- Visit of Rector Major – Auxilium Snehalaya ( New Delhi)
Visit of Rector Major – Auxilium Snehalaya ( New Delhi)
Visit of Rector Major – Auxilium Snehalaya
Workshop on Chid Protection Policy
A Workshop on Child Protection Policy was conducted at the Provincial House, Dum Dum from 29 – 30 September 2015. There were 39 participants. The resource persons for these days were Rev. Father Joe Xavier sj and Sr. Isabella Alphonse FMA of the Chennai province. At the inception we were led to a prayer moment followed by felicitations and a warm welcome to Sr. Isabella and Fr. Joe Xavier. Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath in her keynote address exhorted us live our commitment to the full with a passionate love for the young after the heart of St. Don Bosco so that our mission may be truly fruitful. With a brief brain storming by Fr. Joe, we were made to realise what are child abuses, by whom they were created and the challenges we may encounter to face them so that we could acknowledge them, be aware and how they could be protected.
The baton was then passed to Sr. Isabella who proceeded with the Purpose of the Workshop enabling us understand the FMA-INDIA Child Protection Policy, the Content, Process and the Final Document which was a journey to be viewed globally and nationally with the situation of the Children and the young.
Fr. Joe in his next main session explained in detail: The FMA Child Protection Policy with its Preamble, Guiding Principles, Objectives, General Guidelines for Child friendly Organisational Governance and Complaint Mechanism. He said it is very important to know the Structure of the Complaint mechanism, the role and function of the Child Protection Officer, of Child Protection Committee, the Animator, of the Local Enquiry Committee, Province Enquiry Commission, of the Provincial and the Procedures to be followed in all cases of complaints.
Our next Session led us to group work to take up a mock Session of a child abuse situation and follow the right procedures to be adopted for its protection of the child. We observed the first group’s presentation after which there were interventions from the assembly to share some gaps in the proceedings. It was a great help as Fr. Joe guided us on the right way to go about this case. The second day’s program led us to yet another very important aspect of this workshop ie the Activity Planning Matrix, viewing the overall goal, the objectives, Indicators and the Person/Persons responsible for the activity and the Monitoring. A Core group took care of compiling and synthesising the group work that eventually would be carried out in regard to Child Protection Policy in the Kolkata Province.
Ultimately, we expressed our sincere gratitude to Fr. Joe Xavier and Sr. Isabella for enlightening us on this most needed policy of the day, for their generosity and availability in appropriating this issue in depth to the understanding of each of us. We also extended our grateful thanks to Sr. Rose Ezarath our provincial for extending this golden opportunity for us and helping us get enriched and fortified with the very words of Jesus : “Let the children come unto me for unto them belongs the Kingdom of God.”
Sr. Geraldine Barratt
The Salesian Family Congress South Asia 2015
The Salesian Family Congress of South Asia was held from 26-28 September 2015 at Don Bosco Liluah, Kolkata. 1900 family members participated from 12 groups of the Salesian Family. The Theme of the Congress was “One Family and One Mission”. This mega event was well thought out to commemorate the finale of Don Bosco’s Birth Bicentenary. It was organised by the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia and co-ordinated by Fr. Noel Madhichetty, Salesian Family Delegate South Asia and convened by Fr. Nirmol Gomes, Provincial of Kolkata in collaboration with all the members of the Salesian Family. 112 FMA’s from all the six Provinces of India were part of this memorable celebration. It was an occasion to come together as a Family.
Rector Major Rev.Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, the 10th successor of Don Bosco was accompanied by Fr. Ivo Coelho, the General Councillor for Formation, Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, South Asia Regional Councillor, Fr. Giuseppe Casti, the World Delegate for Salesian Cooperators, and Fr. Horacio López, the Secretary of the Rector Major. All the Salesian Provincials of the South Asia Region too participated in the historical event.
He visited many places such Mother Teresa’s Tomb, Don Bosco Ashalayam, Mirpara and the world headquarters of the Hindu religious order of the Rama Krishna Mission at Belur Math and inaugurated a mural by an alumnus depicting the life and mission of Don Bosco at Don Bosco Liluah. He offered the Holy Eucharist and interacted with the members of the Salesian Family.
