CRI -North 24 Parganas Deanery celebrates the sainthood of St. Teresa of Kolkata and concludes the year of Mercy

Nov7

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A felicitation ceremony for the sainthood of St. Teresa of Kolkata  and thanksgiving  for the year of mercy was organised  by the CRI unit of the North 24  Parganas deanery at Auxilium convent Barasat On 29th October 2016.

 The grand celebration was set on track  with the inaugural ceremony  which included the lighting of the lamb  by the chief guest Rev. Fr. Anthony Rodrick the dean of  North 24 parganas, the Guest of honour Br. Varghese MC and the core team of deanery , welcome speech by the president of the deanery  Rev. Fr. Simon Xalxo OFM,  presentation of Bouquet by Sr. Biola RNDM and the  invocation prayer by Sr.  Stella D FMA the secretary of the CRI Deanery.   Rev. Fr. Varghese Tor introduced the  Resource person of the day Rev. Br. Varghese MC  who kept  the audience enthused  and enamoured  for more than one hour with his inspiring  and igniting  talk on St. Teresa of Kolkata. 20161029_124840Some of the key points highlighted were Compassion and Mother Teresa is synonymous, her life could be summarised as prayer, service, silence, single mindedness, Christ orientedness.  She preached without preaching for her actions spoke louder than her words.  She was an excellent teacher as a Loretto nun and she continued to be a teacher later through her actions. She proved by her life that compassion and mercy are more powerful than money and power.  She exhorted often,” our religious life is to belong to Jesus and let Jesus use you without consulting you’.  Obedience to the will of God will take care of you.

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Rev. Fr. Thamasin SJ the Director of Arunoday , the  anchor of the day  and organizer of the cultural programme set the stage on motion with the commencement of the cultural fiesta.  Auxilium boarding students initiatedit with theme song on divine mercy, Blessed are the merciful followed by 12 formation houses Bethany novitiate, RNDM  aspirantate, Anujyoti  AC postulantate , Arunoday SJ pre novitiate, St. John Mary Vianney Diocesan seminary, Providence novitiate  Barrackpore, Apostolic Carmel Novitiate, MC aspirants from Green Park, Prado novices, Novices of sisters of charity of Oasis Capitano, novices of  Daughters of St. Ann and  Aspirants of Auxilium Barasat who set the stage on fire with their creative and captivating staging  on the life of Mother Teresa and  year of mercy themes enthralling the audience. The sisters and fathers of Barasat communities    surprised the audience with a melodious  song on St. Teresa of Kolkata composed by Sr. Baia  AC.20161029_122109

The solemn Eucharistic celebration  commenced with an entrance dance performed by the boarders of Auxilium Barasat.  The choir of Bethany novitiate with their harmonious and  mellifluous voices gave a heavenly ambient for the main celebrant Fr. Anthony Rodricks and other 9 co-celebrants to offer the thanksgiving Eucharist for our new Saint, St. Teresa of Kolkata and conclude befittingly  the year of mercy.  Fr. Anthony in his homily exhorted all to follow the footsteps of our saint who was truly the icon of the year of mercy.  He  also congratulated the CRI core team for organizing and executing the event so beautifully.  After the Eucharistic celebration Sr. Biola RNDM gave  the eulogy of thanks to all those who had been instrumental in making this day a memorable one in the annals of the CRI unit of north 24 Parganas .  The eventful day drew it’s curtain with a fellowship meal in the grounds with lots of chit and chats and sharing.  May the Lord whose everlasting mercy we commemorated continue to assist us in being agents of mercy in the footsteps of St. Teresa of Kolkata.

 

LET’S CELEBRATE MERCY

Nov6

 

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 The Catholic students of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, from classes IX to XII attended a retreat from 29th October 2016 – 1st November 2016 in Bandel. The retreat was conducted by Rev.Fr. James Mathew SDB, Sr.Jones MSMI. The retreat was a very powerful one in which all could experience the Lord’s touch in their lives.

