ICSE 2nd Rank – Debasree Pal
Auxilium Convent School, Barasat
Annual Retreat
The Annual retreat was held at Sacred Heart Novitiate, Namkum – Ranchi from17th – 24th May 2017. There were 26 participants from three Provinces (ING, INS and INC), and it was preached Fr. Deepak Toppo S J. The theme of the retreat was “to know Him more intimately, to love Him more ardently and to follow Him more closely”. On 17th May 2017, Sr. Philomena Prabalanathan initiated the retreat by an introductory talk. She exhorted us to renew our motivation and determination according to the Gospel values, and to live the mystery of our call.
Fr. Deepak invited us to be aware of the purpose of our lives, to experience the longing in our hearts for God which is the only aim and fulfillment of our lives, to touch His presence in creation and to experience the freedom. Fr. Deepak helped us to be aware of the love of Christ through reflection on the passion of our Lord, in a practical way which is related to daily events of life. He further took us to the new life in the Risen Lord, for without suffering there is no resurrection. His invitation for each of us is to go beyond like Mary Magdalene, never to give up like the disciples of Emmaus, to listen, Experience, share, praise and express Faith in Solidarity with the community.
ONE MORE STEP CLOSER TO Religious Life
On 23rd May, 2017 at 8.30pm, we the two postulants, Priyanka Toppo and Joslin Xalxo were initiated into novitiate, one more step further in religious life. It was preceded by 8 days of retreat preached by Fr. Deepak Toppo S.J. In her talk, Sr. Provincial, Sr. Rose Ezarath, exhorted us to be strong in our vocational journey, by allowing God to work in us, as a potter does with the clay and also to be like a handkerchief in the hands of our formators. We received the novice’s medals from her hands. Then she accepted and welcomed us in the Institute by garlanding us. We as a sigh of our gratitude, to the Almighty, offered a lighted lamp symbolizing our offering to the Lord. We look forward to your prayers for us as go ahead in our vocational Journey.
Priyanka Toppo and Joslin Xalxo
Perpetual Profession
On 24th May 2017 at 9.30 am Sr. Lourdu Prema Francis, Sr. Sandhya Sudha Minj and Sr. Sosan Alma Minj said their total ‘Yes’ to the Lord by saying that their happiness lies in Him alone. Rt. Rev. Telesphore Toppo presided over the Holy Eucharist at Mazzarello Convent, Ranchi. He reminded us saying that many are called but few are chosen so we are among the chosen ones. The joy of our three sisters knew no bound as they said, “Here I am Lord receive me…” and received their crown for their faithfulness and courage. In their joy they also sang their magnificat to show their gratitude to the Lord. After the Mass a short felicitation and lunch followed. The day came to an end with a feeling of contentment in the hearts and mind of all present to witness this great event.
First Profession
On 24th May 2017, there was an air of joy at Mazzarello Convent Ranchi, as Binita Bara, our 2nd year novice took a courageous step to say her “YES” to God as she heard Him say, “I have called you by name you are mine” . At 6.30am, Rev. Fr. Shilanand Kerketta presided over the Holy Eucharist. During his homily he stressed on giving our ‘total yes’ to God even in the moments of difficulties that we face in our life. We need to be faithful to Him in every moment of our life.
It was a great moment for Sr. Binita Bara and her family members as they have offered their three daughters for the service of the Lord in the Institute of the Daughters of Mary help of Christians.
A step nearer to God in fidelity – Renewal
On 23rd May 2017, 13 vibrant junior Sisters renewed their vows to Lord at Mazzarello Convent Ranchi. The preparation began with eight days of retreat, with the theme: “To know Christ more intimately, to love more ardently and to follow more closely”. The day was kept aside for prayer and Eucharistic adoration. The holy Eucharistic celebration which was the climax of the day was presided over by Fr.Deepak Toppo S.J and the con-celebrant was Fr.Raja.
The reading of the day was based on the call of Abraham. During the homily Fr.Deepak exhorted that every life is a call. Few are chosen for a specific purpose that is to fulfil the mission of the Lord and others are for different professions. When the call of God is well lived with total fidelity and commitment then the religious life become more meaningful. The most awaited incredible day ended with felicitation and best wishes.
Sr.Pranati Manjari Sabhasundar
News from Auxilium Kalyani
10 May: A Blessing – The beautiful practice of praying the daily rosary during the month of May in each Christian family is till today observed in Kalyani, to draw down blessings on the family. Today at 5 p.m. we had 25 mothers of the parish and a few children along with our boarders and sisters to pray the rosary in our chapel with fervor and devotion, singing hymns to our Blessed Mother and offering intentions for the sisters and the needs of the world at large. After the Scripture reading there was a short reflection on it. At the end of the rosary Sr. Mary Sarkar enlightened them on the special significance of this month of May, for us Salesian sisters, especially the feast of St. Mary Mazzarello, our Co-foundress and that of 24th May, why we are called daughters of Mary Help of Christians. They left home taking Mary with them after a light snack and a cool drink. For as the hymn goes “Be with us Mary along the way, guide every step we take”.
