Feast of Mary Immaculate

Dec10

On 8th December at Mazzarello Convent the Feast of Mary Immaculate was solemnized in a grand way. Morning liturgy was prepared by Sr. Lucy Tirkey. She helped the community to recall the significant events that took place on this date in the life of Don Bosco on 8th December such as:

1842 –  Meeting with  Bartholomew Garelli and starting of  his mission for the young people

1842 – Opening of the first chapel for the festive Oratory of St. Aloysius

1847- Opening of the Oratory of St. Aloysius

1853- prediction of  Don Bosco that the Waldensian Church in Turin would be one day a Catholic Church dedicated to the Immaculate Mary

1862- Instead of a lightning conductor Don Bosco erected a statue of Mary Immaculate near the spot hit by the lightning on May 20th, 1861.

mary Immaculate 035.JPGThe community celebrated the name feast of our dear Sr. Lily D’Souza. Both Mazzarello and Sacred Heart communities  joined together for the celebration. Mazzarello community was blessed by the  presence of Rev. Fr. Jose Mathew SDB, the Provincial of INN Province and Rev. Fr. Hillarius Kullu SDB the Rector of  Hatia.

Fr. Provincial in his sermon stressed that Holiness consists in little things so we e need to keep the target of our life – that is Holiness. Our Blessed Mother persevered in achieving the virtue of Holiness. The Lord is asking us to give our best.  Anyone who is full of grace will go beyond to help the needy person like Mary our mother. Therefore there is no room for laziness. We are full of grace, so let us move to stretch out our hand to embrace the world like Don Bosco.

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After Mass Rev. Fr. Naresh Pradeep Kujur SDB the Vice Provincial and Rev. Fr. P Akkilettu Francis Biju Abraham the Provincial Economer  also joined the celebration. Thereafter boarders wished superior Sr. Lily, Happy Feast Day, welcomed the Fathers, and enacted the scene of the meeting of Don Bosoc with Bartholomew Garelli . He congratulated the children for their good performance and recommended them go ahead courageously on their journey no matter what comes. Celebration continued with the festal meal.  It was indeed a treasured celebration which everyone enjoyed to the full.

Provincial Visit at Auxilium New Chumta

Nov29

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On 20th November 2018, Auxilium Convent School, New Chumta offered a traditional welcome to Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath by sisters, teachers and the students.  The visitation started with a short prayer service asking blessings from the Lord.

On 22nd November, the students staged few programmes to welcome and express their love and gratitude towards Provincial. In her message she invited the students to soar high like eagle to achieve their goal. At the end she thanked them for the lovely programme. She also met teaching and non teaching staff and thanked them for their dedicated service. Teachers also thanked her for her guidance, encouragement and for all the facilities provided for the institution.

IMG_8360Sr. Provincial visited Putinbarie coaching centre and was moved to see the financial condition of the people. She suggested the sisters to have more reach out programmes for that centre. On the last day of her visitation boarders performed a short programme consisting of skit, dances and poem. She thanked the boarders for their lovely programme.  In her message Sr. Provincial invited the boarders to be obedient, sincere, to have great trust in God and to honour Mother Mary.  On 24th November during Morning Prayer the community gathered around the altar and thanked the Lord for the enriching days of visitation. After breakfast the community thanked her and wished her safe journey and had photo session with provincial.

ANNUAL SPORTS MEET OF AUXILIUM CONVENT SCHOOL, DUM DUM

Nov21

 

 

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The annual sports meet ‘Auxzeal – 2018’ was held on 17th November at the Lichubagan Sports Ground, Dum Dum. This auspicious event was graced by Dr. Partha Chatterjee, the Hon’ble Minister of Education, West Bengal and Prof. Dr. Manjusha Tarafdar, the Vice-chancellor of Seacom Skills University, Shantiniketan, as the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour respectively. The three-hour long sporting bonanza was attended by all the students, their parents, the school management, and the teaching and the non-teaching staff of ACS, Dum Dum. This year’s event was covered by drone cameras which captured, from above, all the fascinating moments of the day, including the drill formations.

Prof. Tarafdar was felicitated by a bouquet of flowers after being accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the prefects of the school. Sr. Superior and Vice-provincial of the Kolkata Province, Sr. Teresa Adampakallel was also felicitated by the neutral prefects. Sr. Elizabeth Makil, the first principal of the school, as well as many other superannuated teachers attended the meet. The sports flame was lit to mark the beginning of the day’s events. As the Guest of Honour hoisted the sports flag and declared the sports meet open, she was cheered on by the children as well as the numerous invitees. Dr. Chatterjee, having arrived a little afterwards, was also received amidst a lot of fanfare and ceremony. In keeping with the tradition of the school, this year’s march past and the drills too were judged for their precision and performances. The three esteemed judges from St. Mary’s Orphanage and Day School, Auxilium Convent School, Barasat, and  Don Bosco School, Liluah were felicitated and suitably positioned for judging the March Past and the House drills.