Fr.James helped the girls to discover, contemplate, experience and live in mercy. He helped us realize that no matter what happens on earth, no matter who rejects us, we are always, the children of God; ‘the friends of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit’.

In the midst of singing, dancing, games and  Diwali celebrations, there was an incredible amount of prayer and devotion that made this retreat a memorable and fruitful one. There were inner healing sessions, counseling, adoration and prayer. We got to know about three important things from which we need to get rid off through prayer – disobedience, disturbance from silence and wrong accusations. We learnt how sins are accompanied always by four things friends, fear, sorrow and guilt. We realized the power of trusting the Lord through the life of St. Faustina, who was a normal girl like any one of us – partying, enjoying etc. – When God gave her his call… We learnt that the Blessed Virgin never leaves any prayer unanswered, through personal experiences.

He narrated to us a number of miracles performed by the Lord in the lives of people. This increased our faith and helped us to seek the Lord’s grace with faith and love. We realized that nothing could separate us from the love of Christ. The testimonies of Brother Amit and sister Priya touched our hearts because we could clearly see how beautifully and powerfully the Lord had been guiding both of them in their lives every day. Sr. Jones counseled all those who wished to clear their confusions and doubts. She taught them more about the Lord. The experience was a beautiful one.

Fr.JamIMG-20161104-WA0012.jpges taught us about how Mary Magdalene being a sinful woman received the Lord’s immense mercy in her life and thus became an example and assurance to all mankind that God’s love and mercy is unconditional. We played many games which Father related to our spiritual life. Father taught us the three simple steps to be taken to attain excellence – to relax, to concentrate and to be positive. If we would follow them, then we would surely attain excellence in all we do with the Lord’s assistance. Everyone made beautiful confessions because of which our hearts were lightened. It was as if some burden was lifted off our shoulders. We could experience the Lord’s mercy through our confessions.

Father spoke to us regarding obedience and purity in our lives. He explained to us how we could practice obedience and also told us how much our Lord Jesus was pleased with us. We all attended beautiful praises and worships conducted by Amit brother and Priya Sister. All could experience the Lord’s presence during adoration.

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The retreat was a blessing for all the youngsters and it helped them to rise spiritually and cling on to the immeasurable love of Christ. All the students were very grateful to Sr. Esther, the Principal for giving them the opportunity to be a part of this retreat and also to all the teachers who took out time to be with them during the retreat. It was completely the Lord’s love and grace which made this retreat a success.

Sheeba Pillai  XII C & Snigdha Battacharyya XI C

 

Birthday Celebration

Nov4

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It was a noble initiative of the parents of Rohan Sur, a student of  Auxilium Convent School, Pre-Nursery to celebrate his  4th birthday with some poor children. He celebrated his birthday with our boarders and the co workers. A total of 45 children and adults along with the sisters had a good meal and snack given by the parents of Rohan. The celebration was consists of cutting of the cake, bursting of balloons, games and distribution of sweets.

How true are the Words of Jesus come in action: ”When you give a feast, invite instead the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Fortunate are you then, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the upright”. (Li. 14: 13:14)

We thanked the parents of Rohan, Mithu and Ganesh and asked the Almighty to shower His blessings upon Rohan and his family for their generosity, especially when we are at the close of the Year of Mercy.

CATECHETICAL DAY 2016 AT H.C.AUXILIUM  SCHOOL , R.K.PURAM

Nov4

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On 29th October, 2016 was a day set aside to celebrate the Catechetical day in the school. Parents of Christian children were invited to witness the programme put up by the Catechism children.

The theme chosen for the day was “Jesus is Love and Mercy”. The  Chief Guest for the day was Rev. Fr. Maria Susai, the Parish priest  of St. Thomas Church, R.K. Puram.

The  programme  began with   the formal welcoming of the guests  followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by Fr. Maria Susai, Sr. Maria P., Sr. Lily and two parent representatives.

