Responding to the cry of the poor and the planet: Auxi Green Movement (FMA Kolkata -KSSDS)
Responding to the cry of the poor and the planet (FMA Kolkata -KSSDS)
The deeper the Root, the greater the Mission
BANDEL: “With unique God Experience, Towards Prophetic Religious life”, was the theme of the Annual Spiritual Retreat held at Auxilium Bandel from 03 – 10 January 2024. 50 Sisters from various communities of the province took an active part with the spirit of Refreshing, Rejuvenating and Renewing oneself. Rev. Fr. Austin Joy MSFS led the sisters to encounter Christ to live a consecrated life.
The Holy Retreat commenced with the introductory message and blessing of Provincial Sr. Leelamma Parlliparambil, at 5.00 pm. Thereafter it was followed by the Holy Eucharistic Celebration at 6.30 pm.
Fr. Austin Joy presented the various challenges of our Religious Life and also offered the group the solution to overcome them. He said, “Whatever may happen in your life, there is an answer in the Holy Bible.” He imparted to the group higher things – the treasures of our Religious Life. He dealt with numerous topics which led the retreatants to deeper God’s experience for the Prophetic Religious Life. Some of the topics were God’s call and anointing, serving the Lord with undivided heart, the common fall of God’s chosen ones, the power of the Word of God, the consequence of sin, salvation through Jesus, the way of treating God’s chosen ones, the power of praise and worship, how to live a blameless life, how to avoid the evil one, the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives etc.
Fr. Austin made the group realize the power of consecration which is meant for others. He also imparted how to win the battle with the powerful sword; the ‘Word of God’. His witty and rhyming words like “every disappointment is an appointment with God” and ‘create memories and not injuries’ made the retreat interesting and fun-loving. After participating in this inspirational and vigorous life-giving preaching, the retreatants unanimously decide to serve the Lord with an undivided heart. After the retreat, the retreatants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the preacher, the provincial and the community Sisters. It was one of the unique retreats for all the participants.
CATECHETICAL SEMINAR AT AUXILIUM, BANDEL
A two-day Catechetical seminar was organized from 01-02 January 2024 with on “Know, Grow and Share the Good News”. Sr. Emilia Vaz guided the inaugural prayer. Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel welcomed Sr. Provincial and Rev. Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal SDB, the resource person. On 1st January Fr. Kumudo dealt with four topics: (1) the tasks of catechesis (2) sources of catechesis, (3) challenges of Catechesis and (4) Catechesis through social media. This session imparted great reflection on ‘Where are our young people?’, ‘Is it possible to find God in media?’ and ‘How does catechesis make the Gospel relevant to the’ digital Generation’?’ Sr. Maria Goretti Ekka proposed a vote of thanks to Fr. Kumudo for his presentation and availability.
In the afternoon Sr. Shradha Kispotta conducted the session on the various Catechetical Directories of the Church. She highlighted how the fundamentals, guidelines etc. play important roles in the life of the church. The last session of the day was taken by Sr Shanti Tirkey on Youth Catechesis, helping us to reflect that our mission is to help the young to find meaning in their lives and to reawaken the dying youth of today. The day ended with words of gratitude and in waiting for the next day.
On 2nd January 2024 Sr Lily Perumpettikunnel conducted the first session on the Papal documents. We had a brief and quick glance at the 10 types of documents published by Popes and the 16 documents of Vatican II keeping in mind our response to the invitation of General Chapter XXIV. Sr Jenita Savarimuthu conducted the 2nd session of the day. She dealt with the topic ‘School and Sunday parish Catechesis’. She presented the qualities of a good catechist and the effectiveness of our catechism classes in the school and the parishes. Sr Shradha Kispotta continued the same with ‘The practical way of teaching catechism’ emphasizing the importance of preparing adequately for the catechetical instruction and classes with well-prepared lesson plans using various teaching methods. She suggested making good use of teaching aids particularly modern technology to make lessons interesting to the young children.
It was a learning, re-learning and revision for all of us. Sr. Nayna Kujur proposed the vote of thanks to all the resource persons of the day. The seminar ended with a note of gratitude reawakening one’s zeal and love for catechesis.
Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum Celebrates the Annual Day ‘Auxi Celebrando La Naturaleza ’ at Science City Auditorium on 20 December 2023
Meeting of the Provincial Delegates of the Salesian Family
The meeting of Provincial delegates for the Salesian family SDB and FMA with representatives of the other Salesian Family members was held from 01- 04 November 2023 at Dimapur Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership (DBIDL)
This maiden venture for the Salesian family was provided by a Team of 5 animators of the Salesian Family SDB & FMA from Rome. They were Fr. Joan Lluis Playa SDB, Rector Majors delegate for the Salesian family, Br. Dominico Duc Nam SDB, in charge of Salesian Cooperators, Fr. Alejandro Guvara SDB in charge of ADMA, Sr. Leslye Sandigo FMA General councillor for the Salesian Family and Sr. Lucrecia Uribe in charge of the Salesian family. They have proved that they are a group fired with zeal and passion to do all they can to animate the Salesian family even before meeting them.
The meeting commenced on 01 November 2023 with the Holy Eucharist inserted with Lauds. The inaugural session started with the welcome address by the provincial of Dimapur Fr. Jose Kuruvachira. He expressed his joy in choosing DBIDL at Dimapur as the setting for this meeting because of its unique geographical position and cultural richness. The Team from Rome and the participants, 12 SDB province delegates, 7 FMA delegates, 8 other Salesian family members and four special invitees were welcomed with indigenous coats, shawls and stoles befitting kings and queens. Fr. Joan L Playa gave the introductory talk on the objectives and aims of the meeting. As the mini translator system was made available by Br. Dominic Duc Nam SDB all could immediately catch up with the session.
Fr. Joseph Manippadeth the Salesian family Delegate for South Asia presented the strategic plan and the challenging future core areas with updated statistics and the volume of growth that we can expect if we work as a united force. Based on the presentation the assembly had a group discussion on two questions one on the pertinent insights and the second on plans to strengthen the Salesian family which was followed by a group discussion and assembly. Every afternoon the provincial delegates shared the best practices. The day ended with evening prayer and goodnight.
On 02 November the day dedicated to the departed soul commenced with morning prayer by an animated PPT by Sr. Stella Potteprambil and the Holy Eucharist guided by the provinces of Kolkata and Mumbai. Fr. Joan Lluis Playa SDB the representative of Rector Major officiated the Holy Eucharist.
At 9 a.m. session was conducted by Sr. Leslie Santigo FMA the General Councilor for the Salesian family on the topic of Animation and accompaniment of the Salesian family. She and Sr. Lucrecia Uribe used two modern techniques called Escape room and Museum walk to make their session captivating and enriching. The topics for discussion were the prophecy of being a charismatic Family in the Church, the Prophecy of being communion in synodality, Prophecy of being a shared mission.
On 03 November was a unique day as the Youth Ministry who had their meeting in the Dimapur Provincial house joined the Salesian family for the Eucharist. The 9 am session was animated by the General councillor for youth Ministry from Rome, Don Miguel A Gracia SDB on the theme “Salesian Family with a strong apostolic Spirituality elucidating the following points with a PPT presentation:
1. The unifying motivation and raison detre of the Salesian family.
2. The Salesian family came out of Don Bosco’s love for the young
3. Acting and cooperating as a Salesian family in pastoral terms
4. Attentive, involved, intrepid
The last day of the Salesian meet had its uniqueness with the presence of Fr. Biju Michael regional councillor for South Asia who celebrated the Holy Eucharist. In his address, he stressed the qualities required to raise a group to the level of the Family and community. The day ended with the formulation, editing and acceptance of the manifesto of the meeting:
The other aspects which made the meeting very engaging and interesting were the presentation of the charismatic identity of the other groups of the Salesian family, the Missionaries sisters of the Mary Help of Christians by Viji John Thachil, Catechist sisters of Mary Immaculate by Sr. Jancy Francis, Visiting sisters of St. John Bosco by Sr. Tiewra m. Mowlong , Disciples by the founder Fr. Joe D’Souza, Salesian Cooperators By Mr. T.K Devasia world delegate of the Salesian cooperators, Salesian Past pupils by Mr. Valerian Pakma besides the sharing of the best practices by Provincial delegates of SDB and FMA.
The visit to the provincial House for Dinner with youth Ministry delegates and the visit to the Dimapur college painted the days in rainbow colours invigorating the body with elixir of Salesian warmth, joy, enthusiasm and love.
Sr. Stella Potteparambil FMA
The seminar on “Rooted in Charism reimaging Leadership”
The Animators and Administrators of the communities had a very enlightening and enriching seminar steered by Fr. Mourlin K. SJ, on 25 October 2023, on the theme “Rooted in Charism and Reimaging our Leadership”.
