Seminar cum Workshop on Social Media

Oct14

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A three-day Seminar cum Workshop on Social Media was organised from 30 September to 02 October 2016 at Auxilium Convent, Bandel.  It was coordinated by Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil the Coordinator of the Province for Social Communication. 22 sisters from different communities participated in the seminar. In the keynote address Sr. Rose Ezarath, the provincial quoted Pope Francis: “Communication is a gift of God which involves a great responsibility. It has the power to build bridges, to enable encounter and inclusion, and thus to enrich society”.

The seminar focused on “Social Media and Ethics, the New Revolution” by Fr. Anthony Erathara SDB, rector, Don Bosco Seminary, Bandel, the Profile of a Master communicator, Art of writing Chronicles, news and reports by Sr. Elizabeth Valliyil and video making and editing by Sr. Shanty Tirkey.

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The impact of social media on society, balance in digital media, ethical  decision, privacy in sharing personal information, reputation, relationships in digital media, online security were presented in brief by Fr. Anthony on 1st October morning. The afternoon sessions on 1st and whole day of 2nd October was spent in practice of publisher and video making and editing. The participants found the seminar and workshop useful and rewarding.

Sr. Kanchan Bara

 

 

Feast of the Holy Rosary

Oct14

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On 7th October 2016 the feast of the Holy rosary, the inmates of Auxilium Barasat began the day  with a solemn Morning Prayer followed by the Recitation of the HolyRosary in the chapel in front of the well decorated statue of Mother Mary. The boarders animated the Holy Rosary with a fitting introduction and with songs and various intentions praying for the wounded world, persecuted Christians, for the sick, for our province and our Provincial sr. Rose Ezarath as it is the eve of the Provincial Community day.  This was followed by a fervent Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Leo , In his homely he narrated the history of the devotion to the Holy Rosary. He also exhorted the assembly to have great devotion to our Blessed Mother, quoting rosary is the simplest prayer which each Christian should know and pray. Rosary is unifying force of all the Christians all over the world and helps us to meditate upon the mysteries of Christ. The celebration concluded with a hymn to the Blessed virgin.

Spiritual Retreat held for the teachers at Auxilium Barasat

Oct14

On the 6th of October, a spiritual retreat for all the Catholic teachers of Auxilium Convent School Barasat was organized in the school chapel. Rev. Fr. Biji Thomas SDB, the rector of Don Bosco Liluah conducted the retreat. It commenced with a soulful hymn and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The first part of the session began with the reading of the scriptures which facilitated us to understand how our thoughts can lead us to commit sins. It is not only through our action but we can be tempted by our evil thoughts  that are unclean.

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The second part of the session mainly concentrated on the parables of the Gospel like the ‘Prodigal son’ and ‘The Good Samaritan.’ These parables teach us to reach out to people in need and think of the common good. We should not focus on things that we  ought not to do rather do the things that please God. Father, then explained to us that our body is a temple of God and our actions should always bring glory to God.The next moments were spent in prayer to make a good and fruitful confession.

The retreat was concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist. It was an enriching experience for all of us as we could ponder over our lives and grow deeper in our faith. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration Fr. Distributed a picture of St. Theresa of Kolkata and Sr. superior gifted us with a rosary each and recommended us to pray the Holy Rosary daily. It was a great opportunity provided to all the teachers by all the sisters. At the end of this fruitful retreat Ms. Isabella Anthony thanked Fr. Biji Thomas on behalf of all the teachers for transforming our lives with the word of God, Sacrament of reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. She also thanked the management for arranging this special day and taking care of our spiritual as well as material needs. ( Ms.Anumita Rozario)

