World Gratitude Day Celebration at Auxilium Aspirantate

Apr28

‘Re-awaken the plan of God in every young person’, the theme proposed by St. Raphael Archangel Province, Paraguay and the slogan: “With the young, we touch the chords of life, witnessing to the joy of following Christ” kindled the hearts of every young and old in the Aspirantate community to appreciate the gift of God’s call to each one and respond to it with great sentiments of gratitude.

The one month preparation for the feast of Mother General was celebrated with initiatives like Bible Days, Bosco Days and Mazzarello Days. An in depth study of the unique ways God called people in the Bible, call of Don Bosco and of Mother Mazzarello and the way they responded to His call with joy and hope stimulated the young candidates to appreciate their own vocation as a precious gift from God.

Bible Days for the Aspirants and Postulants commenced from 6 – 8 April 2018 with a procession to the Chapel, each one carrying their own Bible. The three days were packed with Bible insights and in-depth study of various persons in the Bible. They had input sessions on the call of God and Jesus’ way of fulfilling God’s plan for him. Various competitions like mime on parables, tableau on the call of God in the Old Testament, enactment on miracles of Jesus, skit on ‘Young people, their Faith and Vocation Discernment’ based on the call of the Apostles and quiz on the Gospel of St. John enabled them to value their own call and respond to it decisively.

A walk with Mazzarello for three days from 11 – 13 April began with selection of names for their group such as Mornese, Valponasca, Nizza and Roverno. They placed these names around the well of Mornese which was displayed in the Hall and prayed for the graces required in order to imitate this humble and enthusiastic saint to grow in holiness. On the first day they started off with the movie on Mother Mazzarello, followed by preparation of skit and poem based on her early life till 1871 and presented the same after the dinner. On the second day they learnt the maxims of Mother Mazzarello reading through her letters and at the end of the day they staged action songs composed by them on her life. The third day was planned with study on the two books of Mother Mazzarello i.e. the Spirit of Joy and She the First. They prepared one act play on her call and life of holiness, and portrayed various personalities related to her in the form of ‘Go as you Like’ and finally ended with a quiz on Mother Mazzarello. They were very delighted to have spent these days with Mother Mazzarello, walking in her footsteps and discovering the life of simple sanctity and cheerfulness.

Don Bosco Days lasted for four days from 17 – 20 April. The statue of Don Bosco along with statues of Sacred Heart and Mary Help of Christians were well adorned with due respect and love for the Founder. The service started from the chapel and in procession, Sr. Leelamma, the animator of the community carried the relic of Don Bosco to the Hall. To start off the day, a movie on Don Bosco ‘Mission to Love’ was viewed by the whole community. The movie helped them to recognize and appreciate the true spirit of the Founder and enabled them to understand better the untiring life and mission of Don Bosco. The following day saw through the study of Don Bosco from two books; Don Bosco father and friend of the young and The children’s priest John Bosco. They got into their respective groups and began to prepare themselves for the rest of the day with competitions such as Tableau and self-composed songs. They also prepared charts on the maxims of Don Bosco. The following day was filled with activities of various types such as composing of Action song and ‘Go as you like’. The third day was started with study of Don Bosco’s dreams. They were asked to prepare themselves for the Quiz and enactment of one of the dreams of Don Bosco. The aspirants and postulants put their whole heart and mind to get ready with all the events. There was a lot of enthusiasm and joy in knowing and learning of the saint with a true competitive spirit.

The feast of Gratitude was celebrated in a spirit of gratitude and love. The day commenced with an experiential prayer moment thanking the Lord for the gift of our beloved Mother General and every member of our Institute. The solemn Eucharistic celebration with a heartwarming introduction and prayers of the faithful put the participants in an ambient of prayer and thanksgiving. The theme of the feast was displayed in front of the altar which helped the community to be focused on the person of our Mother General, Mother Yvonne Reungoat and offer prayers and thanksgiving for the ceaseless gift of herself to the young, the Institute, and the Church. The feast invites us to express our ‘THANKS’ through the joyful witness of life, totally given to the Lord so that the young people He entrusts to us may be strengthened in their desire to follow Jesus unreservedly.

