The Past Pupils Federation Annual Meeting

Nov12

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The Past Pupils  Federation Annual Meeting was held in Auxilium, Bandel on 10th November 2013.

Members from different Units gathered with great enthusiasm for the day’s function. The welcome speech was delivered by the President Mrs. Victoria De Souza and all the programs were conducted as per schedule with the active participation of all the members.

The Chief Guest and Resource person Rev. Fr. Siby Vadakel principal of Don Bosco, Bandel enlightened the members arousing in them  the eagerness to be active members inorder to serve the society  as FMA Past Pupils. The members recollected their old memories and shared with each other about the values they had received during their school days.

The message of our dear Mother Provincial Sr. Maria Pettayil was read by Sr. Teresa Adampakallel. The past pupils were delighted to hear her words of appreciation for the activities carried out by the various units in the province. She recommended that “it is high time that we make a concerted effort to bring about a difference in the society we live in and let that difference begin with each one of us.”

Sr. Elizabeth Joseph animated the Past Pupils and exhorted them to be ‘Hands in the world with roots in the heart’ by being committed members to enable themselves effectively to the educational mission of the FMA.

Another important event of the  daywas the election of the New Federation Council. A new chapter has opened with Mrs. Rita Das as the new President and her council. The INC province of Kolkata conveys God’s blessings and Best wishes to the New Federation Council and the Past Pupils of INC.

Thus the day ended with a positive note of going further with very concrete step at the planning session, so that the  Salesian family can be stronger  to make the society a better place to live in. 

Sr. Elizabeth Joseph

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Short Visit of Rector Major Fr. Paschal Chavez at Auxilium New Chumta

Nov12

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On 7th November 2013 at 12.30 p. m, the 9th successor of Don Bosco Rev. Fr. Paschal Chavez paid a short visit to the community of Auxilium New Chumta accompanied by Fr. Maria Arokiam Regional Council for South Asia, Fr. Juan. J. Bartolome Secretary of Rector Major, Fr. Thomas Ellicherail Provincial of Kolkata, Fr. Shaji Puykunnel the Rector of Salesian College Sonada, Fr. John Berger the Rector of Don Bosco School Siliguri and Fr. Johny Nedungatt the novice master.

Rector Major was welcomed with traditional dance, garland, bouquet and a melodious welcome song by the students of Auxilium Convent School New Chumta.  Sisters from the communities of Mirik and Kurseong too participated in this great event. 

In his message to the teachers and the students he exhorted them to be a dreamers like Don Bosco, to fix their goal and to be positive and optimistic to see God in everything to face the challenges of life.

In his message to the sisters he asked them to believe in the young people who are our treasure, to know more about Don Bosco and his spirituality to become aware of the signs of the times. He reminded the sisters the three devotions of Don Bosco: The Holy Eucharist, Our Lady and Pope. Finally, he gave them five key words: To defend life, to foster the family, to educate, to evangelize and to promote vocation. After a group photo he proceeded to Salesian College Sonada

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INDIA : Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Conference of Religious India Begins

Nov9

  CRI - N.     FMA Provincials of India

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The Golden Jubilee Celebrations of CRI (Conference of Religious India) and its National Assembly 2013 started off colourfully and prayerfully this morning at Guwahati, the city of Eastern Lights, with the concelebrated Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. John Moolachira, the Archbishop of Guwahati, at St. Joseph`s Pro Cathedral. 500 committed women and men spending themselves in the service of God and humanity, were welcomed in the traditional manner with the colourful Arnai, a richly embroidered muffler of the the Bodos, while a brass band played in the background. They moved to the venue of the conference flanked by young boys and girls dressed up in traditional dresses. The 95 year old veteran Salesian missionary, Don Mario Porcu, declared the Jubilee celebrations open and hoisted the CRI flag accompanied by 50 Assamese drummers playing the dhol and the khol, and 50 young girls dressed in Assamese golden Mekhela Chadhar. 200 little boys and girls from Kokrajhar District performed a group drill and 50 colourful balloons went up into the clear morning sky from the tender hands of 50 children, symbolizing the high aspirations of the selfless men and women who form the CRI. At the beginning of the first session of the Conference, once again the participants were treated to the rich musical and rhythmic cultural heritage of the Northeast through songs and dances. The hearing impaired children of Ferrando Institute, Meghalaya, stole the hearts of all by their beautifully choreographed prayer dance. During the first session, the Archbishop of Guwahati, Most Rev.John Moolachira released two books viz., CRI Fifty Golden Years, a compendium of the services of the members of the CRI to the people of India edited by Rev. Fr. Johnson Parackal SDB, and A Radical Love, A Path of Light by Fr. Joe Mannath SDB, the National Secretary of CRI. Rev. Brother Philip Pinto CFC gave a powerfully spiritual key-note address on the “Image and Concept of God “, setting the tone for the deep reflections that will take place during the three day Conference intended to renew the spiritual men and women in their commitment. 

