On 13 August 2023 , a day when we commemorated our co-foundress, Sr. Julita Kujur left peacefully for her eternal home to be with our saintly mother St. Mary Mazzarello from Auxilium Provincial House, Dum Dum.
Eulogy to Sr. Julita
So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14
Dear Sr. Julita,
You were truly the little one the Gospel Speak of
Everyone found that littleness or simplicity of a child in you
You had such delicate conscience manifested in every encounter
You had such charm with which you drew the young and old alike.
An aura of humbleness radiated the greatness in you
An air of vivacity emanated from you and stimulated everyone
An aureole of candidness revealed the interiority of your soul
An ambience of openness attracted many friends to surround you
You loved music and your voice was so melodious
You were the epitome of kindness and helpfulness
You emitted joy and happiness that embalmed all
You chose always the difficult task to accomplish
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was your real focus
Mother Mary was your great confidant and supporter
You were found often in deep colloquy with Jesus
Your friends saw your hands fingering the rosary beads
You were gifted with numerous captivating talents
You often won the varied diocesan competitions
You dared to be part of many challenging contests
You became the pride of the community and province.
When in prime of life the Lord picked you to be like him
A victim of suffering called slowly to immolate oneself
Two years of losing your bodily capacity one by one
And the Lord found you ready for the portals of heaven
Our community felt privileged and blessed to care for you
We felt sad when your life gradually lost its energy and abilities
But we were aware you sanctified the milieu of Auxilium
And now you have become a great intercessor in heaven
We your sisters are here to bid you our last adieu
On behalf of all your companions & acquaintances
We will miss your affection, your appealing smile
But we are sure you will shower down petals of graces.
From the bosom of the Father intercede for us
In the company of Jesus plead for our cause
Tell the Holy Spirit to enkindle our spirits with fire
When chatting with Mary make her peep down on us
Goodbye dear Sr. Little Julita as you wing your way to heavenly heights
Sr. Celine Jacob, the visiting Councillor made a brief visit to the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata (INC) from 02 -13 May 2023 to acquaint herself with the sisters and the province.
On 02 May 2023, in the evening she was welcomed at the airport by provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil with a bouquet of flowers. At her arrival in the Provincial House, she was accorded a royal ‘Laudato Si’ welcome at the entrance of the house with three ‘kuthuvilkku’, ceremonial Indian lamps. She was also offered a bouquet of flowers and was led to the chapel with the accompaniment of a dance for a moment of prayer. She was invited to light the lamp as an expression of welcome, joy and gratitude. In the refectory, the sisters serenaded her with a lively welcome song.
Sr. Celine Jacob met the Provincial Councillors via the Google platform and brought home a number of characteristics which are required to make the community and the province a Synodal style of community.
Sr. Celine Jacob met 31 sisters from the communities of Dum Dum, Bandel, Kalyani, Barasat, Aspirantate, Monsada, Gobra and Park Circus of Kolkata zone at Auxilium, Provincial House, Dum Dum. During the meeting, she enlightened the group with knowledge about the members of the General Council and their responsibilities. In brief, she presented the outcome of General Chapter XXIV and its objectives. She invited the sisters to live and develop the Salesian charism and to live in the communities and in the mission in an innovative way by assimilating, and imbibing, the spirit of Mornese and Valdocco.
It was indeed a great opportunity for the 14 junior sisters of the province to encounter Sr. Celine Jacob, to rekindle the fire of the precious call of the Lord. During the meeting, Sr. Celine presented three short videos based on the vocation presenting God as a potter and we as clay in the hands of God. She highlighted the theme of General Chapter XXIV, its objectives and its choices. The encounter with Sr. Celine Jacob brought joy, a sense of responsibility and the need ‘to blow the ashes and rekindle the fire of vocation’ in the sisters to love and live the vocation with commitment and enthusiasm.
