Provincial Visits Auxilium, Najafgarh

Nov9

Provincials Visit.

On 25th October 2018,  Auxilium School Najafgarh had the joy of welcoming Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath.  She was accompanied by Sr. Annie Thevarakunnel, province economer and Sr. Lucy M.D, the animator. Sr. Elizabeth Joseph welcomed Sr. Rose in the name of all gathered and the growing buds of with flowers in their hands, smile on their faces and  overflowing joy in their hearts. Children offered bouquet of flowers and beautiful cards prepared by them with so much care and love. After the welcome speech by the school captain Panav various performances followed. It was consisted of action songs, dances, drill and the narration  of  the stories with great moral values.

Provincial Sr. Rose appreciated and complimented the efforts of the sisters, staff and students for maintaining good standard in everything. She urged them to strive for excellence not by competition but by giving their best in everything they do. The programme came to a conclusion with a hymn to Don Bosco and sweet distribution.

Later on Provincial met the teaching staff of the school and thanked them for collaborating wholeheartedly with the management in imparting value based education and motivated them to be committed and dedicated in their duties and responsibilities.

Sr. Elizabeth Joseph

BOSCO MILAN 2018

Oct31

“Give me souls, and take away the rest…” This was the sentiment the Salesian family members felt at Bariatu Ranchi when they saw 245 young people who had come for the Bosco Milan an yearly camp organized by the Salesians of New Delhi province. The theme of Bosco Milan for this year was “Health, Harmony and Holiness”. It was held for the Salesians youths of Chhotanagpur region and there were 10 Institutes present from the four congregations and the one secular institute of the Salesian family.  There was a feeling of awe from 17th to 20th of October, as the days were filled with various activities and many initiatives that would keep teach this young to keep themselves fit in a holistic way. The young people were welcomed by the parish young people in a traditional way which was followed by inaugural function and the hoisting of the Bosco Milan Flag. Fr. Davis Maniparemben the Youth delegate for the Delhi province declared the Bosco Milan open. The other prominent figures present there were the Vice provincial of Delhi province Rev. Fr. Naresh Pradeep Kujur, Rev.Fr. Ashok Kujur the rector of Bariatu, Rev. Fr. Deepak Kindo Director of, Don Bosco Youth Education Service (DBYES) and the youth delegate of the dioceses and other members of the Salesian family. Vice Provincial Fr. Naresh Kujur read the letter of the Provincial Fr. Jose Mathew wishing the participants  with his encouraging words. Later on the young people were divided into 10 groups for the various events that would take place. After the  Rosary Sr. Dominica J. Thapa FMA gave the good night.

_DSC0755.JPG.jpg

IMG-20181021-WA0032.jpg

The Bosco Milan was consisted of competition and group work. The day began with meditation and followed by the Holy Eucharist. Vice provincial in his homely said that it is difficult to change others but we can change ourselves and that will bring change in others lives too. The day’s session was taken by Fr. Ashok K. he spoke on “I am a Responsible Son or Daughter of my Parents.” There was also time for the Salesian family members to share about their Congregation. Sr. Asha and Sr. Dominica shared about our congregation. The climax of the day was the adoration, confession and the benediction. The Last day of the camp Most Rev. Felix Toppo, S.J. Archbishop of Ranchi presided over the Holy Eucharist. The programme ended with the valedictory Function, thanksgiving and prize distribution. The three days camp has enriches all of us and we are really grateful to Almighty and the Salesians of New Delhi for organizing the enriching program for the young.

Sr. Dominica Thapa

IMG-20181021-WA0015.jpg

Youth camp on the Synod of Bishops held at Auxilium, Dum Dum

Oct29

On 25th October 2018, Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum organized a youth camp on the Synod of Bishops with the Synod theme: “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment”. 35 catholic students from classes IX to XII participated in the camp. The animators were Sr. Esther Rani Abraham, Sr. Restitula  Kharpran and Sr. Anima Minj.