By A. Jayaprakash (BIS via CNUA)

Visit of Rector Major Fr. Pascual Chavez Villanueva at Auxilium Dum Dum

Nov7

On 7th November 2013 Fr. Pascual Chavez Villanueva the ninth successor of Don Bosco was given a warm welcome in the Provincial house Auxilium  Dum Dum.  Along with him were present Fr. Maria Arokiam Regional Councillor for South Asia, Fr. Juan J. Bartolome Secretary to Rector Major, Fr. Thomas Ellicherail Provincial, Fr. Jose Pampadiyil Vice provincial, Fr. Joseph Manianchira Provincial Economer and Fr. I.C. Jacob Rector of Nitika.

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Sisters from seven nearby communities, Sisters of Mary Immaculate, religious from neighbourhood, teachers, students and parishioners accorded a warm welcome with an enchanting adivasi dance.  Bouquets were offered to Rector Major and other eminent guests.

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Before the commencement of the Eucharistic celebration in an introduction Rector Major was thanked for his dynamic and paternal presence and prayed for God’s blessings upon him to become channel of God’s love to the young and a builder of communion in the Salesian family.

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In his homily he invited the assembly to entrust themselves to Mary citing to the dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine. Referring to the Gospel “the Wedding feast at Cana” he invited the assembly to learn at the school of Cana the four important attitudes for our life as believers from Mary: To share the ups and downs of men and women, to be attentive to the needs of others, to discern the presence of Jesus and to be believers who are credible.

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Rector Major, after a group photo and breakfast in his talk to the sisters he exhorted them to prepare the youth for tomorrow since it is our task and duty and to renew our faith and consecration to the Lord.   He urged the sisters to invite frankly and courageously the young people to follow Jesus.

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Before his departure to the airport he also met the school children of Auxilium Dum Dum. In his message he invited the students to be positive, optimistic and to believe in themselves; to take their education seriously to face the life which is hard to prepare them, to take opportunities to develop their talents to be honest citizens and good Christians and to have a dream to accomplish great things.

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They too have a reason to smile

Nov6

AUXILIUM DUM DUM :  A bright day was dawned for the little ones of Dum Dum Correctional Home on 4th November 2013.  Under the leadership of Sr. Mary John, Sr. Mini, four parent volunteers and a group of school children visited the Dum Dum  prison for the  inauguration of a little school for the children of the inmates.

Eminent Police officers were present for the inauguration of the school to encourage and support the new venture.  One of the volunteers Ms. Gitanjali offered uniform for all the children who will be attending the school from 11th November 2013.

School children performed two dances and a song in order to felicitate the invited officials. All were felicitated with a bouquet of flowers by the children of correctional Home. Everyone appreciated and encouraged the sisters and the volunteers for taking up such initiatives.

We are thankful to Fr. Scaria Nedumattathil SDB, for opening new avenues to be a beacon of light for the less fortunate of the society.

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Who are Saints ?

Nov4

The Saints share in Christ’s glory  (John 17:22)

They are partakers in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

St. Paul says to imitate them (Hebrews 13:7).

The Bible says that the saints in heaven are equal to the angels (Luke 20:36).

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NCP (Neghbourhood Children’s Parliament) Training

Oct31

BARASAT-KSSDS: From 25th – 27th October 2013, Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society Team organised a training programme for the  NCP children of Kalyani, Bandel, Dum Dum, Barasat, Monsada & Gobra at Auxilium Convent, Kalyani.One hundred and twenty six children participated in the programme and the resource persons were the Social Development Coordinator Sr. Leelamma P.V. and her team, Mr. Bikash Lakra, Joseph Xaxa,  Ajit Lakra and Sukanto.

The NCP Training  programme commenced  with the welcome speech from the Social Development Coordinator  Sr. Leelamma P.V. During her welcome address she highlighted how could the children become a change maker in the society.

