Can words suffice to spell gratitude to a person who had pilgrimaged with the province for almost 3 months sharing her life with each member of the communities?  Words will surely be inadequate so the province had recourse to the most sublime sign of thanks, The Holy Eucharist.

On 17^th May 2019  the province of Mary Help of Christians Kolkata organized a  gratitudinal Eucharistic celebration at 7 am at Auxilium Dum Dum  attended by a good number of FMAs of the province. The celebrant was Fr. Jose Chunkapura SDB from Diamond Harbour.  The Holy Eucharist commenced with an entrance dance by the aspirants  who brought in the sisters with  symbols  of their communities’ service  for the locality , Sr. Lucy Rose the visiting councillor , Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath and the celebrant.

The entire Eucharistic celebration had the note of solemn thanksgiving right from the start with a an introduction delineating the  fruits of the canonical visit, the prayer of the faithful, the tuneful choir intoning meaningful hymns, the celebrant  solemnizing it with melodious   singing of the mass.  He in his talk urged all to decipher the sacred space where one find meaning, joy and fruitfulness.  Jesus said I have come that you may have life- life in abundance.  Each one of us is called to give ourselves totally and unreservedly for the service of the Lord and help our youngsters to discover their Sacred space .  The finale of the celebration was in storing in the history a memorable portrait with Sr. Lucy Rose and  of all present.    The ceremony came to a close with a thanksgiving speech, a song and  breakfast for all.

Sr. Stella P & Sr. Elizabeth Makil

On 12^th May 2019, 58 sisters gathered for the important event of the conclusion of the General Assembly of Canonical Visitation in Dum Dum Provincial House. In this important event Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil fma the Visiting General Councillor presented the copy of the concluding Reflections of Canonical Visit to Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath. The General Assembly commence with a short PPT  Presentation by briefing the  canonical Visitation of each house and  prayer invoking God’s Grace that always amazing us.

Through the concluding Reflection of the Canonical Visit Sr. Lucy Rose the Visiting General Councillor  expressed her deep Gratitude and appreciation  for having being  privileged to enter into the sacred space of our lives both  individual and as communities. Through her talk she spurred us to the importance of contribution of our best to relationship and co- responsibility in our life and mission as well as the Tabor experience as the icon of consecrated life.

Finally the assembly ended with interacting on the Reflection, were the sisters expressed their views and opinions. It escorts us with many challenges individually and community level to form authentic prophetic Salesian Communities.

In the end sisters thanked Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica Kamei her Secretary for their untiring service that they rendered to our province.

Sr. Karuna Bara

On 29^th April, 2019 the Sisters, teachers and students of St. Mary’s Convent School joyfully welcomed our Sr. Lucy Rose the visiting Councilor from Rome and Sr.Veronica her Secretary. The Clarion call of the bugles announced the joy of her arrival around 4.15 pm. Sr. Lucy Rose was given a traditional welcome with the dances and the sahnai of Sikkim. The Students welcomed them with their melodious welcome song and dance and later they were ushered to the Chapel for a moment of prayer.

On 30^th April, the Past Pupils paid their respect by offering Khadas. She was happy to meet them and said that they are very dear to the Institution and assured them prayers. In the evening the community members together with Sr.Lucy Rose reflected on the passage of wedding Feast of Cana.

1^st April 2019, was the day of celebration in the School. Sr. Lucy Rose was escorted to the school hall by the School brass band accompanied by Scouts and Guides. She was given a warm welcome at the entrance of the hall. The Students showed their love, gratitude and appreciation through their amazing performance on the stage. The hall echoed with the melodious welcome song. It was followed by different traditional dances, skit, poem enactment etc. She enjoyed and appreciated the sparkling performance of the students. Sr. Lucy drew message from the skit and said   “three things which will make you happy are LOVING, CARING and SHARING. She encouraged the student by giving them the positive stroke. Soon after the fantastic performance of the students Sr. Lucy Rose met the parish Cruizsbeer children. At 11.00 am Sr. Lucy Rose met the Teaching staff. She thanked them for being the first collaborators in the School. In the afternoon she met the supportive staff. She thanked them for what they are to the community. In the afternoon community enjoyed the company of dear Lucy Rose and Sr.Veronica as we went to the Sky walk capturing the beauty of nature.

