On 27th March 2019, the ADMA members of Auxilium Barasat unit had the privilege to visit the marginalized children of the brickfield near our school called Noor bhata. Sr. Stella and Sr. Namita accompanied the ADMA members to the brickfield. The ADMA members offered the children some snacks. It was wonderful experience to share our mite with the poor and needy children. We felt we were blessed for fulfilling Jesus invitation, “I was hungry and you fed me”
Pushpa Ekka, ADMA
On 30 – 31 March 2019, a retreat was organized by Sr. Stella Potteparambil at Dhyanashram for the ADMA members of Barasat. The retreat started with the Way of the Cross reflecting on the 14 works of mercy both corporal and spiritual which reminded us to be concerned about the needs others through practical examples. After the tea break Fr. Narendra Singh through his inspirational talk triggered in us the Lenten observance through the parable of the prodigal son where he made us realize that God will always accept us back with open arms. This was followed by the Mass of Sunday celebrated by Fr. Aloysius Carvalho at 6.15p.m.for all the novices and juniorate brothers of the campus.
On the following day’s program was consisted of Bible sharing on the passage of the ‘Final Judgement”; talk by Fr. Narendara Singh on the topic ‘The generosity of God’ asking us to forgive and love our enemies and not to be judgmental, instead to mend our relationships and be more compassionate like God; the HolyolyHoly Mass, Divine Mercy chaplet and Way of the cross. Later we discussed the project for the year to be followed as members of ADMA group, our contribution at the personal level and as a group. We left Dhyanashram at 3.30 p.m after thanking Fr. Sunny the Director for all the facilities provided to us for the two days of retreat and on the way visited an NGO called ‘Asha Bari’ a home run for the mentally challenged. We met about 200 men, women and children and shared words of compassion with them and offered them some eatables. On the way back we honoured our Blessed Mother with an animated rosary and reached home by feeling more alive with the Holy Spirit.
Ms. Isabella Anthony, ADMA – secretary
On 28th March 2019, the community of Auxilium Kripalaya had the joy of welcoming dear Sr.Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the visiting councilor for the Canonical Visit and her secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei. They were welcomed by the sisters, boarders and parishioners with their traditional costumes from the parish gate and the women felicitated them. Sr.Lucy Rose thanked the people for the warm welcome and appreciated them for their gestures of love. Then all proceeded to the chapel for the moments of prayer.
In the evening during conference she presented the gospel passage of the wedding feast at Cana and invited the community to share the new wine of joy, love, peace and care. She appreciated and encouraged each one of us for what we do and what we are.
On the following day she spent time with the sisters. In the evening the boarders performed a beautiful cultural programme and thanked Sr.Lucy Rose for her presence. She thanked the sisters for helping them and encouraged the children to work hard and study well. During the evening prayer she presented to the sisters, a passage from the Old Testament on Prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. She concluded her talk by giving special gift for each one of us. The Community also thanked Sr. Lucy Rose for the rich experienced we had during these days of visitation.
On following day thanksgiving Mass was offered by Fr. Lakra Amjeet, the assistant parish priest. At 10.00 am, Sr. Lucy Rose left for Ranchi accompanied by Sr.Xalxo Teresa and Sr. Ekka Mary, the animators of Ghutiapara and Jumaikela communities respectively. The days of visitation were moment of Joy, love, peace and experience of God’s special love.
Sr. Medlin Lakra
On 25 March 2019 Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the Visiting Councilor began her canonical visit at Vicuna Nivas, Jumaikela. Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica Kamei arrived at 10.30 pm and were given a warm traditional welcome. Following day commenced with a moment of prayer followed by Eucharistic Celebration in the parish. Soon after the Mass Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica was offered an official welcome by the boarders and the sisters. This was followed by a moment of prayer inviting everyone to the wedding feast of Cana to share the new wine of joy, love, caring, sharing, and understanding. She appreciated and encouraged each one of us for what we do and what we are.