Sr. Rosy Veliyan

World Gratitude Day Celebration at Auxilium, Kalyani

Apr26

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World Gratitude Day was celebrated at Auxilium, Kalyani with a well prepared liturgy recalling to mind the Theme ““With the young, let the chords of life vibrate, witnessing to the joy of following Christ”.

Rev. Fr. Peter Gomes SDB, the assistant parish Priest made it possible to have the Eucharist celebrated in our chapel in the absence of the Fr. Raphael. The Eucharistic celebration was animated with an introduction highlighting the importance of the day. Special prayers were offered for Mother General and for all her intentions.

The little ones of the school staged a cultural program to express their Love and Gratitude to Mother. It commenced with the lighting of the lamp by Rosina Thomas, the superior, and then children presented prayers to the Almighty for dear Mother. Sr. Rosina congratulated the staff and the students for their beautiful show.

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Enrollment of the new Co-operators

Apr26

On 24 April 2018, Mrs. Leela Raj, Mr. Johnson M.T. and Mr. Joseph Babu officially took the promise and enrolled themselves as the Salesian Co-operators of Park Circus unit.

The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr. P.V. Thomas, Rector of Don Bosco Nitika at 6:30 pm and participated by Sisters, Co-operators, friends and well wishers. During the homily Fr. P.V. Thomas stressed on the motivation of being a Salesian Co-operator. He invited all co-operators to renew their promise once again to be holy, active and enthusiastic Co-operators.

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Mrs. Theresa Tobayas, the president of the Provincial Federation, Mrs. Lucy Ajoy formation in charge, Mr. Thomas James and Mr. Erol Grey, come and see members graced the occasion by their valuable presence. The ceremony was concluded with a fellowship meal which was contributed by sisters & co-operators.

Srs. Lemnom &Pranati

Apr25

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Inauguration of Second Novitiate

Apr15

The second phase of the Second Novitiate began at Sacred Heart Novitiate, Ranchi on 13^th April 2018 with the theme of “I give my life into the potter’s hands”. Srs. Delpina Bag, Rose Mary Ekka, Sabita Nayak and Sumitra Ekka were welcomed by the Novitiate and Mazzarello community. During the inaugural talk Sr. Philomena Prabalanathan the animator of the second novitiate stressed on the significance of the second novitiate. Sr. Mukta Kerketta during the prayer service highlighted the theme of the Second Novitiate ‘we are the clay in the potter’s hands’. The four sisters were invited to carry the clay to offer it to the Lord as a symbolic gesture of surrendering oneself to the potter’s hands to be molded, shaped, filled and used. Through a short video clip Sr. Rosalia Tirkey, the animator of the community invited the sisters to trust and rest in the potter’s hands during the second Novitiate to become a perfect vessel for Him. Finally sisters and Novices wished God’s blessing and a fervent time of the Second Novitiate.

Spiritual Retreat – a Desert Sojourn

Mar19

All the Animators of INC Kolkata and Provincial council had their spiritual retreat from 3^rd March – 11^th March 2018 at Auxilium Kurseong. The retreat was directed by Dr. Fr. Jose Parappully SDB, Director of Sumedha centre for Psychology and Spirituality at Jeolikote, Uttrarakhand.

The retreat preached on St. Mary’s hill, the director of the retreat made each participant to make a desert sojourn – an inner journey to the core of our souls through praying the scriptures, challenging and substantial talks with analytical questionnaire and diagnostic probing survey of conscience . At the end of the retreat each one felt the intense need to recall, recount, relive and thank the Almighty for the transformative experience of this memorable retreat.

We commenced this journey placing the footprints with the inscribed grace of the retreat in the symbolic desert in front of the altar seeking his blessing. Thank you, Jesus, that we had not to trek through this frightful tour alone as you had given an expert and experienced guide in the person of Fr. P.O Jose.

