Formation    Program  at Dum Dum

Aug26

Formation workshop II - 2015 - blogIt was a significant and happy moment when the most vibrant group of the FMA province belonging to the Profession group 1979 – 1987 commenced their 2 day FMA Formative Program at the Provincial House, Dum Dum on 21st August.  With a brief introduction from Sr. Teresa Adampakallel, the group was ushered to the community hall at the melodious tune of the SWAGATHAM!   Sr. Rose Ezarath, our provincial welcomed the group and thanked them for the contributions they make in their communities. Quoting the words of Pope Francis,” Because of your consecration, the Church is holier. Extend your gaze, broaden your vision. Where there is consecrated life, there is joy”, she invited us to walk the path of holiness according to the charism of the Institute ‘How mysticism came into the Church was an invitation for us to realize to a greater extent that Religious Life is a great gift and that we got to make God grow in us and become God cantered persons. Each individual has a vocation. Sr. Rose simply asked us “What’s the purpose of my vocation ? Yes, don’t wake the world; rather wake ourselves first and then our own communities in small ways. She briefly dwelt with the XXIII Chapter Document: Address of Pope Francis at the Audience given to the Chapter members on Nov. 8, 2014.  The PPT on “witness of Joy” enabled us to live our consecrated life to the full with renewed joy and commitment. The sessions on “Middle Adulthood” from   Formation Programme by Sr. Teresa Adampakallel enabled the sisters to deepen and appreciate the beauty of this stage of life. The groups were enthusiastic in sharing their success stories.

The sessions by Fr. Sajeev SJ based on the theme “Relationship with God, with self and with the community” have the taken the group into a reflective and thought provoking journey to make religious life joyful and meaningful. Through a few video clippings Fr. Sajeev helped the group realize that consecrated life is possible if lived in generous giving, total commitment and trust in God. He encouraged the participants to adopt the giraffe language “Giving and receiving”-Non-violent communication rather than jackal language “naming and blaming, violent communication, to enjoy community life which is more pleasant and peace loving.

The timely group discussions kept the groups more active and alive giving valuable contributions to enrich one another towards a joyful consecrated life.

We thank our Mother Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath, Sr. Teresa Adam and her team for organising this programme for us and giving us this wonderful opportunity attend.

Sr. Maria P. & Sr. Geraldine B.

Celebration of the Feast of Assumption and Independence Day at Auxilium New Chumta

Aug22

Celebration..

 On 15th August 2015 the community of New Chumta celebrated the double feast, the Assumption of our blessed Mother and 69th Independence Day of the Nation. During the Morning Prayer Sr. Nilam highlighted Mary’s greatness in spite of being the lowly woman of Nazareth. At 7.00 a.m. we had the solemn Mass in the parish presided over by Rev.Fr. Michael Toppo, the Parish priest. He stressed on the pure life lived by Mary and was assumed in to heaven and encouraged the faithful to live pure and holy life with the hope of heaven. It was followed by the hoisting of the National Flag by him in the school play ground. After the march past the students had their fancy dress and speech competition. In their presentation all imitated the great leaders of our country. Chief – Guest Fr. Michael Toppo in his message asked the students to have great dream for our country and to fight against injustice and encouraged the students to work for the progress of our nation.

Celebration

    200th Birth Day Celebration of Don Bosco

Aug22

DB 200

From 10 -15 August 2015, at Aspirantate Barasat the postulants and aspirants began a Bosco week to prepare themselves for the Bicentenary celebration of the Birth of Don Bosco. The Bosco week was a stunning event beginning with a prayer dance and un- veiling of Don Bosco’s image by superior Sr. Leelamma. The study of the candidate were presented through Mime, Self composed Poem, song and Dance Drama. It was a wonderful and enlightening experience and presented their items in an original way. Every day the Morning Prayer was prepared based on the life of Don Bosco.

