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Sr. Maria del Carmen Meets the Past Pupils of Auxilium Convent, Dum Dum
Welcome to Sr. Maria del Carmen Canales, the General Councilor for Youth Ministry at Mazzarello Convent, Ranchi
The two days visit of Sr. Maria del Carmen Canales, General Councillor for Youth Ministry along with Sr. Runita Borja to Mazzarello Convent, Ranchi brought immense joy to 160 young girls of Jumaikela, Ghutiapara and New Chumta. At the entrance she was accorded a traditional welcome. The novices intoned a melodious welcome song and led her to the chapel to sing the praises of Mary- the Magnificat.
Once again a gorgeous welcome was given in the auditorium by the School Captain Yanina and the four House Captains. They marched with the flags to the rhythm of slow march, showers of glitters were showered, specially designed scarf and bouquet were offered and the students of Mazzarello Convent School sang the welcome song.
Sr. Maria del Carmen, Sr. Runita Borja, Sr. Maria Pettayil, our Provincial, Sr. Rosalia Tirkey ,the youth coordinator of our province and a youth representative lit the Indian traditional lamp. Thereafter the students performed different dances like Assamese, Bengali, Nagpuri of Chotanagpur, Adivasi and Nepali.
16th October began with Gospel sharing in groups. Fr. Shilanand Kerketta SDB, the vice-provincial of Delhi province celebrated the Mass. In his homily, he exhorted the youth to celebrate and enjoy life in its fullness and at the same time to take their life seriously as they have to live to build a better future for themselves. He gave them some tips to overcome some of the difficulties they encounter in their growing years. He added that once life is ruined, it is difficult at times to rebuild again .Hence, he said, precaution must be taken.
The entire day was animated by Sr. Maria del Carmen. It began with the general assembly. Through the group work Sr. Maria del Carmen got the glimpse of our youth, understanding their hopes, dreams and anxiety. She viewed for them a clip of the World Youth day held at Rio de Janeiro. Meeting with the young people was concluded with the video “The Potter” which gave them the message of being generous in one’s life.
Sr. Maria del Carmen presented to the sisters and the teachers the FMA youth Ministry: An Organic Model based on GEM. She highlighted ‘The New Preventive System’ on which the Educational Project is based on four aspects: Social, Cultural, Communication and Evangelisation which is interwoven with REASON, RELIGION AND LOVING KINDNESS. In the evening, the youth together with the sisters animated the Taize prayer. The day was concluded with Gospel Expression and Melody by the youth. The finale came when all the youth along with Sr. Maria del Carmen lit candles and prayed for peace, to make our world a better place for all to live while the song “Heal the world” was sung. It was a historic event which the youth will ever cherish.
Extravaganza of cultural dance by the young people at the Youth Meet – Auxilium Barasat
A glimpse at the scenic welcome to Sr. Maria del Carmen Canales, the General Councilor for Youth Ministry at Auxilium Convent, Barasat.
Visit of Sr. Maria Del Carmen Canales, the General Councillor for Youth Ministry
On 12th October 2013
The Auxilians and the educating community members of Auxilium Dum Dum braved rain and welcomed Rev. Sr. Maria del Carmen Canales, the General Councillor for youth Ministry. She was accorded a befitting welcome with the solemn blowing of the conch, aarti with traditional sieves, and folklore who accompanied Sr. Maria Canals from the gate to the chapel with an enchanting dance.
13th October 2013
The day began with Morning Prayer based on the Liturgy of the day by Sr. Emilia Vaz, involving the assembly through the singing of the psalms and appropriate commentary.
The Morning session began with welcome address by Sr. Esther Rani Abraham, followed by the lighting of the lamp by Sr. Maria del Carmen Canales, The General Councillor for youth Pastoral, Sr. Maria Pettayil the Provincial, Sr. Ronita Borgia, the secretary of Sr. Maria del Carmen, Sr. Rosalia Tirkey and Sr. Esther Rani Abraham the provincial youth coordinators. The prayer moment was highlighted with the theme song of GC XXIII ‘Make your home in me’. Sr. Rosalia Tirkey then presented a ppt on the youth pastoral sector of Kolkata province which was appreciated by Maria del Carmen and all the assembly.
The two sessions delivered by Sr. Maria Del Carmen Canales were centering on: ‘I was entrusted with the gift of announcing the Gospel and The New evangelization as a pastoral priority’.