Sr. Celine was given a warm and colourful welcome by the community of Auxilium, Aspirantate in the traditional style of the ‘Santals’ by the Pre- Aspirants, Aspirants and Postulants followed by a melodious and jubilant song. She had an interesting and interactive session with the Pre-Aspirants, Aspirants and Postulants. Sr. Celine in her talk stressed much about living one’s life in joy. She compared their vocation journey with the allegory of the pearl which undergoes much pain to reach its desired state. She encouraged the candidates to broaden their vision of what Salesian life is and encouraged them to live it with joy, enthusiasm, sacrifice, a sense of belonging, outgoing and above all to have a deep intimacy with Jesus.
On 07 May 2023, a glamorous welcome was accorded by the Mazzarello School band of boarders and sisters and a traditional welcome at the entrance of the Sacred Heart Novitiate by the Novices. 25 Sisters from Jumaikela, Ghutiapara, Kurtumgarh and Ranchi communities interacted with Sr. Celine. She highlighted the Marian Identity of the Institute and invited the group to imitate Mary’s faith, Hope, Charity and her continuous union with God. She also spoke on the objective of the Chapter, to reawaken in us the original freshness of our vocation with enthusiasm and to rekindle the fire of love. In a very simple yet convincing manner, she also enlightened the gathering on the three indispensable choices and recommended to be in continuous formation for personal transformation, to improve our interpersonal relationships and network in the perspective of integral ecology.
The Novices had an enriching time with Sr. Celine. She gave her message through the story of a Master searching for a vessel for his use. She then compared it to their precious gift of a vocation and how God chose them to make them strong though they are unworthy. She stressed human, emotional and spiritual maturity as well as three Salesian devotions: Holy Eucharist, Mary and the Pope. Finally, she recommended that they remain grateful to God and to all those who helped them to be worthy masterpieces of God.
Sr. Celine Jacob also met the students of Auxilium Dum Dum, Bandel, Kalyani, Barasat, Ranchi, R.K. Puram and New Chumta where she was felicitated and offered a warm welcome. In her address, Sr. Celine Jacob shared a few words of wisdom with the students. She spoke about the importance of spiritual growth along with intellectual development in life. She also emphasized the benefits of a Salesian education, which focuses on Virtue and Knowledge. Sr. Celine appreciated the sisters, teachers and students for their warm welcome and the students for their beautiful performance. She exhorted them to be an agent of goodness and love in society.
Sr. Celine Jacob, during her good nights spoke about the three tables-Eucharistic table, dining table and recreation table. She also underlined the Salesian Spirituality grounded on the devotion to Eucharistic piety and highlighted the importance of having recreation to return to the original freshness based on the priority choices of GC XXIV.
Sr. Celine Jacob paid a visit to the Delhi region on 07 May 2023 and met 14 sisters from the communities of Bareilly, Najafgarh, Palam Goan, Vasant Vihar and R.K. Puram. Sr. Celine simplified and explained the core of GCXXIV dividing them into Theme: “Do whatever He tells you” Communities that generate life in the heart of contemporaneity; Objective: Awaken the original freshness of the vocational fruitfulness of the Institute and Choices: Continuous formation, walk-in synodality and integral ecology. She also paid a flying visit to the communities of Najafgarh, Palam Gaon and Vasant Vihar.
Sr. Celine Jacob, the visiting councillor and Sr.Leelamma Palliparambil the provincial visited the community of Thecho- Kathmandu, Nepal on 09 May 2023. Sr. Celine in her message asked the children to cultivate the virtues of charity, love, purity and obedience. With the limited time, she also visited the three centres where the sisters collaborate with the Jesuits at Jawalakhel, and with Salesians at Don Bosco Lubhu and Don Bosco Thecho.
On 10 May 2023, Sr. Celine Jacob met 15 sisters from the communities of Jaigaon, Geyzing, Mirik, Kurseong, New Chumta and Jhorahat-Nepal gathered for the meeting at Auxilium New Chumta. Sr. Celine based her talk on the post-chapter journey inviting the sisters to feel the presence of Mary who continues to walk in our houses even today. She invited the sisters to follow the example of Mary at the wedding feast of Cana to live in our communities the preventive system of reason, religion and loving-kindness. She also wished the sisters to acquire meekness and patience in the communities to resemble our Blessed Mother.