On 16th August, the aspirantate community together with the school community celebrated the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco. The day began with a well prepared morning prayer. The grant ceremony started with a solemn procession in which the statue of Don Bosco was carried by our sisters.  The neighbourhood religious from RNDM, Bethany novitiate and cottage, Jesuit brothers and also the lay people were present. Each one of us carried the flag of Don Bosco accompanied by the hymn ‘ Father of many youngsters’. The entrance dance of the aspirants made the Holy Eucharist more solemn. Fr. Aloysius Carvalo SJ was the main celebrant. In his homily he highlighted the life sketch of Don Bosco. He brought forth the work of Don Bosco for the poor and marginalized young people and his zeal to lead all souls to God. The birthday party of Don Bosco was at 12.30 noon. Both the communities shared their lunch together followed by the games organized by the sisters for the aspirants, boarders and house staff.

In the evening the aspirants and boarders paid homage to our father and founder Don Bosco through a stage programme. We concluded the day with a prayer service and taking blessing from Don Bosco.

Aspirantate Community

FMA presence in Kandhamal – Kurtumgarh

Aug20

Kurtumgarh

The long awaited day dawned for the Province of Mary Help of Christians – Kolkata (INC) as we ventured courageously into Odisha state that witnessed the worst anti-Christian violence, seven years ago. The cherished dream became a reality when Don Bosco gave this special gift to his daughters on 16th August 2015. Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar opened the Auxilium Convent at St. Sebastian’s Parish, Kurtumgarh, 317 km west of Bhubaneswar, capital of Odisha state, on August 16, when the  Salesian world celebrated the birth centenary of our father and  founder St. John Bosco.

Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath and other 7 sisters who were present for the inauguration along with the archbishop, other priests and religious of the archdiocese and political dignitaries were ceremoniously welcomed by the parishioners with drums and bands, garlands and shawls. The solemn lighting of the lamp and the Eucharistic celebration were part of the grand and unexpected celebration.

About 1500 people, including Hindus and Christians of other denominations attended the opening event and shared the fellowship meal which was beautifully organised by Fr. Jugal Kishore Digal, parish priest.

On behalf of the archdiocese Most. Rev. John Barwa welcomed the Sisters whole heatedly and wished them a fruitful ministry for the development of the people and building up of God’s Kingdom and exhorted the faithful to cooperate and collaborate with the sisters.

Provincial who was present for the occasion said, “I feel extremely happy the way people welcomed us. They are very open and cordial. It is an indication which shows that they are happy to have our presence. With our presence, our passion for Da Mihi Animas and our educative charism we will be able to do something beautiful for the people of Kandamal – Kurtumgarh.”

Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel, the Province Economer added, “The reception of our presence was very beautiful and devotional. People are good, enthusiastic and simple. I have great hope in this new mission of ours because we have lot of opportunity to incarnate the charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello to the young people.”

The three pioneer sisters Sr. Teresa Xalxo, Sr. Shanti Tirkey and Sr. Sabita Nayak will begin to spread the charism of our Institute actively involving themselves in the apostolic ministry of the parish church.

By  Sr.Mini Chettayil

Long live Don Bosco! “E viva Don Bosco!” – Celebration at Auxilium – Barasat

Aug20

DB 200 celebration

16th August 2015 was the most jubilant occasion to celebrate the birthday of Don Bosco, the father and founder of Salesian Congregation after 200 years. ‘The Man’ who has mobilised the world of youth for almost two centuries obviously draws the hearts of every one to rejoice and commemorate the great event. As the celebration went on for one year in various ways, indeed the culmination of the celebration was something distinctive. Being Sunday the other religious communities of Barasat were here for the Mass, so all joined for the significant celebration. All were given a flag and so taking the flag in their hands entered the chapel in procession singing “Father of many youngsters ……”. Two sisters carried Don Bosco’s statue and placed on the niche specially decorated for the occasion in pink and blue. The aspirants welcomed the gathering through entrance dance.During his sermon Rev. Fr. Aloysius Carvlho SJ highlighted on the advent of Salesians to India and the great contribution made towards the growth and development of the Church in our Mother land. He repeatedly spoke about Bishop Matthias  , the one who  worked a lot to shape the CBCI at that time. He  was instrumental in bringing  to the notice of Vatican II the need to train the laity as Catechists in the parish and village for  local evangelisation. It was the initiative of Bishop Matthias to spread the health ministry in various parts of our country.Rev. Fr.Calvalho emphasized d that the credit of evangelisation in North East and many other achievements is due to the Salesians in India. Everyone’s hearts were overwhelming with gratitude to God for Don Bosco and his legacy to the world. The celebrant invited the gathering repeatedly to thank God for this great saint. The boarders through their melodious singing made the mass more participatory and solemn.