At 3.30 pm students and teachers presented a short programme. Sr. Lucy Rose in a very familiar way interacted with the students; she also congratulated the sisters and teachers for the wonderful performance. She encouraged the children to do their studies well and to acquire many good qualities when they are in the school. The teachers too were very much eager to meet her. They felicitated her with a garland and few words of love and gratitude. In the evening Sr. Lucy Rose met the parish priest and the Rector Rev. Fr. James Janiwas sdb and the community members. During the Evening prayer Sr. Lucy Rose guided the sisters to reflect on the passage of “wedding feast at Cana”. The emphasis was given on “Do whatever he tells you”
On 27 March, during the Morning Prayer community expressed their love and gratitude to Sr. Lucy Rose. In the afternoon Sr. Lucy Rose met the health workers and past pupils. Everyone was happy to encounter her. In the evening Sr. Lucy Rose met the House council and enlightened them about their duties as councilors. In the evening boarders felicitated Sr. Lucy Rose with a short and sweet programme. They sang, danced and performed a small skit expressing their love and gratitude to Sr. Lucy Rose. In her good night she spurred the boarders to make good use of every opportunity narrating a story.
On the last day too was packed with splendid events. It was a day of thanksgiving. Sr. Lucy Rose had the joy of meeting Bishop Emmanuel Kerketta D.D, bishop of Jashpur and Fr. Joe D’Souza sdb, the founder of Disciples.
In the last conference with Sr. Lucy Rose presented to the community a passage from the Old Testament on Prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, which inspired the community to be always available in the mission. Each one of us expressed our gratitude and love to her. Later she met the house staff and all our helpers. At 3.00 pm she left for the community at Ghutiapara. The days Sr. Lucy Rose spent with us were inspiring and enriching.
On 22nd March 2019, the community of Auxilium, Kurtumgarh had the joy of welcoming the Visiting Councilor Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil and her secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei Pongtinei accompanied by Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel our Provincial economer. As soon as they arrived they participated in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration. Soon after the Mass Fr. Jugal Kishore Digal, the Parish Priest and Fr. Bikram Pradhan, the assistant parish priest along with the parishioners greeted Sr. Lucy Rose and others and welcomed them. The animator of the community Sr. Annie Theyattil introduced Sr. Lucy Rose to the gathering. Sr. Lucy Rose thanked the people for the warm welcome and appreciated them for their kind gesture of love. After the parishioners left, the community welcomed Sr. Lucy Rose in a traditional way and followed by a moment of prayer. During the Good night Sr. Lucy Rose spoke on the days reading and the Lenten massage of Pope Francis and exhorted us follow the means to draw closer to Jesus by forgiving, doing good, blessing and praying.
On second day at 9.30 am tiny tots of our school greeted Sr. Lucy Rose and welcomed her with song and dance. She was very happy see our little children speak in English. In the afternoon we had a little relaxation by going out to Daringbadi Park, the Kashmir of Odisha. Fr. Jugal and Fr. Bikram also joined us. During the Good night she presented the gospel passage of the wedding feast at Cana and helped to mediate and reflect on the following day.
On Sunday, once again the parishioners wished Sr. Lucy Rose, Sr.Veronica and Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel and welcomed them for the Eucharistic celebration. After the Holy Mass there was a short felicitation by the Parishioners. Fr. Jugal and Fr. Bikram also felicitated them with a shawl. Sr. Lucy Rose in her short speech thanked them for their gestures of affection and encouraged them to pray for their children and never lose hope amidst difficulties, because in the book of Genesis God gave to the people rainbow as symbol of hope.
During the evening prayer she presented to the sisters, a passage from the Old Testament on Prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. This helped the sisters to look at this widow in time of difficulty and learn to have faith in God and learn to share. During Good night, Sr. Lucy Rose helped us to understand the significance of Mount Tabour experience. On the following morning community thanked Sr. Lucy Rose, Sr. Veronica and Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel during the Mass and after the breakfast. At 10.00 Sr. Annie Theyattil accompanied them to Muniguda station. The days of visitation were moment of joy and experience of God’s special love.
18th March, was a long awaited day for us in Monsada. All of us eagerly waited for the arrival of dear Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil and Sr. Veronica Kamei. They were given a warm welcome by the Sisters and the boarders from the gate. The visitation started with a moment of prayer.
On the following day she spent time with the sisters and visited the nearby communities of Salesians and Missionaries of Charity Sisters. In the afternoon she met SHG, NCP, Catechism students and the Evening coaching class students in our campus. Each group presented a program beautifully. She thanked each one for their wonderful performance and thanked the Sisters for taking care of the less privileged ones in the locality. In the evening there was twin celebration. The boarders performed a beautiful cultural program honoring St. Joseph, the patron of the house and thanked Sr. Lucy Rose for her presence. On following day thanksgiving Mass was offered by Fr. John Ekka SDB. During the concluding conference she shared reflection on Elijah and the widows at Zarephath. She concluded her talk by giving special gift for each one of us. The community too articulated words of gratitude and offered her gifts as a sign of our love and gratitude. She left for Auxilium, Dum Dum at 2.30 pm accompanied by Sr. Margaret Ghosh. Her presence really brought forth showers of blessings. Yes it was an enriching moment and grace filled days.
