Meeting of the Provincial Delegates of  the Salesian Family

Nov8

The meeting of Provincial delegates for the Salesian family SDB and FMA with representatives of the other Salesian Family members was held from 01- 04 November 2023 at Dimapur Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership (DBIDL)

 This maiden venture for the Salesian family was provided by a Team of 5 animators of the Salesian Family SDB & FMA from Rome. They were Fr. Joan Lluis Playa SDB, Rector Majors delegate for the Salesian family, Br. Dominico Duc Nam SDB, in charge of Salesian Cooperators, Fr. Alejandro Guvara SDB in charge of ADMA, Sr. Leslye Sandigo FMA General councillor for the Salesian Family and Sr. Lucrecia Uribe in charge of the Salesian family. They have proved that they are a group fired with zeal and passion to do all they can to animate the Salesian family even before meeting them.

The meeting commenced on 01 November 2023 with the Holy Eucharist inserted with Lauds.  The inaugural session started with the welcome address by the provincial of Dimapur Fr. Jose Kuruvachira. He expressed his joy in choosing DBIDL at Dimapur as the setting for this meeting because of its unique geographical position and cultural richness.   The Team from Rome and the participants, 12 SDB province delegates, 7 FMA delegates, 8 other Salesian family members and four special invitees were welcomed with indigenous coats, shawls and stoles befitting kings and queens. Fr.  Joan L Playa gave the introductory talk on the objectives and aims of the meeting.  As the mini translator system was made available by Br. Dominic Duc Nam SDB   all could immediately catch up with the session. 

Fr. Joseph Manippadeth the Salesian family Delegate for South Asia presented the strategic plan and the challenging future core areas with updated statistics and the volume of growth that we can expect if we work as a united force.   Based on the presentation the assembly had a group discussion on two questions one on the pertinent insights and the second on plans to strengthen the Salesian family which was followed by a group discussion and assembly.  Every afternoon the provincial delegates shared the best practices. The day ended with evening prayer and goodnight.

 On 02 November the day dedicated to the departed soul commenced with morning prayer by an animated PPT by Sr. Stella Potteprambil and the Holy Eucharist guided by the provinces of Kolkata and Mumbai.  Fr. Joan Lluis Playa SDB the representative of Rector Major officiated the Holy Eucharist.  

At 9 a.m. session was conducted by Sr. Leslie Santigo FMA the General Councilor for the Salesian family on the topic of Animation and accompaniment of the Salesian family.  She and Sr. Lucrecia Uribe used two modern techniques called Escape room and Museum walk to make their session captivating and enriching.  The topics for discussion were the prophecy of being a charismatic Family in the Church, the Prophecy of being communion in synodality, Prophecy of being a shared mission.

On 03 November was a unique day as the Youth Ministry who had their meeting in the Dimapur Provincial house joined the Salesian family for the Eucharist.  The 9 am session was animated by the General councillor for youth Ministry from Rome, Don Miguel A Gracia SDB on the theme “Salesian Family with a strong apostolic Spirituality elucidating the following points with a PPT presentation:

1.            The unifying motivation and raison detre of the Salesian family.

2.            The Salesian family came out of Don Bosco’s love for the young

3.            Acting and cooperating as a Salesian family in pastoral terms 

4.            Attentive, involved, intrepid

The last day of the Salesian meet had its uniqueness with the presence of Fr. Biju Michael regional councillor for South Asia who celebrated the Holy Eucharist.  In his address, he stressed the qualities required to raise a group to the level of the Family and community.   The day ended with the formulation, editing and acceptance of the manifesto of the meeting:

The other aspects which made the meeting very engaging and interesting were the presentation of the charismatic identity of the other groups of the Salesian family, the Missionaries sisters of the Mary Help of Christians by Viji John Thachil, Catechist sisters of Mary Immaculate by Sr. Jancy Francis, Visiting sisters of St. John Bosco by  Sr. Tiewra m. Mowlong , Disciples by the founder Fr. Joe D’Souza, Salesian Cooperators By Mr. T.K Devasia world delegate of the Salesian cooperators, Salesian Past pupils by Mr. Valerian Pakma besides the sharing of the best practices by Provincial delegates of SDB and FMA.