The youth camp began with the prayer moment. The participants of the camp entered into the hall in a solemn procession with a lighted candle, proclaiming that Jesus is the light of the world. Superior Sr. Teresa Adampakallel inspired us through her inaugural talk based on Synod. Sr. Esther gave a vivid picture about synod, its theme, time of preparation and then continued with the present synod through video and power point presentation.

DSC02101.JPG

We were so much taken up by the Holy Father’s message to the young people. It was followed by some group work we were we reflected on the message of Holy Father Pope Francis. The beautiful reflection emerged after the group work is “Now a days we apply ten layers of foundation on our face, instead of that if we wipe off dust from some ones cheek won’t that be effective? Our liners wipe away when a dust particle enters in our eyes. If that’s being true beauty it would have stayed. Yet wiping   off tears from someone’s eyes would give in ten times more blessings.” The prizes were awarded to the best performers. The youth camp came to its finale with the Holy Eucharist praying for all the young people of the world.

Sharon Bose – Class XI

DSC02108.JPG

Experience shared by young people

On this day we learnt about the Synod of Bishops, how the Church wants the youth to be active in the Spiritual life. We were very happy to receive the message of the Holy Father and his concern for the spiritual growth of the young people. We would like to thank all the Sisters for giving us this opportunity to be a part of the Synod of Bishops through this camp.

Cecilia & Sanjukta – Class XII                                                                                                                                                                      The youth camp on Synod of Bishops was a great experience for me. I came to know about the importance of the young people in the Church. Young people are the future of the Church, so we must have faith in Christ and discern ourselves and surrender ourselves to the will of Christ.

Janettee  Rozario – Class XII

DSC02112.JPG

Mini Boscoree held at Don Bosco School, Kokar

Oct29

The Salesians of New Delhi Province organized   for the first time Mini Boscoree for the Scouts and Guides from 16th -20th October 2018 at Don Bosco School, Kokar in view of the 13th National Boscoree which will be held at Nashik, from 30th December 2018 to 3rd January 2019. Mini Boscoree was inaugurated by Mr.Bandhu Tirkey MLA and the former Educational Minister and Jharkhand Scouts and Guides Master. He was extremely happy about this movement and expressed his gratitude for forming scouts and Guides for the better world to live.

Fr. Naresh Kujur SDB the Vice Provincial of Delhi Province in his messages said that education should never be confined solely to the teaching but it should introduce scouting which develops both the physical and moral attributes of Scouts and Guides through outdoor activities. He quoted the last message of Baden Powell to the world Movement of Scouts: “One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are boys, so that you can be useful and so can enjoy life when you are men.” Father concluded his message saying “Let this ‘Mini Boscoree’ be a celebration and participation of various troops gathered in the true spirit of Scouting.”

DSCN8940IMG_9939

For Mini Boscoree the Special animators were Mr. Narayana Swamy and Mr. Raja Sudamani from Channai. They gave their best to train the troops for the coming events and side by side training was given even to the animators which was really unique. Every day at the end of the programme, animators met together for the evaluation. Daily BP six exercises, Inspection and Pioneering, gadgets, Adventure games, Friendship games etc. helped the troops to be brisk and quick. Camp Fire was the moments of excitement for all. Hiking to Don Bosco Hindi Medium School at Gadigaon added lots of joy and happiness to the troops. Treasure hunt game was tiresome but there after music and dance brought life to the participants. At Gadigaon School each institution planted one tree as a symbol of making the world green and clean.

Fr. Davis Maniaramben, the youth Pastoral Delegate of the Delhi Province explained about the theme of Mini Boscoree ‘Health, Harmony and Holiness’. First H- is Health: Good health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Without health there is no happiness, no peace and no success. Mahatma Gandhi used to say, “It is health which is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” Second H- is Harmony: This is the need of the hour! There is an inseparable bond between us and human being and nature. Third H- is Holiness: Holiness is to describe the otherness.  Baden Powell in his last message to the Scouts said “ I believe God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness doesn’t come from being rich, or merely from being successful in your career, not by self-indulgence”.  Father concluded saying that Baden Powell tells us that we are put here to be happy and if we don’t live healthy lives and in harmony with one another, with nature and with God we aren’t going to be happy.

