Final Profession
Thank You Lord for their generous “Yes”
First Profession
Triple feasts celebrated at Barasat -St. Domenic Savio, Mother Mazzarello and Rabindra Nath Tagore
Celebrations are part and partial of our academic calendar. And month of May brings varieties of celebrations; St. Domenic Savio, St. Mary Mazzarello, Rabindra Jayanti. Auxilium Convent School Barasat celebrated all these feasts with much vigor and enthusiasm. The feast was anticipated on 9th May 2014. Both primary and high school celebrations were meaningful and colourful. High school stated with lighting the lamp and invoking God’s blessings upon the gathering and offering garlands to the portraits of St. Domenic Savio, St. Mary Mazzarello and Rabindra Nath Tagore. The houses blue and green whose patron saints were commemorated with power point presentations on their lives, songs, skits and to add more colour to the celebration the thrilling dances were performed on the stage. Music club was in-charge for Rabindranath Jayanti and through short video clip, poetry and songs were presented to make the day a memorable one.
Primary school also had songs, skits and dances etc to celebrate their respective house’s patron’s saints feasts. The literary club organized the inter house elocution competition of classes I – V for the occasion of Rabindra Nath Jayanti. The participants of four houses then recited poems written by him.
At the end of the celebrations Sr. Teresa Adampakallel, the animator congratulated them for their wonderful performance starting with the invitation cards. She also appreciated and awarded those who had prepared the invitation cards with some pictures because it were true arts of future artists. In her concluding message she invited the teachers and students to imitate their virtues and strive to be great in the sight of God like St. Domenic Savio, Mother Mazzarello and Rabindra Nath Tagore. She also appreciated the rich cultures – art and music of Bengal and thanked them for keeping up the tradition so well.
The Feast of St. Mary Mazzarello
The long awaited feast of St. Mary Mazzarello was celebrated on 10th May 2014 at Auxilium Convent Barasat. The sisters had a meaningful Morning Prayer and meditation on St. Mary Mazzarello’s letters and recommendations. In the evening at 6.30 pm the Holy Mass was celebrated. Rev. Fr. Mani SDB the director of Don Bosco Technical School Krishnagar was the main celebrant. Rev. Fr. Sunil Kujur from Minor seminary and Rev. Fr. Aloysius Carvalho from Arunoday were the con celebrants. Many sisters from neighboring communities, some staff members and family members of our workers were present. The entrance dance by the boarders to lead the celebrants to the altar, introduction to the Mass on St. Mary Mazzarello, prayer of the faithful and meaningful and melodious singing made the participation of Mass more prayerful and meaningful one. In his vibrant homily Rev. Fr. Mani highlighted the virtues of St. Mary Mazzarello: her tremendous trust in God, love for Eucharist, simple and humble life, her able leadership as the first superior general which enabled to expand the mission to far away countries. He also compared the life of St. Mary Mazzarello with the life of St. Paul who, once experienced the Lord and spent his whole life to proclaim the Good News. So also St. Mary Mazzarello spent her entire life in service of Him and His people. He also explained some of the means to follow the example of Mather Mazzarello: Approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently to receive the grace of God, fasting and praying the whole Rosary to overcome the power of evil one.
After the Holy Eucharist there was a get together in Auxilium Aspirantate refectory. Before meal Sr. Teresa Adampakallel thanked everyone for coming and sharing our joys with us on the feast of our co-foundress. The celebration came to an end with so much of joy and contentment.
Sr. Basanti fma
THE ANNUAL ANIMATION DAY AT DON BOSCO LILUAH
The month of April with the rising up the degree of heat day by day, tested our strength of mind and body. With cool showers we felt the joy of singing the acclamation of joy all the more befitting to the season of Easter and entered into a new month –month of May with all the events which holds in it.
