A picturesque presentation of the symbolic gesture towards the World Gratitude Day 2024 in the Communities of FMA Kolkata (INC)

Apr26

With Mary, guided by the “dream”, we generate peace by taking care of our Common Home

Papaya Tree – A symbol of sustenance and healing ( Auxilium, Barasat)

Papaya plant (Auxilium, Dum Dum) It is good for digestion due to its high fibre and enzyme content.  It’s also rich in vitamins A, C, and E as well as antioxidants, which support overall health and immunity. This fruit is available everywhere, rice and poor both can afford to nourish it. This is one of the best fruits for diabetes.

Cherry Blossom: It is a special flower of Sikkim. It is a symbol of Renewal, Hope and the Fleeting nature of life.  It gives fragrance, vitality and newness. (St. Mary’s Geyzing)

” Maize is our second food of our country” (Auxilium, Gobra)

Paddy: The main food of the people of West Bengal.  (Auxilium, Aspirantate)

“Rooted in Christ’s love, Dreams Sprout, Flourish and bear Fruit.” In the gentle hands of God, a seed blossoms into a masterpiece of His creation but without a vital connection to our source, we wither and bear no fruit. 

French beans: An essential part of the local food preparation in Darjeeling, used in various dishes to provide protein. (Auxilium, Kurseong)

Maize is the principal food crop of the majority of the hill people and a source of animal feed for ever-growing livestock industries in the Jhoarhat   Terai region.  (Auxilium, Jhorahat – Nepal)

Days of Enrichment

Mar2

AUXILIUM GOBRA: The 3rd phase of the Young Sisters meeting was held at Auxilium Convent Gobra from the 14th to the 18th of February 2024.  The Introductory talk was given by Sr. Rose Kureekattu and two days of Scripture classes on the book of Revelation were taken by Fr. Tushar Gomes SDB. On the first day, he spoke about the four main positions, and the date of composition and explained in detail the historical background of the book and its purpose. On the second day, he dealt with the major theological theme and the structure of the book. He focused much on the signs and meanings of the seven churches, their seven seals and seven trumpets.  

The third day’s session was taken by Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil the provincial creatively. She explained very meticulously the profile and identity of the FMA as well as the three evangelical vows. She made the participants understand in a better way the preciousness of God’s call and the authenticity of living a religious life.

On the last day, the class was steered by Fr. Raju, the canonist of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church. He interactively took the session. Fr. Raju explained very clearly the importance of vows and the true meaning of consecrated life. He further spoke about the change of lifestyle in this modern era. Above all, the participants were urged to be committed seekers of God with a happy attitude. The day was concluded with a vote of thanks to God Almighty for having provided the great personnel who made the meetings very enriching and memorable.

The Maiden Reunion of ‘Laura Vicuna’ Boarding, Barasat

Jan23

The Barasat Boarding Reunion was held on the 21st of January 2024 at Auxilium Convent Barasat, bringing together the boarders who have passed out of Barasat Boarding. The event was organized by Sr. Esther Rani and Sr. Minimol making the day a memorable one for the 30 boarders who came along with their kids. The presence of Sr. Juliana Rozario, Sr. Elizabeth Makil and the community sisters of Barasat added joy to the gathering. The day commenced with a Mass Celebration at 11.00 a.m. with Fr. Albert as the celebrant. During the sermon, Father spoke about all the values instilled in each of us by the sisters during our stay in the hostel. He highlighted how beautifully each one of us has grown, spreading the love and values received from the sisters, and he also recalled the old days during his stay in Barasat.

It was followed by a wonderful and awaited group photo shoot. The boarders were then welcomed to the auditorium for the celebration, which began with the felicitation of respected Fr. Albert and the reverend sisters by the boarders. All the boarders were welcomed, and a fun activity of “Bombing the City” was organized, bringing a lot of enjoyment to the participants. Following this, the boarders were invited to share their experiences with the audience about their journey. Some shared how successful they had become and how their life in boarding, under the care and guidance of the sisters, helped them through thick and thin, shaping their present and future. Everyone expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of the sisters in caring for the boarders and acknowledged the impact they have had on society.

The day concluded with a thank-you note delivered by Miss Angela Tigga, expressing gratitude to Fr. Albert for being part of the celebration, and to all the sisters, for their dedication and guidance that shaped the essence of the gathering. Participants were also thanked for their active participation, bringing life to the event and making it truly memorable. After this, the boarders were provided with lunch sponsored by Mr. Sabir Ali, which was delicious.