Inauguration began with “lighting of the lamp” and followed by a short prayer moment to invoke God’s blessings on the participants. A message was given to the children by Mrs.Rita Das the Programme Coordinator of KSSDS (Kolkata Salesian Sisters Development Society) where she highlighted the importance of NCP and etiquette as well as to have a pleasant personality in order to become a good leader.

Mr.Joseph, spoke to the children on the structure of our Indian Constitution and the present leaders of our country and their functions in the administration of our country. He also spoke about how a little child, a member of a family can bring about a change in the world at large.

Through Group dynamism they presented “their  Rights and Duties as children” in the family, school and society. An amusing and interesting group work and presentation was done on few topics.

The main important session was the election of the Ministers and the demo of conducting and functioning of the NCP meet in their own locality. Camp fire gave them the platform to display all their talents.The participants  returned home with new enthusiasm and commitment to make the NCP vibrant in their own respective areas.

 Mrs. Rita Das, (Programme Coordinator of KSSDS)

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Rosary, the powerful weapon

Oct28

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Our Lady blesses not only those who preach her Rosary, but she highly rewards all those who get others to say it by their example.

Alphonsus, King of Leon and Galicia, very much wanted all his servants to honor the Blessed Virgin by saying the Rosary. So he used to hang a large rosary on his belt and always wore it, but unfortunately never said it himself. Nevertheless his wearing it encouraged his courtiers to say the Rosary very devoutly.

One day the King fell seriously ill and when he was given up for dead he found himself, in a vision, before the judgment seat of Our Lord. Many devils were there accusing him of all the sins he had committed and Our Lord as Sovereign Judge was just about to condemn him to hell when Our Lady appeared to intercede for him. She called for a pair of scales and had his sins placed in one of the balances whereas she put the rosary that he had always worn on the other scale, together with all the Rosaries that had been said because of his example. It was found that the Rosaries weighed more than his sins.

Looking at him with great kindness Our Lady said: “As a reward for this little honor that you paid me in wearing my Rosary, I have obtained a great grace for you from my Son. Your life will be spared for a few more years. See that you spend these years wisely, and do penance.

When the King regained consciousness he cried out: “Blessed be the Rosary of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, by which I have been delivered from eternal damnation!”

After he had recovered his health he spent the rest of his life in spreading devotion to the Holy Rosary and said it faithfully every day.

People who love the Blessed Virgin out to follow the example of King Alphonsus and that of the saints whom I have mentioned so that they too may win other souls for the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary. They will then receive great graces on earth and eternal life later on.

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Rosary – A Powerful Weapon

Oct26

The Rosary Defeats a Philippino Dictatorship in 1986

 The citizens of the Philippines were poor and starving while President Marcos and his wife Imelda lived in lavish luxury. To this day people make jokes about Imelda Marcos’s shoes because she had 3000 pairs, along with 15 mink coats, 1000 purses, and 508 fancy gowns.  The people wanted to elect a new president, Benigno Aquino, nicknamed Ninoy. He was assassinated right in front of his wife and family as he stepped off a plane to run for office in Manila. After this brutal murder, Ninoy’s wife Corazon “Cory” Aquino became active in protests against the Marcos regime. The people clamored for Cory to run for President, and when they presented her with one million signatures urging her to do so, she fulfilled the people’s wishes. Marcos called a snap election day on February 7, 1986 which turned out to be a bloody, violent, and fraud-filled event. President Marcos, declared the winner by his corrupt government, took control of the media and sent out the military to quell any protests. Cardinal Sin of the Archdiocese of Manila urged a peaceful protest and the Catholic people came out in droves.They surrounded the military tanks and armed soldiers, prayed the rosary, and sang religious and protest songs.  Holy Masses and prayer vigils took place in churches. This prayerful protest continued for almost a week when unexpectedly, the soldiers stepped away from their tanks, put down their guns, and joined the peaceful crowd. President Marcos fled the country on February 26, 1986 and the whole nation took to the streets in celebration. Prayers of thanksgiving and holy masses were held in gratitude to God.  As the new President, Cory Aquino made sweeping changes and the Philippines became a free and democratic country. To this day people are in awe that the evil, corrupt regime of Marcos was completely overturned through peaceful means.

 

Pray the rosary unceasingly for a moral government, leaders with integrity, and an end to evil regimes!