On 26th September the inaugural Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Thomas D`Souza of Kolkata with the Provincials of South Asia. This was followed by the felicitation of the various guests and dignitaries. In the afternoon His Excellency the Governor of West Bengal Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi, delivered the inaugural address during which he appreciated the immense service rendered by the Salesian Family and inaugurated the exhibition highlighting the origin and mission of the members of the Salesian Family. Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, the Regional Councillor South Asia delivered the key note address ‘One Family One Mission’. He exhorted the participants to work together as a Salesian family and not as individuals. The long awaited moment arrived at 17:30 hrs the arrival of the Rector Major Rev.Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, the 10th successor of Don Bosco. He was welcomed to the Becchi hall with a traditional dance and later with a floral tribute & a shawl. Mr. Conrad Saldanha co-ordinated the panel discussion participated by the representatives of the Salesian Family which was followed by a cultural programme. At the close of the day Rector Major during the Good Night offered 3 key elements for the Salesian Family in South Asia ‘Respect, Love and Communion’ between the members of the Salesian Family members.
On 27th September, Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil, presided over the concelebrated Eucharist. Archbishop Menamparambil delivered an appealing homily on humility. He invited the audience to be careful when one succeeds and to follow the example of Don Bosco. He also quoted the living example of Pope Francis.
On 28th September, 134 new co-operators were added to the Salesian family by taking the promise during the Eucharistic celebration. As the fruit of the SFC, the gathering drew up the vision statement to work together as one family and to give life and vivacity to the Salesian Family and its mission. “We, the members of the Salesian Family, the disciples of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, rooted in the Eucharist, the Word of God and guided by Mary Help of Christians, imbued with the spirit, mind and heart of Don Bosco, enriched by our diverse, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, respecting the individual identity of each group and in communion with one another, resolutely move forward as mystics in the Spirit, prophets of fraternity and servants of the young, to be at the service of the Church, especially the young who are poor and at risk, and families through mutual collaboration, shared responsibility and accountability”.
The climax of the Bicentenary Celebration of Don Bosco’s birth reached its highest peak on 28th September at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata. The grand finale was attended by civil and religious authorities and the participants of Salesian Family Congress. Students from various Salesian Family institutes offered a cultural fiesta and a musical performance by alumni singers. Rector Major Rev.Fr Ángel Fernández Artime urged the audience to carry on the legacy left by Don Bosco for the young people.
Sr.Mini Chettayil
Salesian Family Congress 2015
Community Day celebration at Thecho (Nepal)
On 18th September 2015, the community of Thecho celebrated the Community Day. The theme of the celebration was “Optimism and Joy”. The festivity commenced with Vigil service and Adoration animated by Sr. Abhai Minj. The Morning Prayer was animated by Sr. Clara with the help of a power point presentation. All entered the chapel for the Eucharistic celebration in procession holding a symbolic leaf. It was handed over to the Animator Sr. Aquila as a sign of our love and unity; she made a bouquet out of it and placed it under the feet of our Blessed Mother. The Holy Mass was solemnized by Fr. Florence Demta SDB and Fr. Jijo Joseph. In his homily he focused on five essential features such as courage, hope, option, happiness and joy that community can offer to each member. He also highlighted about the beauty of living in the community as brothers and sisters in spite of differences in various aspects of our religious life.
To make the community day an unforgettable event boarders and sisters prepared for it for one month. Each week a practice was taken for both girls and sisters to practice it. Every day the entire community prayed for a particular person and in the evening one good quality of the person was spoken of. After the celebration boarders shared their experiences and said, “one month of preparation this year for the community day celebration was unique and singular. We felt some transformation within us. There was so much of joy and family atmosphere” The celebration came to the height with a short cultural programme.
Sr. Maria Goretti
FMA PCI 2015
FMA PCI 2015 was held at Mazzarello Convent, Kodambakkam, Chennai from 1 – 3 September 2015. The theme being, “Communion of Goods and solidarity at the service of the mission”. The resource person and most competent person to deliver the topic was Sr. Vilma Tallone, the Economer General of our Institute and the presiding General councillor was Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil a well-loved and familiar figure.
The PCI was set in motion at early dawn with the soul stirring morning prayer with the theme, “I am the potter and you are the clay” led by the province of Guwahati. The Bangalore province animated the Holy Eucharist with the entrance procession recalling our responsibility to sustain God’s creation with apt commentaries. The celebrant Stanislaus Swamikanu SDB in his talk delineated the theme “communion of goods and solidarity at the service of the mission” with profound insights.