DSCN9041.JPG

Eight schools participated in the camp and Mazzarello School was one among them. 13 Scouts and 30 Guides took active part in the camp with three animators Sr. Aruna Kispotta, Sir Birendra and Mrs. Anjna Bara. It was a very enriching experience as SDB and FMAs worked hand in hand by involving themselves for the success of the Mini Boscoree.  Kudos to the organizing committee for making the Mini Boscoree a mega event for the Scouts and Guides to remember.

Sr. Arun Kispotta

DSCN9068.JPG

Provincial Community Day 2018

Oct20

Community day.jpgOn 12 October 2018 Sisters of Kolkata province celebrated the Provincial Community Day. The colourful decoration and vivid movements of celebration rejuvenated everyone. The long one month preparation enabled us to deepen our mission and life together. The theme chosen for the celebration for the provincial Community Day was “The Beatitudes, the road to holiness”. It was based on the Encyclical letter of Pope Francis Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and be Glad). There were creative presentations of the Beatitudes through off screen and live screen on the theme as lived intensely by all the communities. The presentations were vital and colourful enriching one and all.  The solemn Eucharistic celebration was the source and culmination of Provincial Community Day celebration, binding us together in unity and joy. It began with the entrance procession of the offering of fresh flowers as the Sisters approached the altar of the Lord. Rev Fr. Tomy Puthumayil SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Liluah presided over the Eucharist. In his homily he highlighted on the Beatitudes exhorting the participants to continue to live the Sermon on the Mount in the communities and among the young people.  Pleasant moments followed in the sharing of the fraternal meal prepared by various communities in which everyone participated joyfully. The final event of the day was the get together of all the Sisters in a delightful exchange of fun and laughter. The evening recreation was well animated on the theme of the celebration in which everyone took part enthusiastically. The winners were awarded with prizes by Sr. Rose, the provincial. During Goodnight talk she thanked and appreciated everyone for making the celebration a memorable one. The Provincial Community Day celebration was indeed a wonderful experience for everyone both for those present and those absent, to be treasured and remembered.

Sr. Julita Kujur

DSCN6936

DSCN7007DSCN7008DSCN7011DSCN7019DSCN7032DSCN7038

Celebrating 50 Golden Years

Oct17

 

DSCN7076

DSCN7085

On 13 October 2018, Sr. Catherine Das and Sr. Cecilia Kollappally celebrated the 50 years of their Religious Profession at Auxilium Dum Dum. The solemn Holy Eucharist at 9.30am was presided over by Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes the Vicar General of the Arch-Diocese of Kolkata.  The Jubilerians were led to the altar with the entrance dance performed by the Aspirants. The celebrant in his homily congratulated the two Sisters for their journey of 50 years in fidelity, prayer, faith, love and service. He invited them to Rejoice and give thanks to God for his love endures forever. After the homily the Jubilerians renewed their vows in the presence of the Priests, Religious, members of the Salesian Family, well wishers and friends present for the occasion. They were greeted by the Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath with golden garlands and crowned by the main celebrant with golden roses.

A felicitation programme took place in the school hall. An array of cultural programme was displayed by the Aspirants and postulants. Sr. Catherine and Sr. Cecilia expressed their sentiments of gratitude to everyone present. The celebration came to an end with the fellowship meal.

Sr. Jancy V & Sr. Maria Goretti E.