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The four houses of the school, led by their Captains and Vice-captains put their best foot forward in a spectacular march past. The perfectly co-ordinated march past reflected the team spirit and the bolstered morale of the participants. The primary children enlivened the event by matching their little steps with high school students. The children welcomed the dignitaries with a spectacular welcome dance: ‘Suswagatam’. Beautifully dressed Nursery and K.G. Children performed the drill ‘The Darling Rose Buds’. They were the very picture of sweet innocence and glowing exuberance. The Karate Champs performed a few ‘Katas’ to the collective amazement of the audience. That self-defence skills are held extremely important at ACS, Dum Dum, was proved when black-belt ‘Karatekas’ like Himika Singha Roy of Class VII and others performed daring stunts in front of the audience. The Classes I and II children swayed their bodies to the foot-tapping rhythm of music in their drill: ‘The Fluttering Butterflies’. The children of III to V showed their jaw-dropping expertise with hoopla rings.

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The four houses presented four brilliantly choreographed drills on the theme of nature conservation. The Red House drill called ‘The Winds of Change’ brought about the eternal conflict between oxygen and carbon dioxide to win over the earth and how things could be changed for better in the future. ‘Live Mother Earth’ was the Green House Drill which portrayed the importance of the motto ‘Save Earth, Save Mankind’. The Yellow House children reflected the overwhelming influence of fire in shaping the destiny of human civilization in their drill ‘The Fiery Blaze’. The Blue House, on the other hand, showcased how our oceans are being polluted by hazardous and non-biodegradable waste by humans. All the four house drills reinstated the importance of ‘Reuse, Reduce and Recycle’ and how the Auxilians have contributed to this effect in their own little ways.

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Interspersing these performances were the sports events like: Care for Trees, skipping race, 100 meter flat race, the cycle race, and the relay race. The winners were recognised for their agility and endurance by a presentation of medals and certificates which were handed over by Sr. Superior and Sr. Principal. The Grand Finale of the day’s events was the mass drill performed by each and every student of the school. The glorious spectacle of a few hundred girls performing, in unison, brought to culmination a couple of week’s intense practices for the sports meet.

Principal Sr. Esther Rani C.A welcomed the Chief Guest, at his arrival, and the other dignitaries in her welcome address touching upon the salient features of the school and the sports meet. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries for having encouraged her students in their endeavours. The Chief Guest, Dr. Chatterjee, expressed his admiration for the way the Auxilians had maintained discipline at the sports ground. He commended one and all for the stellar performances. He also appreciated the school authorities for providing quality, all-round education to girls and also for ensuring a safe environment for them. The Guest of Honour congratulated the students for excelling in sports as well as giving due importance to academics and moral development.

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To enthuse the students, this year five trophies were awarded for various achievements. The Yellow House received the Best House-Drill trophy, the Green House received the Best March-Past trophy, the Red House received the Best Disciplined House trophy and the Blue House received the Best Athletic as well as the ‘Best House of the Year’ trophies. The trophies were announced by Sister Principal and awarded by the hon’ble Minister of Education, Dr. Partha Chatterjee, amidst thunderous applause and a lot of cheering.

Ms. Sujata Harish, senior English teacher, delivered the vote of thanks. The sports flag was lowered and the auxi-flame doused. Sister Principal brought a close to this year’s sporting extravaganza by announcing the event close. The assembly dispersed after the national anthem.

Over all, this year’s sports meet was a stupendous success and the congratulations and credits were shared by all members of the Auxilium family equally.

Ms. Raka Bhattacharya

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CBCI National Education Consultation

Nov18

The national CBCI Education consultation was done by way of a full day Programme on 14th  Nov 2018 for the National and Provincial Education Coordinators of Religious Congregations and it was attended by about 100 participants. It was held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Okhla. The inaugural session continued with the welcoming and felicitating of the Chairperson of the CBCI Office for Education and Culture Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata and the Member Bishops of the CBCI Office for Education Most Rev. Archbishop John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati and Rev. Fr. Joy Jacob, Rector, Don Bosco Provincial House Okhla.

Delhi Meeting.jpgArchbishop John Moolachira said that even in the face of the multiple pressures that all of us have while running our institutions, we need to focus our attention and works for the Catholic children, organize scholarships for needy children and keep alive our option for the poor. Next, he led the participants to consider the qualities required for a Principal and imbibe the spirit of the Church, compassion for the needy and a heart for the poor. The need of the hour was to work in collaboration and adopt participatory management, continuously motivating the staff and training them and seek their full participation in the mission and full cooperation.

