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.
Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum celebrated its much awaited Diamond Jubilee (1960-2020) in a modest yet meaningful way maintaining the prescribed safety protocol on the 19th of December, 2020. The programme was held in the School Hall in the presence of about thirty people including distinguished guests, Sisters, teachers, students and Parents representative as per the demands of the new normal.
The Auxilium family was extremely fortunate to have Rev. Fr. Dr John Felix Raj, SJ, the Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata as Chief Guest on the glorious occasion and Rev. Sr Rose Ezarath, FMA, the Provincial of the Kolkata Province as Guest of Honour.
The programme commenced at 11:00 am and was live streamed on the School’s YouTube channel for the teachers, students, parents, past pupils and other members of the Auxilium family who had to partake of the celebration virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. A colourful‘Welcome Dance’performed by the students set the tone of the programme. The Chief Guest and the other distinguished guests were felicitated with uttorios and bouquets. The ceremonial lamp was lit and the Almighty’s blessings were invoked through a prayer and a dance. This was followed by the Diamond Jubilee Song that was composed and sung by the High School students.
Sr. Stella Devis, FMA, Secretory of our School accorded the august assembly and the larger online audience a warm welcome in her Welcome Address. Sr. Stella traced the journey of the school that began on 15th January 1960 and cited how it has been driven by the spirit of its patrons St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello.
Rev. Sr. Esther Rani Abraham, FMA, Principal of our School, presented the Diamond Jubilee Report which traced the ascent of the school in both challenging and conducive conditions in the last six decades. The report made viewers both virtual and real nostalgic and inspired the Auxilians of today to carry on the legacy left behind by their seniors.
The Diamond Jubilee Report was followed by the presentation of the School Report- (2020-2021) by the School Captain. The reports were interspersed by dances, both Eastern and Western that expressed the joy of the Auxilium family at having crossed the Diamond Jubilee mark.
The Honourable Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, congratulated the entire school community on the completion of sixty spirited years. Father, in his stimulating address, explained to the students the difference between the words ‘like’ and ‘love’ in the context of their relationship with their alma mater. He reinforced that to love one’s school actually meant to embrace its spirit, to emulate its steadfastness and emerge as embodiments of its motto ‘Virtue and Knowledge’.
Christmas, being round the corner, the programme was concluded by a tableau depicting the Nativity scene and a few Christmas carols. The Senior School Coordinator, Mrs.Sharmila Biswas delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the Management, Sisters, Staff and Students.
This, however, was just an account of the programme presented on the 19th of December 2020. The pandemic failed to dampen the desire of the other students, whose items could not be presented on the 19th due to Covid 19 restrictions, to present a tribute to their alma mater on its sixtieth birthday. A few students from every class right from Class Nursery to Class Twelve presented an item which was shot in the school and would be uploaded on the school’s YouTube channel and its social media account. This ensemble of songs, dances, skits, recitations and power point presentations display the indomitable spirit of the students. Despite adverse circumstances, every member of the Auxilium family strived to make the school’s Diamond Jubilee a memorable one exemplifying Mother Mazzarello’s simple yet striking words in one of her letters, “To be cheerful we must go ahead in simplicity…”
On 5th August 2020, community of Auxilium Dum Dum marked the day of Foundation of our Institute, through meaningful celebration of the Morning Prayer. The Sisters who made their first profession on 5th August were given privilege to carry the symbolic lily and place it at the feel of our Blessed Mother.
On this day we begin the 2nd year in preparation for the 150th year of our Institute. To mark this important events the theme to accept the mandate: “I ENTRUST THEM TO YOU”, Sr. Rose our Provincial carried this symbol and placed it at the feet of Mary entrusting the whole Province to her Motherly care.
The simple yet unforgettable celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of our dear Sr. Rose Mathew was another landmark for our community and for Sr. Rose. With the Diamond crown on her head and beautiful garland around her neck the joy knew no bounds. The Junior Sisters and the House Staff doubled the joy of Sr. Rose through their songs and dance. The day was spent in the company of Our Blessed Mother giving her a guard of honour by all the community members.
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