It is with great joy and rejuvenating spirit that the FMA Past Pupils welcomed the invitation from the National president and the World Councillor Mr. Tikmany to join the ‘Animation Meet’ with the SDB Past Pupils in Don Bosco Liluah on 4th May 2014. With the feeling of oneness looking up to the same horizon, the children of the same father Don Bosco expressed their joy and thrill when meeting and greeting each other. It was a great delight to see the bond of love and relationship among the members even though they vary in age and time when they enjoyed their school life. As the programme began Rev. Fr. Joseph Pathickal, the Provincial Delegate of the Federation of Don Bosco Past Pupils warmly welcomed the members of the different Units who gathered for this occasion. He drew the attention of the audience to think of the ‘new leadership’- a new Pope, a new Rector Major, new Provincial, new elections for our country and for the Association too which will take place this year. The visit of Don Bosco’s relic brought a great impact all over the world. His relic visit can be taken as a preparation for the bicentenary celebration of his birth 2015. He invited the members to know Don Bosco more, study him more and follow him even when meeting with difficulties. He wanted our life to be a celebration to live with enthusiasm by doing the maximum for others, keeping Don Bosco as the centre and imitate him in making young people as the centre of our life. By saying this he handed over the mike to Rev. Fr. Biji Thomas the Rector of DBL, the resource person who spoke about the spirituality of Don Bosco so beautifully. He said Don Bosco became famous not for his work but for his sanctity. His holiness comes from God. He is a saint for the simple reason he takes his holiness from God and he shared with others. The spirituality of the Salesions is nothing else but charity-love that was his holiness. ‘Da mihi Animas Cetera tolle’ was explained with biblical quotations. Past Pupils do a lot of good works and people benefit a lot from all that they do but one thing cannot be forgotten that importance is to be given to save our souls and the souls of others. Activities and movements will call for criticism. Don’t be afraid to go ahead in doing good. God loves us so much, how can we keep this love only for us we should share it with others. It is not in giving but in being and involved for the welfare of others we exercise our charity. Our hearts must be free from grudge, jealousy, unforgiveness and other evils. Salesian Spirituality must be seen in us by our family members, in the community where we live, in our work place and wherever we are. Every position, every action, everything we do is to be directed to save souls. That was Don Bosco’s way and his spirituality.
With showers of appreciation for the institution and cherishing the memories of the ones who shaped their lives there was lot of interactions and sharing of views and ideas. The meeting came to a halt with a sumptuous meal which also added the occasion to share more with the batches of their own as well as building up the bonds with others.
Explaining the spirituality of Don Bosco to a mixed group of people who belong to different religion and culture was made so simple and palatable by Rev.Fr.Biji and we learnt a lot. We were reminded very strongly the reason for our being in the association. We did realize that we need to improve the quality of our thoughts and provide right direction to our thoughts, attitudes and way of life.
Sr. Elizabeth Joseph (Federation Delegate)
A STEP CLOSER TO GOD
SACRED HEART NOVITIATE- RANCHI: “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nation.” (Jer. 1:4-5)
With these words of Jeremiah we the four selected junior sisters namely Sr. Bara Prisila, Sr. Kujur Archana, Sr. Lakra Manjula and Sr. Xess Shashi Asha Kiran entered the second Novitiate-II phase at Sacred Heart Novitiate Ranchi, on 14th April 2014 to prepare ourselves for a total and definitive ‘Yes’ to God as an FMA.
At 6.30 p.m. the two communities of Novitiate and Mazzarello community gave us warm welcome which was followed by an inaugural prayer service prepared by Sr. Phawa Aquila and the Novices on the theme “Forever yours. Let your light shine.” Our religious life finds fulfilment when we shine out like a burning torch in this dark world. As we approached the altar carrying lighted lamps we prayed to God to bless us thus it always burn with the oil of love and illumine our hearts and minds. It also reminded us the rootedness in Christ of our past years life journey in our formation which have been nurtured and handled by the gentle hand and the loving hearts of our formators in the past and now. After the scripture reading Sr. Philomena Prabalanathan highlighted three verbs in her speech from the Prophet Jeremaiah that are:- formed, consecrated and appointed. It inspired and encouraged us to be enthusiastic and committed FMA, giving ourselves totally for the service of God.
Sr. Genevieve winged her way to heaven
Sr. Genevieve winged her way to heaven after much suffering endured with serenity and peace.
Genevieve Battigelli was born in a fervent Christian family on 26th January 1946 at Royapuram, Chennai. She was the 2nd child of ten children born to Mr. Luigi Battigelli and Philomena Mendez. Her parents brought their children up in Christian faith and taught them to love God and love one another. Sr. Rita fma her sister testified that their parents were exemplary and they learnt from them to build a happy and united family. She completed her high school education in Katpadi, Chennai.