He emphasized the following topics: The Role of Management, Team Management, Conflict Management, the Role of a leader, Cura personalis & Cura apostolica, the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the contribution of every member of the community which enlightened all the participants to live community life with more fervour and enthusiasm. His sharing of our Constitutions challenged and enlightened us. The sessions were animated with creativity and in an interesting manner. He drew the attention of all the participants through the games and the group activities, which were thought-provoking, interesting and challenging. His life experiences shared were effective and achievable. The questionnaires sent to the group to analyze the leadership roles in the community and mission were an eye-opener for the participants. On the whole, it was an enriching program where the sisters gained many new insights which is a great help to live in a community with different characters.
It is great to hear from some of the participants: Sr. Asha Kerketta says: “The sessions were conducted with creativity. There was a Salesian touch in his presentation. The topics that he dealt with, were appealing to me. It inspired and motivated me to work on myself to be a better animator. Through group activities he made us realize the importance of Teamwork”. Sr. Rose Kureekattu added, “The sessions conducted by Father were very inspiring and instructive. It’s a great help to live in a community with different characters. His knowledge of our Constitutions was very challenging to know better our Constitutions”. Yet another participant says, “The section was very inspiring and enriching. The topics were very relevant and thought-provoking. The section was very participatory and the involvement of everyone was very nice. The group activities enhanced interest learning experience. On the whole, it was a beautiful session where we gained many new insights”.
The participants expressed their gratitude to Fr. Mourlin K. SJ, Provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, Sr. Shanti Palamoottil and Sr. Minimol Chettayil for organizing the two days of the seminar.
Sr. Shradha Kispotta
Jubilee Celebration at Auxilium, Dum Dum
The Diamond Jubilee of Sr. Mary Sarkar and the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel, Sr. Teresa Adampakallel and Sr. Teresa Mundackal were celebrated on 24 October 2023 at Auxilium, Provincial House, Dum Dum. Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel, the golden jubilarian who is in the generalate too was fondly remembered on this occasion. A large number of sisters from all the communities of the province witnessed this great moment, felicitated and appreciated the jubilarians for their life of fidelity.
The climax of the celebration was the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. IC Jacob SDB, the provincial secretary of the Salesians of Kolkata Province. In his homily, he highlighted the history, importance and significance of the jubilee. He congratulated the Jubilarians for their life of fidelity and witnessing life. He concluded his homily with the words of Jesus: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” and invited everyone to embrace God’s love, seek moral excellence, practice mercy and forgiveness and live a life of holiness. The holy Mass was followed by felicitation and a festal lunch.
Minimol
Provincial Community Day Celebration 2023
The provincial community day was celebrated with all its joy and happiness on 23rd October 2023 at Auxilium, Provincial House, Dum Dum. A month-long preparation was planned out with spiritual practices for this occasion. The theme for this event was “Inspired by Mary at Cana, be a transforming presence as yeast in the community and mission”. Along with the theme four weeks’ practices were meticulously chocked out for the same. Everyday prayer was offered for provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil and for each community allotted for the day. Thus the preparation commenced with lots of love and prayer.
Finally, the climax of the celebration brought us together in the Provincial house hall to share the festal greetings with each other and more especially to celebrate God’s gift to the province in the person of our provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil. During the short moment of prayer, all the sisters invoked God’s bountiful blessings and graces upon Sr. Leelamma, with the word of God taken from, the book of Numbers:6:24-26. The words of appreciation and acknowledgement were delivered by Sr. Rose Kureekattu, the vice provincial to Sr. Leelamma for her wonderful leadership and guidance. The programme continued sharing of the spiritual practices in a creative manner by different communities, which was followed by the presentation of the gifts to the provincial. Toward the end of the program, Sr. Leelamma exhorted words of appreciation and encouraged the assembly.
The most important moment of the day was the Holy Eucharist, officiated by Fr. Thomas Pathiyamoola SDB. The entrance procession was led with a graceful dance by the pre-aspirants from Auxilium Barasat. The melodious singing of the sisters elevated the minds of everyone to take part in the Holy Mass. After the Eucharistic celebration, everyone was invited to the hall for the inauguration of ‘prodoti casa’. The hard labour and the love of each community were highly appreciated by Sr. Provincial. It was followed by a short felicitation and a sumptuous meal prepared by various communities.