On 1^st evening during community moment we reflected the story of Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath. The reflection Calls us to open ourselves daily to be “Transformed by the Encounter” of Christ. She invited us to be attuned to the voice of the Lord and be generous.Around 7.00pm boarding girls and boys showed their love and gratitude through short program. She thanked them for making the evening beautiful.  After the short program the boarding boys and girls were given the fellowship meal. The day was ended joyfully.

On 2^nd May the community members echoed the prayer of thanks and praise to the Lord for the gift of Sr. Lucy Rose. The thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was being celebrated by Rev.Fr. Moni Clement Lepcha, the Parish priest of St. Mary’s Geyzing. Soon after Mass the boarders thanked Sr. Lucy Rose for her motherly presence and assured her of their prayers. The community members expressed words of love and gratitude and offered few gifts to Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr.Veronica as a gesture of our love and gratitude. They left for New Chumta at 9.00am accompanied by Sr. Nirmala and Sr. Prisila. The presence of Sr. Lucy Rose brought forth many blessing upon the Sisters and upon our mission. It was really a grace filled moment which we will relish it for the days to come.

Sr. Sandhya Minj

The visiting councillor Sr. Lucy Rose was warmly welcomed by Sr. Rose Kureekattu, the superior of Jaigaon community on 22 April 2019 at the airport, Bagdogra at 6.30 p.m. On the following morning the welcome ceremony was performed. During the prayer moments, Sr. Lucy was invited to pour water from her jar to the containers of the sisters, which symbolized the total abandonment of the sisters to receive the grace of God and be transformed, with the theme of “Do whatever he tells you”. This was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

On the second day of her visit, different groups of the recipients of our mission in the school, oratorians, evening study centres, mahilas, youth and the boarders had a chance to greet Sr. Lucy Rose.  Each group presented colourful short programmes as they greeted her.

In the evening hours, Sr. Lucy Rose met the community and offered various Gospel passages such as “wedding at Cana” and “the widow of Zeraphat” for reflection with powerful messages for us to live by. The visitation was concluded with thanks giving Eucharistic celebration and the community thanked her for her benevolent and graceful stay with us. The two day visit passed very quickly yet the memory of our encounter with Sr. Lucy Rose lingers on.

The Canonical Visit of Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the Visiting Councillor, to Auxilium Dum Dum coincided with the Holy Week celebrations and she indeed came as a harbinger of holiness and joy along with her secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei on 16^th April 2019. When they arrived at Auxilium, Dum Dum they were given a ceremonial welcome by the Sisters and house staff. Sr. Lucy Rose along with the other Sisters then proceeded to the Chapel for a short thanksgiving prayer.

Sr. Lucy Rose was accorded a very unique welcome by the community when she entered the residence. This was in keeping with the spirit of the holy Week. During the Holy week Jesus went to the house of Bethany and Sr. Lucy Rose was welcomed just as Jesus was at the house of Bethany. A beautifully decorated gate with the words “WAY TO BETHANY” on it was prepared and Sr. Lucy Rose was helped by two ushers to walk on the footprints of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. The whole ambience was made more joyful by the hymn: “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news….” As Sister reached “BETHANY”, the sisters’ refectory, Martha, Mary and Lazarus welcomed her with a dance “Bless the Lord, O my soul”. Mary anointed Jesus’ feet, Martha served and Lazarus sat at table; Sr. Lucy Rose was attended to in the very same way by the whole Community that joined that for tea.

“Your presence gives us joy.”- the essence of these words that adorned the bright backdrop of the hall of Auxilium Convent School, was earnestly expressed through the programme presented by the students in honour of Sr. Lucy Rose on the 17^th  April, 2019, the day on which Rev. Sister visited Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum. The entire school prepared intensely to host a grand celebration that unfolded in the form of tableaus, karate, colourful drills and a cultural programme. Sr. Lucy Rose along with Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath, Sr. Veronica, Superior Sr. Teresa A., Principal Sr. Esther Rani Abraham and other Sisters were escorted from the convent to the school hall by a solemn guard of honour. Her way to the hall was well decorated on both sides by beautiful tableaus and still presentations of various inter-school events. Sr. Lucy Rose entered the hall amidst the blowing of the auspicious conch shells and a thunderous applause.