On 11 May Sr. Celine Jacob paid a short visit to the tomb of St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata and the communities of Auxilium, Park Circus and Gobra.
On 12 May 2023, 14 animators of Kolkata, North Bengal and Odisha and 4 sisters gathered at the Auxilium Provincial House for the meeting. Sr. Celine Jacob reflected with the group on the post-chapter journey. Through short stories and down-to-earth realities, she focused on the importance of building synodal communities. She concluded the meeting by bringing forth four types of relationships that are needed to build in our communities: Intergeneration relationships, inter-cultural relationships, fraternal relationships and cordial relationships.
On the occasion of the solemnity of St. Mary Mazzarello and the conclusion of the visit of Sr. Celine Jacob, the Visiting Councilor, the solemn Holy Eucharist was held at the Provincial house chapel, Dum Dum. It was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Pauria Joseph SDB, Salesian Provincial of Kolkata and joined by the Salesians, the animators of various communities of the province, Salesian family members, religious of the neighborhood and the educating community of Auxilium Dum Dum. During the Mass Fr. Pauria highlighted the virtues of St. Mary Mazzarello and presented her as a person who was open to the grace of God to work wonders. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by honouring our co-foundress St. Mary Mazzarello and felicitating the visiting Councilor Sr. Celine Jacob. As a final message, Sr. Celine Jacob invited everyone to be cheerful always following the example of St. Mary Mazzarello who in spite of the suffering, hardship and difficulties remained cheerful but covering it with a smile and joy.
Within a short time, Sr. Celine was able to visit 16 communities and almost all the sisters of the province accompanied by provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil. The Province of Mary Help of Christians ever remains grateful to Sr. Celine Jacob, the visiting Councillor for her visit to the province and to the communities with generosity and availability and for helping the sisters to undertake an active and passionate post-chapter journey as an individual and as a community, enlightening and guiding with care and concern.
The Provincial team meet was held from 12 to15 January 2023, at Auxilium Convent Dum Dum, to prepare the Provincial project and calendar for the year 2023-24. There were 15 team members present for the meeting. Sr. Perumpettikunnel Lily, the General Coordinator of the Province gave a warm welcome to all the team members. The meeting started invocating the Holy Spirit, and with a spiritual thought from the life of Bl. Magdalene Morano which placed the participants in a very good disposition to enter into the day’s programme. Sr. Lily then guided the team members in the planning and programming. The presentation of the Provincial Project Evaluation 2022 -23 and the report of each sector were projected.
The following day the team members scanned through the Acts of GCXXIV and Strenna 2023 of the Rector Major, which inspired the participants to formulate the ‘Vision’ and to draw up the priority choices and lines of action for the coming year. The coordinators of the sectors presented their plan of action. The members took keen interest in carrying out the important task and gave their rich contribution in planning the project and calendar for the year 2023 – 2024.The members thanked Sr. Perumpettikunnel Lily for her constant guidance and support.
Annual retreat of the Sisters was held from 31 December to 7 January 2023, at Auxilium convent Bandel. It was preached by Rev. Fr. James Chacko SDB. 55 Sisters from all directions of our province gathered under the umbrella of Our Lady of Bandel to spend 8 days under her protection in the company and communion with her Son Jesus the source of all wisdom and knowledge and the true light. We gathered in the old year 2022, with all our old ways to welcome the New Year 2023 with the newness of His Spirit to be enlightened and renewed persons filled with his graces and blessings, to begin once again our life with renewed spirit.