The salient points that emerged were:’ St. Paul as the great champion of Evangelisation, for him the announcing of the Gospel is the only the essential thing. Paul put his life at the complete disposal of Jesus and his message. We are called to do the same in our Educational field and nothing should deter us from doing this mandate given to us’
The second session highlighted, How we have to respond to the pastoral challenge like Don Bosco who was a pioneer in deciphering the signs of the times. Don Bosco’s preventive system has unlimited potential and a safe criteria of a method open for continuous renovation allowing re-thinking and re-writing according to the sensibilities and cultures of the times.
Sr. Maria del Carmen concluded the session saying,’ Education should aim not only to impart quality Education but aim at vocational discernment and accompaniment’.
14th October 2013
A specially prepared Morning Prayer ushered the sisters to focus on our call as evangelizers of the young.
The morning sessions given by Sr. Maria del Carmen dealt on Youth Ministry: The Local youth Ministry, A presence that animates and Evangelizes. FMA Youth Ministry – an Organic Model, so that all may have fullness of life.
The meeting concluded with group work, general assembly and short thanksgiving ceremony.
Salesians study media, youth ministry
Mumbai: Salesian Communications delegates from all over India attending Don Bosco Communications South Asia meeting studied “Social Media and Salesian Youth Ministry.”
It was their annual study day, to be followed by general body meeting in the coming three days. The meeting held at Don Bosco Provincial House Matunga, Mumbai will conclude on 18th October.
Some 50 delegates from 11 Salesian provinces of India as well as a delegation of four Salesian Sisters are participating.
Special invitees at the gathering include president of Signis Western Region Jesuit Fr Ashok Vaghela.
First day started off with the study on the topic: “Social Media and Salesian Youth Ministry” by six presentations and the release of two books: “Press and Social Responsibility” by the Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference Office of Social Communications Office and Church’s Communications Institute NISCORT, Salesian Father Dr George Plathottam, and a value education book by senior Salesian Fr Elias Dias entitled “Petals and Pebbles.”
The day concluded with the prayer session during which the assembly prayed for religious workers and screened “A Homage to CRI India” curtain raiser film made for the Conference of Religious in India golden jubilee celebrations to be held at Guwahati, 7-9 November. A half hour feature film LAURA by Bangalore province was screened after dinner.
Second day is dedicated to taking stock of the media activities in the various provinces and planning for the preparations for Don Bosco’s birth centenary due in 2015. Also planned is the launch of Don Bosco YouTube Channel which will carry short films produced by various Don Bosco media centres.
First day meeting (Tuesday) started with the solemn Eucharistic celebration at the crypt chapel of Don Bosco’s Madonna shrine at Matunga presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes of Mumbai along with General Councilor for Social Communications Fr Filiberto Gonzalez from Rome. Also present was Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia representative provincial of Kolkata Fr Thomas Ellicherayil.
Mr Conrad Saldhana principal advisor to Don Bosco Centre for Learning, Kurla Mumbai gave the keynote address on the theme under study: “Social Media and Salesian Youth ministry.”
It was followed by another talk “Social Media: Challenges and Opportunities in Publishing” by Mr Yogesh Sahu, General Manager NE Mobile.
After lunch session had “Viral Marketing and Advertising, Strategies for Social Networks for Youth” by Nishad Ramachandran, Vice President, Hansa Cequity.
Media education practitioner Salesian Sr Phyllis Fernandes FMA, past President of Signis Western Region presented the FMA success story on “Media and Education” as syllabus for EduCommunication which is currently in place for classes 1 to 12 with 10 lessons plans for each class in Media Education. It is being implemented since 2012 in the FMA provinces in India.
Dr George Plathottam SDB, Secretary OSC-CBCI and Director of NISCORT, New Delhi presented “New Initiatives by the Church in India.” for Communication on Pastoral Leadership.
The daylong sessions concluded with “Social Media Secrets in Catholic Youth Ministry – 21st Century Catholicism” by Fr Ralin DeSouza SDB, director of BOSKON, Communications, Goa.
Published: 10:03 am, October 16, 2013 Story By: mattersindia.com, C.M. Paul
5th FMA Provincial Chapter – Kolkata
“After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone.” Matthew 14:23. Jesus always spent long hours in prayer in the solitude before every important event. Two days of Retreat guided by Rev. Fr. Joe Mannath SDB was a wise preamble to the Provincial Chapter. He shared his expertise on topics like, What ‘Chapter’ can and cannot do, Counseling and Spiritual Direction, Tips for religious Superiors, Celibate Chastity a different way of loving, How do I see Jesus? , The digital prayer moments on Psalms and Scripture readings created conducive atmosphere for reflection and contemplation.