DSCN7181

DSCN7189DSCN7193

DSCN7233

 

 

Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sr. Catherine Das

Aug15

DSC01877.JPG

The Golden Jubilee celebration  of the Religious profession of Sr. Catherine Das took place on 11 August 2018 at Auxilium Aspirantate. The Liturgy of Thanksgiving for fifty years of faithful service of Sr. Catherine Das was celebrated by His Grace Most Rev. Thomas D’souza Archbishop of Kolkata, accompanied by seven concelebrants.  Adding to the beauty of the celebration was the entrance dance, triple aarti, music and singing provided by the voices of the Postulants and Aspirants of the community. The Liturgy concluded with the crowning of the Jubilerian with a golden crown by the Vice Provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel and the golden garland by Superior of the community Sr. Leelamma P.V. as an expression of felicitation and appreciation of the dedicated life of Sr. Catherine.

Soon after the Holy Eucharist the guests gathered in the school hall for a short felicitation programme. Sr. Leelamma welcomed the august gathering and felicitated the guest of honour His Grace Most Rev. Thomas D’souza with a bouquet of flowers. She briefed the audience about the life of Sr. Catherine and her precious and unique vocation as an FMA. The journey down Memory Lane brought back recollections of lifelong dreams, challenges, and hopes.  The aspirants staged a wonderful and mesmerising cultural show with a welcome dance, mime and a fusion dance. The cutting of the Jubilee cake was a memorable event where the Jubilerian was accompanied by the Vice Provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel and Sr. Leelamma P.V. The Aspirants composed a jubilee song to felicitate her at this juncture which was followed by extension of greetings and wishes by the invitees. The stage programme was concluded with much laughter and a final word of appreciation from Sr.  Catherine. Then the Archbishop was called upon stage to bless the sumptuous meal after which all were invited to partake of the same meal where stories of the Jubilarian’s life continued to be shared among the invitees.

DSC01868DSC01907DSC01905.JPG

CONTINENTAL SEMINAR OF ACSSA SOUTH ASIA

Jul4

ACSSA 2018.jpg

The third continental seminar of ACSSA South Asia was held from 22-24 June 2018 at the Provincial House of the Hyderabad Province with 16 participants comprising of 7 Salesians and 9 Salesian Sisters, representing four Salesian and the seven FMA provinces respectively. The formal inaugural session on 22nd at 9.30 a.m. set the tone to the seminar proceedings. Fr Thathireddy Vijay Bhaskar, Provincial of Hyderabad, presided over the session and inaugurated the seminar. In his presidential address he highlighted the importance of a faithful recording of history. Fr Thomas Anchukandam, Director of Istituto Storico Salesiano, Rome and member of Presidenza ACSSA gave the keynote address, stressing the exigency of continuity in the documented history of religious institutes, which calls for conviction, commitment and competence on the part of the one called to this mission.

The messages from the Rector Major Rev. Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, from the Mother General Rev. Sr. Yvonne Reungoat, from the Regional Councillor for South Asia Rev. Fr. Maria Arockiam Kanaga and from the President of ACSSA Rev. Fr. Francesco Motto were listened to fondly by the participants. These messages evoked a feeling of proximity of the Superiors at this seminar. Their words of appreciation at coming together to study the topic of “Incisive and Innovative Salesian Personalities of India” were of encouragement to the participants to continue as promoters of Salesian history in the region. The messages have motivated them to dedicate themselves even more enthusiastically to transmit the incisive and innovative contributions of our predecessors to the coming generations in order to ensure the future of the Salesian congregation as willed by Don Bosco in India.

Three Salesians and four Salesian Sisters presented their historical and documented Papers on the above topic: Mother Catherine Mania FMA- A Charismatic Missionary presented by Sr. Molly, Kaniampady portrayed Mother Catherine as an epitome of Salesian missionary life who devoted her long life for the poor. Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel presented Sr. Terezija Medvešek FMA, “An Embodiment of Love and Service” as the only FMA missionary who came to India from Slovenia and had embodied in a significant manner the “Salesian spirit”, and lived her Salesian vocation understood as mission. Fr. Thomas Anchukandam highlighted the significance of Fr. Joseph Carreño SDB for Salesian India as he was a true sign and bearer of God’s love to all and all loved him in return. Fr. Joseph Pandicherry gave an account of Fr. John Lens SDB and his personality. Sr. Teresa Phawa presented Sr. Josephine Goad FMA as an ardent and enterprising missionary in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Sr. Sangeetha Sahayarani presented Sr. Nancy Pereira FMA throwing light on her incisive and innovative works. Finally Fr. Mathew Kapplikunnel the Secretary of the ACSSA South Asia presented Fr. Philip Thayil SDB as a visionary and innovator. Every presentation was followed by clarifications, suggestions etc.

