Joy to the world! The Lord is come ! Christmas Celebration in the FMA Communities of Kolkata Province
Webinar on Salesian Family Spirit
In the 2rd Year of Preparation for the 100th anniversary of FMA presence in India (1922-2022), the PCI (Provincial Conference of India) has as its theme “Accept the mandate: I entrust them to you. To revive the Salesian family spirit and strengthen community communion.” To deepen the theme, the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Calcutta (INC) conducted four Webinars in four groups for the 150 Sisters of the Calcutta Province from 5-7pm., on 24 July, 14 August, 28 August and 11 September 2021. The four speakers of the webinar developed the following four topics: Family Spirit as lived at Valdocco; Family Spirit as lived in Mornese; Family Spirit as delineated in the Constitutions; Family Spirit as lived by the first FMA missionaries in India.
Sr Francesca Ekka, Sr Deepa Minj, Sr Rosy Veliyan and Sr Maria Goretti Ekka were the speakers of the first webinar participated by 48 Sisters and Novices. Sr Francesca took the group to Becchi and Valdocco where Don Bosco and Mamma Margaret created a family atmosphere for the boys to grow as in a family while the second speaker Sr Deepa highlighted the Mornese spirit as the three YES of Mary Mazzarello, Yes to Life, Yes to Faith and Yes to Suffering. The third speaker Sr Rosy stressed on the Constitutions as a sure guide to holiness while Sr Maria Goretti spoke of the first missionaries who were sisters and mothers to everyone.
For the 2nd group of Sisters the resource persons were Sr Mary Ekka, Sr Aquila Phawa, Sr Nirmala Tigga and Sr Maria Pettayil. They too dealt with the four topics elaborately and expounded their reflections to the group. Sr Mary focused on the Preventive system practiced by Don Bosco, Sr Aquila enlightened on Mornese the house of the love of God while Sr Nirmala Tigga underscored the elements of the Family Spirit, and Sr Maria emphasized on Sr Maria Avio as an exemplary FMA who lived the family spirit to the full.
Srs Mary John, Aruna Kispotta, Shanti Tirkey and Teresa Pulickathadathil the speakers of the 3rd group too dwelt with the topics extensively. Sr. Mary John took the participants for an online picnic to Valdocco exhorting the listeners to create a home where everyone felt loved; Sr. Aruna gave practical tips on how to build the family Spirit; Sr. Shanti had an interactive session delving deeply into the articles of the Constitutions pertaining to Family Spirit while Sr.Teresa stressed on the practice of family spirit lived by our pioneering sisters especially Sr.Cesira Gallina.
The resource persons for the 4th webinar, Srs Prema Lourdu Francis, Basanti Ekka, Emilia Vas and Lucy Kachira led the group to re-discover the family atmosphere that reigned in Valdocco and Mornese and are permeated in our Rules and in the life of our first sisters. Sr Prema took the audience to Valdocco the cradle of the family spirit followed by Sr Basanti who underscored the importance of practicing the family spirit among the sisters and girls. Sr Emilia stressed on the aspects that make up our family spirit as mirrored in our Constitutions while Sr Lucy invited the group to follow the example of the pioneer missionary of the northeast Sr Clotilde Appiano who weathered all types of difficulties of the beginnings living her motto, “to give and not to count the cost”.
All the 16 speakers made the concepts penetrate the minds and hearts, by their vivid presentation and innovative methods. The webinar was a strong invitation to carry forward the rich and beautiful heritage that we have received from Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello and the pioneers and to continue to make it bear fruit today and in the years to come. “Family spirit, the creative outpouring of Don Bosco’s heart, must characterize all our communities and requires the commitment of everyone”, was stressed by all the speakers unanimously. The resource persons were chosen from the Sisters of the province. Srs Stella Potteparambil, Celine Alexander, Rosalia Tirkey and Teresa Adampakallel were the Moderators of the webinar co-ordinated by Sr Lily Perumpettikunnel the General Co-ordinator of the province.
Thanksgiving and Installation
So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him’ (Numbers 27:18).