She entered the Aspirantate in the year 1963 at Chennai. She made her 1st profession on 5th August 1966 at Casanova – Turin. Soon after her profession she did her studies-Scienza Religiose at Sacro Cuore – Turin. In the year 1970, she returned to Chennai and was appointed as the assistant of the novices at Sacred Heart Novitiate Banglore and there after she was the assistant of the Juniors until 1980.She made her Perpetual profession on 5th August 1972 at Bangalore.She completed her higher grade in music from the Trinity College, Chennai.
In the year 1987 when the province of Kolkata was bifurcated from the province of Shillong Sr. Genevieve was appointed as its first Provincial. With her dynamism, zeal and creativity she brought forward the newly erected province of Mary Help of Christians Kolkata. During her tenure as provincial from 1987 – 1993 five more new communities were opened.As a provincial she gave much importance to the preparation of the animators of the communities as well as the formation and professional training of the sisters. She was active, creative, jovial and enterprising in her task of animation and governance. The sisters remember her as a caring and loving person. She had a golden heart for the poor and needy. The very fact that she opened boarding houses in the mission stations reveal her love and care for the children. In fact inone of her circular letters she recommended the sisters to pick up the daily crosses courageously and shed all other glamour and follow Christ in His saving mission among the poor youth.
After her term as provincial she continued to serve the province of Kolkata as animator and vicar, the roles which she carried out with love and dedication.
She was gifted in many ways. Music was her passion. She loved the young people and gave herself without counting the cost. She made sure that the young people were given the best. She could easily win over them with her music and melodious voice. She believed in the saying of Don Bosco “a Salesian house without the music is a body without the soul.” Her humorous narration of events made everyone burst into laughter. She was straightforward and outspoken in her ways.
She followed a systematic pattern for her spiritual itinerary. She was devoted to Our Lady and spread her devotion. The sisters who used to attend the retreats in Kurseong, where she was during these last years of her life testify that she was generous in offering her service.
Her contribution to the last Provincial chapter was praiseworthy. She gave her valuable suggestions for the growth of the province and the good of the sisters.
In the month of December 2013 she was diagnosed with the cancer of the lungs which she accepted with serenity and resignation to the will of God. She was undergoing treatment in CMC hospital at Vellore residing at Sacred Heart Home Katpadi. Her last days were spent in the home of her brother Angelo in Bangalore where she breathed her last on 5th May 2014 at 11.30 a.m.
Renewal days
AUXILIUM KURSEONG : The Sun shining in the cool breeze of Kurseong Hills warmly welcomed all the 24 participants who arrived right on time for the annual retreat which began on the evening of 24th April. Our Sr. Provincial, Rev. Sr. Maria Pettayil’s introductory words were very significant in appreciation for all the good works being done in the province by the animators and their love and interest in the growth of the province through its members, more especially by the care for the Junior sisters in the communities. Rev. Fr. Mathew Pulingathil SDB, was the preacher of the retreat who gradually unwrapped the great treasure contained in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium of our beloved Pope Francis during the course of the retreat. His main focus was to get the retreatants have a unique experience of meeting Christ personally.
The methodology used by the preacher had an ideal beginning with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament early at the dawn of 5.00 a.m., indicating the real preacher of this retreat and the marvels that can take place in his company of over 13 hours a day. Incomparably, it was the company of Jesus that made the disciples cohesive and stronger even after the resurrection and the experience of Pentecost. The task of helping us to open our total self to the Incarnation of the divine Lord in the Eucharist and find His prolongation in the persons, events and creation around however ugly, difficult or easy was worth trying. The spirituality of the Incarnation is the basic tenet of every Christian living was one of the convictions we carried home. And the days of retreat did take us closer to the Lord to make us more aware that we are anointed to anoint those with whom we share our day to day life and those we come in contact with in the course of our journey of life. A life that takes the path of the Paschal Mystery.
Sr. Teresa Adampakallel
Happy Easter !
Season of Grace
Auxilium Dum Dum Community walks the journey of Lenten Season responding the Church’s invitation: fasting, praying and giving alms.