Penitential service held at Auxilium Barasat

Oct14

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As the saying goes ‘Charity begins at home.”, the inmates of Auxilium convent Barasat, had an ample opportunity to experience that, Forgiveness begins within one self.  In order to celebrate our life together as a community and as a province on October 5, 2016 evening the whole community gathered in the chapel for a penitential service. The ambient was well prepared for the occasion with a cross planted in the middle of the chapel a miniature of Calvary. Each one was asked to bring a stone along for the event. The service began with a song ‘come as you are into his presence’ followed by spending some time on reflecting on the stone each one picked up and brought along.The readings for the occasion were from Isaiah 1:18-19 and gospel taken from St. John 8: 1- 11, both the readings were on the mercy and forgiveness of God. The well prepared video clips enabled each one to look into ourselves and identify the areas where we need forgiveness and where we need to extend our forgiveness to others.

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The prayer service enabled each one to introspect the areas which are hardened like a stone over the years and where we need to soften it. After reflecting on these and asking God’s mercy and forgiveness each one placed the stone at the foot of the cross. It was indeed a unique experience for many. The boarders, teachers and house girls were grateful and expressed their contentment for such enriching experience.

Reported by Mary John

Celebrations!  Provincial Community Day, Golden Jubilee celebration of Sr. Elizabeth Joseph, Transmission of  PCI 2016, Seminar on CPP

Oct12

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Provincial Community Day, Golden Jubilee celebration of Sr. Elizabeth Joseph, Transmission of PCI 2016, Seminar on CPP were held at the Provincial House, Dum Dum from 7th – 10th October  2016. About 50 FMAs gathered to celebrate it in great joy and gratitude.

Having kept the theme for the Provincial Community Day “Channels of mercy radiating joy and hope”, a thanksgiving Vigil Service led us to appreciate what Sr. Rose Ezarath, our provincial is for each of us and our wishes for her.

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Festal songs and felicitations and the opening of the Exhibition of charts on Works of Mercy accomplished in the community and Produti casa kept us all in a joyful and festal mood. A significant prayer moment was when the 23 animators offered burning candles to signify the light of Christ in them and in their communities and to allow it to radiate for the good of our mission among our young people.

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The following day was yet another day to rejoice at the Golden Jubilee of our dear Sr. Elizabeth Joseph. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist by His grace Most Rev. Thomas D’souza of the Kolkata archdiocese along with 6 priests, who highlighted and appreciated and thanked Sr. Elizabeth’s fidelity and her generous self giving these 50 long years, while quoting Mother Teresa of Kolkata he said: “It’s more important to be faithful than successful”. It was then felicitations and jubilations that followed that concluded with the FMA anthem O qual Sorte. The agape took all of us to realize that we all belong to one big Salesian family.

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A special moment to remember on this day was the FMA having tea along with the poor people of Dum Dum.

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In the evening Sr. Annie T. the provincial bursar met the group of Animators and principals and spoke of certain important issues pertain to accounts, billing, entries, Taxes etc.

CPP.jpgThe 3rd day took us to the Transmission of the PCI shared by Sr. Rose Ezarath, our provincial, Sr. Teresa Adampakallel, the vice provincial and Sr. Mini Chettayil, the province Secretary. Sr.Rose briefed us on the 4 main topics, viz the Historical Aspect; Identity of the FMA; the charismatic identity and the Spirituality of the FMA. The PCI participants were convinced and edified and absorbent at Sr. Piera Cavaglia’s talk which had such depth, richness, conviction, passions and love for the Institute. Sr. Teresa took us to understand who an FMA Animator is and the entrustment of the Institute has its origin in the Eucharist which derives from the mission of animation and accompaniment, with a presence that welcomes, knows and loves every person, takes care, knows how to move from words to dialogue and a mother with a prayerful heart as was Mother Mazzarello a wise animator. Sr. Mini gave us valuable inputs of the 3 main functions of history: Great and brief history; Importance and Types of sources (written and unwritten) and Documentary Sources that consisted of: Sources of personal data; Titles of studies; Memoirs; Various Registers and Narrative sources. She stressed the need to write the House Chronicles in the right manner as this serves as History to be preserved.