The visit to the provincial House for Dinner with youth Ministry delegates and the visit to the Dimapur college painted the days in rainbow colours invigorating the body with elixir of Salesian warmth, joy, enthusiasm and love.

Sr. Stella Potteparambil FMA

NEW PUBLICATIONS of FMA

Oct29

The three-volume HISTORY OF THE FMA IN NORTHERN INDIA 1923-1983, published on the occasion of its centenary celebration, makes visible the enormous contribution of the FMA Sisters in the fields of education and evangelization. It takes into account the first 60 years of the life and mission of the FMA in Northern India. This herculean work is accomplished by Sr Lily Perumpettikunnel FMA from Kolkata Province and her team of Sr. Penny Rose Chinir FMA from Guwahati and Sr. Euginia Laloo from Shillong Province.

The seminar on “Rooted in Charism reimaging Leadership”

Oct29

The Animators and Administrators of the communities had a very enlightening and enriching seminar steered by Fr. Mourlin K. SJ, on 25 October 2023, on the theme “Rooted in Charism and Reimaging our Leadership”.

He emphasized the following topics: The Role of Management, Team Management, Conflict Management, the Role of a leader, Cura personalis & Cura apostolica, the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the contribution of every member of the community which enlightened all the participants to live community life with more fervour and enthusiasm. His sharing of our Constitutions challenged and enlightened us. The sessions were animated with creativity and in an interesting manner. He drew the attention of all the participants through the games and the group activities, which were thought-provoking, interesting and challenging. His life experiences shared were effective and achievable. The questionnaires sent to the group to analyze the leadership roles in the community and mission were an eye-opener for the participants. On the whole, it was an enriching program where the sisters gained many new insights which is a great help to live in a community with different characters.

It is great to hear from some of the participants: Sr. Asha Kerketta says: “The sessions were conducted with creativity. There was a Salesian touch in his presentation. The topics that he dealt with, were appealing to me. It inspired and motivated me to work on myself to be a better animator. Through group activities he made us realize the importance of Teamwork”. Sr. Rose Kureekattu added, “The sessions conducted by Father were very inspiring and instructive.  It’s a great help to live in a community with different characters.  His knowledge of our Constitutions was very challenging to know better our Constitutions”.  Yet another participant says, “The section was very inspiring and enriching. The topics were very relevant and thought-provoking.  The section was very participatory and the involvement of everyone was very nice. The group activities enhanced interest learning experience. On the whole, it was a beautiful session where we gained many new insights”.

The participants expressed their gratitude to Fr. Mourlin K. SJ, Provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, Sr. Shanti Palamoottil and Sr. Minimol Chettayil for organizing the two days of the seminar.

Sr. Shradha Kispotta

Jubilee Celebration at Auxilium, Dum Dum

Oct29

The Diamond Jubilee of Sr. Mary Sarkar and the Golden Jubilee of Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel, Sr. Teresa Adampakallel and Sr. Teresa Mundackal were celebrated on 24 October 2023 at Auxilium, Provincial House, Dum Dum.  Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel, the golden jubilarian who is in the generalate too was fondly remembered on this occasion. A large number of sisters from all the communities of the province witnessed this great moment, felicitated and appreciated the jubilarians for their life of fidelity.

The climax of the celebration was the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. IC Jacob SDB, the provincial secretary of the Salesians of Kolkata Province. In his homily, he highlighted the history, importance and significance of the jubilee. He congratulated the Jubilarians for their life of fidelity and witnessing life. He concluded his homily with the words of Jesus: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” and invited everyone to embrace God’s love, seek moral excellence, practice mercy and forgiveness and live a life of holiness. The holy Mass was followed by felicitation and a festal lunch.

Minimol

Provincial Community Day Celebration 2023

Oct29

The provincial community day was celebrated with all its joy and happiness on 23rd October 2023 at Auxilium, Provincial House, Dum Dum. A month-long preparation was planned out with spiritual practices for this occasion. The theme for this event was “Inspired by Mary at Cana, be a transforming presence as yeast in the community and mission”. Along with the theme four weeks’ practices were meticulously chocked out for the same. Everyday prayer was offered for provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil and for each community allotted for the day. Thus the preparation commenced with lots of love and prayer.

