Don Bosco, the friend of the young is honoured in the communities of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) of Kolkata Province
PROVINCIAL TEAM MEET 2023
The Provincial team meet was held from 12 to15 January 2023, at Auxilium Convent Dum Dum, to prepare the Provincial project and calendar for the year 2023-24. There were 15 team members present for the meeting. Sr. Perumpettikunnel Lily, the General Coordinator of the Province gave a warm welcome to all the team members. The meeting started invocating the Holy Spirit, and with a spiritual thought from the life of Bl. Magdalene Morano which placed the participants in a very good disposition to enter into the day’s programme. Sr. Lily then guided the team members in the planning and programming. The presentation of the Provincial Project Evaluation 2022 -23 and the report of each sector were projected.
The following day the team members scanned through the Acts of GCXXIV and Strenna 2023 of the Rector Major, which inspired the participants to formulate the ‘Vision’ and to draw up the priority choices and lines of action for the coming year. The coordinators of the sectors presented their plan of action. The members took keen interest in carrying out the important task and gave their rich contribution in planning the project and calendar for the year 2023 – 2024.The members thanked Sr. Perumpettikunnel Lily for her constant guidance and support.
Sr Sandhya Minj fma
The Tabor Experience
Annual retreat of the Sisters was held from 31 December to 7 January 2023, at Auxilium convent Bandel. It was preached by Rev. Fr. James Chacko SDB. 55 Sisters from all directions of our province gathered under the umbrella of Our Lady of Bandel to spend 8 days under her protection in the company and communion with her Son Jesus the source of all wisdom and knowledge and the true light. We gathered in the old year 2022, with all our old ways to welcome the New Year 2023 with the newness of His Spirit to be enlightened and renewed persons filled with his graces and blessings, to begin once again our life with renewed spirit.
All the way to heaven is heaven. Coming to Bandel is like Moses going to Mount Sinai to encounter the Lord or going to mount Tabor with the Lord to experience the divine. Our retreat days were like Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus to listen to him, to be enlightened and to begin a life of love and service, seeing the face of Jesus in everyone, and thus living a life of holiness. In reality life is difficult, everyday one needs to face the challenges, risks and difficult circumstances. From time to time we need to go to a lonely place to reflect, to meditate, to communicate with our beloved Lord Jesus and to get direction from Him. Our union with God is the greatest gift of our true happiness. We need to surrender our lives lovingly to God so that he can lead and direct our lives in a fruitful manner. Love is the guiding principle in our journey to God through our deep prayer lives. Our whole lives must become prayer, union with our beloved Lord. As the fruit of our prayer, our lives become God and other-centered. Constant prayer leads us to forgiveness and forgiveness leads us to true humility. Thus, prayer becomes life and life becomes prayer and we are able to live our spirit of prayer the whole day long, not only when we are in the Chapel, thus our life become more meaningful and we are able to live our consecrated life in union with God and one another. Mary is the model of prayer and perfection: our prayer leads us to holiness and perfection.
The event of the Samaritan Woman led us to the reflection that my wholeness is in Jesus and my life in communion with him and with others. The one who is at home in the heart, is at home everywhere, this leads us to live God-centered and other-centered lives. God has called us by name and we are precious to him. Jesus is present with us always. It is we who have to feel his presence in our lives. When this happens love becomes the essence of our existence and our life becomes life of communion with one another and everyone.
The practice of Evangelical counsels is our help for living healthy relationships. It is on my today that I build my tomorrow and my future by living the present. Our life is now the present moment. Let us live it to the full. There is a question to be answered: “If we do not live today, why should we live tomorrow? If we do not use the gift of our life, why shouldn’t be given to us tomorrow?” We need to be aware that our communion with Christ must always be accompanied by our communion with others. Jesus repeated over and over again “The Kingdom of heaven is here, now within you”. Often we are ahead or behind, we are hardly in the present.
In consecrated chastity, one receives the grace of falling in love with God, who is the most loveable of all beings. The love of others becomes an integral part of our love for God. Don Bosco lived his chastity as a love for God and for the young which had no limit. Our vow of chastity helps us to love God and others with undivided heart that relates with everyone, and have the readiness to serve others generously.
The deepest motivation for religious poverty is the acceptance of God as the center of our lives, which leads us to relive in ourselves the self-emptying of Christ. In this way our poverty becomes an act of total love and self-giving. Poverty gives us freedom to avail ourselves for selfless service.