The province of Chennai doled out an impressive welcome ceremony with guard of honour with their impeccable band slow march performance and a cultural extravangza participated by the nearby schools. The inaugural session commenced with welcome address by Sr. Elizabeth George, provincial of Guwahati, the president of the PCI and the keynote address on the theme ,”Broaden your vision! With the young missionaries of hope and joy”delivered by Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil. Later Sr. Vilma Tallone took over the reign of the proceedings of the PCI and through her inspiring talks fired with passion ignited the minds of all present to delve deep into the topic of communion of goods and solidarity at the service of the mission. All through the three days she propelled all present through her stimulating talks, engaging group discussions and general assemblies, motivating each one to be an advocate and witness of the aspect of the communion of Goods and solidarity.
The third day the national coordinators of Formation, Youth Ministry, Education, Media, NDF, youth at Risk presented their reports. The day ended with the a very innovative thanksgiving ceremony organized by the provinces of Mumbai and Guwahati who made tremendous effort to thank each and every one who had contributed to the Success of PCI 2015.
Sr. Stella P.
TEACHERS’ DAY CELEBRATION AT AUXILIUM KURTUMGARH
On 5th September 2015 at 2.30 pm around 60 children of the coaching centre at Kurtumgarh ,Odisha celebrated the Teachers’ day. They expressed their gratitude and love to Srs.Teresa Xalxo, Shanti Tirkey and Sabita Nayak. The chief guest for the celebration was Rev. Fr. Jugal Kishore Digal, the Parish Priest. Students entertained the teachers with their harmonious singing, rhythmic steps and motivating speeches. Fr. Jugal appreciated and congratulated the children for their performance and with few examples he explained to them the value of study and wished them a bright future with God’s blessing. The celebration was concluded honouring Bl. Mother with the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
BOSCO FEST at HC Auxilium Vasant Vihar
As we celebrate the bicentenary of his birth, the H C Auxilium dedicates this fest to our father and founder, Don Bosco: Bosco Fest 2015. An Italian Roman Catholic priest of Latin Church, Don Bosco was born on August 16, 1815. He was an educator and writer of the 19th Century. He devoted his life in finding practical and creative means of responding to the chaotic lives of young people, the juvenile delinquents and worked towards the betterment and education of these disadvantaged youth.
Following his footsteps, HCA had taken the privellege to honour young budding talents, as we truly believe that every child is a genius and all he needs is a window of opportunity to come forward and shine like the stars. The stage was set for 27th & 28th August 2015 and the participants from 20 schools of the Delhi NCR region came forward to exhibit their talent and participate in the grand inter-school competition in the field of Dance drama, International folk dance, and Kaleidoscope which included card making, paper mosiac & graffiti art on the first day. On the second day, they participated to vie for the top positions in Mime, Western solo and band performances.
On this auspicious occasion, the Chief Guest Rev. Fr. K A Joseph sdb, Rector of The Technical School at Najafgarh, addressed the gathering and Declared Bosco Fest 2015 Open. Rev Fr. Cyprian Credo OP, the Parish Priest St. Dominic’s Church, was the Guest of Honour.
The programme commenced with the floral tribute to St Don Bosco by the honourable Chief Guest Fr K A Joseph, the guest of honour Fr. Cyprian, Superior Sr. Ruben, the Principal Sr Celine A, Vice-principal Sr. Karuna, the teacher and a student representative from the participating school teams. This was followed by Bicentennial Anthem presented by the School Choir, a video Don Bosco – the Fascinating Saint was shown to the audience. Thereafter, a skit ‘Dream Of Don Bosco’ was performed by the students of HCA. As per the tradition, the host school presented an item each for the various competitions but did not compete with the guest schools.
We had a panel of esteemed judges from the realm of music and dance to judge the show and give their valuable suggestions to the competitors. The chief guest Fr. Cyprian gave away the prizes.