All the way to heaven is heaven. Coming to Bandel is like Moses going to Mount Sinai to encounter the Lord or going to mount Tabor with the Lord to experience the divine. Our retreat days were like Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus to listen to him, to be enlightened and to begin a life of love and service, seeing the face of Jesus in everyone, and thus living a life of holiness. In reality life is difficult, everyday one needs to face the challenges, risks and difficult circumstances. From time to time we need to go to a lonely place to reflect, to meditate, to communicate with our beloved Lord Jesus and to get direction from Him. Our union with God is the greatest gift of our true happiness. We need to surrender our lives lovingly to God so that he can lead and direct our lives in a fruitful manner. Love is the guiding principle in our journey to God through our deep prayer lives. Our whole lives must become prayer, union with our beloved Lord. As the fruit of our prayer, our lives become God and other-centered. Constant prayer leads us to forgiveness and forgiveness leads us to true humility. Thus, prayer becomes life and life becomes prayer and we are able to live our spirit of prayer the whole day long, not only when we are in the Chapel, thus our life become more meaningful and we are able to live our consecrated life in union with God and one another. Mary is the model of prayer and perfection: our prayer leads us to holiness and perfection.
The event of the Samaritan Woman led us to the reflection that my wholeness is in Jesus and my life in communion with him and with others. The one who is at home in the heart, is at home everywhere, this leads us to live God-centered and other-centered lives. God has called us by name and we are precious to him. Jesus is present with us always. It is we who have to feel his presence in our lives. When this happens love becomes the essence of our existence and our life becomes life of communion with one another and everyone.
The practice of Evangelical counsels is our help for living healthy relationships. It is on my today that I build my tomorrow and my future by living the present. Our life is now the present moment. Let us live it to the full. There is a question to be answered: “If we do not live today, why should we live tomorrow? If we do not use the gift of our life, why shouldn’t be given to us tomorrow?” We need to be aware that our communion with Christ must always be accompanied by our communion with others. Jesus repeated over and over again “The Kingdom of heaven is here, now within you”. Often we are ahead or behind, we are hardly in the present.
In consecrated chastity, one receives the grace of falling in love with God, who is the most loveable of all beings. The love of others becomes an integral part of our love for God. Don Bosco lived his chastity as a love for God and for the young which had no limit. Our vow of chastity helps us to love God and others with undivided heart that relates with everyone, and have the readiness to serve others generously.
The deepest motivation for religious poverty is the acceptance of God as the center of our lives, which leads us to relive in ourselves the self-emptying of Christ. In this way our poverty becomes an act of total love and self-giving. Poverty gives us freedom to avail ourselves for selfless service.
Religious Obedience in an imitation of Christ’s Obedience. Like Jesus I love God my Father knowing that he loves me personally and cares for me, so I place all my trust in him and I am happy to carry out his will. Jesus obeyed his Father’s will through human mediation so too do we: the Gospel, the Constitutions, the superiors and the community. The characteristics of our obedience are: In a spirit of faith, filial, prompt and cheerful obedience. Our community is based on obedience. God brings us together for a “Purpose, which we have discovered as a community. Obedience is an attitude of a daughter. It is a kind of listening that only a daughter can do in listening to her parents.” Obedience to God is the path of growth, of freedom for the person because this obedience allows for the acceptance of a plan or a will different from one’s own. Freedom is also in itself a path of obedience. The presence of obedience in the fabric of the community.
The last day of retreat was making peace with God and one another through the sacrament of reconciliation in order to begin our new life with the Lord and with his grace. Mother Mary is the surest way to the Lord, whoever holds the hand of our Heavenly Mother will always be protected under her mantle. The Spiritual retreat came to an end with the solemn Holy Eucharist.
Filled with God’s grace after our spiritual renewal, the whole group felt the need of living the holiness of life
After a month-long intense preparation finally the day arrived whereby the children put up a beautiful programme to show their love and gratitude for their beloved parents through songs, dances, speeches and skits on a beautifully decorated stage in the school premises. The function began at 2 p.m. and ended at 4.30 pm. The Chief Guest of the day Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB the Provincial of Kolkata, in his short but expressive and significant speech appreciated the students, parents and staff and encouraged them to be motivators of their wards to build a better society. The occasion was graced by the presence of the priests and religious of the neighbouring communities and also our sisters from Dum Dum, Bandel, Barasat, Monsada and the parents of the children. The children performed extraordinarily well, everyone congratulated them and all went home happily carrying beautiful messages for life. All praise and Glory to God.