FMA INC Kolkata had the same biblical experience on 23rd and 24th of June. At the close of the six-year term the province felt indebted to thank the outgoing provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath with an evening get together both offline and online due to the pandemic situation. The service consisted of thanksgiving prayer service prepared by the media coordinator Sr. Celine Alexander was sent to all the communities to be live streamed at 5p.m. This was followed by expressions of thanks by the communities compiled by Sr. Clara Saminathan and the Google meet coordinated by the General Coordinator Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel during which the vice provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel appreciated Sr. Rose Ezarath for her endearing service marked by dynamism, love and caring for sisters of varied ages, and strengthening of prayer life. As an expression of gratitude the province offered a spiritual bouquet of prayers and sacrifices in thousands, represented in basket of flowers. The cutting of the cake and thanksgiving song witnessed by all the communities online sent vibes of gratitude from all 25 communities to dear Sr. Rose. The communities in attendance offered gifts, bouquets, cards and gifts to Sr. Rose expressing their heartfelt gratitude. The zenith of the day’s ceremony was the sumptuous dinner prepared by the community of Dum Dum and enjoyed by all, escalated the family spirit.
24th June 2021 was a memorable day in the annals of FMA INC Kolkata when the 7th provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil was given the realm of the province. The day began with Morning Prayer prepared by Sr. Regina Adampakallel seeking blessing on Sr. Leelamma delineating the charism of a leader after the Good Shepherd. The Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Joseph Pauria Sdb the provincial and four concelebrants commenced with an entrance dance by the aspirants followed by the handing over ceremony comprised of thanksgiving to Sr. Rose Ezarath, reading of decree of appointment of Sr. Leelamma as the 7th provincial of INC Kolkata, handing over the symbolic tree representation of INC Kolkata and seeking the blessings on Sr. Leelamma anchored by Sr. Stella. The Celebrant in his homily drew our attention to the two Mornesian symbols inviting each of us to be infiltrated with the spirit of the origins. After the Mass there was a short felicitation ceremony in the provincial hall followed by Breakfast.
By Sr. Stella Potteparambil FMA
A glimpse from the courageous ‘yes’ of the young people to the Lord “ Here I am you called me” on 24 May 2021
Expression of gratitude to God for the gift of His call ” Come and follow me”
Felicitation of the Perpetually Professed
Renewal of the Religious Profession at Auxilium- Aspirantate, Barasat
It’s Faith Formation
Three days Catechetical Seminar was held at Auxilium Bandel from 2nd to 5th January 2021. It was organized by Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel the Coordinator of Catechetical sector. Rev. Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB was the recourse person. 28 sisters from Kolkata zone participated in the seminar and benefited by it.
On the first day in the introductory talk Fr. gave brief description about the Catechesis and its role in the church. What is Catechesis?
God’s way of life
It’s a vocation
It’s sharing of faith
It’s faith formation
Spirituality of Religious
An Identity of Religious
It’s a Mission of Consecrated life
Second day’s session preceded with the topic “Art of Catechesis”, where Fr. explained about the origin, definition and task of the Catechesis. He also gave brief history of the Catechesis and shared knowledge about the various catechism books that were introduced in the church; Compendium, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church (Youcat) Theology of the Body (Docat).
He spoke in length about the content of Catechesis that are: Creed, Sacraments, Commandments and Prayer which are also known as 4 pillars of the Church. At the end of the session, he gave us some methods & guidelines how to make Catechism classes more interesting, innovative and lively.
On the third day he explained about “Communicating Faith” in the present and post pandemic, where he stressed about finding new way out of Catechizing through family prayer, social media, newspaper with Bible, jumbled Bible story, action songs, riddle etc.
Session was very educational, innovative and persuasive. All the participants are stimulated to be a vibrant religious Catechesis today.
Days of deeper encounter with the Lord
BANDEL: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, be thankful in all circumstances (1st Thessalonians 5:6-8)
The 26 sisters from Kolkata zonal commenced their annual spiritual retreat at Auxilium Convent Bandel from 26th December 2020 to 2nd January 2021.The preacher of the retreat was none other than vibrant Fr Biji Thomas SDB. Sr Rose Ezarath the provincial welcomed the retreatants and encouraged to have a deeper encounter with the Lord during this time of grace and assured all of her prayers. It was indeed a good start as we began it with the Holy Eucharist. From the very beginning the retreatants were helped to prepare themselves meaningfully for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The entire retreat was centred around personal holiness, love for God and neighbour, stressing more on prayer life, community living, vocation and mission which are all expression of Giving Jesus to other and thus saving souls, supporting his views for the Scripture. The Old Testament and the New Testament were interconnected well for better understanding so as to delve into the depth of oneself.