12 May: Feast day celebration Mother Mazzarello in the school – It was a joyous and happy moment for our dear children and teachers to remember Mother Mazzarello and celebrate her feast. Mrs. Anita Gomes, at the start briefed them on the life of Mother Mazzarello with special emphasis and examples, on her hard work, working only for God’s glory, her prayer life, her obedience to God’s will and her great charity towards all. A dance in rhythmic steps paying homage to Mother Mazzarello drew everyone’s attention in joy and awe. “We clap pour hand and shout aloud” was then a song sang proudly to Mother Mazzarello by the students of Classes 2 and 3. This was followed by the Story Telling Competition in English by students of class 3 to make this day a specially celebrated. The short program concluded with a Bengali song to Mother Mazzarello. Sweets were distributed for all as they left for their summer vacation wishing all a Happy Holiday!
13 May: Feast day celebration Mother Mazzarello – Today’s feast took us to two focal points celebrating it as a family; namely the Eucharist and the Agape. At 11.00 am we had the solemn Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by Fathers Saroj Mullick sdb, the rector of Don Bosco, as chief celebrant along with Fr. Peter Gomes sdb. Fr. Saroj, in his brief homily connected the Word of God to the life of Mother Mazzarello “I am the way, the truth and the Life, whoever has seen me has seen the Father”. He laid stress on the laborious life, her charity, obedience, poverty and she being a simple rustic woman, involved life with contemplation and action. Present with us for this feast were 2 SMI sisters, 2 MC Brothers, and the 4 sdb fathers who joined in the agape along with the boarders, all the workers and their children.
BIBLE CUM VOCATION CAMP at Auxilium Convent, Bamunmura – Barasat
Bible cum vocation camp was held at Auxilium Convent, Bamunmura – Barasat from 14th – 17th May 2017. It was organized by Sr. Leelamma P, Superior of Aspirantate and Sr.Esther Abraham. 37 students participated from Monsada, Gobra, Dum Dum and Auxilium Barasat. From our school we were 12 students accompanied by Sr. Esther our principal.
Our first thought on seeing the center was of awe struck wonder. A big ground in front with mango trees bloomed, two small gardens in the entrance. The whole ambient made us feel relaxed and calm.
On entering we were welcomed by the Superior Sr.Leelamma, Sr.Alitrice, Sr.Delpina and 19 Aspirants. They greeted us, welcomed us with songs and made us feel special. We were taken to the chapel after the welcome, it was a very beautiful and peaceful place to be in. we prayed the rosary followed by adoration, it was animated by the Aspirants, it was a thanks giving prayer service as the 2 postulants were leaving next day to Novitiate at Ranchi. At 8.30 we had dinner and we had a lovely recreation. We all were divided into five groups of 7 members each. We played games like cock fight,wear the sandal and crowning the queen and many more. After all these lovely enjoyment we had a peaceful sleep.
On the second day at 6.30 a.m. we had holy Eucharist and had a lovely time with Jesus while meditating the Word of God. With refreshed mind and active body we started with Sr. Esther, she took morning session on the Call of the Prophets such as Abraham, who was notable for his faith and his obedience to God, Joseph one among the 12sons of Jacob, Moses the person whom God chose lead his people from Egypt, Good and Honest Man Job who suffers and still humbly acknowledges God as wise and great, The CALL of Jeremiah. Sr. Esther explained and brought out the uniqueness of each person’s call and helped us to understand that it is God who calls and sends for His mission. When we do God’s will than we can lead a successful life. She explained about the necessities of living good Christian life. She also filled us with the knowledge of Old Testament. After such an inspiring session we had lunch. All the five groups depicted the 5 prophets with lot of creativity through enactments and songs and it was tough for the jury to decide the best. The session continued by personal reflection and ended with pertinent videos. In the evening Class 12 students of Auxilium Dum Dum lead us into praise and worship. After our dinner we all went to watch movie on St. Francis and St.Clare. We enjoyed the movie thoroughly and gained a lot of wisdom.
The Third day of the camp commenced with a Holy Eucharist Rev. Fr.Thomasin SJ. In his homily he said that Jesus wants all of us to live in peace. Peace is the serenity of the mind, the simplicity of the heart and the tranquility of the soul. We also meditated of the holy name of Jesus.