The first day’s journey was significant and transforming in the company of Jesus in the desert, Abraham, Moses, Nehemia confronting inner demons and experiencing the presence of ministering angels. On the second day the trek became so dangerous with desert storms to decipher helplessness and powerlessness that each one gave up the baggage of pride and self-sufficiency and surrendered themselves to God and there was calm. Third day was a trip on the road of religious life and the sand dunes of infidelities and short falls made trail not traceable and the destination not visible. But the oasis of realization that failures are graceful moments of renewal and determination to be courageous as the rope of life become stronger and shorter with the knot. Half way through there stood the mountain of enlightenment ‘Religious life is journeying together to God in the radical following of Jesus of Nazareth in creative fidelity to the charism of the founder and religious are to be passionate pilgrims of the absolute. 5th day there was a stopover at the desert shelter to watch the movie justice that heals. Movie made the pilgrims feel the need for forgiveness, reconciliation and healing and 3 ministering angels garbed in priestly attire made themselves available for the sacrament of reconciliation and the healing service helped to prepare the travellers for last stage of their journey. The last day the guide gave us a great surprise the meeting with Jesus of Nazareth engaged in his ministry of preaching and healing to the poor desert dwellers . As he was ready for next itinerary we could not all take selfies and group photos but all managed to take portraits. All the pilgrims preserved this memorial portrait in their hearts and it became alive and resonated the postures and gestures ‘that Jesus of Nazareth was most perfect teacher and healer, compassionate caring individual who spent himself for the others, who showed special predilection for the suffering and marginalized, who promoted respect for and dignity for women, who in the midst of busy life felt the need to turn to his father in prayer and who humbled himself to be servant and slave.

The pilgrims made a pledge to engrave this image in their soul till they could be transfigured to his likeness in their attitudes. The enlightened guide made us to do a review of our pilgrimage before they can set off to the green meadows through mind provoking questions to make them derive and arrive at the insights, prayer experience, significant graces received, shift in relationship with God, interior movements of the desert journey. And they were ready to set off strengthened by the thanksgiving Eucharist and strong will power to live with resoluteness the promise they made to be passionate seekers of God Giving primacy to him, journeying together in community communion following radically the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth and imbibing the virtues of Mary of Nazareth. The participants want to sing the magnificat like Mary to the Lord.

for this magnificent and energising experience and Praise him again and again for the architect of this experience, Fr. P.O Jose. As our token of our gratitude we implore the Lord to bless him abundantly and make his dream of having a psychological and spirituality centre at Jeolikote become a reality very soon.

Sr. Stella P.

Day Out

The 27 FMAs were thrilled to be out after the intensive desert journey. The destination was Auxilium – Mirik. They set out in the bright sun shine and the trip was enjoyable in the company of one another. But to our surprise as we reach the venue we couldn’t come out freely as it was raining cats and dogs. We had the beautiful panorama in the kitchen where all landed up vying with one another to be the No.1 chef. One could imagine the varieties of dishes were prepared by the main chef who in her normal situation never even saw the working areas. There were few supervisors who enjoyed only tasting the food. By 1.00 pm all were settled to relish the meal prepared by many hands, enjoying the fun and frolic together.

The rain couldn’t deter us from enjoying the day; moreover it brought us together to spend our time with our Blessed Lord and Our Mother by singing and praying the rosary and seeking protection and blessings on the sisters of the community especially for their warm and loving hospitality.

How could we think of leaving this beautiful place without wishing our Salesian brothers next door. The fathers welcomed us with a warm family spirit and enjoyed the delicious tea prepared by them with the family chit chat. Though the rain continued to accompany us we enjoyed the wonderful day all the same. We thank our Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath , Sr. Dorothy and her community for making the necessary arrangements for the trip, Sr. Maxima and the community of Mirik for hosting the picnic.