Fr Biji dealt systematically the aforementioned points. Speaking of holiness he said that the basic awareness of the fact is that we are worthless and what we can’t learn in humility the Lord will teach us in humiliation. The grace of God is necessary in each of us which is equivalent to unjustified suffering and God. As he spoke of community life he focused on Love for neighbour which is indicated in owning up every sister in the community and to value them as St Paul says in Romans 15:1 we who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. He concluded saying we are convinced to keep our focus on where we need to focus and not to turn back, for the Lord knows how to provide if only we give Him a chance.
We gratefully acknowledge the valuable Salesian goodnights given by our provincial Sr Rose Ezarath from Constitutions, Circulars, family news and reminders. The day always ended with a good thought. We are privileged to conclude our Annual Spiritual retreat at the Balcony of the Basilica of Our Lady of Bandel with the Holy Eucharist.
We thank Sr Provincial for blessing us with this opportunity of making this spiritual renewal possible in a new normal way during this pandemic. Our gratitude and love to Sr.Rosy and the community of Bandel for their great hospitality and goodness in providing the best for our stay.
The retreatants
Look to Him and be Radiant
NEW CHUMTA: 14 sisters from North Bengal gathered at Auxilium New Chumta for their Annual Retreat. The retreat started on 27th December 2020 and was concluded on 3rd January 2021. Rev. Fr. Albert Kujur and Br. Kenneth Karan Pradhan were the facilitators of the retreat. The Theme of the retreat was Ps. 34:5 “Look to Him and be radiant”.
On the first day the theme was centered on the “Word of God – the Word made flesh.” In the afternoon Br. Kenneth reflected on the three steps to reach heaven: “Read, eat and do – live the Word. The Word of God has to be alive through us and people have to read the Scripture through our lives. He spoke on forgiveness and also the authority given to all to bind and cast all kinds of evil spirits at the feet of Jesus on the Cross. During adoration he animated the sisters to forgive the persons who have offended and the family members, ancestors and family tree. All the sisters openly and freely tried to forgive the offenders in the name of the Lord. On the second evening there was inner healing session during adoration and brother explained about the inner wounds which can be healed only by Jesus. Six areas – body, soul, mind, family, finance and demoniac power needs inner healing. There are various signs and reasons for inner wounds. Sisters were made aware of one’s inner wounds before experiencing healing. On the third day there was the meaningful Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some other topics dealt with were sin, eternal life, Mother of God, Holy Spirit and Holy Eucharist and the references made were mainly from the Word of God and the Constitutions. During his last session Br. Kenneth spoke on Holy Spirit: The characteristics of the Holy Spirit giving reference from the Scripture; the Holy Spirit makes us holy, the holiness of life, for which we are called and set apart. We ask for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit but we should ask for the gift of holiness. In the evening there was the infilling of the Holy Spirit session and all the sisters were anointed and received some gifts and charism. At the end sisters were made to reflect how to know the will of God while decision making. While making decision if the heart is at ease then it is the will of God. The Holy Spirit has to be allowed and given space to work in the daily life.
The retreat ended with the Holy Eucharist on 3rd January morning. The reading and reflecting the Word of God in depth enabled the sisters to have very enriching experience and also the meditations on various aspects of Constitutions articles helped to have better understanding of the Constitutions. Indeed after infilling and anointing of the Holy Spirit sisters had Pentecostal experience and were determined to live their commitment with much fervor and enthusiasm. Finally they expressed their gratitude to Rev. Fr. Albert Kujur and Br. Kenneth Karan Pradhan for being channels of God’s blessings during the retreat. They also expressed their gratitude to Sr. Superior and the community members for their hospitality and providing all their needs during their stay at New Chumta.
Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum Celebrates Diamond Jubilee
Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum celebrated its much awaited Diamond Jubilee (1960-2020) in a modest yet meaningful way maintaining the prescribed safety protocol on the 19th of December, 2020. The programme was held in the School Hall in the presence of about thirty people including distinguished guests, Sisters, teachers, students and Parents representative as per the demands of the new normal.
The Auxilium family was extremely fortunate to have Rev. Fr. Dr John Felix Raj, SJ, the Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata as Chief Guest on the glorious occasion and Rev. Sr Rose Ezarath, FMA, the Provincial of the Kolkata Province as Guest of Honour.
