Month of  the Holy Rosary

Nov7

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To conclude the beautiful month dedicated to our Blessed Mother of the Holy Rosary, Holy Mass was offered at the grotto of Our Lady at Matpara village at 6.30 a.m. Together with the parishioners, sisters from Auxilium, Kalyani and boarders participated in it to express their love and devotion to her. In the evening at 5 p.m. there was an hour of adoration at the Church followed by a candle light procession round the whole village as the Holy Rosary was being prayed for many intentions, hymns sung to honor and praise our blessed Mother. Besides this the entire month had a special place praying the Rosary with greater devotion and love for Mary. Daily, sisters from Auxilium, Kalyani prayed the Rosary in different families which was an encouragement for the people. On 29th October, 40 women folk including a few children prayed the Rosary at Auxilium Kalyani with devotion, singing hymns praising the glories of Mary. Indeed we all could acclaim: “All ends well that has begun well”. So it was with Mary our dear Blessed Mother at the start of this great month.  What marvels Mary has worked for us, indeed we are glad, blessed and holy be Her name.

NCP Annual meet 2015

Nov4

NCP. It was indeed a mesmerizing sight on 30th October 2015 at Auxilium Bandel with 103 NCP ( Neighbourhood Children Parliament) students and 15 animators from Kolkata zone consisting of Bandel, Barasat, Monsada, Kalyani, Gobra and Dum Dum. The day started with a meaningful physical training conducted by Sr. Leelamma and the animators of Bandel which was followed by a prayer moment by Sr. Sherley. The formal welcoming and the inauguration began at 8.30 am with lighting of the lamp by the superior of Bandel, Sr.Elizabeth, Sr. Teresa, Mr. Bikas Lakra and two NCP children.

The resource person of the training was KSSDS staff from Barasat, Mr.Debarshi Bhowmick who dealt the role anNCPd the goals of NCP and also briefed out the role of different ministers of NCP such as: Prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, Education Minister, Environment Minister, Health Minister, Sports & culture and Finance Minister. Later he explained at length the servant leadership. In his speech he brought forward the meaning of servant leadership and the ways to implement it. He focused on the need to Give, Gain and Grow and quoted that, “to be a leader you need to be a slave first”. He also brought forward some motivational stories of Gandhiji, Swami Vivekananda and APJ kalam. The second half was for their workshop where all the students took an active participation. The day ended with a meaningful Holy Mass and the Rosary to conclude the month of Mary.

The next day’s resource person was Ms. Chumki Sengupta, the Past Pupils president of Dum Dum Unit. She highlighted the aspects of child rights, safety and protection.

The most important programme was the candle prayer procession in which the children took an active participation. Filled with joy and NCP..enthusiasm they went around the campus of Auxilium, Bandel. The day came to an end with the cultural programme were all the children from different centres participated and presented dance, song and skits as per the theme. The eye catcher of the programme was the morning mass held at Bandel church, were all the children went and prayed and also got the scope to take a tour of the whole church. The day concluded with the prize distribution where all the winners and participants received prize.

The conclusion of the Rosary Month

Nov4

RosaryOn 31 October 2015, to mark the closing of the month of the Rosary the Sacred Heart Novitiate community prayed the Rosary with the Catholic families of Colossi Nagar. It was edifying to witness the participation of all the young and old to praise our Blessed Mother. The candle lit procession went around the village chanting and praying to our Blessed Mother.

After the Rosary Sr. Mukta Kerketta exhorted the people to pray the Rosary in their families daily, and concluded saying “a family that prays together stays together”. She also reminded them to frequent the Holy Mass and to receive the sacraments fervently. As we were on the eve of the feast of all the Saints she urged one and all that we are called to become saints by our simple and ordinary way of life.

