Pilgrimage to Krishnagar – visit to the tomb of Fr. Francis Convertini SDB, the great Missionary

Nov23

 

Fr. Francis Convertini sdbON 15th November 2015 at 7 a.m. saw 40 enthusiastic pilgrims from Kalyani parish including Sr. Margaret Barla and Fr. Thomas Peechat , the parish priest set out to Krishnagar for a visit to the tomb of the great missionary Rev. Fr. Francis Convertini.( Born 29th Aug. 1898) We were warmly welcomed by the Sodality Mothers of Krishnagar parish. This was followed by Adoration at the Shrine Chapel to the Lord of wonder and animated by the mothers. By 11.30 we were led to the cemetery of Fr. Francis Convertini to pay our respects, gratitude and homage to this great and ardent missionary. There Mr. Samir Lahiri bore witness to a miraculous cure of himself as a babe of 3, through the intervention and prayer of Fr. Francis Convertini. And now this same Samir stood before all to proclaim God’s wonder and care and love over him through this great Fr. Francis. Before the Eucharistic celebratino once again Mr. Samir in his introduction exhorted the people of the 3 essentials in life, viz; Faith, Hope and Love. He bore witness to a strong RSS man  who was dying of cancer and was cured miraculously touching the blood of Christ with an apparition of Jesus speaking to him. This brought him to a life of conversion and right now he’s a great proclaimer of God’s Word for God’s people.  During Holy Mass Fr. Thomas too stressed on the need of faith, hope and love, the basis of our Christian life, bringing about the fresh and sad news of the Paris attack and to pray through the intercession of Fr. Francis Convertini for this gift. Thereafter a good meal prepared and served by the Sodality Mothers enabled us to go through this day. We then proceeded to Don Bosco Technical Youth Centre for a film show of the edifying life of Rev. Fr. Francis Convertini, where we drew much inspiration from his life of charity, simplicity, faith, hope and love. Back to Christo Mandir for darshan we made the Stations of the Cross there. It was a wonderful day spent with our dear and great missionary Fr. Francis Convertini.

Sr. Margaret Barla

 

Cancer Awareness Campaign

Nov21

Awareness prog.

A Cancer Awareness Campaign was organised by the Indian Cancer Society and Samman NGO in Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar on 19th November 2015.

The programme comprised of street plays, poster making and painting competitions on the topic ‘Cancer-a Disastrous Disease’. Six  schools participated in supporting the cause. Dr.Anita Dhar from the Department of Surgery AIIMS New Delhi, gave a presentation on ‘Breast Cancer – myths and facts’, throwing light on signs, symptoms, diagnosis and cure of cancer. Cancer has its effect on different parts of the human body. There are various cancer detection tests available, such as FNAC, biopsy, mammogram to name a few.

Street plays on rising problems of cancer in the country and creating awareness and conveying the message of prevention from cancer were presented by students of six different schools in Vasant Vihar. HC Auxilium School also sent a team of participants for the events and bagged the second position. The students were accompanied by their animators.Cancer awareness prog.

When more and more people become aware of the disease, we can get rid of this menace.

Reported by Ms.Rita Bakshi

Children’s Day celebration at H.C. Auxilium, Vasant Vihar

Nov21

As a tribute to Jawahar Lal Nehru, his birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day all over India with great zeal and fervour. On 14th November 2015, the educators and guides of HC Auxilium, Vasant Vihar, Delhi, prepared and presented a cultural programme for the entertainment of the children. The grand event commenced with the Lighting of the Lamp by the members of the School Cabinet followed by the Prayer Service where the teachers sang hymns and offered prayers for the well-being of the students and their family members. Some of the moments cherished by the students in various school activities were presented in the power point presentation.

Children's DayThe children were reminded of the less privileged ones who could not celebrate this day and were asked to share with some of them whenever possible in a speech by one of our faculty members. Thereafter, came the lively parody- cum – skit showcasing the pranks of the students in their class rooms. A funny action song presentation based on retro was put up , which was cheered and enjoyed by the students. This was followed by a colourful folk dance medley. Such was the aura that it sent shivers of enjoyment and growing adrenaline of the students in the auditorium.

The principal, Sr.Celine invited comments from the children and each one had appreciation. The school captain thanked the teachers for their untiring effort for making the day a special one for them. On this occasion the teachers presented a set of wireless speakers to the students. Adding to the fun, chocolates were distributed to the children and finally music was played for them to dance and enjoy as the celebrations must go on.