Sr.Leelamma who taught us many things through her interactive sessions about the five most important women character in the New Testament. They are: Mary – the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene – a devoted follower of Jesus , the Samaritan women , the adulteress women, Mary and Martha. These were the five different characters of women from the New Testament who were depicted the different role of women of modern generation. Different nature and ability of women can be understood. Later different competitive group activities were performed they chose one woman character of the New Testament and enact accordingly their role and character.
We all prayed daily Rosary and followed praise and worship, class XI students conducted it very gracefully and each and every person present there felt a pray full atmosphere. Lastly a special dinner was arranged for us. It was an amazing and mesmerizing experience, having dinner in the midst of cold breeze, very delicious dinner was served on that day.
The camp came to an end with the distribution of prizes for different activities. A special vote of thanks was given to the organizers and the host house who took all the trouble to take care of us in spite of their busy schedule. This whole bible camp was organized by our beloved Principle Sr.Esther, so we thank her with our open hearts for helping us to take one more step forward towards Jesus Christ.
Anne Cynthia Gomes XI A
Preza S. Biswas XII B
Summer Camp at Kurtumgarh
KURTUMGARH: On 16-17 May 2017 was a red letter day for the Children of St. Sebastian Parish Church Kurtumgarh. The theme chosen for the summer camp was: “Walking with Jesus.” There were 38 Participants from classes III to X. It was for the first time that the summer camp has been organized in the history of Kurtumghar Parish Church.
The Sisters took great interest in organizing, though responses from the part of the children were very poor. Keeping in mind the words of Don Bosco ‘even when there is only one child I will drag my feet to save that soul.’ Bro. Manish our neighbour, who is studying for the priesthood in the Society of Sacred Heart of Jesus, came for his home visit gave his full time and was quite interested in helping us to conduct the camp.
Many children were unaware of the camp, but after attending they realized the importance and the richness of the camp. The camp began with the prayer service asking God’s blessings and help on all the participants and the animators. Sr. Annie T. in her inaugural talk quoted Don Bosco’s words “Run, Jump, Shout, but do not sin.” She also exhorted the children to learn as much as they can from the camp.
Children were divided into groups. In the morning hours Sr. Shanti Tirkey, Sr. Prisca Bara and Bro. Manish taught them catechism and in the afternoon they had various games and competitions.
On the second day of the camp Rev. Fr. Jugal Digal, the parish priest of the Kurtumgarh spoke to the children about Jesus and the need to become a person of prayer.
The two days of camp came to an end with the cultural programme by the children. They manifested their talents through dance, skit and song. Winners of the competitions were awarded with the prizes. Children expressed their thanks for organizing the camp. We thank the Almighty God for his presence and guidance.
AUXILIUM CONVENT SCHOOL DUM DUM CELEBRATES THE FEAST OF ST.MARY MAZZARELLO
On the 11th and 12th May 2017 the Primary and High School of Auxilium School Dum Dum witnessed a spectacular performance by the green house their patron saint. The programme commenced with a prayer service invoking God’s choicest blessings on all the sisters, teachers, and students especially those who are waiting for their board exam results. The life of Mary Mazzarello was highlighted in the form of a dance drama by classes IV and V that how Mary nurture the life of the young people through education, valuing the opportunity to be a loving caring and kind person. In the next day the High school students began the celebration by a luminous lamp – lighting ceremony. A unique power point presentation by class X drew a wonderful connection between the women of yesterday and the modern women in various aspects to highlight the influence of Mother Mazzarello and her heart touching contribution to the society. Then a classical and puppet dance replete with action based on the theme of a Mother was presented by class IX,X, & XI. The students also presented to Sr.Superior and Principal Saplings, representing green house, as the color of life. A skit was followed then in the influence of motivation and guiding spirit of a mother on her daughter’s transformation into a successful business woman was elucidated with much expression. The scintillating programme ended with an event portraying the spirit of the Bengali ‘Bauls” dance which conveyed the message of always following Mother Mazzarello’s footsteps which will lead us to eternal happiness and bliss.
The third day (13th May) the culmination of the previous days’ celebrations and the novena preparations, honoring St.Mary Mazzarello arrived at 11.00 a.m in the convent chapel when Rev. Fr. Nirmol Gomes SDB, the Salesian Provincial of Kolkata officiated the Holy Eucharist. This was a unique celebration since all the members of our family: SDB, FMA, SMI, VDB, Cooperators, ADMA, Past Pupils, Teachers, and the present pupils gathered around the Eucharistic table to offer the Mass of Thanksgiving which began with the presentation of a beautiful bouquet of roses to our dear Co-Founder.
The school choir sang beautifully for the Mass probably making all the angels too to rush to our chapel to join us in this lovely angelic singing. It was indeed a Big family get together honoring their Mother and Co-Founder.
(Sr. Restitula Kharpran)
FMA INC News Update 