Sr. Lily P. enthusiastically shared with us the Meeting of South Asian Unit of ACSSA- Association of the Promoters of Salesian History, inviting us again to value, appreciate and be proud of the history of our own Institute.

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The fourth day was over to Sr. Stella P. and Sr. Leelama P. who gave us input Sessions on CPP, viz; What is FMA CPP, its need, it takes a community to protect a child, Child Exploitation; CPO: CPC; LEC, PEC: Complaint Box: Types of Abuses and the Guiding Principles and Objectives of the Policy. Sr. Leelama enlightened us on Staff recruitment Procedures: Training and Orientation of Staff: Preventive Measures: Prohibitive Behavior and Code of Conduct. 2 movies were shown pertaining to Child Abuse. There was group work followed by  Case Studies  enacted by 4 groups.

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Finally the day concluded with forming a Drafting Committee (FMA) to once again read, review and consolidate the given Declaration Form for the code of protective behavior to be given to each staff member. True indeed these days, we may say were not just days of enrichment and benefit but days of grace, solidarity, love and gratitude!

MARY’S CONVENT SCHOOL, GEYZING CELEBRATES GLORIOUS 25 YEARS

Oct9

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SIMG_0803.JPGt. Mary’s Convent School, Geyzing celebrated the grand finale of the Silver Jubilee on 17th September 2016. On this auspicious occasion Rt.Rev.Stephen Lepcha D.D. Bishop of Darjeeling & Sikkim diocese was the Chief Guest. We were privileged to have the  dignitaries as Guests of Honour- Shri. Nar Bahadur Bhandari – Former Chief Minister Sikkim, Rev.Sr. Rose Ezarath- Provincial Superior, Mrs. Rinchen Ongmoo Bhutia- Chief Administrator, Govt. of Sikkim, Mrs. Aishvarya Singh- The District Magistrate & Collector- West Sikkim.

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Sr. Lucy John, our Principal felicitated and welcomed the guests and they were offered shawls and mementos. It was a moment of great joy and pride for all of us at SMS .The Guests were welcomed to the beautifully decorated stage & pendol accompanied by St. Mary’s pride– the school’s Brass Band.

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In his address, the Chief Guest Rt. Rev. Stephen Lepcha appreciated and congratulated the school in reaching  the milestone and also acknowledged the courage, aspiration, enthusiasm, energy and hard work of the missionaries and pioneers of the school. He said that the past and present pupils of the school must be proud and privileged to study in this beautiful school which is nestled at the foothills of Geyzing valley symbolising the “miracle of love” to carry the flame of values of  St. Mary’s school driven by their own spirit of adventure of excelling, learning, sharing and continue to fulfil the motto of the school.

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Guests of honour Mr.N.B. Bhandari addressed the gathering and said that one should rise to face the challenges and should create ones future. Critical, reflective and independent thinkers even after leaving the school. He congratulated the sisters & staff for the value based and quality education that the school imparts  to make better society for tomorrow. While delivering speech he said that the school is committed to help the children to translate their dreams and achieve to their full potential regardless of caste, creed and religion and added that “It is God’s work” that the school with this jubilee celebration has achieved milestone and embarked in a new journey. He also offered khada and cash award to the Principal Sr. Lucy John for the successful and noble work done by the school.

 

The provincial Superior Sr. Rose Ezarath spoke on behalf of the Province. She endlessly thanked each and everyone who contributed and supported St. Mary’s Convent School to witness its very day of silver jubilee. She briefed the history of the school from its grass root level thanking Shri. N.B. Bhandari for his generosity in offering us the land and his indefatigable effort in building Sikkim into a developed and educated state, Mrs. Chandra Kumari Katwal for her support and care right from its inception.