In the key-note address given by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza highlighted the salient and relevant features of the policy contained in the “All India Catholic Education Policy” and the importance of implementing them- namely: Provide quality and relevant education for all especially the poor; provide education that frees persons from the encumbrances of discrimination, illiteracy and whatever endangers life and respect and inculcate the values in life; promote respect for diversity and inclusiveness; provide education that humanises and allows all to play their rightful role in society, understand economic structures and political systems and promote transparency and accountability; impart education that energizes the young and promote nation building; impart education that shapes character, provides competence and promotes qualities of the heart; ensure promoting collaboration and cooperation and finally provide education that nurtures encounter with God and nourishes faith and teaches values.

Fr. Joseph Manipadam, Secretary for the CBCI Office for Education gave a presentation reporting on some of the very latest concerns posed by the latest Government policy changes after which he gave a report on the work of evaluating and certifying the Catholic institutions across the country on the effectiveness of implementation of the “All India Catholic Education Policy” by each institution and the overall impact in each of the 14 regions through the graphic analysis that had been done. He ended his presentation with the  inauguration of the  “CBCI Education Mastermind”, a commemorative national quiz for schools across the country to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “All India Catholic Education Policy” to create awareness and onward enthusiasm generating commitment to implement the Catholic Education Policy.

Sr.Clara Saminathan

Retreat for the Catholic Students – Mazzarello Convent School, Ranchi

Nov17

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Mazzarello School, Ranchi kept  aside, two full days of 13 and 14 November for the Catholic Students to have God experience in a very Charismatic way.  There were 147 participants. Rev. Fr. Binoy and his team came forward willingly from Divine Retreat centre Hazaribagh to animate the student. Life witnessing of the animators was really heart touching. Fr. Binoy highlighted the richness of the Holy Bible. He also said that in the 73 books  of the Holy Bible there are 8526 promises.  It was really  a new insight for many of  them. He made them to realize with various Bible quotations that their promises are nothing compared with  the promises of  God.

Sr. Aruna Kispotta

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Annual Sports Day 2018 – Auxilium Convent School, Barasat

Nov17

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The Annual Sports Day 2018 showcased the attractive qualities of speed, strength and concentration of the students of Auxilium Convent School, Barasat. Victorious cries and sighs of defeat rang through the grounds as the students displayed their true spirit of sportsmanship. The events of the momentous day began with welcoming of the Chief Guest, Shri P.Sudhakar, Superintendent of Police, and the Guest of Honour, Shri Dipankar Bhattacharya, Inspector In Charge of Barasat Police Station. The dignitaries were hailed with “Guard of Honour” by the Guides Team of Scouts and Guides wing of Auxilium Convent School, Barasat.

Students of Primary School presented a colourful Inaugural Dance which spread the aura of enthusiasm, setting the perfect ambience for the day. To add to the day’s spark, the students joined in unison and impeccable synchronisation to the drumbeats in the Inter House March Past Competition, a highly competitive event where the Four House eyed for the first place. This was followed by Lighting of the Torch by the members of all the four Houses in pairs, symbolising harmony, peace and flame of sportsmanship. With their head high up, the voices of Auxilians could be heard taking the oath with zeal and enthusiasm , led by the School Captain. This was entailed by the unfurling of the School Flag and declaration of the Sports Meet open by the Chief  Guest. The entire school rose up to sing the School Anthem with pride. Spectators were mesmerized to visualise the students of Middle School performing Inter School Drill Competition in their colourful costumes and props which glimmered with morning sun.

The agile and swift members from the four Houses competed against each other in the Relay Race. A majestic show of strength was put forward by the strongest of the members from all the Houses in the Tug Of War. The patrons of Mary Mazzarello (Blue House) were declared the winners of March Past. The Vicuna (Yellow House) and the Mazzarello (Blue House) won the trophy for Drill. The Savio House (Green House)  was declared winner for maximum win in Sports Events of the year. Mazzarello House (Blue House) and Bosco House (Red House)were jointly declared The Best House. The day came to a close with words of praise and appreciation for display of team spirit from honourable Chief Guest. He encouraged students to lead a simple life and instructed them to restrain from temptations of material world. He advised parents to curtail the extravagant demands from their children’s life.

After the proposal of Vote of Thanks, the day came to a solemn end with the ‘Flag Down Ceremony’. The  National Anthem finally heralded the closing of the Sports Meet 2018.

