We are no more called orphans

Oct16

Kajal & rani rawat with their father and aunty on 12-2-2014

I was only 5 when my mother abandoned me. My father was a rickshaw puller who used to be a drunkard. My grandparents had a small tea stall that was under a flyover near Vasant Vihar and that was our main source of income. I also had a younger sister and she was just 3 years old at that point of time. Every morning both of us were handed a begging bowl and happily we would just run across the road towards the traffic signal waiting for the vehicles to stop and then we would beg for money or even food. Suddenly one afternoon we were surrounded by three angels who took keen interest in knowing where we were staying.  We led them to our hut, where they had along chat with my grandmother. The very next morning those angels came to our hut; they took me, my sister and our father in their car and we reached a place where I saw many children running around as soon as I got down. Every single child out there seemed so happy and they had a huge smile on their face, they apparently made a lot of noise and evidently they were very energetic and full of life.  I was fascinated by what I saw but I had no idea that soon they would be a part of my life too and it happened as very soon as I became one amongst them.  It was later I realized who these three angels were, “They were the Sisters of Don Bosco, looking after the poor and abandon children.  My father soon left us and disappeared and it seemed as though it was forever. My grandfather initially visited us for sometime then he too was nowhere to be seen.  Every morning we wait for him with lots of expectations but he never returned.  We were discouraged and we lost all hope.  Then onwards, we were known as “orphans”.  Meanwhile we were enrolled in school, ever since I was a kid I did not have anybody to correct my wrongdoings, I was on my own and carefree thus I turned to be quite naughty and I was not bright academically as I did not concentrate on studies much. I gave the sisters a lot of headache, I bothered them so much yet all of them treated me with so much of love and care, providing everything necessary for my growth and well being. Meanwhile my kid sister grew up to be an angel, we were completely different from each other. It was almost paradoxical. She turned out to be a great singer and a very good dancer.  By the time I turned 14, I had given up all hopes of rejoining with my family. I just surrendered everything to the Lord and I believe that he himself intervened to give me what I had always wished for. One fine day the Sisters took us to the same exact spot where we used to beg for food and money in our childhood days, some of the people were surprised seeing us back there and the shopkeepers identified us and they called us by our names.  Sisters then enquired from these people about our family and it was then that we came to know that our grandparents were no more and our father had left the place and was staying in some other locality.  Those people promised to help us to trace out our father and his whereabouts.  Then the sisters spent a lot time in consulting various people to know about the details of our father.  After a few days all the hard work bore its fruit when my father reached Snehalaya.  Me and my sister were in tears when we saw our dear father, we told one another that we were no more orphans.  Our family is reunited and anything in words would just be an understatement if I had to talk about the struggles and hard work put in by the sisters in helping us find our father.

Kajal

BRBC-CRI-CDPB Annual Meeting

Oct12

The BRBC-CRI-CDPB Bengal-Sikkim Regional Annual Meeting was held from 06-09 October 2014 at Loreto Convent Darjeeling. About 105 major superiors of different religious congregations and Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Kolkata, Bishop Cyprian Monis of Asansol, Bishop Salvadore Lobo of Baruipur, Bishop Joseph Gomes of Krishnagar, Bishop Clement Tirkey of Jalpaiguri and Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling diocese were present for the gathering. Sr. Nirmala Tigga as the Provincial delegate and Sr. Mary Ann Abraham, as Local CRI secretary took part in the meeting.
The theme of the annual meeting was “Empowering Our Laity for Greater Pastoral Collaboration and Political Responsibility”.
The meeting started with the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 3 pm in the Cathedral church. Many laity from the parish and young people was invited to participate in the inaugural Mass. Archbishop Thomas D’Souza was the main celebrant, in his homily, spoke about the ‘Good Shepherd and the Lost Sheep’. He said that perhaps today not one sheep is lost but ninety nine. We need to look for them and care for them as good and caring shepherds.
After the Holy Eucharist the participants were welcomed through a traditional Nepali dance, staged by the young girls of the parish. This was followed by the Panel discussion on the theme. Mrs Monica Moktam and Mr. Rajen Baberjee, Sr. Anita IBBM and Fr. Sarto SJ shared their views on the theme.
On 07th October, Fr. Cyril Desbruslais SJ, the resource person of the meeting through his talk helped the group to understand the importance of making the laity an active collaborator in the Pastoral work of the Church. On the following day all the CRI secretaries and Bishops of the Regions presented last year’s Action Plan the reports. It was an occasion to learn from one another the good things done in each diocese and regions by God’s people for the spread of His Kingdom.
In the Pastoral Planning it was decided to give emphasis to SCC, Family Visits, formation of the PPC (Parish Pastoral Council) etc. The theme chosen for the next Annual meeting is: “THE FAMILY: Leaven for today’s world”.

Sr. Nirmala T.