Sr. Julita Kujur
On 15 March, has been our kairos moment when Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil arrived in our community at Bamunmura for the Canonical visit along with her secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei. The community gave them a fitting and traditional welcome and escorted them to the house dancing. At the entrance of the house she was welcomed with words of love and cheer. A short prayer service was conducted based on the theme of the visitation. Lighting of the candles and placing them on the altar along with suitable hymns led the community to savor the message offered to us by our Visiting councilor. The celebration of the Eucharist by Fr. Thamacin SJ was a time of welcoming dear Sr. Lucy Rose and her secretary, Sr. Veronica. The heart-warming introduction to the Eucharistic celebration by our aspirants touched our hearts.
The theme of the visitation: “Do whatever He tells you” colored most of our moments of prayer! During the four days of her stay with us, the sisters and the candidates spent time to meet Sr. Lucy Rose who comes to us in the name of Rev. Mother Yvonne Reungoat – each of us, one by one felt loved, understood and affirmed as we spent real ‘quality time’ with her! As dear Sr. Lucy Rose listened with her heart more than her ears, something happened within us, the new wine started to enliven us.
On the first day the community gathered in the name of the Lord around our beloved Sr. Lucy Rose and reflected upon the marriage feast of Cana. She appreciated our sense of belonging to the Congregation and to the province by being at the service of the young candidates in formation and we have a particular call in being here. On the second day Sr. Lucy Rose animated the Morning Prayer moments for the Postulants through visuals and songs. The remarkable event on the second day was the blessing of the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the niche of Sr. Joseph. The long cherished desire of the aspirantate community has come into existence! Rev. Fr. Tomy George SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Liluah blessed the statues of both places and Sr. Lucy Rose officially unveiled the statues. Sisters from Auxilium Barasat also witnessed the memorable event and added joy to the occasion. This was followed by the Holy Eucharist where the celebrant invited the community to entrust ourselves to the powerful protection of Our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph as they are blessed and placed around the house.
On the third day, in the afternoon the children and mothers of Sunday Oratory gathered around Sr. Lucy Rose. In the welcome address, they thanked her for being present among them and spending time with them. They appreciated the sisters for allowing them to avail the campus on every Sunday and teaching them songs, games and speaking to them on Jesus. In the evening the sisters gathered around Sr. Lucy Rose for the community moment. She reflected with us on ‘Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath.’ The prayer moment was concluded with words of thanks for the enriching experience each one had in the community during her presence. She too thanked the community profusely for the warmth and affection expressed and experienced in the community. At the close of this prayer encounter, she urged us to be a part of the lives of the young; to make a breakthrough in their lives and God will certainly help us! At the end of the day, our heartfelt thanks prepared and contributed by all had a special note of originality! The candidates expressed it through dance, skit, mimic and a composed song.
The fourth day was a day of thanksgiving. She animated the Morning Prayer and meditation for the Aspirants. She also met the workers and the domestic staff of our community. She met them together and thanked them for their service. They expressed their willingness and cooperation for the welfare of the community. At 11.00 am we celebrated our Eucharist of thanksgiving. It was presided over Fr. Leo Jayraj from Minor Seminary. From the outset of this celebration, we re-called, re-lived happy memories of moments of time spent with Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica during these 4 momentous days! 4 memorable days of infinite blessings, 4 grace-filled days of benevolence, goodness, immense kindness!!
Sr. Rosy Veliyan
On 14th March 2019, 14 juniors had a joy of encountering Sr. Lucy Rose, the Visiting Counsellor. In her introductory talk she invited us to live a life of HOLINESS which is not only meant for few but for everyone who corresponds to God’s fundamental plan. The theme of the meeting was to “Leave the water jar behind…” Jn. 4: 28. Here she highlighted the fundamental transformation of the Samaritan woman after meeting Jesus. This was followed a moment of personal reflection and group discussion. In her last session Sr. Lucy Rose shared the words of Pope Francis to the young religious and the young people. Before parting she offered us some souvenirs as a token of love. Juniors too expressed their gratitude for her availability and the enriching time spent together.