Religious Obedience in an imitation of Christ’s Obedience. Like Jesus I love God my Father knowing that he loves me personally and cares for me, so I place all my trust in him and I am happy to carry out his will. Jesus obeyed his Father’s will through human mediation so too do we: the Gospel, the Constitutions, the superiors and the community. The characteristics of our obedience are: In a spirit of faith, filial, prompt and cheerful obedience. Our community is based on obedience. God brings us together for a “Purpose, which we have discovered as a community. Obedience is an attitude of a daughter. It is a kind of listening that only a daughter can do in listening to her parents.” Obedience to God is the path of growth, of freedom for the person because this obedience allows for the acceptance of a plan or a will different from one’s own. Freedom is also in itself a path of obedience. The presence of obedience in the fabric of the community.
The last day of retreat was making peace with God and one another through the sacrament of reconciliation in order to begin our new life with the Lord and with his grace. Mother Mary is the surest way to the Lord, whoever holds the hand of our Heavenly Mother will always be protected under her mantle. The Spiritual retreat came to an end with the solemn Holy Eucharist.
Filled with God’s grace after our spiritual renewal, the whole group felt the need of living the holiness of life
Bandel Retreatants
Parents’ Day Celebration at Auxilium Convent School, Kalyani
After a month-long intense preparation finally the day arrived whereby the children put up a beautiful programme to show their love and gratitude for their beloved parents through songs, dances, speeches and skits on a beautifully decorated stage in the school premises. The function began at 2 p.m. and ended at 4.30 pm. The Chief Guest of the day Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB the Provincial of Kolkata, in his short but expressive and significant speech appreciated the students, parents and staff and encouraged them to be motivators of their wards to build a better society. The occasion was graced by the presence of the priests and religious of the neighbouring communities and also our sisters from Dum Dum, Bandel, Barasat, Monsada and the parents of the children. The children performed extraordinarily well, everyone congratulated them and all went home happily carrying beautiful messages for life. All praise and Glory to God.
By Sr.Celsa Magalhaes
MEGA CELEBRATION at AUXILIUM CONVENT SCHOOL, MONSADA
Saturday, 17 December 2022 was a red-letter day for Auxilium Convent School, Monsada as it celebrated ‘Parents Day’ for the first time. It was a mega event for the 52 students of the school as they presented a cultural morning for their parents. The students showcased their talents through dances, songs of welcome and thank you, recitals, speeches, action songs, Christmas carols and tableau. The celebration started with a colourful and energetic folk dance to the tune of ‘Tapa tini’ and concluded with a Christmas tableau. The Sisters and teachers worked ceaselessly to motivate and train them. Rev. Fr. K.T. Thomas SDB, Rector of Don Bosco School, Monsada presided over the function. He emphasized the importance of good education and the preparation of young minds to face the challenges of tomorrow. The parents were happy to see their children perform on stage at different events with confidence and poise. All went home happy and with good feelings. Kudos to the staff and students!
Sr. Elizabeth V.
A glimpse of the Christmas celebration in the communities of the Province of FMA Kolkata
CENTENARY CELEBRATION AT HOLY CHILD AUXILIUM, VASANT VIHAR
The centenary celebration of FMA India was celebrated at Holy Child Auxilium Vasant Vihar on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2022 with its theme ‘They Sketched, we colored’. The chief guests for the day were Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Mago commandant, of National Defense College, India and Smt. Benita Mary Jaiker IPS (DCP-Vigilance, Delhi police). The celebration commenced with the welcoming of the chief guest by NCC cadets. The parents of all classes were invited to this grand celebration. There was a lot of joy on the faces of everyone on campus.
As the auditorium was filled with the mood of festivity as the welcome song and the dance set the tone for the event. Sr. Celine the Principal beautifully presented the report of the school. A musical extravaganza was showcased by the students of all classes. It was centered on the growth of the Institute of the daughters of Mary Help of Christians to the missionary expedition to different countries including India. The activities of the pioneers were depicted with colourful dances from the countries like Italy, France, America, Brazil, India, Japan and Africa. The parents and the guest were all mesmerized by the creative performance of the students. The inspiring speech of the chief guest was commendable. Thanks to the six pioneers of our Indian soil who planted a tiny seed which had spread its branches all over India. All left the auditorium with a smile on their faces on that exhilarating evening.
