Workshop   on Training of Trainers on Child Protection Policy

Jul3

The National Development Forum of FMA-India organized a training programme on Child Protection Policy (CPP) at Don Bosco Wellington from 22nd to 25th June 2016. Srs. Leelamma Palliparambil, Stella Potteparambil and Inocencia Jojo participated  from the Province.

At 7.45 a.m the Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Joe Xavier SJ the resource person for the TOT workshop who through the breaking of the Word and bread strengthened the  spirit of participants to commence the journey of the workshop.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with introduction Sr. Isabella the NDF national coordinator  and continued with   lighting of the lamp  by Provincial of INM Sr.Magnificat Soosai , Fr. Joe Xavier and the representatives of the six provinces.

CCP ..

This was followed by the releasing of the newsletter of the NDF  by Sr. Soosai Magnificat and was presented to Fr. Joe Xavier and the SDC of  all the provinces. Sr. Magnificat enlightened the participants with her keynote address and in her discourse she gave a short description on the origin CPP.  She invited the participants to live the chapter deliberations and follow the footsteps of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello in serving the downtrodden in the periphery.

Fr. Joe Xavier conducted the session as how to   become an efficient trainer for sisters, staff, children and parents of CPP. He then presented 3 model modules for parents, teachers and students.  After which the participants were divided into   groups to study the modules and to give their suggestions. A fourth group was formed to prepare the module for the sisters.

CCP

The second day and the third day were set aside for the experimenting revising and presenting the modules.  Fr. Joe Xavier revitalized the modules with new objectives, interpretations, vital tips for implementing it.  The meeting came to its close on 24th evening with thanksgiving ceremony.

Participant – Sr. Stella P.

SEMINAR ON “PASSING ON OF OUR MEMORY”

Jul2

The Seminar on PASSING ON OF OUR MEMORY – Glimpses of Indian Salesian History, was held in Don Bosco Provinical House, Bangalore, June 24-26, 2016. The Seminar was held under the aegis of the premiere institute of history of the Congregation, the ISS (Istituto Storico Salesiano), Rome, and the mother body of ACSSA (Associazione Cultori di Storia Salesiana). Rev. Fr. Thomas Anchukandam sdb, the Director of ISS and member of the Executive Committee (Presidenza) of ACSSA represented both these institutions at the Seminar. Fr Thomas was a source of inspiration and guidance right from the inception of the idea, the planning and conduct of the Seminar. The realization of this Seminar was also thanks to the interest and initiative of Rev. Fr. Maria Arockiam Kanaga, Regional Superior of South Asia, by way of motivating the Provincials.

The participants were all from the Salesian Family – 8 Salesians (RMG 1, INB 1, IND 1, INK 2, INH 1, INN 1, INS 1); 11 Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (INB 1, INC 2, ING 2, INK 1, INM 3, INS 1); 1 Sister of Mary Immaculate (Bangalore). Sr. Maria Pettayil and Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel from our province were among them.

ACCSA 2016

The Inauguration began at 9.30 a.m. with a fervent hymn in praise of and in prayer to Don Bosco. Rev. Fr. Kapplikunnel, the Coordinator of the seminar welcomed everyone in affectionate terms. Rev. Fr. Joyce Thonikuzhiyil sdb the Provincial, gave the presidential address.

What followed was a ‘Connect to the Centre’ listening to the messages received from Rome:

  • The Rector Major Rev. Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime exhorted the participants, to demonstrate in a credible way the Salesian contribution in the various sectors of human promotion, especially in that closest to the world of the young.
  • The Mother General of the FMAs, Sr Yvonne Reungoat reiterated that writing history for recognizing the wonders of God in the educational endeavours of our past, and that examining the past with the intention of learning to plan for the future is a commitment on the part of historiographers.
  • In his message, Rev. Fr. Maria Arockiam Kanaga, the Regional Councillor for South Asia made a poignant mention about preserving the memory of our history and of our ancestors for the sake of our posterity.
  • Fr. Francesco Motto, President of ACSSA, affirmed that the Indian ACSSA will be instrumental in passing on to the future generations of the Indian Salesian Family the rich documentary heritage that previous generations have gathered with much sacrifice and zeal for souls.

Fr. Anchukandam presented his paper on Preserving and Passing on of the “Memory” in the Salesian Tradition. He also spoke elaborately on ‘Preserving the Sources and Writing History’. Fr. Mathew Valarkote sdb the Provincial Secretary dealt on ‘Archive Keeping’.

Sr. Philomena D’Souza (INB) presented her paper on the Founding of Auxilium, Wadala (1945 – 1954);  Fr. Varghese Palatty sdb ( INN) on ‘Don Bosco Ashalayam Delhi;  Sr. Lily Perumpattikunnel (INC) on ‘FMA Presence in New Delhi’(1967 to 1980); Sr. Cecily Thomas (INK) on the ‘Mission of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco for the Girl Children at Risk in Bangalore’; Fr. Mahimai Das (INM) on ‘The Social Service Guild’ of KJC, Bangalore (1968 to 2000); and Fr. Jerish Kochuparambil (IND) gave an account on the Servant of God, Bishop Orestes Marengo sdb as the Architect of Salesian North East India.