Three essential aspects for a happy living: Faith, Prayer and Trust in God

Nov3

retreat 2The spiritual retreat for the Catholic students of Auxilium Convent School Barasat commenced on 31st October 2015 at 8.45 am.and ended with holy Mass on 1st November at 1.30 pm. Altogether 43 students participated actively in the spiritual retreat preached by Rev. Fr. Eugene Kujur SDB the Vice Principal of Don Bosco School Liluah. He instilled awareness of the fact that human being are both spiritual /Divine and human. Therefore it is the prime duty to take care of both human body and the spiritual aspect else one will become handicap and will always be limping. The balance between human and spiritual aspect will make a person a balanced person. Through his simple talks and sharing of various experiences he invited the students to develop three important things in life; prayer, faith and trust in God in order to lead a happy life. He stressed on the fact of being true to oneself as God has created human beings in His likeness and image. Nothing can add the beauty in the creation of God neither cosmetics nor plastic surgery. Accepting oneself as the unique creation is the only one thing which makes a person contented. Respect for oneself and for others is essential and to love someone means to be ready to make sacrifices and also be ready to be betrayed as Jesus was betrayed by his own chosen ones.He also challenged them with the fact that the change is a painful process but it is indispensable to attain happiness. One needs to make a right choice for life and also need to have a spiritual guide who can support constantly in order to make right choices in life. One’s vocation has to be followed and also believe in oneself to be someone and to do something great in life. The students were given much help through talk and Taize prayer to prepare themselves to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They had two long hours to put forward their queries and the preacher tried to clarify their doubts. Many of them asked various doubts regarding the Scripture and others about the present situations in the societies. In this way they had not only prayer experience but also the opportunity to ask and clarify many teenagers’ doubts and clarifications.retreat 1 The feast of all Saints day was another invitation to cooperate with God’s grace in attaining sanctity and be grateful to the saints who intercede for the various needs of the world. In this way they had a wonderful opportunity to develop their conviction and conscience to be happy here and in the life to come. They expressed gratitude towards father and sisters for this wonderful occasion for the development of faith.

Sr. Basanti fma

The conclusion of the Rosary Month

Nov2

Our LadyThe closing of the month of October was done with great solemnity at Auxilium Barasat.   An assembly of devotees about 120, the boarders, catholic students who were making the retreat, the aspirantate community, the Bethany novices and sisters, neighbouring catholic families  gathered to honour our Blessed mother through the recital of the Rosary at 6 p.m.  The beautifully decorated float of Our Lady on the cycle cart was a great attraction and enkindled in all awe and great love.  As the float moved ahead in front, the devotees with lit candles looked at her glowing image reciting the Rosary.  Rosary..The   procession started with a beautiful introduction and continued with   the commentary on each mystery, intentions, recital and singing of the aves in different languages, appropriate hymns in between and intoning of the litany.  The procession ended near the statue on the portico of the residence where all the placed the lit candles before the litany. Everyone who participated in the rosary expressed their appreciation for the organization of this beautiful homage to our blessed Mother. Rosary

All Saints Day

Nov1
Saints.....

The call to holiness excludes no one. November 1 heralds a time of serious reflection and prayer with the Saints and Blesseds of our Catholic tradition. Holiness is not a gift reserved for a few. We can all aspire to it, because it is a goal within our capacity (Lumen Gentium Ch. V).

saints

To be a Saint just carry out your God given responsibilities whole heartedly, for love of God and the needy, one day at a time.

Wow Sundarbans !!!!!

Oct30

SundarbansOn 19th October 2015 the community of Auxilium Barasat, house staff and office staff set out for Basanti at 6.45am and the journey became very pleasant with prayers, rosary, singing hymns and songs. The fishery ponds, paddy field all along the way gave pleasure to the eyes and the white and pink lotus delighted the soul. At the arrival at Sonakhali at 9.30am a Motorboat was waiting there. And as soon as boarded the boat it began its journey towards Sajnekhali via Gosaba. For some it was a first experience in the water and for others a distinctive experience in the confluence of several rivers flowing from different directions for seven hours. There were lots of fun, games and photo sessions.Sundarbans 2 Each and every event in the boat added a wonderful experience in the mind and memory of every one. Whole day in the midst of rivers yet there was no trace of fear or anxiety of any danger because the hand of God and His presence was powerfully felt. The tourist guide and others in the host boat were very friendly who reached out in all the needs. Indeed the beauty of Sundarbans and the desire to have a glance of Bengal royal Tigers kept everyone alert, eyes fixed towards the mangrove. Some felt unlucky as no tigers were around others were relieved as there was the fear of tiger attack. The mixed feelings were expressed in one way or the other by different persons. Altogether seven hours in the boat indeed filled the hearts with owe at the wonderful creation of God.

Sr. BasantiFma

ALL INDIA ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS (AINACS)

Oct29

AINACS..The 48th National Convention of AINACS was held at Leonia Holistic Destination, Hyderabad from  22nd  – 25th October 2015. Sr. Inocencia Jojo and Sr. Rosy Veliyan took part in the Convention.

The four days of convention had its theme “Educators as Protectors of Child Rights”. At the inaugural function the Chief Guest Mr. Raymond Peter, I.A.S. Principal Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Govt. of Telengana highlighted the need of the hour and the importance of protecting children as educators of the 21st century. The Guest of Honour Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignatios Chairman for Education and Culture, CBCI stressed on the attitude of Christthe Good Shepherd, taking care of the flock entrusted with in every Christian Institution.

