Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

Dec21

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

Nov13

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

Oct3

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

A New Beginning …

Oct3

30 September, 2020, was a unique and unforgettable day for us at Auxilium, Dum Dum. The much cherished initiative of our dear animator, Sr. Stella, to have a new beginning in the community was put into action. The moment of our coming together as a community began in the evening at 5 pm.  The theme “Community gathered in Love by the Father” was well highlighted. Sr. Stella, first and foremost, had a short and meaningful community encounter where she recalled the Constitution Articles on Community life, thereby reminding each sister of her role and the responsibility for the growth of a good and loving community. She distributed a file for each sister with her name and the responsibilities she carries out for the smooth running of the community.

At 6 pm the whole community had a synodal Prayer Service before the Eucharistic Lord. Sr. Stella, our animator introduced the “Commencement of the new beginning” as a moment of Community Communion: a family founded on the presence of the Risen Christ; a family rooted in the Salesian Family spirit, working with optimism and solicitude for the kingdom of God. At this juncture the altar was surrounded with lights, when each sister and each house girl placed a lighted lamp, while the animator exposed the Blessed Sacrament with great reverence and devotion. This was felt as the highest moment of our communion in the Lord.

The apt readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of St. John highlighted the aspect of a community that should work closely united among ourselves and with the Lord. “Remain in me, as I remain in you.” There followed a moment of thanksgiving for each sister that the Lord has placed in this beautiful community. The prayer ended with the hymn “Bind us together, Lord.”

After the photo session the community gathered at the dinner table for a sisterly agape, rejoicing in the Lord who has gathered us together in his name and enjoyed a sumptuous meal together.

We are grateful to our animator, Sr. Stella Potteparambil for her creativity and enthusiasm and the initiative she takes to make our community active, collaborative and synodal.  God bless us all. Sr. Emilia Vas fma                                              

Jubilee for the Earth celebrated

Sep10

“All Creation sings praise to God”. 0n 1 September 2020 Auxilium Convent Dum Dum celebrated the ‘Jubilee for the Earth’ with a short prayer service.  The globe representing the entire creation was garlanded by the provincial Sr. Rose. The animator, Sr. Stella communicated Pope Francis’s message on this occasion. She highlighted that “Everything is connected”, and the jubilee of the earth (1 September – 4 October 2020) is the month during which we are called to renew the relationship with the Creator and all of Creation through celebration, conversion and commitment to our Common Home. A symbolic reminder is kept below the altar to remind us of our pledge to care for the earth as a gratitude to God for His creation.

Sr. Anima Minj

Provincial Team Meet

Sep9

DUM DUM: On 4 September 2020, 14 team members of Kolkata zone gathered at Auxilium Dum Dum. The meeting was organized by the General Co-ordinator, Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel in preparation for the online Provincial Team to be held on 6 September. The meeting began with a hymn to the Holy Spirit followed by the Word of God taken from the letter of St. Paul, exhorting us to clothe ourselves with love and compassion. Sr Rose Ezarath the provincial in her message stressed on the Mandate: I entrust them to you, a commitment of relationship among ourselves and the whole of creation. Sr. Lily outlined some of Pope Francis’ major concerns that guide his ministry of service and his invitation to the church: “Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, protect creation… showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, those in need…”.

The aim of the gathering was to chalk out a tentative program for the annual Provincial Community day and to prepare the province calendar for the year 2020-2021. The team members agreed on the day and theme of the Provincial Community day. It was agreed to celebrate it on 28 October preceded by a month-long spiritual practices with the scope of spiritual renewal of the members of the province. Keeping in mind the celebration of 150th foundation of our Institute and the centenary of the FMA Presence in India, the proposed theme is, “Accepting and living the mandate ‘I entrust them to you’ ”.  Sr. Lily then presented a tentative Province Programme which the members accepted with some modifications. The day’s meeting was concluded with a prayer by the Vice Provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel.