The programme started with a welcome song presented by the Middle and High school. This was followed by the reading of the Annual School Report read out by our school captain, which recapitulated the highlights of the year 2018-19. The stage was then taken by the folk dancers of Auxilium who displayed the vibrant hues of West Bengal in the form of a rhythmic dance. The western dancers thereafter portrayed the spirit of togetherness through their performance. A skit portraying the tussle between vice and virtue was then presented by the students of High School. It reflected the importance of goodness and the need to abstain from all vices. The programme was brought to a graceful end by the presentation of various classical dance forms of India. The real highlight of the programme however was the inspiring message of Sr. Lucy Rose in which urged the students not just to dream while asleep but also to dream of one’s goals while awake. She focussed on the need to work hard to realise one’s aspirations and refrain from being lazy. Apart from hard work she also inspired the students to be prayerful and grateful.

Thereafter Sr. Lucy Rose met the teaching staff who welcomed her with a bouquet and gifts. She inspired the teachers to be active collaborators in the Salesian mission of the education of young. Quoting the words of the famous poet, Maya Angelou, she requested the teachers to become rainbows amidst the clouds in the lives of their students. The meeting with the teachers was followed by a meeting with the Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB). She encouraged them to carry on their prayerful lives and continue their reach out activities.

Sr. Lucy Rose also made it a point to meet the Parallel School students, the Evening School students and the Oratorians. In her meeting with each of the groups, she interacted with the young and spoke to them about Don Bosco’s vision for them. Thereafter Sister interacted with the members the Past Pupil’s unit of Auxilium Dum Dum and told them that they had been invested with great responsibility as Salesian pupils and asked them to continue to collaborate with the FMA to uplift the youth. Sister Lucy Rose’s series of formal meetings for the day came to an end with her meeting with the Salesian Cooperators and the ADMA members of the Dum Dum unit. In her message to them she spoke about the desire of Don Bosco to have dedicated lay people to assist the priests and religious in their mission to educate and empower the young. She stressed on the need for a strong family spirit which would help in making the youth of today responsible and prayerful citizens of the country.

On 21^st April 2019, the community went for an outing to Koardha River bank. It was a time to recoup, relax and revive the community spirit. The community gathered at 7.00 pm for a thanksgiving prayer service after a day of relaxation. The altar was well decorated and lit with Easter hues. The prayer was conducted with appropriate thanksgiving hymns, scripture reading and symbolic offerings. Sr. Lucy Rose carried the statue of Mary help of Christians as the community thanked the Lord for the gift of the vigilant presence, accompaniment and revitalization of Sr. Lucy Rose through meetings and conferences. Again the symbolic lamp, representing the FMA and the young people, a chain of strengthening bonds of union, a new wine of enthusiasm and the Chapter theme were all offered at the altar. The community thanked God for the enriching experience during these five days of Sister Lucy Rose’s Canonical Visitation. On 22^nd April 2019, a holy Mass was offered for the intentions of Sr. Lucy Rose and after breakfast the community thanked her and wished her a safe journey. At 9.00 am, Rev Sr. Left the portals of Auxilium Dum Dum and set off on her journey to North Bengal leaving behind a lot to reflect upon and renew.

On 08 April 2019, the community of Vasant Vihar was blessed by the gracious presence of our beloved Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil the Visiting councillor. The community welcomed Sr. Lucy Rose symbolically with the lighted lamp towards the Chapel and with a short prayer she was invited to pour the jar of wine into the 6 empty jars as a sign of new miracle at Cana symbolizes to  fill the emptiness of our jars with Love, Joy, commitment, availability  and enthusiasm which  will generate as ‘New wine’.

On April 9th School welcomed Sr. Lucy Rose along with her secretary Sr. Veronica. The programme commenced with the speech conferred by the School Head Girl. The lighting of the lamp and felicitations followed next. The welcome dance was performed resplendently highlighting the dense culture of Indian folk dance. The school choir then sung “Reaching out” mellifluously. A dance drama was put forward by the students on the thrust of the year 2019-20 ‘Holiness for you too’. The dance drama was well knit conveyed a strong message that despite of all the distractions that are present in this materialistic world God will always be there to shield you from the negative influences. This was followed by Sr. Lucy’s address as she emphasized on the importance of being Holy by being good, beautiful and Blessed (Buona, Bella & Beata). The programme concluded with vote of thanks.

