“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. Siby 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.

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.

Community Day was celebrated on 3-4 September at Thecho with the theme “Make Thecho into Mornese”.  Four weeks of spiritual preparation was a challenge taken from the spirituality of Mother Mazzarello namely  “Let’s go to Mazzarelli, the house of Mother Mazzarello’s birth, Let’s go to Valponasca where a little window bears witness to the contemplative glance of Maria Domenica, Let’s go to collegio to find a well in the courtyard, symbol of the life, struggle and purification of communion in the spirit of ‘Vado io, facio io’,  Let’s go to the work room to lend our ear to the question of Mary Mazzarello “what time is it?”

In this year of mercy we were called to be “Merciful like the Father”. Often it was more demanding and challenging while dealing with the children of  different temperaments. At the same time we would enjoy their laughter’s and active presence. As part of the celebration, we had ‘a day with the Lord’ and all the children had an opportunity to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Sr. Maria Goretti led us in prayer followed by the offering of flowers to each other as a sign of forgiveness and peace. We entered the chapel in procession holding a heart with Sr. Supeior in front. Sr. Arockia Aruna led us in prayer. The Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Florence Demta SDB the rector of Siddhipur began with a thanksgiving chant and an introduction by Sr. Abhai Kishori Minj.  In his homily Fr. Florence spoke on community life and family Spirit. After the Mass the children greeted everyone with festive song. It was followed by a sumptuous meal together with all the invitees. In the evening colorful pomps and a cultural programme were put up. Sr. Superior appreciated the lively performances and invited the boarders to keep up the spirit of Mornese. Sr. Superior gave a surprising gift to all the boarders and encouraged them to go ahead in life with confidence in the spirit of “Vado io”.