Reported by Ms.Rita Bakshi

School Excursion to Worlds of Wonder

Nov21

On 7th November 2015, class XI and XII of H.C. Auxilium Vasant Vihar headed for their school excursion to Worlds of Wonder, Noida along with their teachers and sisters. We had an enjoyable time in the company of our friends and there were numerous rides such as feedback, download, mega disco. There was also a dance area where the children swayed to the rhythm and beats of the music. We spent our day in the amusement park till 4:00. It was a very memorable experience which would be cherished by us in the years to come.

CPP Awareness Program for the formees

Nov19

On 11 November 2015 an awareness Program on Child Protection Policy and safety measures were conducted at Auxilium Aspirantate, Barasat for the neighbourhood communities. The participants were 75 formees and 8 Sisters of various congregations in and around Barasat. It was held from   2 pm – 5 pm. The resource persons were Sr. Leelamma Palliparmbil and Sr. Sherley Kalapurayil.

The participants were Novices from Bethany convent, the Daughters of the Cross, candidates of Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul, Helpers of the Holy Souls in Purgatory and our Aspirants from Auxilium. Sr. Leelamma dealt with the topic “Child protection, care and safety” through various video clips to illustrate and explain the topics to the participants. She elucidated to the participants about the “Type of Abuses” and “Preventive Measures” to be taken for the Child Protection and safety.

Sr. Sherley K. spoke about ‘Children at Risk’. With the help of a video on “I am a Child” she conveyed the message that every child has a right live in the family and society, where the child can grow and have a great future.

At the end Sr. Flora FC thanked the sisters for enriching the candidates with social awareness program, especially the merging issues of child protection and safety.

 

 

Provincial visit

Nov18

Prov. visitThe maiden provincial visit of our new provincial Rev. Sr. Rose Ezarath took place on 14th and 15th October at H.C.A, R.K. Puram. There was a note of joy and gladness in the air as we prepared ourselves to welcome her for the first time. We welcomed her with a khada and a bouquet of flowers and took her to the chapel for a short prayer moment. Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel the community animator invited Sr. Rose to light the lamp as a sign of her being a bearer of light of love, of joy and of service. It was followed by a short thanksgiving prayer and a hymn. We thanked the Lord and implored for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon her and her mission of guidance and accompaniment in the province and in our community in particular.

On the first day good night talk, Sr. Rose drew up the conclusions of the bi-centenary of Don Bosco saying: to return to the sources of our origins; to witness to the sense of communion and to be rooted in Jesus Christ. During the community conference, she briefed us on the PCI meeting held at Kodambakkam, Chennai and summarize the talks given by Sr. Vilma Tallone the General Economer to the PCI members on how to practice evangelical poverty. At the concluding good night talk Sr. Rose recommended us to give our best in the mission doing the will of God always. Thank you dear Sr. Rose for your visit has brought us God’s blessings of joy and enthusiasm into our lives.

BRBC-CRI- CDP Bengal- Sikkim Annual Meeting

Nov18

The Bengal Regional Bishops, Major Superiors and delegates of Institutes of Consecrated Life and representatives of the conference of Diocesan priests of Bengal had the Annual Meeting at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Krishnagar, from 9th to 11th November 2015. The theme “Catholic Family: Leaven in Today’s World was thoroughly studied through a panel discussion on the first day after the welcome ceremony conducted by the Local CRI. The panelists consisted of a couple (Mr & Mrs Steve) from Fatima parish Kolkata; Dr.Silpa Goswami from St.Patrick’s parish Dum Dum and Sr. Rachel Chetri, provincial of Cluni sisters, (Darjeeling) and a Youth representative M/s Priyanka Biswas. Each of them spoke on personal experience in living the Family life highlighting God experience in crucial moments of their life, as the unseen force that sustained and guided to being faithful to one’s vocation and role as husband, wife, parents, teenager and religious. Fr. Robin Gomes SDB was the coordinator for the panel session that concluded with the intervention of the participants.

Our Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, the President of Bengal- Sikkim Regional Bishop’s Council,  presented a summary of the 14th Ordinary Synod of the Bishops held in Rome from 4th to 25th October 2015 using video clips. Holy Father’s invitation to be merciful under difficult circumstances of family life was stressed with reference to the forthcoming year of Mercy.  Each day we had the privilege of having a bishop to celebrate the Holy Eucharist along with other regional bishops who were present for the sessions as well.