The programme commenced at 11:00 am and was live streamed on the School’s YouTube channel for the teachers, students, parents, past pupils and other members of the Auxilium family who had to partake of the celebration virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. A colourful‘Welcome Dance’performed by the students set the tone of the programme. The Chief Guest and the other distinguished guests were felicitated with uttorios and bouquets. The ceremonial lamp was lit and the Almighty’s blessings were invoked through a prayer and a dance. This was followed by the Diamond Jubilee Song that was composed and sung by the High School students.
Sr. Stella Devis, FMA, Secretory of our School accorded the august assembly and the larger online audience a warm welcome in her Welcome Address. Sr. Stella traced the journey of the school that began on 15th January 1960 and cited how it has been driven by the spirit of its patrons St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello.
Rev. Sr. Esther Rani Abraham, FMA, Principal of our School, presented the Diamond Jubilee Report which traced the ascent of the school in both challenging and conducive conditions in the last six decades. The report made viewers both virtual and real nostalgic and inspired the Auxilians of today to carry on the legacy left behind by their seniors.
The Diamond Jubilee Report was followed by the presentation of the School Report- (2020-2021) by the School Captain. The reports were interspersed by dances, both Eastern and Western that expressed the joy of the Auxilium family at having crossed the Diamond Jubilee mark.
The Honourable Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, congratulated the entire school community on the completion of sixty spirited years. Father, in his stimulating address, explained to the students the difference between the words ‘like’ and ‘love’ in the context of their relationship with their alma mater. He reinforced that to love one’s school actually meant to embrace its spirit, to emulate its steadfastness and emerge as embodiments of its motto ‘Virtue and Knowledge’.
Christmas, being round the corner, the programme was concluded by a tableau depicting the Nativity scene and a few Christmas carols. The Senior School Coordinator, Mrs.Sharmila Biswas delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Management, Sisters, Staff and Students.
This, however, was just an account of the programme presented on the 19th of December 2020. The pandemic failed to dampen the desire of the other students, whose items could not be presented on the 19th due to Covid 19 restrictions, to present a tribute to their alma mater on its sixtieth birthday. A few students from every class right from Class Nursery to Class Twelve presented an item which was shot in the school and would be uploaded on the school’s YouTube channel and its social media account. This ensemble of songs, dances, skits, recitations and power point presentations display the indomitable spirit of the students. Despite adverse circumstances, every member of the Auxilium family strived to make the school’s Diamond Jubilee a memorable one exemplifying Mother Mazzarello’s simple yet striking words in one of her letters, “To be cheerful we must go ahead in simplicity…”
Miss. Janelle Rodrigues, Teacher
Towards the FMA India centenary – Rejuvenating Salesian Pedagogy
A Webinar on Salesian Pedagogy was held at PCI level as a part of the preparation for the centenary celebrations of FMA presence in India (1922 – 2022), 4-7 November 2020. As scheduled earlier, it was organized by Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani (INK) and Sr. Stella Potteparambil (INC) as coordinators of the “Renewal Committee” of the Centenary. 12 communities each from the seven FMA provinces of India participated (about 600) in the webinar which was held between 5.00-6.30pm daily.
On the first day, in the introductory talk the PCI President Sr. Margaret Amalanathan accentuated to keep our attention on the theme “I entrust them to you”, “They too are my children”, as we journey towards the Mega Jubilee of 100 years of FMA presence and 150th of the founding of the Institute. While explaining the salesian pedagogy as it is lived today, she quoted the words of Jean Duvallet to young Salesians: “You have works, colleges, and oratories for the young, but you have only one treasure: the pedagogy of Don Bosco. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil the Visiting councillor’s keynote address dwelt on the pedagogy of Pope Francis summarizing in three words: Freedom, Responsibility and Love and highlighting the words of St. Francis de Sales, “good education is already half holiness”. The resource person of the first day was Sr. Nirmala Mummadi (INK) who spoke on the topic “Preventive system of Don Bosco”. She explained in detail the essential elements and the application of the Preventive System stressing on Reason, Religion and Kindness aimed at developing a spirituality within the student, with the hope of exposing the student towards an opportunity to respond to God’s call.