Every event and celebration brings us the spirit of Mornese – joy, togetherness and family spirit. May God bless all of us to live this spirit not only in happy moments but in every circumstance of our life.
Sr. Pranati Sabasundar
Visit of Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the FMA Institute, Sr. Nilza Fatima Moraes the General Councillor for the formation and Sr. Runita Borja, General Councillor for Youth Pastoral to the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata (FMA INC)
Kolkata – Dum Dum: From 05 – 08 September 2023, the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata (INC) was blessed with the visit of our dear Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Institute, Sr. Nilza Fatima Moraes the General Councillor for the formation and Sr. Runita Borja, General councillor for Youth Pastoral. It was an added joy as FMA India is at the threshold of the historical moment of the conclusion of the centenary celebrations of the arrival of the 2nd batch of missionaries to the northern part of India.
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAUeTq ( Flicker)
Mother General and the General Councillors were accorded a rousing welcome as they landed in Delhi at 11.30 pm, the capital of India on 04 September 2023 by Provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, the animators and sisters of the communities of New Delhi. Upon their arrival at Auxilium Vasant Vihar they were escorted by the sisters of the Delhi region and they were garlanded and taken to the chapel with a short yet meaningful prayer moment.
On the following day, 05 September Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Sr. Nilza Fatima Moraes and Sr Runita Borja were given a fitting welcome by the staff and students of Holy Child Auxilium, Vasant Vihar. They were given a guard of honour by the students of NCC, colourful welcome by the Guides and students in various attire and escorted by the NCC students to the auditorium. A musical play on the theme, ‘Praise be to you O Lord’ from the document of the church ‘Laudato si’ was portrayed. A memento of ‘Ashoka chakra’ stupa was gifted to each of them. The teachers also had their moments with La Madre and the councillors after the students’ programme. Later on, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Sr. Nilza and Sr Runita proceeded to Holy Child Auxilium R.K. Puram to have some moments with the community and students of the school and there too they were given an apt welcome to La Madre and to the councillors.
At 12.15 pm they continued their journey to visit the Apostolic Nuncio His Excellency Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli accompanied by Provincial Sr. Leelamma, Sr. Teresa Adampakallel and Sr. Celine Alexander. They were warmly accosted and had a homely chat with the Nuncio. While speaking the Nuncio stressed the importance of Evangelization as the priority and he thanked the Mother General for the pastoral contribution offered by our Congregation to the Church in India.
In the afternoon La Madre met the sisters and enlightened them on the post-chapter journey and exhorted all sisters to live vocational fruitfulness by being a generative presence among the young and to live a witnessing life in the community. Sr. Gracy Parekattil accorded words of gratitude for her sharing and enriching presence. Mother Chiara presented the picture of Mary Help of Christians and a pouch each to all sisters, making the event a memorable moment in the lives of all present. La Madre also had a reflective session with the Salesian Family members of the Delhi unit. She exhorted them to walk together and build up society in the charism of our founders. The climax of the day was the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Provincial of New Delhi, Fr. Davis Maniparamben SDB and concelebrated by 20 Salesians and participated by Sisters, Cooperators, ADMA members and Catholic past pupils.
On 06 September, the day commenced by honouring the first missionaries and the Holy Eucharist was presided over by Most Rev. Anil J.T. Couto of Delhi Archdiocese and parish priest of St. Dominic parish. The celebrant invited the sisters not to be afraid to preach the Gospel. He also congratulated the sisters for their 100 years of success in the lives of the young and poor sections of society. Before the departure Mother General thanked the house staff for their hard work and watchfulness, making their stay comfortable. Sisters thanked La Madre for her presence and all the blessings she brought forth through her visit to New Delhi. On her, en route to the airport to proceed to Kolkata she also visited Auxilium Snehalaya at Palam Goan, the house of the young at risk.
Mother Chiara Cazzuola, was given an apt welcome on her arrival at the airport of Kolkata by the sisters of the provincial house, accompanied by Provincial Sr. Leelamma and Sr. Salomi Minj from New Delhi. On her arrival at the Provincial House, Dum Dum she was offered a traditional welcome by the past pupils from the gate to the residence. The sisters from various communities of the province, the novices and the candidates were present to offer a glorious entry to the house with various traditional gestures, well explained by Sr. Stella Potteparambil the animator of the Provincial, House, Dum Dum and she was led to the chapel with a dance by the candidates. The sisters serenaded a chirpy welcome song in the refectory for our dear Mother.