Finally, the climax of the celebration brought us together in the Provincial house hall to share the festal greetings with each other and more especially to celebrate God’s gift to the province in the person of our provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil. During the short moment of prayer, all the sisters invoked God’s bountiful blessings and graces upon Sr. Leelamma, with the word of God taken from, the book of Numbers:6:24-26. The words of appreciation and acknowledgement were delivered by Sr. Rose Kureekattu, the vice provincial to Sr. Leelamma for her wonderful leadership and guidance. The programme continued sharing of the spiritual practices in a creative manner by different communities, which was followed by the presentation of the gifts to the provincial. Toward the end of the program, Sr. Leelamma exhorted words of appreciation and encouraged the assembly.

The most important moment of the day was the Holy Eucharist, officiated by   Fr. Thomas Pathiyamoola SDB. The entrance procession was led with a graceful dance by the pre-aspirants from Auxilium Barasat. The melodious singing of the sisters elevated the minds of everyone to take part in the Holy Mass. After the Eucharistic celebration, everyone was invited to the hall for the inauguration of ‘prodoti casa’. The hard labour and the love of each community were highly appreciated by Sr. Provincial. It was followed by a short felicitation and a sumptuous meal prepared by various communities.

Every event and celebration brings us the spirit of Mornese – joy, togetherness and family spirit. May God bless all of us to live this spirit not only in happy moments but in every circumstance of our life.

Sr. Pranati Sabasundar   

Visit of Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the FMA Institute, Sr. Nilza Fatima Moraes the General Councillor for the formation and Sr. Runita Borja, General Councillor for Youth Pastoral to the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata (FMA INC)

Sep11

Kolkata – Dum Dum: From 05 – 08 September 2023, the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata (INC) was blessed with the visit of our dear Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Institute, Sr. Nilza Fatima Moraes the General Councillor for the formation and Sr. Runita Borja, General councillor for Youth Pastoral. It was an added joy as FMA India is at the threshold of the historical moment of the conclusion of the centenary celebrations of the arrival of the 2nd batch of missionaries to the northern part of India.

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAUeTq ( Flicker)

Mother General and the General Councillors were accorded a rousing welcome as they landed in Delhi at 11.30 pm, the capital of India on 04 September 2023 by Provincial Sr. Leelamma Palliparambil, the animators and sisters of the communities of New Delhi. Upon their arrival at Auxilium Vasant Vihar they were escorted by the sisters of the Delhi region and they were garlanded and taken to the chapel with a short yet meaningful prayer moment.

On the following day, 05 September Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Sr. Nilza Fatima Moraes and Sr Runita Borja were given a fitting welcome by the staff and students of Holy Child Auxilium, Vasant Vihar. They were given a guard of honour by the students of NCC, colourful welcome by the Guides and students in various attire and escorted by the NCC students to the auditorium. A musical play on the theme, ‘Praise be to you O Lord’ from the document of the church ‘Laudato si’ was portrayed. A memento of ‘Ashoka chakra’ stupa was gifted to each of them. The teachers also had their moments with La Madre and the councillors after the students’ programme.  Later on, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Sr. Nilza and Sr Runita proceeded to Holy Child Auxilium R.K. Puram to have some moments with the community and students of the school and there too they were given an apt welcome to La Madre and to the councillors.

At 12.15 pm they continued their journey to visit the Apostolic Nuncio His Excellency Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli accompanied by Provincial Sr. Leelamma, Sr. Teresa Adampakallel and Sr. Celine Alexander. They were warmly accosted and had a homely chat with the Nuncio. While speaking the Nuncio stressed the importance of Evangelization as the priority and he thanked the Mother General for the pastoral contribution offered by our Congregation to the Church in India.

In the afternoon La Madre met the sisters and enlightened them on the post-chapter journey and exhorted all sisters to live vocational fruitfulness by being a generative presence among the young and to live a witnessing life in the community. Sr. Gracy Parekattil accorded words of gratitude for her sharing and enriching presence. Mother Chiara presented the picture of Mary Help of Christians and a pouch each to all sisters, making the event a memorable moment in the lives of all present. La Madre also had a reflective session with the Salesian Family members of the Delhi unit. She exhorted them to walk together and build up society in the charism of our founders. The climax of the day was the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Provincial of New Delhi, Fr. Davis Maniparamben SDB and concelebrated by 20 Salesians and participated by Sisters, Cooperators, ADMA members and Catholic past pupils. 