Sr. Leelamma P. & Sr. Rosalia T

Transmission of Triennial Evaluation

On 12^th March 2018, soon after the Annual Retreat of the Animators at Auxilium – Kurseong, Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath transmitted the Triennial Evaluation – FMA PCI 2018, which was held from 24 – 28 January 2018 at Auxilium Provincial House, Dum Dum. During which she presented the inauguration of the Triennial Evaluation, the choices of pastoral conversion, prophetic gestures prevalent in the Provinces, good night given by the provinces etc. Finally Provincial exhorted the animators to communicate the same to the communities.

At 3.00 pm, Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil, the General coordinator presented the Province Project prepared by the Province Team members. Later on the Province calendar was looked into. The moment of sharing and planning was concluded with an hour of prayer.

The second day commenced by invoking the assistance of the Holy Spirit upon the participants. Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel, the Province Economer demonstrated and explained the function of the ‘platform of the institute’ and the various administrative issues. The afternoon session was dedicated to hear from the Province secretary Sr. Mini Chettayil about the importance of documentation.

SEMINAR for Teaching Staff- St. Mary’s Geyzing

Feb22

A seminar on “Exploring various methods of educating children was organized in St.Mary’s School, Geyzing on Thursday, 15^th February 2018. The seminar was attended by all the teachers of the school, the Vice Principal and staff of Govt. Geyzing college and the teachers of Govt. Senior Secondary school, Geyzing .

Sr. Lucy John, Principal welcomed everyone and introduced the programme of the day. The seminar was chaired by Fr.Sunny Jacob S.J., the Secretary of Jesuit Educational Association of South Asia, a well known personality from New Delhi.

Fr.Sunny, in his introductory session focussed on the idea that ‘everyone in this world is same’. So, a teacher should never discriminate and make sure that every child is treated the same. Through activities, screening of video clips and discussions the following important points were presented in a creative manner by Fr.Sunny.

The four areas of Education
Different types of leaning styles
Multiple intelligence theory
Qualities of a good teacher
Characteristics of adolescence .

He emphasized that a teacher should be accountable, adaptable, dedicated, caring, emphatic and passionate. He made them realise that the success of the students greatly depends on the hard work and dedication of the teacher. Every child should be given the opportunity to develop himself/ herself fully.

The seminar was highly appreciated by everyone. Kudos to Fr.Sunny. We are grateful to the School Management for providing us with such wonderful programme as we commence the new scholastic year.

Ms.Shradha Subba

Barasat -Simultala blessed with the presence of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil SDB

Feb21

A memorable and grace filled day because of the visit of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil whose name was predominant in the history of the church as he was kidnapped by Yemeni militants from Yemen’s city of Aden after the massacre of 4 Missionary sisters of Charity and other workers in a home for the aged. His whereabouts were unknown for 557 days and the entire church and Salesian world prayed earnestly for his release. His release took place on 12th September 2017.

Barasat – Simultala area was fortunate to see him personally and hear him narrate his harrowing experience of being in captivity. He arrived about 11 a.m. and after a cup of tea he met the students of DB Tech of hospitality group. In his talk he inspired them that each one is given a mission of reaching out to others. Hospitality domain provides best opportunity to be helpful and serviceable and making the people feel good in an unknown ambient. After his talk all were delighted to have a photo session with him and get individual blessings from him.

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After the lunch he met the religious communities opposite side of Auxilium. The communities of St. John Vianney minor seminary, Helpers of the Holy Souls in purgatory, Daughters of cross , Daughters of charity of St. Vincent de Paul, disciples founded by Fr. Joe D’Souza sdb gathered in the central hall of Daughters of the cross and there Fr. Tom addressed them. He said that he was not worthy to be a martyr but God had a special mission for him after the release. He was spared that is why he is able to meet and share his experience. He allowed himself to be questioned and responded to queries.