Reported by Sr. Prema Francis
Annual Retreat of ADMA Members and Staff of Barasat
The Retreat had its start on 23rd at 9am with the recital of the rosary guided by Raymond David followed by a very interesting inspiring talk of Fr. Ramesh focusing on Old testament characters who were sinful but were chosen and accepted by God . The second session of the day was delivered by Mr. Vikash Daga on sin. He stressed that sin enters like a worm and if not rooted out it will turn into an enormous serpent that will suffocate. In the next session Ms. Padmini spoke on the need for repentance quoting personal experiences. After the evening hour’s prayer and worship, the rosary procession and supper Fr. Ramesh enlightened us on the topic 7 capital sins especially highlighting on the sin of pride. In order to be in the spirit of the retreat in silence all the mobile phones were submitted and Fr. Ramesh recommended the recital of four rosaries during the spare time. The mass was celebrated by Fr. John Chalil SDB provincial delegate for ADMA on our Blessed Mother which heightened each participants love for her.
On 23-25 October 2022 a retreat was organized for the ADMA members of both units of Barasat and Dum Dum organized by Sr. Stella the provincial delegate of ADMA. Some of the Barasat staff, one MC sister Jose from Syria also joined the retreat. The retreat was held at Auxilium Renewal center conducted by Rev. Fr. Remesh Cherian and his team Mr. Raymond David, Ms. Padmini , Vikash Daga , Sr. Pranati Sabhasundar FMA and the musicians John Joseph and Michael Anthony making it a great spiritual experience for all the participants
The second day 24 commenced with Morning Prayer and talk on pride with quotes from the bible. In the second session Fr. Remesh presented the 12 steps of humility by St. Benedict the father of western monasticism and in the third session he elucidated 17 signs of lack of humility again by St. Benedict preparing all for good confession. In the afternoon there followed confessions and counseling sessions. After the cleansing of the sins all gathered to partake in the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Anthony Earathara SDB the Parish priest. The day ended with the healing session by Fr. Remesh, Fr. Anthony and Alfred Paul from Auxilium Parish.
The third day was initiated with prayer and worship which continued with a session on the best time of prayer: ‘Early Dawn’ proving it with numerous quotes denoting from the bible explicated by Sr. Pranati Sabhasundar. She also further stated the need for family prayer, recital of family rosary and unceasing prayer. The next two sessions were illuminated by Fr. Remesh Cherian on the power and strength of the Holy Eucharist quoting numerous miraculous instances. The 3 days encounter with the Lord was climaxed with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist by 3 fathers Fr. Anthony Earathara, Afr. Alfred Paul and Fr. Remesh Cherian followed by anointing of all participants by all three of them.
Fr. Remesh gifted each participants with some memento in memory of the beautiful days with the Lord, a large picture of Divine Mercy and other memorable religious articles. The soul stirring retreat culminated with group photographs and all returned home carrying the keepsake of memories to witness in their lives.
With Mary, a life-giving presence – Provincial Community Day 2022
The Provincial Community Day was held on 05 October 2022 at Provincial House Dum Dum. Animators, Principals and Economers of all communities, a good number of sisters from neighboring communities, candidates in formation, and young people from Auxilium Dum Dum took part in the celebration.
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAbWMX – Provincial Community Day in images
The occasion was highlighted at 3.00 pm, celebrating the Family Togetherness organized by Nepal Communities under the able guidance of Sr. Aquila Phawa. Amusing games with attractive prizes caught the attention of all sisters. Everyone felt the joy of being a province community and participated wholeheartedly.
Sr. Celine Alexander and Sr. Rosy Veliyan from the Social Communication sector stole the stage for a while to thank all the communities for their valuable contribution to the newsletter of the province. A special edition of the newsletter was brought out by the sector on the 150th Foundation Year of the Institute. The first copy of the magazine was handed over to the Sr. Provincial and a copy each to all the animators of the province. They also distributed prizes to deserving communities for their contribution to the province newsletter.
Releasing of the Book, ‘Joyful witnesses of Fidelity’ – Vol.II’ was a historical moment for the province and it was a cherished dream of Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel who compiled the life of the departed sisters of the province. A copy of the same was handed over to Sr. Provincial by Sr. Lily. She thanked all the sisters who generously shared their experiences with the departed sisters and a special thanks was accorded to Sr. Rose Ezarath who collaborated with Sr. Lily in compiling the life of the sisters.