On the second day the introductory talk was delivered by Sr. Celine Jacob the provincial of INK Bangalore who presented St. Mary Mazzarello in her four stages of maturation in Christian and consecrated life. Sr. Elizabeth George the provincial of INS Shillong ascertained that Pedagogy of Don Bosco was the synthesis of his experiences, thoughts and reflections which were crystallized into his pastoral action. She propounded that the Salesian pedagogy is relevant even today as we have one element in common, that of being a society in crisis. Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani (INK) the resource person of the day theoretized the Salesian pedagogy lived by St. Mary Mazzarello and the first sisters of Mornese and Nizza elucidating the following elements: Origin of Salesian Pedagogy in the FMA world, Pedagogical style of St. Mary Mazzarello and her didactics in dealing with the young.
After the usual inaugural prayer on the third day, Sr. Rose Ezarath the provincial of INC Kolkata pinpointed Don Bosco’s rich heritage and his lasting legacy to his sons and daughters. To respond to the profound needs of the young people whom we meet today in the midst of this pandemic, we need to be FMA according to the Heart of Jesus, the Good shepherd, she said. Sr. Rita Dora Thomas the provincial INB Mumbai challenged the assembly to build efficacious educational relationship with the youth of today in a complex social reality that is very fragmented. The young need foundations, convictions and support of the Educator who can help them to build themselves as persons and to value their own capacities, she added. Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel (INC) the resource person of the day took the assembly to the historical bylanes of Don Rua presenting him as a replica of Don Bosco in living the salesian pedagogy and its spirituality. She summarized the figure of Don Rua who was the “the most faithful, the most humble and the most valiant of the sons of Don Bosco”, under three aspects: Don Rua: a Charismatic Figure of Don Bosco; A Kind and Loving Rector to his Boys and Confreres; A Fatherly Figure to the FMA.
The Last day 7 November commenced with the opening prayer followed by the address of Sr. Nirmala Lazar the chairperson of the Centenary celebration committee. She invited the FMA India to relive the slogan of the centenary year 1972 given by Mother Ersilia Canta, ”At 100 we need to be reborn”. FMA India was privileged to have Sr. Runita Borja the General Councillor for Youth pastoral to address on this occasion. She shared her personal reading of the Wedding at Cana in a Salesian educator’s perspective. Sr. Runita illustrated the important elements of the Salesian spirituality which we are called to keep present in our educational environments and to help our young people to live: Joy and optimism in our daily life; Friendship with Jesus and Mary; Responsible service and Communion. Sr. Stella Potteparambil, the resource person of the last day, dealt on the exhortations of Mother Ersilia Canta, the fifth successor of Mother Mazzarello, drawing inspiration from her circulars which speak of the Preventive System spirituality. Sr. Stella unfolded the maternal heart of Mother Ersilia who wanted her daughters to commit themselves to the vital study and assimilation of the preventive system so that the educative Charism of Don Bosco may be realized and practiced as a response to various situations.
On all the four days of the webinar the participants were given time for sharing their insights on the topic and every province took turns for facilitating the prayer moments and to express sentiments of gratitude to the animators of the day. As a fitting conclusion, the PCI president thanked profusely all those who have contributed richly towards the success of the virtual platform on Salesian Pedagogy. All the participants appreciated the days of study and reflection, and were enthusiastic to journey onward with Mary towards the second year in preparation for the FMA India centenary as well as the 150 of the foundation of our Institute!
Sr. Stella Potteparambil
Commencement of the Month of the Holy Rosary at Auxilium Dum Dum
The month of the Holy Rosary had a spectacular beginning. You may ask, why? The creative mind and touch of our animator, Sr. Stella, lighted up the pedestals of our Blessed Mother Mary, in and outside the house, wherever her statue is found; A crown of stars, an arch of colourful lights, a decoration with flowers and pots; all to adorn the Heavenly Queen. Yes, to begin the month of the Holy Rosary, Mary was made visible everywhere so that we can invoke her and greet her more often. All the sisters and the house girls were each given different Mysteries of the Rosary to pray personally so as to make a living chain which each one will offer completing each day as many Rosaries as possible. The daily Community Rosary is also animated by each sister and the girls, with special creativity and initiative. Thus, Mary will have a special place in our prayer moments during this special month. We pray for all the special needs of our Province, of our Institute and the world at large, in particular for the end of the pandemic COVID -19.
Sr. Emilia Vas fma
FMA INC News Update 