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A beautiful Prayer Dance was performed by the students of Class III. The little children of Class II danced and sang the meaningful song titled ‘Jesus loves the little children.’  Keeping in mind the celebration of the extraordinary year of mercy, the students of Class IV enthralled the parents with their heart touching act of ‘Whatsoever You Do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto me’ This act had a befitting close with the wonderful rendition of the hymn ‘Make me a Channel of your Peace.’

The Parable of ‘The Ten Virgins was portrayed by the students of Class III  followed by the enactment of the Parable of the ‘Prodigal Son’ by the students of Class V. The final act was put up by the children of Class III who   performed an action song ‘Jesus is my Hero’

The Chief Guest, Fr.Maria Susai,  then enlightened the Parents and Children with his meaningful message. He said that whatever he wanted to communicate was already beautifully expressed by the children on stage. He told the parents that we all have to keep in mind the words of our Holy Father Pope Francis,  that whatever   we do or wherever we go, we must have in our hearts the seed of Love and Mercy. He advised the parents to be instrumental in sowing the seeds of love and compassion in their children in order to reap rich fruits. Sr. Lily , the Superior presented a token of appreciation to our Chief Guest.IMG_7535.JPG

Mr. Barthlomew Basumatary, gave a message on behalf of all the parents. First of all he thanked the children, Sisters and teachers for organizing the Catechetical Day in such a beautiful way.  He then stressed on the fact that we all must have faith in our God, in our Church and in our School and that we must inculcate in our children the right values needed to be true and loving children of our Lord.

Sr. Asha then proposed the vote of thanks. She appreciated the little children and said that they are the blooming buds of our school and asked them to continue to be messengers of Love and Mercy.

The programme culminated with the National Anthem sung by the children. It was indeed a wonderful and a meaningful programme.

PAULA FERNANDES

 

“Safe Diwali”

Nov3

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On 28th October 2016, the Eco Club students of Holy Child Auxilum Vasant Vihar presented Street play on “Safe Diwali” in C Block market place and Priya Theatre campus, Vasant Vihar. The play mainly aimed at creating awareness in the public to celebrate the forthcoming festival in sobriety avoiding fireworks. The participants numbering 30 from Classes VIII to XII highlighted various forms of cracker free Diwali, harmful effects of poisonous gases released by crackers, environment pollution etc. The crowd gathered from all around congratulated the performers and unanimously joined them in taking the oath for the safe environment. The students thanked Sr. Kanchan Karuna Bara and the three teachers in charge of the Club who accompanied them.

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The celebration of a green Diwali with diyas, lights and colourful rangoli in the School, not only added joy to the lives of the students but was a reminder that true happiness comes from doing good and becoming light for others.

Auxilium Barasat DBTech Students Visit Mother Teresa’s House

Oct30

 

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On 22 October, 2016 the DBTech Barasat visited the  Mother (Teresa) House and the Victoria Memorial at Kolkata. The Sister-in-charge, accompanied them.  We left at 9.30 am and reached Mother house at 11.00 am. We visited the Museum, saw lots of things like the first hand written prayer book, the Crockery used by Mother Teresa, the various letters she wrote and so on. All of us went around the museum and saw everything. Then we entered the Chapel and prayed to Mother for all of us. We prayed in front of her Tomb. Then we visited the Small room of Mother. We were amazed to see the small room with only a small Cot and a table. We took some photographs. We were very happy and felt that we were blessed by St.Teresa.

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At 12.45 pm we started the journey towards Victoria Memorial. We reached at 1.30 pm in the large ground and enjoyed our lunch there. After lunch we visited the Victoria Memorial. After the enjoyable day we returned with pleasant memories.

 

Guest Lecture by Fr.Alfred Paul for Phase 5 Students – DB Tech at Auxilium Barasat

Oct30

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 Fr.Alfred Paul, Director of Don Bosco Ashalayam conducted a session on18 October 2016 for the DBTech students of Barasat as a Guest Lecturer. He  was welcomed with a loud applause. Sr. Sherley introduced Fr.Paul to all present.