On 06 September, the day commenced by honouring the first missionaries and the Holy Eucharist was presided over by Most Rev. Anil J.T. Couto of Delhi Archdiocese and parish priest of St. Dominic parish. The celebrant invited the sisters not to be afraid to preach the Gospel. He also congratulated the sisters for their 100 years of success in the lives of the young and poor sections of society. Before the departure Mother General thanked the house staff for their hard work and watchfulness, making their stay comfortable. Sisters thanked La Madre for her presence and all the blessings she brought forth through her visit to New Delhi. On her, en route to the airport to proceed to Kolkata she also visited Auxilium Snehalaya at Palam Goan, the house of the young at risk.

Mother Chiara Cazzuola, was given an apt welcome on her arrival at the airport of Kolkata by the sisters of the provincial house, accompanied by Provincial Sr. Leelamma and Sr. Salomi Minj from New Delhi. On her arrival at the Provincial House, Dum Dum she was offered a traditional welcome by the past pupils from the gate to the residence. The sisters from various communities of the province, the novices and the candidates were present to offer a glorious entry to the house with various traditional gestures, well explained by Sr. Stella Potteparambil the animator of the Provincial, House, Dum Dum and she was led to the chapel with a dance by the candidates. The sisters serenaded a chirpy welcome song in the refectory for our dear Mother.

In the evening, the visit to the tomb of St. Teresa of Calcutta and the meeting with the Vicar General Sr. Christie M.C and the Secretary-General Sr. Concettina M.C of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Charity was notable and stirring. Mother General in her goodnight spoke of the sacrifice and privations suffered by the first valiant missionaries which bore fruit today. The charism sown by them had born fruit in these 100 years and we have the responsibility of extending this to the future generations.

On 07 September ushered in with joy and during the morning prayer, the mother placed the symbolic Living monument in front of the altar thanking God for the gift of every sister in the province. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, the Archbishop of Kolkata and concelebrated by our ministering priests of the parish church.  The Holy Eucharist began with an entrance procession remembering the pioneers’ and the 100 years of FMA presence in northern India with the symbol of carrying 100 lamps followed by an entrance dance to express happiness and gratitude for the 100 years of growth and vitality. During the homily, the celebrant invited the assembly to realize our identity for the Lord to work in us.

With the extravaganza of the culture of Bengal in the form of a tableau, the students of Auxilium Dum Dum welcomed La Madre and the General Councillors for a stunning felicitation and cultural show of various types of the dances of Bengal which captivated and enthralled the eyes of the audience. Finally, Mother congratulated everyone for representing the rich cultural diversity of India through the tableau and the program expressed her gratitude towards the sisters, teachers, students and their parents, and wished them a happy and good continuation of their journey. She also inaugurated the centenary memorial of the visions of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello at the entrance of the Provincial house.

Auxilium Convent, Barasat were simply elated to welcome La Madre and the General Councillors. They were escorted from Dum Dum by the pilot vehicle of the police of the area and the later stage motorbike procession by the past pupils of Barasat and on their arrival they were received by the band from Sikkim and by the scout team of Bandel and greeted with a flurry of colourful drill presentation by the students.

Nine schools from all over the province had gathered as one to felicitate La Mother General with exhilarating presentations. The students showcased their talents as well as the rich cultural heritage of India. The dynamic, creative and spontaneous performances elevated the entire auditorium to a mood of festivity and joy.  The Past Pupil’s Federation of the Kolkata Province also participated in this gala celebration with a lot of enthusiasm and vigour.

The audience was enthralled by the amalgamation of rich cultures that was brought about and amplified by the divine presence of Mother General, spreading the light of holiness and purity. Mother General’s words of wisdom filled everyone’s heart with motivation to carry forward the legacy. The words of Sr Runita Borja “Alone you go fast, together we go far” pierced in the bosom of every student and the day ended with a magnanimous rendezvous which shall remain a cherishable memory for everyone who was fortunate to be a part of this grand event. The tiny tots were at their best with pink and blue streamers welcoming La Madre and the General Councillors at pre-primary school, Barasat.

