FMA PCI – TRIENNIAL EVALUATION KOLKATA, 26-01-2018

Jan27

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“Into that heaven of freedom my Father, let my country awake”. The prayer of Rabindranath Tagore echoed in the minds and hearts of everyone on this 69th Republic Day as we entered the place of prayer. With the ambient decorated with tricolours, we invoked the blessings of Almighty God on our nation blessed with diversity of languages, religions and cultures. The morning prayer and the Holy Eucharist focused on the significance of the day and on the theme, ‘Missionaries of Hope and Joy.’

Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB, the Vice Provincial of Kolkata, in his homily spoke about the early missionaries equipped with hope and joy. ‘A joyful holiness is more convincing’, he said, quoting the words of Pope Francis and invited the participants to be missionaries with an attractive smile.

The participants took part in the Republic Day celebrations hosted by Auxilium school, Dum Dum. Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil the visiting councillor unfurled the tricolour and delivered the Republic Day message. She spoke about the tremendous growth achieved by the Nation in various fields and invited the audience to grow in tolerance and non-violence by developing a spirit of accommodation towards all.

Referring to the forthcoming Synod on young people, Mother General stated that our specific field of work is in the Church. She invited the participants to spend quality time with the young in order to serve them better. She insisted on the importance of joyful accompaniment of young in their search for place in the family, in the Church and in the society.

We then had the synthesis of question III: How do we express in our real life the renewed assumption of the Constitutions and Regulations of the Institute. This was followed by lively discussions from participants and the members of the General Council. At the end La Madre intervened with her words of wisdom and helped us understand that our Constitutions is the base of our personal life, community life and mission and it is very much in keeping with the teachings of the Church. She emphasised that we should not compromise with the formation of Sisters due to lack of financial and human resources.

Sr. Runita Borja gave us a glimpse into the Guidelines for Management of Goods in the FMA Institute which helped us understand the document more clearly. In the end the participants watched with great interest the creative presentation of the Mumbai Province on the Encyclical ‘Laudato sì’. Joining St. Francis we say Laudato si Signore !

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TRIENNIAL EVALUATION   FMA – PCI

Jan25

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The second day of the Triennial Evaluation began with an experiential morning prayer set in Indian style with the traditional lamp lit representing the presence of the Risen Jesus in our midst. The Indian bhajans  known for its immense power to lead one to contemplation and an inward journey led the participants to get in touch with the indwelling presence of God. The Holy Eucharist began with the depiction of St. Paul narrating his story of conversion and inviting the participants to be passionate in our commitment to Jesus and in our option for the poor and those at the periphery. We cannot but marvel at the transformation of St. Paul from being a fierce persecutor of Christ to an ardent apostle.

Fr. Mathew George SDB in his homily dwelt at length on the theme of the day, “Together with the young”.  He invited the participants to go through a paradigm shift from working for young people to working with the young. We have examples par excellence in the life of Jesus who became flesh and blood and lived among us and Don Bosco who made radical option in favour of the poor and the neglected. He stressed that if we are one with the young people of the periphery, we will see the reality from their perspective willing to let go of our comfort zone.

The gracious presence of our beloved Mother General a symbol of great tenderness and affection adds beauty and grace to our gathering and we look forward to listen to her words of wisdom. Right at the outset Mother appreciated  the effort of the PCI to put together the reflections of the seven provinces and remarked that it is a great sign of unity as FMA India.  In her conference titled, ‘Community in continual conversion capable of prophetic gestures’, she pointed out that the pastoral conversion is the foundation of an outgoing Church. Speaking about migration as a new challenge for FMA India she drew the attention of Indians spread all over the world who are in need of missionaries and lay volunteers to reach out to them in love and service. She reminded the participants about the need for renewed reciprocal trust, family spirit, circular style of animation and the communion of goods at the service of animation. It was wonderful to listen to her as she spoke with a heart of a mother inviting her daughters to have clear identity, while we enter into dialogue with people of other faiths and venture into new areas on behalf of the poor and the marginalized.

The participants then continued with the sharing of mid-chapter journey Choice III, that initiated dynamic interactions among the members. There were differences of opinion with regard to the mission: while a few highlighted the contribution we offer through formal education a few others emphasised  the need of the hour- to open up new vistas in favour of the poor and the marginalized responding to the call of Pope Francis.  Discussions revealed the great desire in everyone for renewal and growth.