5th October 2013 was a great day in the annals of the Province of Mary Help of Christians Kolkata, with the commencement of the 5th Provincial Chapter. In his homily, during the inaugural Eucharistic celebration, Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza , Archbishop of Kolkata spoke on ‘How we could become true evangelizers, accomplishing God’s works.’ He then wished the participants of the Chapter God’s blessings and a fruitful experience.
Forty six chapter members entered the chapter hall in procession carrying lighted candles and enthroned the Bible. It was followed by the reading g of the messages from the major superiors of the Congregation and several ecclesiastical authorities and Salesian Family representative.
They journeyed the rest of the days studying, reflecting and being challenged by the theme ‘Being with the young today a home that evangelizes’. The president Sr. Maria Pettayil, officially declared the 5th Provincial Chapter of the Kolkata province opened. She then presented a detailed report on the province for the past five years. Sr. Teresa Karakkal, the Provincial bursar gave the financial report of 2008 – 2013 in a very systematic and accurate way.
The Morning and evening prayers were animated by the commissions on the various aspects of the chapter theme: A home that is built on Rock –Christ; with Mary a home that evangelizes; A community that allows itself to be evangelized; Evangelizing communities.
Eucharist was celebrated each day by Fr. Thomas Subas Gomes SDB, Fr. Albert Sahayaraj, Fr. Sajeev Painunkal SJ and Fr. Mourlin Fernando SJ. The members appreciated their inspiring homilies based on the day’s theme.
On 8th October 2013, Fr. Patrick Walsh SJ enlightened the assembly on the discernment process. Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil was the elected delegate and Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel as substitute towards 23rd General Chapter.
The Chapter came to a close with a thanksgiving ceremony. In her final message, Sr. Maria Pettayil encouraged the members to dare to be different and to live the FMA identity with courage and commitment. She thanked each and everyone for their generous contribution of sharing valuable ideas, thought provoking reflections and practical suggestions to make the Chapter a success.
Sr. Stella Potteparambil FMA
Preparation for Provincial Chapter
A two days Retreat, prior to the 5th Provincial Chapter was organized for the forty six members of the Chapter from 2-4 October 2013. It was preached by Fr. Joe Mannath, SDB, the National Secretary of the Conference of Religious India (CRI).
Fr. Joe dealt with fundamental issues of consecrated persons relevant to our religious living to enable us to be more humane in our mission so as to heal and warm the hearts of people. Further, he led us to reflect on topics like what chapters can do /cannot do, evangelization and home; who is Jesus; the inner journey and tips for the superiors.
“The greatest danger to religious life is unloving life, said Fr. Joe while speaking on celibacy. And he further added, “Do not turn your communities into a factory rather treat others as adults and as equals”. All the sessions, with power point presentations, highlighted the strong message that the purpose of our life is to love God and his people. Moments of prayer led the participants to spend quality time with God.
The assembly was grateful to Fr.Joe for having taken keen interest in preparing the chapter members to make the coming Provincial Chapter a fruitful experience.
Sr. Margaret Fernandes
Golden Jubilee Celebration – Sr. Maria Sarkar FMA
10th October, 2013 witnessed a great joy and jubilation at Auxilium Convent, Kalyani as the golden bell rang ‘Congratulations Sr. Maria Sarkar’. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist commenced at 10.30 a.m. was presided over by Rt. Rev. Joseph Suren Gomes SDB, bishop of Krishnagar and concelebrated by 10 priests. In his homily the bishop congratulated and thanked Sr. Maria Sarkar for her fifty years of committed service as FMA. During the Mass she renewed her vows expressing her joy of being faithful to the Divine Master. Loud applause was echoed in the church as the bishop crowned Sr. Maria with golden crown.
Sr. Maria Sarkar expressed her gratitude to one and all as the little ones of Auxilium Kalyani took their rhythmic steps and the choir sang a hymn of thanks.
A good number of FMAs, Adoration Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, family members, and religious from the neighbouring communities, candidates, friends and well wishers shared their joy with Sr. Maria. The Eucharistic banquet was followed by a fellowship meal.
FMA INC News Update 