Mr.Allan Doulton of Pune was one of the main resource persons and animator of the third day. He was actively involved in the survey on families in preparation for the 14th Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the “Vocation and Mission of Families in the modern World”. He shared his rich experience on family and Christian life which goes much beyond being mere “Sunday Christians”. In matters of Church he stressed in “making things happen” rather than hoarding mere “wish lists”.

At the conclusion of the enriching inputs and elaborate discussions, a time bound plan of action was drawn up on forming integral, faith filled Families in our parishes and dioceses. The theme for the next Regional Assembly was finalized as “The Role of Catholic Church in Bengal in promoting Peace”. It will be held at the Bishop’s house, in the diocese of Jalpaiguri from 27th to 29th October 2016.

With special thanks to Fr. Robin Gomes SDB and Fr.Mani SDB the local hosts we, Sr. Mary Ann the secretary of local CRI unit of Kurseong , Sr.Teresa A, delegate of  Sr. Rose Ezarath, departed for our own destinations at the earliest. We are grateful to our dear Sr. Provincial for the chance given to us to experience and enrich ourselves by participating in the Regional meeting of such an august assembly.

Reported by Sr. Teresa A.

Community day Celebrated

Nov18

com.day

On 10th November 2015 the community of R.K. Puram celebrated the community day. In this way we concluded a journey that began a month ago, walking in the way traced out by the Constitutions “Called to serve the Lord in gladness” (C 49). Every community member maximised their efforts in order to realize this goal through thinking, speaking and acting positively which had made great difference in the lives of all.

This beautiful day of the celebration of our community communion began with a meaningful vigil service around the Eucharistic Lord during which we glorified God for having placed us together as a family to accomplish his saving mission through us. During the morning prayer hymns in power points were integrated with appropriate commentaries and prayers of praise, thanks and petitions. In the evening at 6.30pm we had a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Reji Tom sdb from Don Bosco, Okhla.  In his homily the celebrant invited the community to keep hope alive and burning in order to serve the Lord in gladness. During the prayer of the faithful we thanked God for all those who accompany us and help us in our journey of community living and mission.  The community day celebrations came to a halt with a community picnic to Greater Noida and a visit to some historical places in N.Delhi.

 

 

Children’s day Celebration at Auxilium, Barasat

Nov18

ACS contributionChildren’s day 2015 was celebrated at Auxilium Barasat in the spirit of childhood in an innovative manner. A special welcome song presentation by Sr. Rosy brightened the cheerful faces of the children. A prayer service was adjoined with a power point presentation, prayer dance by primary teachers made the beginning of celebration graceful. Bouncing in rhythm was the knee dance followed by humorous drama titled ‘Anukul Robot’. Programme became more lustrous when a classical dance for high school and a fusion and folk dance for primary was performed by the teachers.  There was also a video show named ‘Happy to disturb’.Through their singing teachers tried to convey that children are their world and the life. To conclude the programme Sr. superior Sr. Stella showcased a video with a wonderful message. The other unique event for primary was their picnic- sharing their food stuff with friends and teachers and for the high school the talents show by class XII which filled the air in the hearts of the Auxilians.Teachers' perform

The last event of the day was the handing over the open van to two needy people from the generous contribution by students during the month of October. Indeed children’s day is one of the most joyous days of the year.

CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION at Auxilium Dum Dum

Nov18

Children On 14th November 2015, Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, celebrated the children’s Day. The program began with a prayer followed by various items performed by the teachers and the sisters. Superior Sr. Teresa A. greeted the students on the occasion of the children’s day. At 8.30 am Ms. D.J. Jennifer and Mr. Rakhesh showcased their melodious singing which the children enjoyed to the core of their heart with dancing.

children'sOn 15th November the Oratorians of Auxilium Dum Dum celebrated the Children’s Day. Sisters felicitated them with a stage programme. Sr. Dominica Thapa in her message told the children that all are precious in the eyes of God and especially the little children. To sweeten the celebration chocolates were distributed to all.

Children's.On 16th November was a memorable day for the Parallel School children. Sisters entertained the children with a wonderful stage programme in a well decorated classroom. Their joy knew no bounds as they enjoyed the show. At the end the little ones were gifted with balloons and sweets.