Sr. Dominica Thapa
On 11th March 2019, Visiting Councillor Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil and her Secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei Pongtinei brought showers of blessing at Auxilium Convent Gobra. They were accompanied by Sr. Makil and sisters of Park Circus. At her arrival a solemn Traditional Welcome was given by sisters, evening coaching students, oratory and tailoring girls. She was led to the Chapel for a moment of prayer which was animated by Sr. Teresa K. Sr. Lucy Rose was requested to pour the water in the empty jar which was placed in front of the altar so that through her instrumentality the Lord may fill us with His abundant blessings.
The evening prayer and adoration was animated by Sr. Salomi Bhuinya which was based on the filling of the jar with the virtues of our Blessed Mother. In her good night she spoke about the Transfiguration where the voice was heard from the cloud this is my Son, whom I have chosen listen to Him so also in our lives we can hear the voice of the Lord.
On 12th March, Sr. Lucy Rose was welcomed by the Nursery children with their short programme. In her message she told them to love Jesus, to study well and be good children. At 3:30 p.m. she met tailoring students, the supportive staff, evening coaching students and the oratorians. During conference she took the community to the wedding feast at Cana and invited us to see how the feminine eyes and maternal heart can reach out. During the good night she highlighted the life of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and brought home the message to have love and concern for the Community members.
Thanks giving day was animated by Sr. Sadhana Majumdar. Fr. Remesh Cherian sdb the Rector of Auxilium Parish solemnized the Holy Mass. At 10:30 a.m. she met with the House council followed by concluding conference where we reflected on Elijah and the widow at Zarephath which empower us to commit ourselves to personal, community and province transformation and to be as co- responsible as we possibly can for the new springs of living water that we are gently and silently flowing among us. Lastly the Sisters expressed their love and gratitude towards her. At 2:30 p.m. we visited Mother Teresa’s tomb. After a cup of tea they left for Auxilium Dum Dum.
Sr. Salomi Bhuinya
The arrival of Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil the visiting General Councillor from Rome and her secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei On 5th March 2019 is scripted as an outstanding record in the annals of Auxilium Barasat. She arrived from Auxilium Kalyani at about 5.15 p.m. accompanied by the animator Sr. Rosina Thomas and Sr. Annie Kannampuzha. The ambient was set with fluttering flags, colourful rangoli designs, adorned banana stems, burning papaya lamps, DB Tech boys arrayed in two lines in spic and span uniforms with waving ribbons, Bridge School children in their best costumes too with multi coloured ribbons and boarders with their melodious chorus to welcome her and they accorded a scintillating welcome. As they reached the centre design of the Rangoli both of them were greeted with silk shawls a sign of traditional welcome. They were welcomed at the entrance of the chapel with bouquets by the bride and bridegroom of Cana. She then lit the coconut lamp the Indian holy fruit-Srifal. She was then led to the chapel – wedding banquet of Cana represented by raised unique Jar representing Sr. Lucy Rose and eight earthen jars representing the eight sisters and all the apostolic activities. During the prayer Sr. Lucy Rose was asked to direct the water streams into Jars signifying the readiness to receive the new wine into new wineskins.This best fresh wine will spur new dynamism, growth, renewal in living the prophecy of our consecrated life. While having the tea the sisters serenaded a melodious song ‘Benvenute”
The evening prayer animated by Sr. Stella on the theme, ‘Vessel of election’ focussed Sr. Lucy Rose as the vessel of election defining with commentaries and songs on the same thesis. Our four boarders emphasized the heart’s desire through a prayerful dance glorifying God for His goodness and mercy shown towards Sr. Lucy Rose for electing her as His vessel of honour and praise. The day came to its close with the goodnight of Sr. Lucy Rose who voiced her appreciation for the beautiful welcome and accentuated suggestions given by Pope Francis for Lent who invited Christians to embody the paschal mystery more deeply and concretely in their personal, family and social lives, above all by fasting, prayer and almsgiving giving 15 simple programmes.
6th February mostly was spent in having personal meeting with the sisters. In the evening the conference a shared word of God on marriage Feast of Cana stimulated all to imbibe the womanly characteristics of Mary , to be farsighted , in involving others, respecting each one’s role, intervening in humility and to have unrelenting trust in her Son’s power, persuading to anticipate the messianic sign by Jesus. She gave goodnight to the house girls thanking them for their valuable service to the sisters.
In her goodnight to the sisters she shared about the life of Sr. Esperanza, who spent 48 years in Chinese prison during the persecution. After her release she had been spending her life in Australia. She also shared an episode from the life of Abdul Kalama’s father who ate up the burnt Roti as if he relished it a mark of appreciation and love for his wife who works so hard. She suggested that this kind of optimistic outlook would make the families and communities happy.