The Dance Drama Competition was judged by Mr Soubir Mitra, a professional jazz, contemporary, hip-hop and ballet dancer, Mr. Sumeet Jain and Mr. Ryan Kwan, choreographers and dance instructors in The Kingdom of Dreams. To judge International Folk Dance Competition Ms Aarushi Chouhan, the founder member and the president of the Dance Society of DCAC, Delhi University and a trainer in hip-hop and zumba, joined Mr Ryan Kwan and Mr Soubir Mitra.
The Judges for Mime and Western Music Competitions were Mr Yaman Shastri, a lead guitarist in Aryan Band, Mr. Arpan Guhakhakurta, a film personality and founder member of Advaita Band and Mr. Arnab Bhattacharya, a film personality, a professional drummer and the founder of Rock Band Avni.
The first day witnessed the Dance Drama Competition and the results are:
First Position St. Xaviers’ School,
Second Position Presentation Convent School
Third Position Loreto Convent School
The International Folk Dance Competition,
First Position G D Goenka School
Second Position St. Mary’s School, Dwarka
Third Position St. Francis De Sales
The off – stage competition included Card Making, Paper Mosiac and Graffiti Art.
Card Making Competition
First Position St. Francis De Sales
Second Position St. Mary’s School, Dwarka
Third Position St. Georges School, Alaknanda.
Paper Mosiac Competition
First Position St. Francis De Sales
Second Position St. Mary’s School
Third Position Poorna Prajna School.
Graffiti Art Competition
First Position St. Anthony’s School
Second Position St. Mary’s School, Dwarka and
Third Position St. Georges School, Alaknanda
The Second Day had Mime Competition and Western Solo and Band Competition.
Mime Competition
First Position St. Xaviers’ School
Second Position St. Anthony’s School
Third Position St. Mary’s School, Dwarka
Western Solo Performance
First Position St. Georges School, Alaknanda,
Second Position G D Goenka School
Third Position D P S Vasant Kunj
Western Band Competition
First Position St. Francis De Sales
Second Position St. Xaviers’ School
Third Position St. Anthony’s School
The Overall Rolling Trophy was bagged by St. Mary’s School, Dwarka
The Principal Sr. Celine A thanked and expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Guest Rev. Fr. K A Joseph SDB, and Rev Fr. Cyprian Credo OP the Guest of Honour for being there to witness and enjoy the grand programme. She also thanked the participants and extended an invitation for the next year’s function. She appreciated the whole hearted cooperation of the co ordinators, teachers, the school Cabinet, volunteers and all the students in making this Bosco Fest 2015 a grand success.
Ms Rita Bakshi
H.C.Auxilium Vasant Vihar
Sparkling Teachers’ Day celebration in ACS Barasat
On 4th September 2015, Auxilium Convent School Barasat witnessed the grand celebration of Teachers’ Day, where the students acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all the teachers. Teachers were greeted warmly and escorted to the school auditorium by Sr. Principal, Sr. Rose Simon and Sr. Vice principal and all the other sisters of the community. It was an awesome celebration organised by the vibrant class XI with a series of programmes rolling one after the other. Melodious song, fashion show, theatrics, folk dance, mimicry, fusion dance and brain twisting quiz etc. were a token of appreciation given by the school management and students, showing their love and concern for the teachers. 
Behind all the splendour of occasion, Sr. Principal was a driving force and elevated to its zenith when she gifted the teachers a solemn song, with a touch of honour and respect. The programme concluded with a motivating speech by Sr. Rose Simon who expressed great satisfaction and appreciation at the hard work and dedication of teachers on the path of inculcating virtue and knowledge. Words of gratitude were also shared by Ms. Dola Roy on behalf of all the teachers towards the school management and students. The teachers did not fail to give a standing ovation to the mastermind of the celebration Sr. Rosy. Finally a vote of thanks was proposed by a student of class XI with a note of special appreciation for the school authorities, the teaching and non-teaching staff. 
The school management organised for a sumptuous meal and the day remained a memorable one.
Ms. Anindita
Prayer to Mary Help of Christians
Happy Birthday - dear Mother
O Mary, powerful Virgin, Thou art the mighty and glorious protector of the Church; Thou art the marvelous ‘Help of Christians’; Thou art terrible as an army in battle array; Thou alone hast destroyed every heresy in the whole world. In the midst of our struggles, our anguish, and our distress, defend us from the power of the enemy and at the hour of death, receive our souls into Paradise. Amen.”
– Don Bosco
FMA INC News Update 