The Barasat Boarding Reunion not only rekindled cherished memories but also showcased the enduring impact of the sisters’ guidance on the boarders’ lives. The event served as a testament to the strong bonds formed in the hostel and the lasting influence of the values instilled, making it a day etched in the hearts of all attendees.

Reported by Suzzane Shaw

The deeper the Root, the greater the Mission

Jan15

BANDEL: “With unique God Experience, Towards Prophetic Religious life”, was the theme of the Annual Spiritual Retreat held at Auxilium Bandel from 03 – 10 January 2024.  50 Sisters from various communities of the province took an active part with the spirit of Refreshing, Rejuvenating and Renewing oneself.  Rev. Fr. Austin Joy MSFS led the sisters to encounter Christ to live a consecrated life.

The Holy Retreat commenced with the introductory message and blessing of Provincial Sr. Leelamma Parlliparambil, at 5.00 pm.  Thereafter it was followed by the Holy Eucharistic Celebration at 6.30 pm.

Fr. Austin Joy presented the various challenges of our Religious Life and also offered the group the solution to overcome them.  He said, “Whatever may happen in your life, there is an answer in the Holy Bible.”  He imparted to the group higher things – the treasures of our Religious Life. He dealt with numerous topics which led the retreatants to deeper God’s experience for the Prophetic Religious Life. Some of the topics were God’s call and anointing, serving the Lord with undivided heart, the common fall of God’s chosen ones, the power of the Word of God, the consequence of sin, salvation through Jesus, the way of treating God’s chosen ones, the power of praise and worship, how to live a blameless life, how to avoid the evil one, the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives etc.  

Fr. Austin made the group realize the power of consecration which is meant for others.  He also imparted how to win the battle with the powerful sword; the ‘Word of God’.  His witty and rhyming words like “every disappointment is an appointment with God” and ‘create memories and not injuries’ made the retreat interesting and fun-loving. After participating in this inspirational and vigorous life-giving preaching, the retreatants unanimously decide to serve the Lord with an undivided heart. After the retreat, the retreatants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the preacher, the provincial and the community Sisters.  It was one of the unique retreats for all the participants.  

CATECHETICAL SEMINAR AT AUXILIUM, BANDEL

Jan6

A two-day Catechetical seminar was organized from 01-02 January 2024 with on “Know, Grow and Share the Good News”.  Sr. Emilia Vaz guided the inaugural prayer.  Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel welcomed Sr. Provincial and Rev.  Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal SDB, the resource person. On 1st January Fr. Kumudo dealt with four topics: (1) the tasks of catechesis (2) sources of catechesis, (3) challenges of Catechesis and (4) Catechesis through social media. This session imparted great reflection on ‘Where are our young people?’, ‘Is it possible to find God in media?’ and ‘How does catechesis make the Gospel relevant to the’ digital Generation’?’  Sr. Maria Goretti Ekka proposed a vote of thanks to Fr. Kumudo for his presentation and availability.

In the afternoon Sr. Shradha Kispotta conducted the session on the various Catechetical Directories of the Church. She highlighted how the fundamentals, guidelines etc. play important roles in the life of the church. The last session of the day was taken by Sr Shanti Tirkey on Youth Catechesis, helping us to reflect that our mission is to help the young to find meaning in their lives and to reawaken the dying youth of today.  The day ended with words of gratitude and in waiting for the next day.

On 2nd January 2024 Sr Lily Perumpettikunnel conducted the first session on the Papal documents.  We had a brief and quick glance at the 10 types of documents published by Popes and the 16 documents of Vatican II keeping in mind our response to the invitation of General Chapter XXIV.  Sr Jenita Savarimuthu conducted the 2nd session of the day. She dealt with the topic ‘School and Sunday parish Catechesis’. She presented the qualities of a good catechist and the effectiveness of our catechism classes in the school and the parishes. Sr Shradha Kispotta continued the same with ‘The practical way of teaching catechism’ emphasizing the importance of preparing adequately for the catechetical instruction and classes with well-prepared lesson plans using various teaching methods. She suggested making good use of teaching aids particularly modern technology to make lessons interesting to the young children.

It was a learning, re-learning and revision for all of us. Sr. Nayna Kujur proposed the vote of thanks to all the resource persons of the day.  The seminar ended with a note of gratitude reawakening one’s zeal and love for catechesis.