After all these exciting moments, all the participants following the instructions of Vice-Provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel headed towards the Exhibition Hall (Prodotti Casa) contributed by all the communities of the province. It was a cherished moment for all as they explored the contribution of all the communities and appreciated the generosity and love of all the sisters who prepared each item.
A thanksgiving Holy Eucharist was celebrated at 6.00 pm for the precious gift of Provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil presided over by Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes, Vicar General. In his homily, he highlighted the theme of the celebration, ‘With Mary, a life-giving presence’ and how love can be shown through practical action. The joyous celebration of the Eucharist was a shared responsibility of the entire province: Music and singing by Dum Dum, Entrance dance by the Aspirants of Bamunmura, Introduction to the Mass by Kurseong, Proclamation of the Word of God by Gobra, Prayer of the Faithful by Geyzing and Post Communion Prayer by Jumaikela.
Another characteristic of the celebration was the shared meal that was prepared and contributed by all the communities. The aspirants greeted the provincial with prayerful wishes and a congratulation song. As a sign of gratitude and appreciation to the Provincial, the sisters gathered around her once again after dinner. In the name of the province, Vice provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel expressed words of thanks to her. All the communities greeted Sr. Leelamma and thanked her for her guidance and enthusiasm as a leader of the province. Sharing the centenary celebration by all communities was an enriching moment for all. Finally the day came to an end with a vote of thanks by Sr. Leelamma the provincial. She thanked all the sisters profusely for their expressions of love for being part of every celebration on this occasion. A special note of thanks was addressed to Sr. Teresa Adampakallel for organizing the event with one month of spiritual preparation and involving all communities in the day’s program.
Reported by Sr. Rosy Veliyan
Celebrating the milestone of 25, 50, and 60 years of Consecration
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians popularly known as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco have marked two great events in the history of the Institute i.e. the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Institute and the centenary of the arrival of the pioneers in India. Million thanks to the Pioneers who sowed the seed of vocation in our country. The fruit of their hard work was celebrated on 06 October 2022 in the Province of Kolkata at Auxilium Provincial House, Dum Dum as we celebrated the jubilee of the religious profession of our sisters. With great joy celebrated and thanked God for the life of fidelity and dedication lived by our dear sisters, Sr.Elizabeth Makil and Sr.Silvina Kujur for 60 years, Sr.Rose Ezarath, Sr.Teresa Korattiparampil, Sr.Dorothy Torcato, and Sr.Teresa Thudianplackal for 50 years, Sr.Minimol Chettayil and Sr.Taramani Minj for 25 years.
The day’s prayer was completely dedicated to the jubilarians. At Morning Prayer the outstanding and exceptional qualities of the sisters were highlighted in which each jubilarian was asked to place a monument with the year of the profession on it to place at the feet of Mary Help of Christians. Sr.Leelamma Palliparambil the Provincial brought to the limelight the various activities carried out by the jubilarians among the young thus imprinting in the young minds the lives of our founders and above all living an exemplary life as a true religious.
The climax of the celebration was the Holy Eucharist which was officiated by His grace Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza the Archbishop of Kolkata. He was surrounded by four Con-Celebrants. The joy was doubled with the presence of different religious communities, teachers, students, Co-Operators, Past Pupils, ADMA members, Candidates, Benefactors, well-wishers, and the close relatives of our Sisters. During the homily, the Archbishop exhorted the beauty of religious life. He then continued saying, it is a love story of God which the church summarizes as gratitude and we celebrate this love story as a jubilee. Every vocation can be summed up with three stupendous words i.e. “following in love” to the one who calls. This is the reason why Christ calls us that we are precious in His sight.
The beautifully decked hall with Jubilee bells created an atmosphere of jubilation and celebration. An hour of cultural program was hosted by students, candidates as well as well-wishers. The last message was delivered by one of the jubilarians Sr.Rose Ezarath in which she shared her experience of religious life and thanked all who made the long-awaited auspicious day a great success with their token of love and expressions. The hour-long presentation came to an end. After which all were served a sumptuous meal.
This occasion of coming together did not remain only in mere celebrations but imprinted in everyone’s hearts the edifying lives of our jubilarians lived with total commitment and passion for young people.
Reported by Sr. Pranati Sabasundar
Please find below a glimpse of the celebration
FMA INC News Update 