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The programme was compeered by lighting 25 lamps followed by 25 little angels symbolising the school’s 25 years of existence, signifying peace & hope which ignited the stage. The students performed  the cultural programme magnificently, the dance drama with the theme” Quest- Sign of God’s Love’. Programmes were diversified starting from choir, traditional folk dances of different communities of Sikkim  followed by musical band and poem enactment on Good vs Evil, Family cradle of love.

Vote of thanks was proposed by vice Principal Sr. Sandhya Minj. The jubilee programme was attended by many of the ex- students, parents and well wishers which completed the Marian Family.

Ms. Esha Gurung

 

Mercy Day at Auxilium Barasat

Oct5

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As the Provincial community day preparation invites as to be merciful towards the less fortunate,the community of Auxilium Barasat on October 1, 2016, invited the senior citizens of our neighborhood to have lunch with the community.  Around 25 of our neighbors came to dine with us. Some of them were unable to walk so we brought them by cycle van. Most of them were the beneficiaries of the weekly ration which we distribute. Boarders were most enthusiastic in assisting them. 

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After lunch they entertained them with songs and dances. All of them were very happy to spend some time with us and they expressed their gratitude to one and all. Some the old ladies expressed their desire to have such encounters often. All the community members felt happy and contented to bring a smile to the heart of these less fortunate brethren of ours.

Sr. Mary John

Extempore and Debate Competition

Oct3

 

On the bright sunny morning of 29th September the students of ACS Barasat gathered in the auditorium for the Interhouse Extempore and Inter house Debate Competition organised by the Literary club and Quiz and debate club respectively. The Extempore event began at 8:30 A.M. One of our teachers Ms. Saswati and our Vice Principal Sr. Mary John were the judges. Marks were awarded on the criteria of content, flow of speech, etc. The four houses presented their innovative views on topics like global warming, pollution, superstitions, peer presure etc.

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This was followed by the Debate competition. Marks were awarded on the basis of refutal, diction, relevance to topic etc. The motion was “Education system and not value system is the need of present times.” A war of words ensued as the members of four houses showed their intellect and opinions for and against the motion. After a well reasoned, heated debate all of us came to the conclusion that both the value and education system are co-related and both are of the extreme importance for the stability of society.

 Bipasha Bhowmick

Class – IX B

Community Day Celebration  at Auxilium  Kalyani     

Oct3

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“Build up a deep relation with Jesus through personal prayer and a fruitful Sacramental life resulting in attitudes of forgiveness, mercy and compassion,so everyone will approach us freely and spontaneously” was our theme as we prepared to celebrate our Community Day on 29 September  in joy and gratitude to one another, along with our boarders, co-workers and the poor families we had been visiting this period of time.

 The Vigil Service , well prepared, led us to reflect on articles 56 and 62 of our Constitutions, laying focus on the Community of Mornese, making our community” the house of the love of God”. The Morning Prayer , through a simple Power Point Presentation enabled us reflect that each of us is a lamp that lights up the world, invoking God to fill our hearts with his love, our eyes with his light and our soul with his peace to be for all, channels of God’s mercy, compassion and love.

Fr. Sicelebrationby sdb in his brief homily wonderfully connected the feast of the Archangels to today’s celebration. To build a wonderful community, each of us must play roles of Michael- the Protector to all members: Gabriel, the messenger of Good news for all as did our Blessed Mother: and Raphael, the healer, each got to be a healer to one another. He said Don Bosco gave much importance to Community. Yet we often get so disconnected without even knowing each other deeply. Jesus too had a community of disciples of different characters, yet they lived together in perfect harmony and love. Our community ought to be the structure of a pyramid, with Jesus at the top and we, as we come closer to Jesus we come closer to one another.
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The agape was also a wonderful moment of a family gathering especially where we invited some 10 poor family members to join us in this celebration. Sarees were distributed to a few old women who were very grateful. By 2 p.m. the boarders entertained the whole group through song, dance, comic and drama. The day ended in a note of joy, gratitude, hope and peace for the joy of the Lord was our strength.