Other events of the seminar were: a memorable experience at DB Tech Skill Mission Centre at Bannerghatta Road for the training of Trainers; visit to FMA Convent, Nirmal Jyothi, and  Don Bosco Renewal Centre .

In the Concluding Session the participants of the Seminar expressed their intention to proceed with the launch of the South Asia unit of ACSSA, with those who were present for the seminar as the founding members. The English expansion of ACSSA was fixed as: Association of the Promoters of Salesian History. In the elections that ensued, the following were elected unanimously as the office bearers of the ACSSA:

Sr. Philomena D’Souza fma                  : President

Fr. Varghese Palatty sdb                       : Vice President

Fr. Mathew Kapplikunnel sdb               : Secretary cum Treasurer

Sr. Rajapushpam smi                            : Joint Secretary

Fr. Anchukandam sdb officially welcomed the Office Bearers of the ACSSA. The deliberations continued with defining the criteria for membership of ACSSA, frequency of meetings, date, venue and theme for the next meeting, finance, publication of the papers presented during the seminar and suggestions relevant to the promotion of Salesian History.

Future admissions will be regulated by a set of Statutes which will be drawn up by the Executive Committee (Office bearers) and approved by the general body in the next meeting.

It was decided to hold the next meeting of ACSSA in the last weekend of June 2018 on the theme: Salesian Stalwarts of India. The venue proposed was Hyderabad, or in the case of any inconvenience, Mumbai.

The frequency of meetings: The Executive Committee will meet at least once a year and as often as is necessary. The general body will meet once in two years, on which occasion serious studies/papers should be presented.

Fr Kapplikunnel earnestly pleaded with the participants to continue as members. He noted that continuity was of paramount importance for the realization of the scope of ACSSA.

With a joyful hymn of thanksgiving to God for Don Bosco, the curtains came down on the South Asia ACSSA Seminar held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore, from 24 to 26 June 2016.

Participant – Sr. Lily P. FMA

 

Course on Spirituality of Consecrated life

Jul2

A three months certified Course on the Spirituality of Consecrated life was held on 1st April to 30th June 2016 at Carmel Nivas, the little way spirituality Centre, Kokar, Ranchi, organized by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Koodapat OCD, the delegate Provincial . 35 Sisters of 14 Congregations participated on this course. The course is designed in accordance with the teachings of OCD founders, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and other Carmelite Saints like Therese of Lisieux .The vision of this course emerges from the Monastic, Contemplative, Apostolic and Missionary dimensions of consecrated life.

Spiritulaity Course - Ranchi

Archbishop of Ranchi, Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo inaugurated the course on 6th April 2016.  In his inaugural speech he stressed on consecrated life, its challenges and the importance of the life of consecration the participants need to live faithfully. The course began with three days retreat by Fr. Varghese OCD and concluded with five days retreat by Fr. Sebastian OCD. On 29th April, the last day during the Valedictory Function, each participant received the certificate from the hand of Rt. Rev. Dr. Charles, the former bishop of Ranchi. The Bishop appreciated the OCD fathers for conducting this course and also for the participants for their cooperation and enthusiasm. The program ended with a hymn to our Blessed Mother.

Participant – Sr. Alitrice Warjiri

Foundation day celebration at Auxilium Snehalaya

Jun29

SnehalayaOn 24th June 2016, Auxilium Snehalaya celebrated the foundation day with gratitude and joy. Picnic to Deer Park was part of the celebration. It was indeed an enjoyable day for all the girls along with the sisters and the staff. A moment of togetherness, the beautiful nature and the wonderful creation of God helped us to marvel at God’s love.

 

Snehalaya..

On the following day on 25th June 2016, the foundation day was celebrated with a short felicitation.  It was begun with short speech about activities, songs, poems and dance. After the programme Sr. Gracy, the animator of the house gave a motivational massage to all. She appreciated the girls for the beautiful programme and encouraged them to become fine persons.

 

 

 

Teacher’s Orientation at Auxilium Barasat

Jun28

WORKSHOP

On 25 June 2016, Teacher’s Orientation was held at Auxilium Convent School, Barasat Auditorium for the teachers and sisters of Auxilium Dum Dum, Bandel and Barasat.

“Teaching is an art and teachers are the artists” “Teachers are made, not born,” “Real teachers do not inform, they transform” – with these magical words touching the hearts of 176 teachers and sisters started the orientation session of Mr. S.C. Dubey – reputed teacher’s trainer, Pranic Healer, Hypnotherapist, Midra Healer, Reiki Healer and director of Academy of Life organised by Pearson Group under the under the supervision and initiative of the respected Principals – Sr. Esther Rani Abraham, Sr. Regina Joseph and Sr. Clara Saminathan.