Saturday, 17 December 2022 was a red-letter day for Auxilium Convent School, Monsada as it celebrated ‘Parents Day’ for the first time. It was a mega event for the 52 students of the school as they presented a cultural morning for their parents. The students showcased their talents through dances, songs of welcome and thank you, recitals, speeches, action songs, Christmas carols and tableau. The celebration started with a colourful and energetic folk dance to the tune of ‘Tapa tini’ and concluded with a Christmas tableau. The Sisters and teachers worked ceaselessly to motivate and train them. Rev. Fr. K.T. Thomas SDB, Rector of Don Bosco School, Monsada presided over the function. He emphasized the importance of good education and the preparation of young minds to face the challenges of tomorrow. The parents were happy to see their children perform on stage at different events with confidence and poise. All went home happy and with good feelings. Kudos to the staff and students!
The centenary celebration of FMA India was celebrated at Holy Child Auxilium Vasant Vihar on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2022 with its theme ‘They Sketched, we colored’. The chief guests for the day were Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Mago commandant, of National Defense College, India and Smt. Benita Mary Jaiker IPS (DCP-Vigilance, Delhi police). The celebration commenced with the welcoming of the chief guest by NCC cadets. The parents of all classes were invited to this grand celebration. There was a lot of joy on the faces of everyone on campus.
As the auditorium was filled with the mood of festivity as the welcome song and the dance set the tone for the event. Sr. Celine the Principal beautifully presented the report of the school. A musical extravaganza was showcased by the students of all classes. It was centered on the growth of the Institute of the daughters of Mary Help of Christians to the missionary expedition to different countries including India. The activities of the pioneers were depicted with colourful dances from the countries like Italy, France, America, Brazil, India, Japan and Africa. The parents and the guest were all mesmerized by the creative performance of the students. The inspiring speech of the chief guest was commendable. Thanks to the six pioneers of our Indian soil who planted a tiny seed which had spread its branches all over India. All left the auditorium with a smile on their faces on that exhilarating evening.
The Retreat had its start on 23rd at 9am with the recital of the rosary guided by Raymond David followed by a very interesting inspiring talk of Fr. Ramesh focusing on Old testament characters who were sinful but were chosen and accepted by God . The second session of the day was delivered by Mr. Vikash Daga on sin. He stressed that sin enters like a worm and if not rooted out it will turn into an enormous serpent that will suffocate. In the next session Ms. Padmini spoke on the need for repentance quoting personal experiences. After the evening hour’s prayer and worship, the rosary procession and supper Fr. Ramesh enlightened us on the topic 7 capital sins especially highlighting on the sin of pride. In order to be in the spirit of the retreat in silence all the mobile phones were submitted and Fr. Ramesh recommended the recital of four rosaries during the spare time. The mass was celebrated by Fr. John Chalil SDB provincial delegate for ADMA on our Blessed Mother which heightened each participants love for her.
On 23-25 October 2022 a retreat was organized for the ADMA members of both units of Barasat and Dum Dum organized by Sr. Stella the provincial delegate of ADMA. Some of the Barasat staff, one MC sister Jose from Syria also joined the retreat. The retreat was held at Auxilium Renewal center conducted by Rev. Fr. Remesh Cherian and his team Mr. Raymond David, Ms. Padmini , Vikash Daga , Sr. Pranati Sabhasundar FMA and the musicians John Joseph and Michael Anthony making it a great spiritual experience for all the participants
The second day 24 commenced with Morning Prayer and talk on pride with quotes from the bible. In the second session Fr. Remesh presented the 12 steps of humility by St. Benedict the father of western monasticism and in the third session he elucidated 17 signs of lack of humility again by St. Benedict preparing all for good confession. In the afternoon there followed confessions and counseling sessions. After the cleansing of the sins all gathered to partake in the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Anthony Earathara SDB the Parish priest. The day ended with the healing session by Fr. Remesh, Fr. Anthony and Alfred Paul from Auxilium Parish.