7th March The school displayed a wonderful welcome ceremony for Sr. Lucy Rose. The primary students in colourful dresses waved out Flag with Welcome, four little girls dressed in Bengali costume escorted her, the guides Saluted and did slow march to the dais, the school building was festooned with flowers, colourful fans and the congregational colour balloons. As she arrived the anchors Archo Prabu and Avantika welcomed Sr. Lucy Rose and dazzled everyone with their rhetoric style and pose . The welcome song by a large crowd accompanied by varied instruments, the classical fusion, primary students colourful dance with props, the tiny tots steps to melodious song on flowers and welcome speech were performed with excellence and Sr. Lucy Rose was spell bound and appreciated it in her speech as they were also in the midst of final exams. She exhorted them to be grateful and to dream to be achievers of tomorrow. At 11.45am the teachers met Sr. Lucy Rose and she inspired the teachers to be rainbows among the clouds giving hope to the children entrusted to their care through professional ethics.
At 2.30 pm a multifarious crowd of DB Tech, Work Room Ladies and IGP took their chance to express their joy at the presence of Sr. Lucy Rose. The Bengali song – Ravindra Sangeet, skit on the detrimental effects of Social media, breath taking patriotic dance was impressive and was done with perfection. The 21st batch students were awarded with their certificate during the function by Sr. Lucy Rose. Sr. Lucy Rose expressed her great joy that so many young people had been trained and employed through DB Tech .
After the evening prayer, Sr. Lucy Rose met the House council. In her talk she highlighted the following points:- Service of Authority in local communities, the identity of local community, nature of local council, The attitudes required by the Councillors, the task of the local council, specific moment of the community animation and the Marian way in the service of authority.
On 8th the Morning Prayer animated by Sr. Mercy was centred on international day of the women. As the hymn carry your candle was played the sisters went in procession to place their candles in a water tray in front of our blessed mother the “Hail full of grace”. At about 10 am all were shocked to get the news of the passing away of Sr. Catherine Das as she was being shifted to woodlands hospital. At 11 am the Members of ADMA met Sr. Lucy Rose in convent parlour. In the interactive session the ADMA members narrated what they are doing as members at church and neighbourhood to reach out and Sr. Lucy Rose expressed her happiness. She told that she would surely convey their greetings to Mother General who was present at the enrolment of the ADMA members at the Triennial verification the previous year.
As there was a requiem Mass at Auxilium Parish at 3 p.m for Sr. Catherine all the programmes in the afternoon was cancelled. Sr. Lucy Rose, Sr. Veronica, Sr. Stella and Sr. Mercy went to participate in the Mass and returned about 5.45 p.m. In the evening Sr. Lucy Rose gave the concluding conference on 1 Kings 17:7-16 – Elijah and widow at Zarephath. In the sharing that followed the salient points that emerged were that each one has to contribute for the welfare of the community,and the gifts each has selected to donate. As a conclusion Sr. Lucy exhorted each one to be like the widow of Zarephath to surrender all we have for the welfare of the mission.
After supper the boarders felicitated Sr. Lucy Rose with a short and sweet programme consisting of song – Welcome to the Family, dancing to the tune by little ones, folklore by high school and a skit rescuing the trapped by senior girls. The house girls and the boarding teachers too put up lively dance to welcome Sr. Lucy Rose. In her good night she spurred the boarders to make use of every opportunity as precious stones through a story.
9th March the last day too was packed with splendid events. The thanksgiving prayer in the morning animated by Sr. Sherley dwelt on transforming ourselves into new wine symbolically done by handing over of vine plant by Sr. Lucy Rose to Sr. Stella and who in turn handed over to the youngest one Sr. Namita. Thanksgiving Eucharist was well animated by the boarders with appropriate introduction, pulsating singing and prayer of the faithful. Soon after the breakfast the Bridge School and coaching centre children greeted Sr. Lucy Rose with their own innocent expression of songs and dance. Visit to the brickfield oratory where we care for the children of migrant children was much appreciated by Sr. Lucy Rose. Sixty to seventy children in utter poverty too expressed in their own way their pleasure in the presence of Sr. Lucy Rose. The final thanksgiving was a poetic composition of the entire meet recited in the chapel where Sr. Lucy Rose symbolically poured wine into Each sisters Jars and they walked out with their Jars to distribute the new wine to the members of the educating community accompanied by the song, Send forth your messengers”. The historical canonical visit has come to an end but the footprints left as a legacy will live on for ever.
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