The prophetic gestures in action in the provinces was another topic of interest for all. We marvel at the great contribution made by FMA India towards the youth of today through a number of institutions and variety of services. We were asked by Mother General to reflect on how these prophetic gestures change our life; how it is affecting our personal and community life and how it influence our mentality. This was followed by vivacious interactions on the quality and efficacy of our mission after which we tuned our ears to listen to Sr. Phyllis Neves who shared with us the news of the FMA Family. The animation carried out in the province of Shillong to promote vocations was presented as part of good night. We thank God for his providence and infinite love towards us.

Reported by  Sr. Margaret Mathai

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TRIENNIAL EVALUATION: 24-28 January, 2018 at Kolkata

Jan24

 

The long awaited Triennial Evaluation of the Provincial Conference of India (PCI)comprised of seven FMA provinces commencedin earnest with a well prepared morning prayer and the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, the Archbishop of Calcutta. In his homily he highlighted the tenderness and compassion so much desired by St. John Bosco our father and founder, drawing his inspiration from the life of St. Francis de Saleswhom he gave us as our patron and whose feast we celebrate today.

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The PCI is blessed with the honourable presence of Rev. Mother Yvonne Reungoat and four members from the General Council: Sr. AlaideDeretti, Sr. Runita Borja, Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil and Sr. Phyllis Neves.  There are 35 participants along with the lay representatives.

The inaugural welcome by the host province situated at the heart of Kolkata, the City of Joy was indeed breathtaking and mesmerising. We travelled through the land of ancient monuments known for its traditional charm and heritage.As the participants were escorted to the auditoriumaround 700 students of Auxilium school depicted the culture of West Bengal through various art forms that attracted the attention of alland made us wonder at the richness of this land and her people. The representation of leaders and luminaries like Swami Vivekanadha, Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa, the Saint of the Gutters stirred our hearts. After the ceremonial welcome our beloved Mother General enthralled the audience with her affectionate message. She had great appreciation for the artists and staff for such a wonderful performance. She said that along with her and the members of the General Council the whole FMA World is witnessing and participating in the PCI through the web. Mother General spoke to the participants about the beauty of our vocation as believers. She said that we need to ‘let ourselves be found by the Lord Jesus’. Only an encounter with Jesus can help us encounter others. This was followed by group discussions which helped the participants to deepen their reflection on her talk.

The other highlight of the day was the presentation of the reports. Unlike other years this year the PCI decided to put together the reports of all the provinces and present it avoiding repetitions and bringing in more clarity and focus.  The presentation of choice I and Choice II were followed by lively discussions.

The day came to an end with the evening prayer, dinner and a brief recreation which bonded us together as FMA India.

Reported by  Sr. Margaret Mathai

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Arrival of Mother Yvonne Reungoat FMA in Kolkata

Jan23

Mother Yvonne Reungoat arrived in the Province of Mary Help of Christians Kolkata, the city of joy, the city of Don Bosco’s  4th missionary dream along with Sr. Phyllis Neves, at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 7.40 am,  for the FMA PCI, Triennial Evaluation. She was welcomed with bouquet of flowers by Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath, Sisters, Students of Auxilium Dum Dum, Parents and Past pupils.

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Around 80 students assembled at the school premises and the Provincial House, Dum Dum bubbling with excitement to welcome Mother Yvonne Renugoat. The students greeted Mother with smiling faces as they happily swayed to the  tune of ‘Anando loke’ along with other children showering her with rose petals and greeting her with pom poms. Mother was ushered into the chapel by the sisters.

 

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Traditional welcome

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Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel welcomed mother on behalf of the Province and led the moment of prayer and asked the Almighty to bless her with good health and assured all that mother’s presence would light up the lives of the sisters and transform them into a better Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Later she was invited to light the Indian traditional lamp, symbol of God’s presence in the person of Mother Yvonne. The chapel was filled with the melodious hymn “Shine, Jesus, shine”. Mother Yvonne expressed her gladness at being a part of the Province. She was overjoyed to meet the sisters and teachers especially the children and brightened up our lives with her glorious presence.

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Surprise Visitors from Rome

Jan22

visitThe surprising visit of Sr. Alaide Deretti and Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the two General Councilors brought in much joy and happiness to the two communities of Barasat. They were accompanied by Sr. Rosy Veliyan from Auxilium Dum Dum and on their arrival at Auxilium Convent, Barasat they were warmly welcomed by the sisters and boarders. The children sang a festal song in honor of Bl. Laura Vicuna whose feast is celebrated today and an Italian song to make them feel at home. They spent a few minutes of friendly chat with the sisters then they proceeded to Auxilium Aspirantate.

The Aspirants were eagerly waiting for their arrival at the gate. With an action song they welcomed them and escorted them to the chapel. Sr. Alaide spoke to them at length. She exhorted them how to be FMA missionaries of the Gospel starting from the initial stages of their formation. ‘The only thing essential is to offer our lives for the other, utilising our entire being in order to be at the service of others’, she said.