The online meeting held on 6 September was attended by all the team members except one. All the members agreed upon the proposed theme, the weekly practices and other suggestions, with slight modifications in the plans and programme. Since physical gathering would not be possible due to Covid-19, the members suggested conducting only the Vigil Service online, virtual sharing of good nights by the communities as per the prayer list, as well as the festal greetings. Everyone expressed their satisfaction with the programme. The members then thanked Sr. Lily for her effort in making this meeting a successful one.

    Sr. Prema Francis

    AUXILIUM CONVENT SCHOOL, DUMDUM -AUXI MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2020

    Sep2

    The corona virus pandemic has a lot of dark sides. As the youth of today’s world, it is our duty to look at the brighter side of life. Keeping this in mind, we the students of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum with the guidance of our dear Principal Sr. Esther Rani and Teachers organised the 4th edition of AUXIMUN’20. This 2 day event was held on online platforms on 30th August, 2020 and 31st August, 2020. The forms were open for the students of Auxilium Convent School, Bandel and other individuals as well.

    UNEP: “I have been witness to the insurmountable energy of first time delegates.” said Dimitri Mallik the chairperson of the UNEP committee. This committee was considered to be very helpful for research development, writing, public speaking and problem solving skills. The delegate of Oman stated that “Coming up with solutions that are acceptable to a majority of the representatives also inculcated my negotiation skills, conflict resolution and cooperation.”

    UNGA: “These two days were productive for all the participants. The members of the Executive Board were very cooperative.” – Delegate of Nepal. The delegates in this committee learnt a lot about many countries and their cultures. Srija Dutta, the chairperson of UNGA said that “UNGA was a very active and interesting committee all throughout. As the chairperson of the committee she had a wonderful time moderating the debates in the committee.”

    WHO: The Delegate of Israel (Sriparna Nandi, a student of Auxilium Convent School, Bandel) believes that “The experience which we all gathered is priceless. Through this MUN we came to know about the global scenarios regarding the current Pandemic and the measures required to be taken.” The committee was very helpful and it helped all participants and eb members get an idea on how to win over the Covid19 crisis. “This was my first mun. The eb really helped me to learn exactly what a MUN is and how it works…they were friendly and really cooperative” – Delegate of Lebanon.

    Lok Sabha: “Despite being a first timer, I had a very enriching experience in the committee.” The delegates learned about a lot of things that happened in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A.” – Delegation of Sanjay Raut. The Lok Sabha committee was very interactive and interesting. It was considered to be a very real committee. The delegation of Pinarayi Vijayan mentioned that “The 2020 AUXIMUN has been a real and great experience. The committee was well researched and even the first timers had tried their level best to keep up with experienced and polished delegates. The eb was phenomenal and had recognised all the delegates.”

    The Secretary General of AUXIMUN’20 Dimitri Mallik, Past Pupil appreciated the efforts of all the event organizers. She especially thanked Sr. Principal for giving her this wonderful opportunity to come back to her school as the Secretary General for this 4th edition as well as the chairperson for the UNEP committee. She thanked Chehak Agarwal, who in her words was “the backbone of the entire MUN”. Concluding ceremony came to an end by singing ‘O Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good…’