The delicious meal was the binding force between the two communitiesas they shared the lunch together.Then the games for aspirants, boarders, and office and house staff were surprising and the most amusing event of the day. All of them worked in their team to win prizes by taking active part in all the indoor games.  The celebration continued till evening and ended with adoration to the Blessed Sacrament. The bicentenary celebration is over but the memory of this celebration will linger in the minds and hearts of all of us especially the elderly people who will continue to get little support as ration in the name of Don Bosco from Auxilium Convent Barasat.

Reported by Sr. Stella P.

Going to the periphery

Aug20

Bosco 200 venture

Pope Francis through his continuous teachings and his own personal example has propelled all to leave our cosy comfortable zones to venture out to the peripheries. The spark had lit in the hearts of the sisters of Barasat a flame and took the opportunity of the bicentenary to launch the first venture to  reach out to the poor of the neighbourhood.  Networking with the local leaders the sisters managed to identify about 20 old and infirm persons.  On August 16 , 2015  they were invited to the feast and they were welcomed into the hall.  Sr. Stella the animator in her inaugural speech spoke of Don Bosco and his mission among the young and the needy.  The aspirants and the boarders entertained our guests with dances, skit and the dream at the age of nine.  After the function the ladies were provided with a box of snacks, 2 kg of rice, dhal and eggs. This good work initiated today will continue every Saturday with the additional deserving people.  The sisters were able to see a gleam of smile on their faces.  May Don Bosco from heaven in whose memory we have started to work help us reach out to more in the periphery through other works of mercy and love.

By Sr. Stella P.

Bicentenary Celebration at Auxilium Barasat School

Aug20

DB 200.

August 14th will remain an undeletable day in the memories of the auxilians  as the yearlong celebration of bicentennial of Don Bosco’s birth had its culmination with the closing ceremony spearheaded  by red house who had inaugurated it as well. The solemn ceremonial was  launched with a slow parade led by the school captain, vice captain and the four captains with the portrait of Don Bosco with an entourage of little girls showering rose petals on the portrait giving a sort of heavenly reverie.  Sr. Stella garlanded the picture and Sr. Rosy Veliyan the principal lit a candle giving a spiritual aura where a couple of prayers and self-composed poem was rendered.  A group of primary class students arrayed in dance to honour the saint of the young.  Three boys depicting the nine year old, teenager and grownup Don Bosco conveyed that  his presence is required to bring solace to the chaotic world of the young even today.  The maxims of Don Bosco  was made a living reality by taking them as an oath by the students.  The celebration concluded with the concluding speech of Sr. Stella which was poem illustrating the multifaceted personality and the greatness of Don Bosco.

The great celebration also included the “BOSC – O- QUIZZARD” in which Green House bagged the first prize along with all the other houses performing wonderfully well. The tiny toddlers made the stage more colourful with their “RAMP SHOW” Portraying their love for their favourite Bollywood stars. The final closure was marked by folding and handing over the bicentennial flag as a symbol of the students good will in preserving the values  which were  which they learned from the multitalented maestro, Don Bosco.DB 200

“LONG LIVE DON BOSCO”!!!“LONG LIVE HIS WORKS”!!!

(Debasree Pal and AsmitaHobisyashi)ACS, Barasat

Pledge taken at  Bicentenaryclsing ceremony

We the students of the Salesian School, promise that we will try our best to exemplify the principle that we have learnt from our school, respect and commit ourselves to uphold, respect and follow the standards set out by our school.

Following the example of Don Bosco, we pledge ourselves to live as one family, regardless of our race, language and religion to build a nation that respects each & every individual.

We further promise that we will give our best and strive constantly for excellence, preserving our academic integrity by maintaining the highest ethical standard in our studies and valuing the relationship with the management teachers and among ourselves, In every instance we will prove ourselves as Salesian pupils following the footsteps of Don Bosco.

Delving into Laudato Si of Pope Francis

Aug20

CRI.On 17th August 2015, CRI unit of 24 Parganas deanery consisting of fathers, brothers, novices and sisters numbering about a 100 came together at Auxilium Barsat at 10 a.m. to have an exploration of the encyclical of Pope Francis, “Laudato Si” delivered by Fr. Francis Sunil Rosario.  The aspirants of Auxilium Barasat initiated the meeting with a prayer dance, ’you are precious to me’ commemorating the year of the consecrated.  Fr. Anthony Rodrick the dean of 24 PGS introduced Fr. Sunil Rosario with glowing praises.