Ms.Karatoa Banerjee

COMMUNITY DAY CELEBRATION AT AUXILIUM ASPIRANTATE

Nov14

Picture.pngAfter an intense preparation of one month prayers and spiritual practices the day has arrived to experience the community communion at Auxilium Aspirantate. On Friday 09 November at 6.00 pm the community gathered together to express our gratitude to each other and for the gift of one another in the community. The liturgy of the entire celebration was distributed to the four liturgical animation groups. Marian group animated the vigil service headed by Sr. Alitrice. The theme of the celebration, “Remain in my love” Jn 15:9, was well depicted in the hall. While singing the hymn on the light of Christ, everyone lit their own light from the light of Christ which was shared by the animator of the community Sr. Leelamma and placed them in the heart of Jesus. The service lasted for 45 minutes after which Sr. Philo the vicar of the house presented the spiritual bouquet to Sr. Superior which was prepared by the aspirants. Sr. Leelamma reciprocated thanks to the sisters and the aspirants with individual note of thanks and sweets. This was followed by the inauguration of the Exhibition which was beautifully displayed with lots of love and generosity. Sr. Leelamma cut the ribbon and inaugurated the exhibition and all entered in with singing and dancing in a mood of celebration. There were varieties of things exhibited, all prepared with the collective efforts of sisters, postulants, aspirants, pre-aspirants and house girls.

The Community Day celebration on Saturday 10 November began with the wake-up music to remind us that we are loved by God and we need to remain always in his love. The Morning Prayer animated by the Sacred Heart group enlivened in everyone a little more love for Jesus and hearken to his invitation to “Remain in My Love”. The prayer moments with the ppt presentation helped the community to deeply reflect on the different ways of God’s pruning in our lives and the reason for His choice of making us bear more fruits. We thanked God for the different people who prune us and shape us by his love and in a special way the animator of the community Sr. Leelamma.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration commenced at 11.00 am with an entrance dance, sung and tapped to the music by the candidates. The music and singing consisted of nine languages as the community represents nine states of India.  With a short and meaningful introduction prepared by the Mazzarello group on gratitude and love, Sr. Leelamma the animator offered the spiritual bouquet at the altar. Rev. Fr. Yesudas from Minor Seminary Barasat presided over the Eucharist and he too highlighted the aspects of love and understanding which are prerequisite for the community building. He also congratulated the community for being always so cordial and welcoming. This was followed by a sumptuous meal prepared by the sisters and house girls to mark the solemnity of the celebration.

The evening service around the Eucharistic Lord gathered us together once again to thank Him for the gift of one another in the community and also those who are involved in one way or other in the community mission. The Don Bosco group guided the service. Through spontaneous prayers and multilingual hymns and bhajans we raised our echoes of gratitude to God for the blessings received as a community and at personal level. Soon after the dinner the most entertaining programme awaited ‘@sp 24 breaking news’. This took the sisters by surprise to see the talents and skills of the candidates on stage. Sr. Leelamma concluded the day with words of gratitude and appreciation for everyone’s effort in making the community communion strongly felt and experienced. She also distributed prizes for the winners of Marian and Missionary week competitions held in the month of October. Everyone was happy and contented at the end of the day. In unison all raised their voices in thanksgiving to God for the beautiful community day celebration of 2018.

METANOIA ’18

Nov12

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The Catholic Students from classes IX-XII were privileged to be the part of the grand event of “Metanoia 2018” held on 6 & 7 November at Don Bosco School, Park Circus. The theme of the retreat was “Where not our hearts burning within us?”  Lk 24:32. The programme commenced with Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Rodney Borneo and Rev. Fr. Michael Biswas. Around 200 youths participated in the retreat from various schools and parishes. It was animated by Br. Colin Calmaino from Bangalore. He gave testimonies from his own life. The concluding Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Thomas D’souza along with the other priests. Vote of Thanks was expressed to all those who had been working hard to make the event a successful one. Bro.Colin’s sessions indeed left footprints in our hearts and minds.

Janettee  Rorario

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‘AUXI’  Exhibition

Nov11

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Auxilium Convent School, Bandel hosted their annual event, the Auxi exhibition on 1st and 2nd November 2018. The Auxi Exhibition began with the inaugural ceremony comprising of eloquent oratory by Ms. Manushi, with the club presidents, Vice presidents and Secretaries along with the school Cabinet. It was followed by the theme song presentation and classical dance performance. The Chief Guest of the day Rev. Fr. Noby George SDB, Principal of Don Bosco Bandel, inspired the gathering with his encouraging message and declared the Exhibition 2018 Open by the releasing the beautiful sky lantern and visited all the exhibition rooms.

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The clubs – Music, Dance, Social science, Science, Literary, Art, Cyber, YCS and Guides prepared well their presentations within a short span of time for this great event. The Music & the Dance Clubs took over the School hall for their exuberant musical and rhythmic show, the Science club had their exciting live shows, the Social Science, Guide & Art club presented their work of imagination, YCS-ers displayed the origin of mankind. Parents were enthusiastic and excited over the Auxi exhibition. Then there were visitors of  ‘oh so cute’ little brothers from our neighboring school of Don Bosco, the students from Holy child Kalna and Dunlop English Medium School. Thanks and appreciation to the students who worked very hard, the diligent teachers, cooperative administration, creative Principal Sr. Regina Joseph and  Superior Sr. Elizabeth.

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