    Student Co-ordinators

    Chehak Agarwal  XII B & Sukham Kaur Sidhu, XII A

    Installation of New Animator at Auxilium Dum Dum

    Aug21

    On 18th August 2020, Auxilium Dum Dum had the ceremony of installation of new animator Sr. Stella Potteparambil. The community gathered at the house entrance to inaugurate the function. The out going animator Sr. Teresa Adampakallel welcomed the incoming animator Sr. Stella with a beautiful garland. In the presence of the community Sr. Rose Ezarath our  provincial handed over the house key to Sr. Stella who symbolically opened the main gate as a sign of authority given to her by God. With the hymn: Enter his gates with thanks giving in your heart… the whole community entered the Chapel led by Sr. Stella. In the Chapel the gesture of placing the key at the feet of Our Blessed Mother with same sentiments of Mary Mazzarello. The community sang a hymn to Mary promising her to be her faithful daughters. A Scripture Passage was read from Ephesians 3:16-21, which highlighted the community as root and foundation of Christ’s love. Sr. Provincial gifted the new animator with a statue of Mary and prayed that she may be always guide and protectress, she also recommended the community to be open and docile to the new animator. At the end like the wedding feast of Cana the new animator poured symbolically the wine of joy, peace and forgiveness in the cup of each Sister, and community sang give thanks with the grateful heart.

    Welcoming New Animator at Auxilium Provincial House, Dum Dum

    Aug21

    The community of Auxilium Dum Dum kept themselves busy preparing for the arrival of new animator. Day after day and week after week the preparation went on till it occurred. Finally on 17th August 2020, we had the joy of welcoming our new animator in the person of Sr. Stella Potteparambil, coming from Auxilium Barasat. The community gave her a solemn welcome at 4.00 p.m. At the entrance of the house a star symbolizing her name, was solemnly placed. Sr. Stella stood in the middle of the star while the significance of this meaningful star was interpreted. The star that illumine the path, that points out towards holiness, the symbol of a leader who directs and the symbol of one who mentors and facilitates. After expressing these virtues of the animator Sr. Stella, was given a star shaped lamp in her hands. She was then accompanied by the Sisters with their rhythmic steps to the altar. Prayer of intercessions for our new animator was animated by Sr. Emilia Vas responding: This is our prayer today may the Lord guide and pave your way…The House Staff concluded these intercessions by the Hail Mary sung in Hindi. The new animator was led to the refectory where the community Sisters sang a welcome song of gladness, everything was geared around the shining stars. The House Staff added to the joy by their melodious rhythmic welcome song and all had sumptuous tea and snacks.

    Jubilee Celebration

    Aug21

    On 9th August 2020, Auxilium Dum Dum solemnly celebrated at Provincial level, the Diamond Jubilee of Sr. Rose Mathew and Sr. Philomena Chirammal from Barasat, Golden Jubilee of Sr. Juliana Rozario from Kalyani and Silver Jubilee of Sr. Jancy Pulickathottiyil from Bandel and her companion Sr. Pushpa Lakra who was in Geyzing and could not be present. The celebration started with the Holy Eucharist presided over by our Parish Priest Fr. Irudaya Raj and co-celebrants Fr. Sudhir Nayak (SS.CC) and Fr. Upendra Nayak the Assistant Parish Priest. Two Sisters each from the nearby communities came to double their joys since it was lockdown due to COVID19 all the Sisters could not attend the celebration. The entrance dance was performed by Sisters and the House Staff leading the joyful and glorious Jubilarians before the altar to their beautifully decorated seats.  The celebration started with an introduction given by Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel on behalf of all present. She highlighted the wonders the Lord has done for these Jubilarians in their Consecrated Religious life. In his homily, the celebrant stressed on the jubilee saying: “Jubilee is the glorious time when you find God in the silence of your heart, walk with Him in faith and when you walk on the Holy Ground”.

    After the homily the Jubilarians renewed their Religious Profession followed by a solemn felicitation with a garland by Sr. Rose Ezarath our Provincial. The prayer of the faithful was solemnly sung by Sr. Emilia Vas. After the communion, the jubilarians were crowned after the singing of “Veni Sponsa Christi” (come Bride of Christ). Later followed the photo session of the Jubilarians in front of the beautifully decorated altar.  

    In the refectory, the Jubilarians were again felicitated with the cutting of the jubilee cake. Sisters and House Staff congratulated them with their melodious songs. Sr. Provincial gifted them with a statute of Mary and other gifts and the different communities presented various gifts. The celebration ended with a fellowship meal. At the end of which the Jubilarians expressed their overflowing joy and thanked the Lord and all those who made their day a memorable one.