Fr. Paul started the session with a Prayer song projected on the screen. Taking a thought from the prayer song he said, “No matter who does it, how he does it, from where he does it, if we pray from the bottom of our heart our prayers will definitely be heard”.  He spoke to the students about Don Bosco Ashalayam. He and his team go around the slums especially the railway stations and bring to the centre the children, counsel them and give them different trainings so that they can equip themselves technically and go out to work and earn a good living. He gave examples of some of his students who are very well established and are doing well in life. The children that are brought to Ashalayam are first counselled and then given education/training according to their ability.  Some are given trades like, carpentry, tailoring, skill development training etc. so that they can earn a good living and be self-sufficient. He then interacted with the students and answered their queries. At the end of his session he suggested that the students try to follow good things and avoid wrong things because they are the pillars of the nation, they are the Nation Builders. The session ended singing together the song “We shall overcome”. Mr. Nilanjan thanked Fr. Paul on behalf of DBTech for inspiring the students.

Guest Lecture of Phase 5 – DBTech Barasat

Oct30

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On 21 October 2016 Sr. Isabella, NDF Director visited the DB Tech Auxilium Barasat. Sr. Isabella addressed the students with the words of Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam the late President of India. He said that India will be the most powerful country in the world by 2020 because of young people. Our young people are very hardworking, energetic, and smart. Only one thing they need to focus is that of setting a realistic goal. Students should adjust with the environment wherever they will be sent for jobs. They should work well and honestly. Then God will help them. She questioned them on domain related topics. She motivated the students to do well.  Mr. Bishwajit Mishra thanked  Sr. Isabella for her valuable thoughts.

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DAY WITH GOD

Oct28

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The teachers of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum spent a fruitful day with God on 22nd October, 2016 with their hearts and minds tuned to His Word. The session which stretched from 8 00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. which was animated by Rev. Fr. Biji Thomas SDB, who really brought Jesus to the teachers through his preaching on the Word of God. Fr. Biji primarily spoke on sin, suffering and surrender. He started his session by referring to some of the most comforting lines in the Bible, Come to me all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. (Mt. 11:28)

Father went on to beautifully elaborate on the yoke; the Lord is calling each one of us to carry, which we, due to our limited understanding consider to be merely a burden. Father helped the teachers to prepare their hearts to receive Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation by referring to ‘Man’s first Disobedience and showing them how sin is a stumbling block in the way of grace.

The post-lunch session was spent on Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions, the recital of the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet and preparation for the Holy Eucharist.

Throughout the session the teachers experienced the power and presence of the living God amidst them. The Deliverance Prayer and the Special Blessing at the end of the session sanctified not only the teachers and the institution but also their families they had left behind at home. Father was kind enough to stay much beyond the time allotted, for sessions of personal counseling. In a word it was a real encounter with Jesus for each and every teacher.

Miss. Janelle Rodrigues

An Act of Mercy

Oct28

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On Friday, 21st October, 2016 the members of Mazzarello House, Home Science Club, H.C.Vasant Vihar, New Delhi took the initiative to visit Jeevan Deep Kusht Ashram, R.K.Puram to distribute food to the inmates of the leprosy centre run by the Government. It was to mark the World Food Day and the Jubilee year of Mercy. Sr. Maria Pettayil, three teachers in charge of Mazzarello house and seven students from Class XI representing the students had the privilege of visiting the centre.  IMG_1995.JPG

The students expressed that it was a touching experience especially when they listened to the lepers of their stories of diseases, the way they were recovering with the facilities provided to them by the Government and their life style.  They also carried home the message of saving and sharing food with the poor and needy brothers and sisters of the society and they are convinced that this is an event to remember in all the days to come.

This initiative was yet another step in upholding the Mazzarello House motto: “Serve With Joy”.

Vibhuti Kataria

Class XI