters, boarders, teachers and the house staff. The presence of Rev. Fr. Michael Toppo, Parish priest added joy to the celebration. The felicitation was concluded with message of the animator Sr. Teresa. In her message she said that we are unable to accomplish anything much alone in our life we need each other. Our community living is more effective when we live together sharing our joyous and happiness. 

Sr. Prisila Bara

With joy and gratitude Community of Auxilium, Dum Dum celebrated the 75^th Birthday of Sr. Alice Olikal. In the evening sisters gathered around her to felicitate with songs and offered her gifts. Sr. Alice distributed sweets and gave the good night. In her good night message she said: “When we are with Christ everything goes fine. When He is with us we perform our responsibility wholeheartedly,  do everything with purity of intention and our apostolate will flourish. For Christ everything shines well.”

Having stayed for a dozen of years in “Nirmala Niketan”, Jaigaon, boarding of the Salesian Sisters, I have so many memories to take with me as I part from here.

            Firstly, I am very thankful to all the sisters who have always been my constant help and support, inspiring me always to know and explore myself. Thank you so much for helping me to stand on my feet, to face the challenges of life. Living for twelve years, I met and stayed with a number of sisters. I often got confused, since many looked alike. Sometimes, I got too much emotional that I decided to become one of them but I said to myself , “control Anju control… it is not easy to live a religious life” I really appreciate all the sisters for summing up courage to leave their own family and living with a totally new family. Staying together, I became close to many sisters,  I remember and miss all the sisters.

            Secondly, all my boarders… uff!! You are the most deadly disaster taking place in my life… difficult to leave, impossible to forget! If only I would carry you with me I would certainly do it. Hope I have been an example for you all. Always be happy, be active, and take part in all the activities. Don’t cry, don’t be panic just be cool and cheerful.                    

12 Years… I wonder how I survived

The evening is blessed with a calm breeze

Soon our presence together will cease

When I reflect back on my boarding life

12 years! I wonder how I survived.

Obviously with food, water, oxygen and rest

Also with lots of boarding and school test!!

When I first came, tears rolled down my cheek

To make me laugh sisters would tickle me with a twig!

I was weak and shy, would sit in a corner and terribly cry.

Really very funny I called aged sisters as my granny

On visiting Sundays I would weep and weep

With heavy heart the rooms I would sweep.

Common sense I used to lack

Taking advantage didis used to tease.

But all this made me strong

I realized being a coward, I was wrong.

Years passed I got many friends

Madly jumped outside whenever it rained.

So much fun…

Like fired bullets from heavy gun

With so many members in this home

No one was left sad and alone

So many elders, so many juniors

But no feelings of being superior or inferior!

Got to learn, got to teach…

 Turning playground into a dusty beach

With all the sisters laughing and shouting

Enjoyed so much in every outing

So many memories to store

 Saved in my hearts core

 If only life was a tape recorder with buttons to forward and rewind

Go back to my past… I wouldn’t mind.

But what to do…..

Life is like a flowing river

And to cross it on should have a good liver.

But seriously…

I loved my life here in boarding

This very moment too my heart is recording.

Life here has made me strong and bold

But this time, this moment has made me cold.

 Finally, all will be apart on our ways…

But I will surely remember and miss my boarding days.

Anju Tirkey – Cl. XII Boarder

On 25th July, 2014, The Recognition Day (Prize distribution day) in HCA was celebrated in the school auditorium to recognise and appreciate the students who have excelled in academics. The day began with the welcome address by the School Head Girl, Shreya Sharma followed by the felicitation of the Chief Guest, Fr. George Manimala, the parish priest of St. Thomas Parish Church R.K. Puram and the lighting of the lamp to invoke God’s blessings. The programme began with the graceful depiction of Psalm 103 performed by the students of class XI. There were three categories of Prize Distribution namely; awards for the toppers of CBSE board examination held in 2013 in every subject, general proficiency awards and best student awards. Swati Singhania who scored 96.5% of Science stream, is the topper of CBSE 2013 examinations. She was awarded “The Auxil excel trophy” by Fr. George Manimala.  To add on to the joy of this day, we also had an energetic classical dance and a melodious instrumental music performance by the students.  Fr. George appreciated and congratulated the prize winners.       Sr. Lucy John, the principal concluded the day’s programme by quoting Mother Teresa of Kolkata,  

“Life is beautiful admire it

Life is happiness enjoy it

Life is a blessing experience it

Life is a dream, make it a reality

Life is a challenge, face it

Life is a responsibility, fulfil it”

The parents appreciated and applauded the management and the staff of HCA for the excellent result and imparting knowledge coupled with values.

Simran Gupta

Class XII

On 26^th July, 2014 an orientation Programme was organized by the Education Sector of the Province, at Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, for all the newly appointed teachers of the Auxilium, English Medium Schools of Kolkata zone.

The first session was taken by Fr.Soroj Mullick SDB from Kalyani. The Session started at 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Father gave us an insight on the Preventive System taught by Don Bosco. He explained the responsibilities of a teacher in building up a successful Nation. He also explained the things a teacher should abide by and the things that a teacher should never do. After Father’s Session there was a lunch break for an hour, which was followed by a second session.

The second session was conducted by Dr. Paromita Mitra Bhoumik, a consultant Psychologist and also four associates from Pearson, The session started at 1:30 pm and came to an end at 4:15 pm. Dr. Paromita spoke about how a classroom should be managed, dealing with effective classroom tactics. She also talked about a Parable of the Pencils to give us a better understanding of a student’s mindset. Later she dealt with many other topics on how can a teacher make a class interesting and relieve the students from boredom. She also taught us the various methods of punishment we can apply instead of the corporal one, has to rectify a student’s behavior. She gave a brief description on Multiple Intelligences and the various learning style.

The entire Orientation Programme has been an enriching and an enlightening one.  We thank our sisters especially Sr.Elizabeth Makil, the Education coordinator for organizing the programme.