At about 2.35 p.m. he met the Auxilium Sunday faithful which consisted of FMA aspirants from Bamonmura, novices and sisters of Bethany novitiate, Sisters and postulants of AC convent, pre- novices of Jesuits from Arunoday, Aspirants of RNDM Nava Jeevan, Auxilium boarders, catholic students and catholic teachers. He retold his experience at Aden of Yemen how the carnage of sisters took place, his kidnap of 557 days in the hands of the terrorists and his release. In his talk he spoke quite well of his captives as they had cared for him giving food and medicines. He replied to all the inquiries very patiently with a touch of humour as well. The assembly was enamoured by his talk was manifested with even primary students asking him questions. After the talk photo session took place wherehe amiably and unwearyingly obliged to various community and individual photo requests.

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At 3.45 Fr. Tom visited Auxilium Bamunmura where the aspirants delightedly welcomed him with a mirthful welcome song. He accompanied by Sr. Mary George Uzhunnalil and Sr. Teresa Adampakallel. The holy Eucharist commenced with a graceful entrance dance and a soul inspiring introduction. In his homily he stressed on the value of prayer especially invoked for others. His release is proof of the effect of prayer he stressed. He exhorted the aspirants to respond to the call of the Lord and he further stated that hurdles and troubles are part of discipleship. Responding to mission requires one to be strong and persevering battling life’s struggles. After blessing all present he left the premises ignitingeveryone to be ready to follow Jesus even if it cost Martyrdom. His encounter with the candidates made a great impact on them. They are strengthened and stimulated to follow Christ with more determination and courage. Some of them are even inspired to become missionaries after him.

Provincial Team Meet

Feb20

The Annual Meet of the Provincial Team was held at Auxilium Convent, Dum Dum from 12–14 February 2018. At the outset the members observed few moments of silence and prayed for late Sr. Geraldine Barratt who passed away unexpectedly on 26 January 2018. She was a member of the provincial team.

Sr. Rose Ezarath the Provincial addressed the members and said to have the courage to dream and to have newness in thinking and doing. Mary is the sign of hope, of communion and of Gospel novelty. She invited everyone to be missionaries of joy and hope for the young people.

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Then each Sector presented the annual report of their Sector. Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil, the General Coordinator presented the feedback from the communities with suggestions for the year.

The group watched the video of Rector Major presenting the Strenna 2018. The rest of the day was spent in the study of the Strenna and Acts GC23 individually and in two groups. Later they worked upon the vision statement and lines of action for 2018-19. At the general assembly, after much discussion and debate the final vision statement, the lines of actions and commitments were finalized. Then the Sisters drafted plan for their respective Sectors. Having done this they planned the province calendar for 2018-2019.

At the conclusion Sr. Provincial congratulated all for being available and completing the great work for the Province and wished that each member of the Province will strengthen her spiritual and missionary journey living in creative fidelity to the Charism and call.

Sr. Elizabeth thanked everyone for their collaboration, hard work and availability and wished that the journey ahead be fruitful and joyful.

Sr. Innocentia Jojo

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Welcome Back dear Fr.Tom !

Feb18

17^th February 2018, SG 657 BLR –CCU scheduled time of arrival at 13.10hrs. Rev.Fr. Tom is expected to land on time. Who awaits him at the airport waiting launch near the luggage belt, before anyone else? None other than our Most. Rev.Thomas D’Souza, the Archbishop of Kolkata, while there are five MC sisters, three FMA sisters including the Provincial Sr.Rose Ezarath and three Salesian priests awaiting him outside the airport in the waiting line. Fantastic moments of expectation and a sudden arrival of Fr.Tom escorted by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza! Golden Moments of welcoming with warm embraces, garlands and bouquets all a big surprise , yes the highest order of celebration at the safe return of our dear Fr.Tom hale and hearty from the long exile of 18 months ! Thank our loving and caring Father in Heaven says Fr.Tom who looks 100% fine.

Back at the Auxilium Convent, Fr.Tom arrived by 2.00 pm. The joy of his aunt Sr. Mary George doubled when she saw him arriving along with Provincial Sr.Rose Ezarath and other sisters. A song of love and welcome bursts forth from the hearts of all the sisters present there to greet the epitome of God’s immense love! Sr. Mary George his aunt raises a humble prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, after which our sisters sang the hymn of “Give Thanks”…

Reported by Sr. Teresa A.

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