The following three days were saturated around the theme of the convention.  Fr. Edward Thomas sdb, Child Protection Activist from Hyderabad, spoke about the child protection mechanism and he said that ‘Attitude is everything’. Attitude is formed by knowledge and skill. Education in every Catholic school should consist of Nine Developmental goals:

  • Physical development
  • Intellectual development
  • Spiritual growth / development
  • Psychological development
  • Social development
  • Political development
  • Economic development
  • Cultural development and
  • Ecological / Environmental development.

AINACSAnother important session was conducted by Mr. Arul Subramaniam, a NLP (Nero Linguistic Programming) Master Trainer & Coach. He convinced the participants with his principles and experience. He said, “the way we think influences the way we feel; the way we feel influences the way we behave & communicate; the way we behave & communicate influences the quality of our life and relationships”.  By the end of the convention all the participants, 560 in total, believe that as educators our prime duty and responsibility is to safeguard the children in every institution. Though it entails multi-risking process and well-programmed planning, the safety of our children is our prime concern.

ICYM Regional Youth Convention

Oct28

Youth Convention..On 19th –  22nd October  IV  ICYM Regional Youth Convention  was held in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Raiganj Diocese. It was organized by Regional Youth Commission. The theme of the Convention was “Touched by Jesus, Walking His way”. ICYM from 8 dioceses of West Bengal & Sikkim Region around 500 participated in this convention. From our diocese (Krishnagar) 60 youth along with 4 animators participated. We reached Raiganj around 9am on 19 Oct.  At, 2 pm there was inaugural Mass, celebrated by Rev. Bishop Vincent Aind (Diocese of Bagdogra), after which there was a flag hoisting and inaugural ceremony. During the inaugural session, before declaring the “Youth Convention open” the Rev. Bishop Aind exhorted the youth saying that they are the future of the church, and this is the time to rejuvenate their faith in Jesus. The Thrusts of this Convention were Youth to Youth Evangelization, Youth Empowerment, Socio Political Leadership and Media Advocacy. As per the thrusts, different spoke persons were invited to give the presentation on above mention topicsYouth Convention

On the second day of the program Rt. Rev. Bishop Syprian the chairman of West Bengal & Sikkim Region was the chief guest of the day. In his short talk he appreciated and encouraged the youth for corresponding in big numbers. He also appealed to the youth to keep the church alive and vibrant. This convention was a great enrichment for all those who participated in it. Sr. Alma Bilung, Devraj Gomes and Sita represented the group from Kalyani parish.

Sr. Alma Bilung  (Kalyani )

Formation of Formators

Oct23

42 participants  from 25 religious congregations working in various parts of the country took part in a 10 day course on the theme “ Formation of Formators.” It was from 10th October – 20th October.  at CRI House New Delhi. It was a very comprehensive and meticulously planned  programme to equip the participants to accompany the formees who would live the legacy handed down to  make their lives something beautiful for God. Sr. Lily D’Souza, Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, Sr. Rosalia Tirkey and Sr. Lucy Manookulangkara were privileged to be a part of this programme.

SeminarThe seminar began with an inspiring power point on psalm139, “You are never alone” which highlighted that God has planned every detail of our life and nothing is accidental. Gathering everyday around the Eucharistic celebration was truly meaningful and life giving.

The sessions were thought provoking. Every input session was coupled with examples of daily life experiences and situations lived by religious today. The audiovisuals made the sessions interesting and innovative. The topics dealt with were relevant, practical, informative; motivational which spurred the participants to be Prophets of today. Some of them are mentioned below: Lessons from experience, Stakeholders in formation, Stages of formation, Qualities required in a formator, Aspects of formation, Atmosphere for formation,Formation for Emotional maturity, Handling negative emotions,Personality types and disorders, Counseling and spiritual disorders, Formation in India : the rhetoric and formation, Pope Francis on religious life and formation, Psycho – sexual integration; celibacy, Spirituality and prayer, Cultural Issues, Assessment, Bible and formation, Discernment

Besides many eminent speakers and resource persons, Fr. Joe Mannath sdb had a giant role to play for this course. With a great sense of humor interspersed with  unending jokes and wits which made his sessions lively and interesting and our stay comfortable and enjoyable with his team.

 Enthused by the course the formators   committed themselves to daily find  time to come apart and  rest awhile in the company of the Lord. So that His grace would energize each one to handle any situation and not be like those   digital religious who when God calls; many are found   outside coverage area, too busy, with many missed calls or often switched off .

Departing   the  participants surely carried home the messages: Be human, be holy, Living  the ordinariness of life with the sense of the sacred, seeing problems as opportunities, seeing competence coming from God, celebrating celibacy, allowing  God to do greater things through us and making our atmosphere filled with sunshine, joy and love  so that the candidates whoever desires will come, see and stay offering their joyful “ yes” of their  life of Consecration.