A day of encounter with the Lord

Oct12

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On 7th October, 35 workers and house staff of our four houses of New Delhi – R.K. Puram, Snehalaya, Najafgarh and Vasant Vihar made their annual retreat at Auxilium Holy Child, Vasant Vihar.

The day’s programme was animated by Rev. Fr. P.J.  Mathew from Dharuheara.

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Through input sessions with the help of motivational stories the preacher led the participants to arrive at the following conclusions:

  • God created us to play a responsible and unique role in our life.
  • We are surrounded by difficulties and problems, but we must respond to these positively, for our God is with us always.
  • The Family Rosary is an essential element for our Christian living

In the afternoon the participants spent the time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, reception of the sacrament of Confession and the Holy Eucharist. At the end of the day the retreatants praised and thanked God for the wonderful opportunity to spend the day in His Company. At the end of the retreat everyone reached a Rosary as a gift.

Encounter with Christ

Oct10

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A retreat for the house staff was conducted from 3-6 September at Auxilium, New Chumta. 12 of them from different communities of North Bengal participated in the retreat. The animators were Sr. Mary Ekka from Auxilium, New Chumta and Sr. Cecilia Tamba from Nirmala Niketan, Jaigaon.

The retreat commenced with Adoration in the evening. During the good night Sr. Theresa Vettuvazhiyil welcomed the retreatants and spoke to them about the importance of the retreat.

Sr. Mary Ekka touched on the topics “God and me; Life of the saints; Life of the Church; role of Mary in our life, Life here on earth and hereafter in heaven”. Sr. Cecilia Tamba spoke on Sacraments via video clips. The retreatants experienced freedom, light, peace, joy and God’s presence within. On 6th morning with the Eucharistic celebration the retreat was concluded. The retreatants expressed their gratitude to the organizers and animators for providing wonderful opportunity to be with God.

C. L. C.ers you are the light of the Family

Oct6

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The C.L.C Rally was held in Kunkuri on 2-3 October 2014.  The theme of the rally was ‘C.L.C’ers you are the light of the Family.  6727 youth from various schools and parishes participated in the rally. From our school 53 students, two teachers, Sr. Shanti Tirkey and Sr. Archana Kujur joined the group.  It was organized by Fr. Rakesh Bara SJ and his confreres.

The young people were inspired encouraged, and empowered by the cultural programmes on Adivasi culture and customs. Talks were given on the topics such as C.L.C’ers you are the light of the family, migration in Jashpur and Christian faith is our life.  The gathering was blessed by the presence of His Eminence Cardinal Telesphore Toppo. In his short message he exhorted the young people never to resist God’s call and he narrated the story of his call to priesthood.   On the last day Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Kerketta, the Bishop of Kunkuri presided over the Holy Eucharist.  He encouraged the young people to face the daily challenges of life with Christ and for Christ.

Sr. Shanti Tirkey

JUST ANOTHER MILESTONE AS WE SURGE AHEAD

Oct6

United Nations World Teachers' Day (4)

The Confederation of Indian Universities conferred Holy Child Auxilium with the National Teaching Excellence Award on 5 October 2014, in the Auditorium of International Centre, Lodi Estate, New Delhi in the presence of National and International dignitaries. It is an organization of all the recognized Universities in India. This prestigious award is affiliated to the United Nations, ECOSOC, UNICEF, UNCED, UNESCO and DPI. It is the recognition of the contribution of the Holy Child Auxilium in the field of academics. The day also marked the World Teachers Day and 10th Annual Day Celebrations of the CIU. Our school was represented by Principal Sr. Lucy Kachira, the Manager Sr. Teresa Ruben, Head Mistress Sr. Annie K, Sr. Gracy P. the superior of Auxilium Snehalaya and Mrs. Anita Sharma, Counsellor and PRO of  HCA. This is truly a testimony of the work put in by the HCA family throughout the years.

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Celebrating ……

Oct6

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The Year of Family is an opportunity to be grateful to God for His unique blessings He showers upon in each one’s life. God has planned everyone to be born in a family with specific parents, brothers and sisters. The family is the place of love and that was celebrated in Barasat, Laura Vicuna boarding on 27th September 2014 by keeping boarders parents’ day. There was a meaningful Holy Eucharistic celebration and short cultural programme to show gratitude to the parents for their love and sacrifices. During the homily Rev. Fr. Leo Jayaraj invited the boarders to make use of the opportunities and make their future bright. Don Bosco created a family and that gives an opportunity for young boys and girls to learn to live with love.
Through the cultural programme the boarders expressed their love and gratitude to the parents and sisters for their tireless effort to help them in their studies and for their integral growth and development. Sr. Stella P. the animator invited the parents to imitate Mamma Margaret in creating conducive environment for the all-round development of their children. She told them to teach their children spiritual, social and moral values so that they may build a solid foundation in their homes for their bright future. All the parents were contented with the initiative taken by the sisters and they expressed their heartfelt gratitude for giving their daughters an opportunity to study in this institution and taking care of them.
Sr. BasantiFma

I TOO HAD A DREAM

Oct6

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I was born in the slums of Sultanpuri. When I was merely 7 years old, due to some conflict within the family my mother left home leaving us alone.  My father used to go to work in order to earn the daily bread for us. I was the eldest amongst all, I had three brothers who were younger to me and I was too small to take care of my siblings. The whole day we used to roam on the streets picking up rags, trying to sell them, to get something to eat.