On the second day the community gather together went for an outing to Okhla the Provincial house. The Provincial Fr. Jose Matthew together with his confreres welcomed Sr. Lucy Rose with a Bouquet of flowers. It was followed by high tea.  In the evening sisters thanked Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica with small gift as a token of love.

The visitation of our dear Sr. Lucy Rose began with a festive mood as the children and sisters eagerly waited for this auspicious day. The group arrived from New Delhi at 10.00 am. The community offered a traditional welcome and led her to the chapel for a moment of prayer and thanksgiving.  The first day concluded with the Lectio Divina  on the Gospel passage  “ the wedding feast at Cana”.

On the following day, being the Palm Sunday the community attended the Holy Mass at the Cathedral. In the evening boarders greeted Sr. Lucy Rose. In her address she exhorted the children to be faithful in all their duties in order to have a have a bright future.  In the evening Sr. Lucy Rose met bishop of Bareilly Rt. Rev. Ignatius D’Souza. He expressed his thanks and appreciation for the   good works accomplished by the sisters, with the young and in the Parish community.

On Monday morning we had the thanksgiving Mass celebrated by our Parish Priest Fr. Arun Saldhana. During the homily he expressed his thanks for the presence of Sr. Lucy Rose bringing God’s blessings on the community and the mission at large.

11^TH April, 2019 was a special day for the little Auxilians of  R.K.Puram, as we had our Councillor General,  Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil and her Secretary, Sr.Veronica Kamei visit our School. The air was filled with excitement as the little children of Class III stood in line , holding hearts with words like ‘welcome’ and ‘God bless you ‘ inscribed on them. Sr.Lucy and Sr.Veronica reciprocated their wishes and greetings joyfully.

A short programme was put up by the children of Kindergarten –Class V to honour Sr.Lucy Rose. To invoke the Lord’s blessings, the ceremonial  lamp was lit by Sr.Lucy Rose, Sr.Veronica, Sr.Teresa, Sr.Asha and Sr.Shanty. The School Captain Anika Rai welcomed the Sisters with her meaningful words. The children put up items based on the Thrust of the Year and the School Motto. The students of Kindergarten put up a beautiful song and dance titled ‘ Who is the King? Yes! It’s Jesus!’  While the students of Class I and II danced to the foot-tapping music of the song titled’ I am happy when I am dancing’. The Motto of the School ‘ Virtue and Knowledge’ was superbly enacted by the students of Class III and IV . They danced beautifully  to a song titled ‘Knowledge is Power’ The highlight of the day was the enactment of the Thrust of the year 2019 ‘Holiness for you too….Be Cheerful’  by the students of Class V. They depicted the works and deeds of our Founders Don Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, who in their time made a revolution in the life of the girls and boys  with Cheerfulness, Holiness and Gentleness. They then danced to a song titled ‘Happiness and Cheerfulness’.

Sr. Lucy Rose then spoke to the Children and told them to be always happy and cheerful and to become responsible and loving children. She also asked them to convey her best wishes to their parents. She then lauded the efforts of the Sisters , Teachers and children for the wonderful programme and for making the School what it is today. Michel, the School Vice-Captain then proposed  the Vote of Thanks. The programme came to a close with Sr.Lucy Rose distributing sweets to all the Children. It was indeed a marvellous and meaningful programme.

Ms. Paula Fernandes

A long waiting was ended on 30^th March when Sr. Lucy Rose the Visiting councilor along with her secretary Sr. Veronica Kamei arrived at the premises of Sacred Heart Novitiate with Sr. Rosalia Tirkey and Sr. Lily D’Souza at 4pm. They were given a traditional welcome by the community. Followed by the inaugural prayer service in the chapel with the enactment of the wedding feast of Cana. After which Sr. Lucy Rose was invited to light up the lamp placed before the altar as a gesture of bringing the light of Jesus in our midst.