On Saturday, 12th April 2014, at 4.00 pm, 105 tired and worn-out cycle Rickshaw men of the locality were warmly welcomed to the school premises by all Sisters of the community and our provincial Sr. Maria Pettayil too was present. It was touching to see the expression of surprises on their faces – joy, wonder, shy, fear and many more…
The evening was special and the significance was tangible sharing of our Lenten saving with the young, middle aged and old cycle Rickshaw men. The Joy was mutual.
As the men sat comfortably on the chairs, in front of the school’s open stage, Ms. Martina Roy gave an overwhelming message, boosting the morale of the rickshaw men. She made them aware that God loves them and they are created in His own image and likeness. She said that as the hero and heroine perform their role on the stage and when out from the stage, they are rated according to their performances. And likewise each one of us has come to fulfill our duties and when we are committed we serve God and our work is God. She said: “You work to earn money but in doing so you are helping the society by taking the sick people to the hospital, children to the schools on time and others to different place. Render your services lovingly.” In her concluding message she said: “Jesus is the Saviour of the world who suffered, died and rose from the dead to give everyone eternal life.”
Community Sisters entertained them with a Bengali melodious song. Sr. Kanchan Bara thanked in a short prayer to the Almighty God for their services that is hard and fatiguing and implored God for peace, love and unity in their families. She said: “Society needs you and without you it is incomplete.” In the name of the community she then extended the Easter greetings to them.
They were then invited to receive a packet of rice, potatoes, onions, eggs and toffee. Every one of them gratefully appreciated the kind gesture of the Sisters.
Mr.Saiful Mondol one of the rickshaw pullers said “God bless the sisters and may they carry on their charitable enterprises.”
Mr.Ajit Chakraborty said: “This is the first time in our life; we received such a warm welcome in a school.”
Mr. Raju added: “The sisters have made our day special and we feel obliged for their love and support.”
Seldom had their presence made impact on the society, definitely their absence would make a difference. The initiative is insignificant but it’s our Lenten widow’s mite sharing.
“We Read the Word of God,
We Believe what you read,
We Preach what you believe,
We Practice what you preach”.
Sr. Lucy Kachira
FMA PAST PUPILS’ FEDERATION ASSEMBLY
AUXILIUM, DUM DUM: The FMA Past Pupils’ Federation General Assembly was held on 5th April 2014 at Auxilium Dum Dum. This event focused to motivate the participants for a better committed life in their homes and society where they live. Input sessions were conducted by the provincial of FMA, Sr. Maria Pettayil, Mr. Rajiv Tikmany the world Councillor , National president and president of the DB Alumni Liluah, Sr. Elizabeth Joseph the Provincial Delegate of the Federation and Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil the co-ordinator of NDF.
The day saw intense input sessions, questionnaires, discussions, drawing of Action plans, interactive session between Federation and Units, evaluation etc.
Sr. Provincial stressed on the importance of living a meaningful life with our commitments doing something beautiful for God and finding joy in serving the poor and the needy.
An enriching input session by Mr.Tikmany reminded the past pupils of their identity as committed persons and urged the necessity of living the quality education which they received in the institutions of FMA. He emphasised on being the light and salt in the society, contributing towards a better change in the world, as the past pupils are spread all over the country and in the world at large. He urged them to collaborate with the Salesian Family in the work of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello and to be faithful to the Salesian charism in their service. The whole day programme created a lot of enthusiasm, insight and awareness and led the members to take concrete action plans for the future.
“Come and See” programme conducted
“Call and Response” was the theme of the come and see programme which was held at Aspirantate, Barasat from April 5- 11, 2014. The five young girls with six Aspirants took active part in these six days of come and see programe. The main focus was about our call and how do we respond to it. There were different passages taken from the Bible on the divine call, eg. the call of Levi and other apostles. Sr. Prisila Bara helped them to understand and deepen their own call. Meditations were animated very creatively by Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil which helped the candidates to experience Jesus’ love more deeply in their lives. They came to know our charism better by watching the video on Don Bosco our founder and Mother Mazzarello our co- foundress. Community life and prayer experiences enhanced their knowledge of the salesian way of life. The evening recreations added more colour to the day as they sang and danced in different languages. On 11th April at 12.00 noon we ended our programme with a short stage programme by the candidates. They expressed their love and gratitude to the sisters and the community.
Sr. Prisila Bara
FMA INC News Update 