Unfortunately, on that particular day I was lost, I was wandering, not knowing where exactly to go and my siblings could not return home without me. I was just loitering on the road, some policemen eventually caught me and took me to the Social Service Center of the Holy Cross Sisters. I do believe that it was God’s intervention in my life. After a few weeks some of the sisters there contacted Don Bosco Ashalayam at Palam who were already running a home for the poor and abandoned boys and nearby the Salesian sisters also had a home for the poor and abandoned girls named Auxilium Snehalaya “A House of Love”. I was probably the fortunate one who had the opportunityto be a part of this lovely family. May be it was my destiny. The sisters over there looked after me as if I was a new born baby. The love and affection I got there is unparalleled and it never seemed to me that my family was away from me. But as the years passed by something started haunting me within and I started praying to God because I had one deep desire within and to meet my beloved family. During Rakshabandhans I used to get into the Chapel and cry bitterly before the statue of Lord Jesus and tie Rakhi on His hand and tell Him till I get my brothers back you are my brother. I used to pray to Him asking Him to get my brothers back for me. I was sure my prayers would not go unheard, and so with determination I requested the sisters, not let me go but allow me to stay within the Snehalaya till I find my brothers.

When I turned eighteen years old, I was shifted to Auxilium Najafgarh in order to complete my studies.  The sisters took keen interest in searching for my family, they spent their quality time contacting various people and NGO’s through the phone and spot visits, and they went through a series of inconveniences just so that I could reunite with my family. At last the Lord heard my prayer and He took things in His own hands and helped me to find my brothers for me. The Holy Bible says: “THE LORD HEARS THE CRY OF THE POOR” and in fact the Lord heard my cry and brought back my brothers to me on 28 September 2014 and then that I came to know that my father was no more alive. I am so grateful to the sisters who helped throughout this journey of mine, I consider it as the greatest gift amongst every single gift I have ever received in my life.

Sonia

Media Mesmerizing

Oct4

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 A three day of seminar on Media Technology was organized by the Social communication Sector of the Province from 1 – 3 October 2014 at Auxilium Provincial House, Dum Dum. There were 27 participants form different communities of the Province. The animators of the seminar were Sr. Rosy Veliyan, Sr. Stella Potteparambil, Sr. Esther Rani Abraham and Sr. Mini Chettayil.

The Seminar commenced with the welcoming address by Vice Provincial, Rev. Sr. Teresa Adampakallel. She stressed on the importance of Communication and on the use of Technology in today’s world referring to the message of Holy Father Pope Francis on the occasion of the World Communication Day. “The internet is the gift of God and we are to use it in a useful way”.

The resources persons dealt the following topics such as Art of News Reporting by Sr. Stella Potteparambil, Challenges of media in today’s educative scenario by Sr. Esther Rani Abraham, Photography & Power Point Presentation by Sr. Rosy Veliyan and Social Network and use of Publisher by Sr. Mini Chettayil.

At the end of the seminar Sr. Rosina Thomas said, “Sr. Esther Rani Abraham’s talk on the importance of the media and our role as educators to help the youth was very thought provoking. Sr. Rosy made great effort to make us understand the basics of power point presentation and photography. It was very interesting”. Sr. Sabita Nayak added, “After the Media Seminar the light of Media Technology began brightly shining.”

Sr. Restitula Kharpran expressed her joy saying, “All the resource persons were very much to the point. I profited much. They updated us about media to become efficient in our educative mission. It is an encouragement for me to update myself with Media Technology.”

By Sr. Prema Francis

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The soldiers of Christ

Sep29

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On 28th September 2014 was the memorable day for the Crus Veer children of New Chumta parish.  There were prepared by Sr. Nilam Kindo, in charge of Crus Veer in the parish. The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. Michael Toppo, the Parish priest of New Chumta Parish. The Crus Veer children entered the Church in procession with the lighted candle which symbolizes ‘Christ the light’. 28 children received the medal of Our Lady as a sign of enrolment. During the homily Fr. Michael encouraged the children to serve the people who are in need as their motto invites them to save souls and expand the Kingdom of God. After the homily 43 children received the Cross as the members of the Crus Veer and took the pledge. After the Mass the felicitation and games followed. 71 Crus Veer children from 10 villages participated in the day’s programme with enthusiasm and joy. Winners were awarded prizes. Delicious lunch was served for all.

Sr. Nilam Kindo