It was a life changing workshop where the teachers  participated with vigour and enthusiasm. Mr. Dubey stressed on teachers to become worshippers of their own body and mind to become healthy and only then would they be able to impart holistic knowledge to bring in a change in their students. Children are different in different decades and teachers should never try to create ‘Xerox’ copies in children. Mr. Dubey’s enriching session on activating the seven chakras of our body, power of meditation, Yoga, hypnotherapy in which the teachers participated with great enthusiasm, invigorated their mind and soul. The school auditorium metamorphosed into a magical world as Mr. S.C. Dubey opened the ‘secrets’ to change and heal ourselves.

Teachers of Auxilium will ever remain grateful to Sisters for organizing an Orientation Session with an enthralling personality – Mr. S.C. Dubey.

Mrs.Sutapa Saha

Barasat

Farewell & Welcome

Jun28

Farewell

On the 16th June, 2016 we the Auxilians arranged a small programme to bid farewell to our beloved Principal Sr. Rosy Veliyan, Vice Principal Sr. Basanti, Sr.Jancy and Sr.Elizabeth Joseph  who were a part of Auxilium Barasat for a long time with a smile on our lips and a tear in our eyes. The Programme started with a speech which highlighted the universal truth – people go but memories stay. Songs and danced uplifted the spirits of the students who were on the urge of tears. A presentation which showed Sr. Rosy’s life in ACS Barasat caused a wave of reminiscence to flow through all of us. A small fun act by the class 12 students made us teary eyed. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Miss Nivedita.

Mayurakshi Chaudhuri

Class – IX B

WelcomeOn the bright and sunny morning of 17th June, we Auxilians gathered to welcome our new Principal, Sr. Clara Saminathan. She was escorted to the Assembly where all of us welcomed her warmly in our midst with a Welcome Song. Then the students presented her with bouquets as a small token of our love. Then one of our students extended a hearty welcome through a speech and a poem. Sister Clara then told us that she looked forward to her stay with our family. We also hope that the years she will spend with us will be truly memorable to last a lifetime.

Bipasha Bhowmick

Class – IX B

Commemoration of Mother Mary

Jun28

O.LadyOn 24 June 2016, Friday we had commemoration of Mother Mary organized by class X A under the guidance of their Class Teacher Miss Suchita Ghosh. The commemoration began with lighting of the lamp and the garlanding of the portrait of Mother Mary. The students then sang a melodious song which was followed by a prayer service – and the presentation on the life of Mother Mary. The life of Mary told us about the struggles that Mother Mary went through her entire life. Last but not the least the programme came to close with another melodious song.

Anwesha Biswas

Class – IX A

 

An Auspicious Day at Auxilium Snehalaya

Jun22

welcome

On 16th June 2016 was an auspicious day for sisters and children of Snehalaya. All of them were excited to welcome Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath and all the provincial councilors. The children of Snehalaya welcomed the sisters with garlands, cards, a short programme and by sharing the report of Snehalaya.

visit

All the sisters appreciated the talents of the children and congratulated them. Provincial Sr. Rose and Sisters exhorted the children to pray, to do good deeds and to give their hundred percent in their studies, to respect and listen to the elders and learn many things for life. They told them to help one another and achieve their goal so that in return they too may be able to help the poor and abandon.  Sisters expressed that their only desire to see all of them doing well in their life. At the end sisters and children of Snehalaya thanked Mother Provincial and sisters for their support.

 

 

Golden Jubilee pre-celebration of Sr. Elizabeth Joseph at Auxilium Convent Barasat

Jun22

GJ - 2

Auxilium Convent Barasat celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Religious Profession of Sr. Elizabeth Joseph on 18 June 2016. The celebration commenced with the solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 5.30 pm presided over by Rev. Fr. Mourlin Ferando SJ and two other con-celebrants. Sr. Elizabeth was welcomed to the chapel which was adorned with golden flowers and bells, with rhythmic steps and golden crown. She carried in a lighted candle representing her 50 years of dedication and service in the vineyard of the Lord while a short narration was echoed of her life in the Institute and her contribution in the mission of the young. The well sung hymns by the boarders of Barasat brought in an angelic atmosphere throughout the celebration. Fr. Mourlin in his homily highlighted her caring attitude in times of adversity and her special love for the poor. Her attractive smile and simple approach to the people around are praiseworthy. He congratulated her and assured her of many more years of service in the vineyard of the Lord. At the end of the Holy Mass she was garlanded by Sr. Mary George U and crowned by Fr. Mourlin amidst loud applause and wishes.

GJ - 4This was followed by felicitation and entertainment in the Mazzarello hall of the aspirantate. The curtain was opened with a Jubilee song choired by the boarders congratulating her for 50 years of  ‘Yes’ to God. She was specially honoured with wishes and greetings while she cut the Golden Jubilee cake marking her joy of belonging to the Lord. The awesome performance of the boarders and the ‘thiruvadira kali’ of the aspirants added colour and joy to the celebration.  The on-stage celebration was concluded with her Golden words where she profusely thanked God and all those who were part of this celebration.

GJ - 3

A special note of thanks was rendered to the community for the pre-celebration of her jubilee before she set out to the new community at Najafgarh. This was followed by the agape meal served at the Aspirantate community.

Reported by Sr. Rosy Veliyan