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FMA General Councillor for Youth Pastoral,  Sr. Runita Borja visits Auxilium Snehalaya

Jan21

On 20 January 2018, Sr. Runita Borja, General Councillor for Youth Pastoral visited

Auxilium Snehalaya.  It was an exciting experience for the children and for the community.  On her arrival she was given a traditional welcome and offered garland and bouquets.   She spent the evening with the children and they felicitated her with the beautiful programme.

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 Auxilium Bandel bids farewell to Miss Kakoli Bose and Class XII Students  

Jan12

On 6th January 2018,  Auxilium Convent School,  Bandel geared up for a memorable  event of bidding farewell to the  outgoing students of  class XII who had spent 14 years under the loving canopy of Auxilum. The void in the heart of Auxilium was further deepened, when on the same occasion, Miss. Kakoli Bose was to bow out on her active service after years of meritorious teaching.

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After extending a warm welcome to Class XII and Miss .Kakoli, along with our respected sisters, teachers, the programme started with a prayer service for the success and well being of the outgoing students. A beautiful ensemble of speeches, poems, songs and dance followed in honour of Miss.Kakoli. She was presented with flowers and cards by the students and teacher body, as a token of her untiring service and love rendered to the school.

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The students of Class XI put up wonderful performances for class XII, a rhythmic presentation of their life changing journey of 14 years, a comic rendition of a popular movie 3 idiots focusing on changing perceptions and a medley of melodies that perfectly captured the big and small moments of their school life. On request Ms. Kakoli came up to the stage and addressed the gathering, sharing her varied experiences and memories with the Auxilium family, whom she had accepted as her own. The superior Sr.Elizabeth Valliyil spoke to the outgoing students of Class XII and to Ms.Kakoli wishing them all luck, success and health. Finally, the school leaders came up to the stage for one last time to hand over the responsibilities they had dutifully discharged over the past two years, to Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil  the Superior. The school captain expressed her love and gratitude to the school, on behalf of her batch mates.

Annual   Retreat

Jan7

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 AUXILIUM BANDEL: 58 sisters of our province filled with great thirst for God gathered at Auxilium Bandel for their Annual Spiritual Retreat, from 28 December – 04 January 2018. A renowned preacher Fr. Biji Thomas SDB, helped the retreatants to experience God from the various angle of their lives – prayer, evangelical council, Community living and mission, supporting his views purely from the Holy Bible.

 The retreatants were given a warm welcome by Provincial Rev. Sr. Rose Ezarath. In her introductory talk she boosted the spirit of the sisters quoting from Pope Francis “Our call is to seek the will of God “. Thus the sisters began to encounter the Lord firstly through a meaningful Eucharistic celebration. The theme rolled around these days of race was “for the greater glory of God”. Each morning dawned with a Eucharistic adoration, followed by the powerful prayers for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy men and women of the church were called upon to protect and deliver us from all evil. Fr. Biji in his first talk encouraged the retreatants  to prepare for a good confession. This Sacrament indeed was a trustful meeting with our heavenly father where one experienced His forgiveness and the grace to live a holy life.

The limitations of our community life brought into light through fitting examples from Bible stories, parables and the life of Christ. Fr. Biji urged us to live in all sincerity and truthfulness. Never to justify oneself at the advantage of others. In all these things doing the will of God is the greatest. At the mercy hour the retreatants were helped to contemplate the Paschal mystery through well animated chaplet of Divine mercy, the Holy rosary and the way of the cross. These days of grace being with our beloved Lord helped us to renew and commit ourselves totally for the glory of God. They were days of transformation than just formation. The encounter with the Lord made us to be seekers and God givers and urged us to make the necessary ‘shifts’ and ‘U turn’ in our lives journey.

At the end the retreatants were taken for a Picnic to a Santhal mission area (Sinet) run by the Salesian fathers. The sisters enjoyed themselves with various creative games and danced to the sound of the drum. Finally a good meal was served. Our sincere gratitude  to Rev. Sr. Rose Ezarath our Provincial for her active and guiding presence in our midst and to Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil and the community for their hospitality and family spirit in hosting this great event.

Lunch with the poor children – Auxilium Kalyani

Dec31

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In solidarity with the poor, Auxilium Kalyani had Lunch with 40 children on 25th December. A few days earlier Sr. Margaret Barla had visited the families of these children and invited them to share our meal on Christmas day and they accepted our invitation very happily and willingly. This event brought us great joy on this great feast of love and sharing. After the meal a piece of cake and sweets too were distributed to all. They thanked the sisters and didis and left happily back home.