The third day was initiated with prayer and worship which continued with a session on the best time of prayer: ‘Early Dawn’ proving it with numerous quotes denoting from the bible explicated by Sr. Pranati Sabhasundar. She also further stated the need for family prayer, recital of family rosary and unceasing prayer. The next two sessions were illuminated by Fr. Remesh Cherian on the power and strength of the Holy Eucharist quoting numerous miraculous instances. The 3 days encounter with the Lord was climaxed with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist by 3 fathers Fr. Anthony Earathara, Afr. Alfred Paul and Fr. Remesh Cherian followed by anointing of all participants by all three of them.
Fr. Remesh gifted each participants with some memento in memory of the beautiful days with the Lord, a large picture of Divine Mercy and other memorable religious articles. The soul stirring retreat culminated with group photographs and all returned home carrying the keepsake of memories to witness in their lives.
The Provincial Community Day was held on 05 October 2022 at Provincial House Dum Dum. Animators, Principals and Economers of all communities, a good number of sisters from neighboring communities, candidates in formation, and young people from Auxilium Dum Dum took part in the celebration.
The occasion was highlighted at 3.00 pm, celebrating the Family Togetherness organized by Nepal Communities under the able guidance of Sr. Aquila Phawa. Amusing games with attractive prizes caught the attention of all sisters. Everyone felt the joy of being a province community and participated wholeheartedly.
Sr. Celine Alexander and Sr. Rosy Veliyan from the Social Communication sector stole the stage for a while to thank all the communities for their valuable contribution to the newsletter of the province. A special edition of the newsletter was brought out by the sector on the 150th Foundation Year of the Institute. The first copy of the magazine was handed over to the Sr. Provincial and a copy each to all the animators of the province. They also distributed prizes to deserving communities for their contribution to the province newsletter.
Releasing of the Book, ‘Joyful witnesses of Fidelity’ – Vol.II’ was a historical moment for the province and it was a cherished dream of Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel who compiled the life of the departed sisters of the province. A copy of the same was handed over to Sr. Provincial by Sr. Lily. She thanked all the sisters who generously shared their experiences with the departed sisters and a special thanks was accorded to Sr. Rose Ezarath who collaborated with Sr. Lily in compiling the life of the sisters.
After all these exciting moments, all the participants following the instructions of Vice-Provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel headed towards the Exhibition Hall (Prodotti Casa) contributed by all the communities of the province. It was a cherished moment for all as they explored the contribution of all the communities and appreciated the generosity and love of all the sisters who prepared each item.
A thanksgiving Holy Eucharist was celebrated at 6.00 pm for the precious gift of Provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil presided over by Rev. Fr. Dominic Gomes, Vicar General. In his homily, he highlighted the theme of the celebration, ‘With Mary, a life-giving presence’ and how love can be shown through practical action. The joyous celebration of the Eucharist was a shared responsibility of the entire province: Music and singing by Dum Dum, Entrance dance by the Aspirants of Bamunmura, Introduction to the Mass by Kurseong, Proclamation of the Word of God by Gobra, Prayer of the Faithful by Geyzing and Post Communion Prayer by Jumaikela.
Another characteristic of the celebration was the shared meal that was prepared and contributed by all the communities. The aspirants greeted the provincial with prayerful wishes and a congratulation song. As a sign of gratitude and appreciation to the Provincial, the sisters gathered around her once again after dinner. In the name of the province, Vice provincial Sr. Teresa Adampakallel expressed words of thanks to her. All the communities greeted Sr. Leelamma and thanked her for her guidance and enthusiasm as a leader of the province. Sharing the centenary celebration by all communities was an enriching moment for all. Finally the day came to an end with a vote of thanks by Sr. Leelamma the provincial. She thanked all the sisters profusely for their expressions of love for being part of every celebration on this occasion. A special note of thanks was addressed to Sr. Teresa Adampakallel for organizing the event with one month of spiritual preparation and involving all communities in the day’s program.
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