5th FMA Provincial Chapter – Kolkata

Oct13

 

“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

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Preparation for Provincial Chapter

Oct11

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

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Golden Jubilee Celebration – Sr. Maria Sarkar FMA

Oct10

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.

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A day of Gratitude

Oct2

On 1st October 2013, the Provincial community day was celebrated at Auxilium Dum Dum with the theme ‘quality relationship builds a home that evangelizes’.  Every community had a month long preparation by thinking, speaking and acting positively to make the theme a reality.

The celebration commenced with the Evening Prayer animated by Ranchi communities.  The Provincial Sr. Maria Pettayil and the participants were welcomed with  rose flowers. The prayer service focused on different types of relationships.

The PowerPoint presentation on the journey lived in communities and the new initiatives in the apostolate taken up by them were inspiring and motivating.  Another long expected and hilarious moment was the exhibition of the house products.

On the following day, Jumaikela community with a well animated Morning Prayer led the group to a meaningful prayer experience.

The peak moment of the day was the Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Dominic Gomes, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Kolkata. Well prepared Eucharist with melodious singing and the inspiring homily on genuine relationship made the celebration solemn and memorable.

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The Fraternal agape   prepared by the FMA chefs of   all the communities was a pleasant surprise and a great feast to the eyes. It was a joyous occasion to felicitate Sr. Maria Pettayil and the Golden jubilarian Sr. Maria Sarkar above all to raise a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God whose love never ends. The aspirants added joy to the festal day with action songs.

(Sr. Stella Potteparambil)

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“Soap” Making

Sep26

Date: 25th September 2013

Venue: Auxilium Convent, Barasat

Resource Persons:  Mrs.Anjuara and Shajahan Hawk.

No. of participants: Thirty six women from Dum Dum, Barasat , Kalyani, Monsada & Gobra.

The seventh day of training was about making of Soap, which started at 11.00 a.m with the trainers namely Mrs. Anjuara and Shajahan Hawk.

The ladies were quite attentive and with the time they grew more curious to be more knowledgeable. Soap is widely used daily in all our homes and communities, so they were extra enthusiastic to learn well.  All were happy to make a cake of soap each and returned with great joy and sense of having accomplished something great.

Reported by Sr. Leelamma P.

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Making of “Phenyle”

Sep26

Date: 24th September 2013

Venue: Auxilium Convent, Barasat

Resource Person:  Mrs.Anjuara and Shajahan Hawk.

No. of participants:  Thirty six women from Dum Dum, Barasat , Kalyani, Monsada & Gobra.

 

On the sixth day of training  there was more enthusiasm than the other days because they were ready to learn the process of making phenyl, which is a must in all the offices, schools and houses. 

The trainers first introduced themselves and explained the advantages of using phenyl. They said that using of phenyl reduces the risks of bacteria and other germs in the houses, offices and schools.

The day ended after a theoretical discussion and recapitulation of their practical knowledge received from the trainers.

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PAPER BAGS

Sep24

Resource Persons:  Mrs. Anurupa Gyne & Mr. Amiyo Gyne.

 No. of participants:  36 women from Dum Dum, Barasat,  Kalyani  & Gobra.

 

A gift is a gift… but when given in a beautiful bag its delicacy doubles.

Dear friends today we had training on Eco friendly paper bags, how to prepare it. Since being eco friendly a very good substitute for plastic bags which are menaces to our society today.

The steps included in this are basically folding in correct measurement and then sticking the correct parts together but the most important part is the bottom of the bag which needs a lot of accuracy in measurement.

On this day, the ladies were extremely enthusiastic and made more than one bag to bring perfection in their work.

It was educative and a very useful training for the ladies.

Reported by Sr. Leelamma P.

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Screen Printing

Sep22

Training – 4th Day

Screen Printing

Date:  21st September 2013

Resource Persons:  Mr. Mir & Mr. Laltu Poddar

No. of participants:  36 women

“The mechanism of screen printing is quite easy for women as it does not require much of physical strength, electricity or any machines”, said the trainer Mr. Mir as he started the day. It was indeed an interesting topic at the same time, one need to invest time and alertness to carry out the task efficiently. All the thirty six participants had the opportunity to set their hands on the frame and print on a paper.  All returned home with great plans in their hearts and minds.

Reported by Sr. Leelamma P.

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Training program: “Detergent” powder

Sep21

Date:                        20th September 2013

Venue:                     Auxilium Convent, Barasat

Purpose:                 Training the poor and the marginalized women to make them

                               self-sufficient.

Resource Team:      Mr. Mir & Mr. Laltu Poddar

No. of participants: 35 women & Mr. Babku from Gobra Image

 

The third day brought more enthusiasm among the women. The programme started with a short prayer asking God’s blessings for the day.

The trainer Mr. Mir said, “The detergent should not be compared with any other brands available in the market as each manufacturer have their own trade secret but the detergent which will be produced today would surely be of a good quality and for domestic use”.

He also cautioned them to use hand gloves and a mask to cover the nose and the mouth and to keep away from children.

One of the participants expressed with joy, “All of us were happy to make and pack the detergent; it is indeed a very good product”.

 Reported by Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil

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