In the evening, the visit to the tomb of St. Teresa of Calcutta and the meeting with the Vicar General Sr. Christie M.C and the Secretary-General Sr. Concettina M.C of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Charity was notable and stirring. Mother General in her goodnight spoke of the sacrifice and privations suffered by the first valiant missionaries which bore fruit today. The charism sown by them had born fruit in these 100 years and we have the responsibility of extending this to the future generations.
On 07 September ushered in with joy and during the morning prayer, the mother placed the symbolic Living monument in front of the altar thanking God for the gift of every sister in the province. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, the Archbishop of Kolkata and concelebrated by our ministering priests of the parish church. The Holy Eucharist began with an entrance procession remembering the pioneers’ and the 100 years of FMA presence in northern India with the symbol of carrying 100 lamps followed by an entrance dance to express happiness and gratitude for the 100 years of growth and vitality. During the homily, the celebrant invited the assembly to realize our identity for the Lord to work in us.
With the extravaganza of the culture of Bengal in the form of a tableau, the students of Auxilium Dum Dum welcomed La Madre and the General Councillors for a stunning felicitation and cultural show of various types of the dances of Bengal which captivated and enthralled the eyes of the audience. Finally, Mother congratulated everyone for representing the rich cultural diversity of India through the tableau and the program expressed her gratitude towards the sisters, teachers, students and their parents, and wished them a happy and good continuation of their journey. She also inaugurated the centenary memorial of the visions of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello at the entrance of the Provincial house.
Auxilium Convent, Barasat were simply elated to welcome La Madre and the General Councillors. They were escorted from Dum Dum by the pilot vehicle of the police of the area and the later stage motorbike procession by the past pupils of Barasat and on their arrival they were received by the band from Sikkim and by the scout team of Bandel and greeted with a flurry of colourful drill presentation by the students.
Nine schools from all over the province had gathered as one to felicitate La Mother General with exhilarating presentations. The students showcased their talents as well as the rich cultural heritage of India. The dynamic, creative and spontaneous performances elevated the entire auditorium to a mood of festivity and joy. The Past Pupil’s Federation of the Kolkata Province also participated in this gala celebration with a lot of enthusiasm and vigour.
The audience was enthralled by the amalgamation of rich cultures that was brought about and amplified by the divine presence of Mother General, spreading the light of holiness and purity. Mother General’s words of wisdom filled everyone’s heart with motivation to carry forward the legacy. The words of Sr Runita Borja “Alone you go fast, together we go far” pierced in the bosom of every student and the day ended with a magnanimous rendezvous which shall remain a cherishable memory for everyone who was fortunate to be a part of this grand event. The tiny tots were at their best with pink and blue streamers welcoming La Madre and the General Councillors at pre-primary school, Barasat.
The next triumphant welcome was given by the formation house of the Province at Barasat where Mother met the candidates in formation, postulants, Novices and Junior sisters and exhorted them to be cheerful always and the importance of living the religious and community life. As a parting gift, the community presented Mother with a bridge as a sign to remain always connected. On her return, she inaugurated the centenary memorial grotto dedicated to Mary Help of Christians.
On returning to the Provincial House, Dum Dum La Madre met the sisters, the animators and provincial councillors. She invited the sisters to generate life in the community, to live a life of profound spirituality, to have great faith and confidence in the Lord and to be tabernacles that carry Jesus to others. She exhorted the animators to take care of everyone, to be kind-hearted, to acquire the virtue of patience, to remain calm and serene, and to be the custodian of each sister and to be present in the life of each one.
On the last day, gratitude swelled up in the mind of everyone for our dear Mother and Sr. Nilza and for Sr. Runita, also being the birthday of our Blessed Mother. With gratitude for our Blessed Mother, La Madre offered unfading flowers to Mary, our mother. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB with other Salesians. The Holy Eucharist began with an entrance dance and La Madre offered a bridge as a symbol of our unity in diversity in the Institute. During the homily, the celebrant highlighted the blessings brought by our Blessed Mother and encouraged the gathering to imitate Mary.
Finally, once again Sr. Stella Potteparambil expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Institute, Sr. Nilza Fatima Moraes the General Councillor for the formation and Sr. Runita Borja, General councillor for Youth Pastoral on behalf of the province. The visit of La Madre to the province is imprinted in the memory of everyone to continue to instill hope and vivacity in the daily voyage of each sister.
FMA INC News Update 