The seminar was concluded with the evaluation of the programme and the vote of thanks by Sr. Philomena D’Souza the president of ACSSA South Asia and Fr. Mathew Kapplikunnel the secretary.

News from Auxilium, Kurtumgarh – Kandhamal

Jul2

 

NEW ANIMATOR INSTALLED

DSC02431

After three years of FMA presence in Kurtumgarh, the community was canonically erected on 24 June 2018 with Sr. Annie Theyattil as its first Animator.  Sr. Rose Ezarath the Provincial installed Sr. Annie during the Eucharistic celebration held in the parish church on 30 June 2018 at 7am. The celebrants Fr. Jugal Kishore Digal the parish priest and Fr. Vikram the assistant parish priest warmly welcomed the Provincial and the two Srs Annie Thevarkunnel the provincial economer and Lily P. and wished God’s  blessings on the new community members Srs Annie, Prisca Bara and Anand Tirkey.  During the homily Fr. Jugal expressed his deep gratitude to Sr. Provincial for the presence of the Sisters in his parish. He also underscored the active presence of Sr. Annie since 2016 and wished her a happy continuation of fervent, vibrant and fruitful ministry in the community. Sr. Rose entrusting the community to Sr. Annie and handing over to her a lighted candle and said, “…put on the armour of light and let your community be filled with the same light of Christ…let the burning lamps fill your community with the brightness of peace and joy… let your community be characterized by the spirit of Mornese making it a House of the Love of God. May Mary the real superior of the house be your constant companion in leading your community in the way God wants you to lead”. She then welcomed Sr. Annie with a garland. The celebrants too welcomed her in the same manner.

DSC02443.JPG

ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL INAUGURATED

On 28 June 2018 after the Holy Mass at 8.30am the inaugural ceremony of the new English medium school at Kurtumgarh took place in the presence of the Nursery children and their parents assembled in front of the parish presbytery. Fr. Jugal introduced the Sisters to the parents and welcomed all the Sisters with garlands of flowers. He called this day a historical day as a new Auxilium School was going to be inaugurated on this day by Sr. Rose Ezarath FMA the provincial of Kolkata.  Accompanied by the Fathers, Sisters and the people, 25 little girls and boys of class nursery then proceeded with lighted candles towards the adjacent shed with two rooms – belonging to the parish – and placed them in front of the decorated statue of Mary Help of Christians as a sign of their entrustment to Mary.

DSC02461.JPG

DSC02487.JPG

Fr. Jugal Kishore Digal the parish priest addressed the new parents of the nursery children saying that education is the key to open the development of the family, society and the nation. He expressed his joy in having the Salesian Sisters in Khandamal dt. and for establishing an English medium school to impart quality education to the children of the locality. He invited the parents to cooperate with the Sisters so that they can brighten up the future of their children. He assured the people that this Auxilium school would be the best in the whole of Khandamal. It was followed by the cutting of the ribbon by Sr. Provincial and the blessing of the class room by Fr. Jugal. The Sisters then distributed sweets and cakes to the children and people as a sign of their joy and gratitude to the Lord for the blessing of a new evangelizing educational mission centre.

The historical day in the annals of Auxilium Kurtumgarh was crowned with an outing together with the parish community to Ludu water fall and a hymn of praise to God for His bountiful love and goodness and to our Blessed Mother for Her continuous assistance and guidance. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Fr. Jugal for his constant help and support from the very inception of the FMA presence in Kandhamal. May God’s Kingdom of peace and hope spread far and wide through this promising mission centre!

DSC02509

DSC02523