During Good night she told us a true and a touching story of Sr. Esparanza in Argentina who was in the prison for 48 years. She concluded by saying that Sr. Esparanza looks so serene and calm till today the reason behind her this composure is the love for Jesus and His love felt by her. We were really edified by this example of love and to be like her in our love for Jesus.

31^st March in the afternoon Sr. Lucy Rose wished the Oratorians who had come from all the three centers. The children performed a short program to felicitate Sr. Lucy. She exhorted them to be always happy and come to the oratory to learn many things. During good night she told us about the mission in Vietnam. Hearing their love for the Institute; increased in us the love for our Charism and the mission.

The morning hours Sr. Lucy Rose gave conference for the Novices based on the Gospel passage Jesus and Zacchaeus. She highlighted the various phases of this encounter such as Desire, the calling, a prompt and joyful response and the conversion. In the evening hours we refreshed ourselves with an outing to the woods. The last conference was on the widow of Zarephath. Through this she invited us to be attuned to the voice of the Lord in our life and be always generous.  Finally at the end of the day we felicitated Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica with our short program. We presented them some token of love. She gave us the three points to always keep in mind: To be generous, in giving ourselves to God; To remember God works miracles in our lives; To be like Mary, the Attentive virgin.

On 2^nd April, the Thanksgiving Eucharist was being celebrated by Rev. Fr. Michael the rector of Kokar. At the beginning of the mass every member of the community along with Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica offered the lighted lamps as a symbol of our life being lit up by Sr. Lucy Rose during her visitation.  So along with the Eucharistic Celebration the Visitation came to an end. But the lights that are lit in our hearts will keep on burning.

Sr. Dominica Thapa

Long awaited Canonical visit of our dear Sr. Lucy Rose commenced at Mazzarello Ranchi on 2^nd April, 2019. The visitation commenced with a pilgrimage to the Minor Basilica of the Mother of God at Raja Ulhatu and on their arrival they were given a traditional welcome. The canonical visitation inaugurated with a meaningful prayer moment.

Though the two days program was very tight, Sr. Lucy Rose made herself available and flexible at all times to meet every sister and all the groups in a very caring and sisterly manner. Each sector greeted Sr. Lucy Rose with creativity. Eight young women of Mazzarello tailoring center were the fortunate to receive certificate and a sewing machine from Sr. Lucy Rose, after the completion of their one year course. She appreciated their efforts and encouraged them to be useful women of tomorrow in their family and society.

Meeting with the past pupils and the youth strengthened the family bond. With grateful hearts and simplicity the supportive staff came forward to greet and to thank Sr. Lucy Rose with  their rhythmic traditional songs and shawl. In turn she appreciated and thanked them for their cooperation and generous service in helping sisters in their mission.

On the second day in the morning scout and guide color party and school band escorted Sr. Lucy Rose and Sr. Veronica to the school assembly ground. The whole atmosphere echoed with voices of children ‘Welcome dear sisters, happy to have you’.  At the very outset floral welcome was given and a few cultural items were staged in her honor. More than hundred students received cent percent attendance Certificate and trophies from her hand. Sr. Lucy Rose was delighted to see the growth of the school in quality and quantity. In her final message to the students, she said, “Be sufficient, Be efficient and Be successful in life by doing your best”.

In the evening a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was arranged, to express our gratitude to God  and to Sr. Lucy Rose. All the neighboring religious communities were invited for the Mass and the dinner thereafter. Rev. Fr. Hillarius Kullu SDB the rector and parish priest of Hesag was the main celebrant and eight concelebrants were present.

After the festive dinner the community hall was set up for the boarders to greet Sr. Lucy Rose.  They displayed their talents with a short program depicting the scene of the marriage feast of Cana through dance drama. Sr. Lucy Rose in her message told them to make best use of the time and never to postpone their tasks.

Finally, on the 5^th morning, Sr. Lucy Rose had a community moment with sisters. She beautifully animated the scripture passage from 1 King 17:7-16 and gave them concluding message.  Sr. Lucy Rose concluded her visitation by thanking each sister. Sisters also expressed their sincere love and gratitude towards her.

                                                                                                                            Sr. Aruna Kispotta