From the beginning to the end what emerged was that Fr. Sunil Rozario was an ardent admirer of Pope Francis.  He commenced his session with Francis effect on the church and the world at large screening one of the interviews in which Cardinal Sean O Malley OFM speaks of his experience in the conclave as a Pentecostal experience, expectations of dramatic changes, his election to the Consultative Committee on Reforming the Curia and his great and humble experience with the pope who is so natural and serene in dealing with daily challenges.  Pope Francis with his characteristics of humility, simplicity and closeness to the poor has initiated a fundamental reform of Vatican’s government, challenged the globalization of indifference and became the most talked about person.

The session continued with the introduction of the encyclical and its various chapters and contents.  At 11.30 a.m. during the tea break Fr. Maurlin Fernando SJ called for a short meeting of the CRI Core team and the formators of religious communities to plan for the “Day of the consecrated in the parish”.    In the meeting it was decided that the each formation house would present a 20 minutes musical on the founder, the   charism and their present status in the world.  Fr. Anthony Rodricks suggested that the laity should be given active participation in the event.  The date suggested for this celebration was Dec. 6th 2015.  A meeting of the core team was scheduled in the coming month for the planning and organization of the programme.

CRIIn the second session Fr. Sunil Rosario delineated the encyclical   in depth drawing our attention to the plea of our holy father to take responsibility towards the sustenance of our common home, earth and  the need to pay attention to the  perils of     pollution and climate change, waste and throwaway culture, issue of water , loss of bio-diversity,Decline in the quality of Human life and the Breakdown of society and  Global Inequality .

Laudato Si -‘Praise be to you’Pope’s intention is to include all of creation. We are the crown of creation and all creatures including sun, moon, stars, nature together must praise God in all things.

  • Nearly 40,000 word encyclical is very challenging.
  • Pope Francis has dared to name the reality of the huge ecological issues which threaten our world and us.
  • He goes on to offer us a deeply personal and radically political spirituality, one which nourishes the spirit while being fully down-to-earth.
  • This is a truly integral ecology, a rich synthesis of the material and the spiritual, the ecological and

Pope Francis maintains that ‘Christian communities have an important role to play by respecting the environment and educating others to do the same. He insists that ‘Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork are essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.

In the encyclical Francis emphasizes the point that ‘nature is … a continuing revelation of the divine.  Towards the end he also relate to the sacramental theology and says,‘The Sacraments are a privileged way in which nature is taken up by God to become a means of mediating supernatural life. … Water, oil, fire and colours are taken up in all their symbolic power and incorporated in our act of praise’He adds that ‘the Eucharist is itself an act of cosmic love’

Fr. Sunil’s session came to the conclusion with another interview with Josephine Lombardi PHD who in her talks highlights the amazing  Pastoral sensitivity of our holy Father. Meeting came to an end with the vote of thanks conveyed by Fr. Varghese Tor the treasurer of the CRI Core team of the deanery of 24 Parganas and the thanksgiving prayer by Rev. Fr. Aloysius Carvalho.

Let us hearken to the invitation of the Holy Father and become protectors and sustainers of our common home, our mother earth with our unique contribution.

Sr. Stella P.

   Bicentenary  Celebration of St. John Bosco at Snehalaya – Palm Gaon

Aug20

DB 200 - Palam Gaon

On 16th August 2015 the children of Snehalaya celebrated the birth of Don Bosco with grandeur. The day began with the animated Morning Prayer through power point presentation and followed by Eucharistic celebration. Whole day was dedicated to Don Bosco our Father and friend of youth.

In the evening at 7.00 p.m. children paid homage to St. John Bosco through songs, dance and skit. Rev. Fr. Swanoop Choudhury the Rector of Ashalayam and one of his friends Mr. Francis were present for the festa.  The programe was concluded with the distribution of gifts.

Boarders  were also part of the celebration of the  Past pupils of Don  Bosco technical school, Okhla to mark the celebration of the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth.

Sr. Anima Xalxo