The next triumphant welcome was given by the formation house of the Province at Barasat where Mother met the candidates in formation, postulants, Novices and Junior sisters and exhorted them to be cheerful always and the importance of living the religious and community life.  As a parting gift, the community presented Mother with a bridge as a sign to remain always connected. On her return, she inaugurated the centenary memorial grotto dedicated to Mary Help of Christians.

On returning to the Provincial House, Dum Dum La Madre met the sisters, the animators and provincial councillors. She invited the sisters to generate life in the community, to live a life of profound spirituality, to have great faith and confidence in the Lord and to be tabernacles that carry Jesus to others. She exhorted the animators to take care of everyone, to be kind-hearted, to acquire the virtue of patience, to remain calm and serene, and to be the custodian of each sister and to be present in the life of each one.

On the last day, gratitude swelled up in the mind of everyone for our dear Mother and Sr. Nilza and for Sr. Runita, also being the birthday of our Blessed Mother. With gratitude for our Blessed Mother, La Madre offered unfading flowers to Mary, our mother. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB with other Salesians.  The Holy Eucharist began with an entrance dance and La Madre offered a bridge as a symbol of our unity in diversity in the Institute. During the homily, the celebrant highlighted the blessings brought by our Blessed Mother and encouraged the gathering to imitate Mary.

Finally, once again Sr. Stella Potteparambil expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Institute, Sr. Nilza Fatima Moraes the General Councillor for the formation and Sr. Runita Borja, General councillor for Youth Pastoral on behalf of the province. The visit of La Madre to the province is imprinted in the memory of everyone to continue to instill hope and vivacity in the daily voyage of each sister.

Sr. Julita Kujur FMA has winged to her eternal home

Aug14

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. Stella D

A brief visit of Sr. Celine Jacob, the visiting Councillor to the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Kolkata(INC)

May17

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.

World Day of Consecrated Life celebrated at Auxilium Dum Dum with all the religious of St. Patrick Church, Dum Dum

Feb5

In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on 2 February. This Feast is also known as Candle mass Day, the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. 

This year, the Salesian Sisters of Auxilium Dum Dum took the initiative to celebrate the World Day of Consecrated life together with all the Priests and Religious of Dum Dum. Rev. Fr. Irudaya Raj, Parish priest of St. Patrick’s Church Dum Dum, gave his full support and direction for the event. At 6pm on 2 February Fr. Irudaya Raj, Fr. Dominic Kishore Munda the assistant parish priest, Fr. Umakant Porichha SSCC  and Fr. Sumit SSCC,  MC sisters, MC brothers, SMI sisters, the Ursuline sisters, and Auxilium sisters congregated at Auxilium Dum Dum to celebrate the day of the consecrated.  In all 36  participants were welcomed at the gate, offering a brooch with 3 flowers symbolising the three vows.  The celebration commenced with the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr Raju and the three concelebrants. Blessing of the candles at the portico was introduced by a commentary by the SMI sisters. The procession entered the chapel all bearing the lighted candles. The caption ‘Consecrated to witness Jesus’ placed at the Altar invited the assembly to be like Jesus. The different parts of the liturgy were shared by the different communities, the first reading by the MC brothers, Psalm intoned by the MC sisters sung in voices, the second reading  & singing and orchestration by Salesian sisters, prayer of the faithful by MC Sisters and offertory by Ursuline sisters. Our parish priest in his homily emphasized the encounter of the Divine with the chosen people; one’s consecration aims at the sanctification of oneself and others; witnessing to Christ leads to building God’s kingdom. He concluded the sermon by seeking God’s assistance to walk courageously on the path of holiness.

After the mass the assembly gathered in the school hall for fun and bonding with one another   through games, like bouncing balloons with head, musical chair and housie conducted by the  Salesian sisters. Vibes of Freedom, simplicity and joy vibrated from wholehearted participation by all the fathers and sisters.  The winners were awarded with attractive prizes accoladed by the parish priest Rev. Fr. Irudaya Raj. After the games, all proceeded to Auxilium refectory where all enjoyed the agape shared by all the religious communities. The coming together was so fraternal, sisterly and enthusiastic that Fr. Irudaya Raj declared that we shall make it an annual event. The event came to an end at 8.30 pm with a thanksgiving prayer and the decision to have a picnic on 16 Feb. 2023 continuing to walk in synodality. 

Sr Stella D. FMA