Tag Archive | PCI

Towards the FMA India centenary – Rejuvenating Salesian Pedagogy

Nov13

A Webinar on Salesian Pedagogy was held at PCI level as a part of the preparation for the centenary celebrations of FMA presence in India (1922 – 2022), 4-7 November 2020. As scheduled earlier, it was organized by Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani (INK) and Sr. Stella Potteparambil (INC) as coordinators of the “Renewal Committee” of the Centenary. 12 communities each from the seven FMA provinces of India participated  (about 600)  in the webinar which was held between 5.00-6.30pm daily.

On the first day, in the introductory talk the PCI President Sr. Margaret Amalanathan   accentuated to keep our attention on the theme “I entrust them to you”, “They too are my children”, as we journey towards the Mega Jubilee of 100 years of FMA presence and 150th of the founding of the Institute.  While explaining the salesian pedagogy as it is lived today, she quoted the words of  Jean Duvallet to young Salesians: “You have works, colleges, and oratories for the young, but you have only one treasure: the pedagogy of Don Bosco. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil the Visiting councillor’s keynote address dwelt on the pedagogy of Pope Francis summarizing in three words: Freedom, Responsibility and Love  and highlighting the words of St. Francis de Sales, “good education is already half holiness”. The resource person of the first day was Sr. Nirmala Mummadi (INK) who spoke on the topic “Preventive system of Don Bosco”. She explained in detail the essential elements and the application of the Preventive System stressing on Reason, Religion and Kindness aimed at developing a spirituality within the student, with the hope of exposing the student towards an opportunity to respond to God’s call. 

On the second day the introductory talk was delivered by Sr. Celine Jacob the provincial of INK Bangalore who presented St. Mary Mazzarello in her four stages of maturation in Christian and consecrated life. Sr. Elizabeth George the provincial of INS Shillong ascertained that Pedagogy of Don Bosco was the synthesis of his experiences, thoughts and reflections which were crystallized into his pastoral action. She propounded that the Salesian pedagogy is relevant even today as we have one element in common, that of being a society in crisis.  Sr. Sahaya Sangitha Rani (INK) the resource person of the day theoretized the Salesian pedagogy lived by St. Mary Mazzarello and the first sisters of Mornese and Nizza elucidating the following elements: Origin of Salesian Pedagogy in the FMA world, Pedagogical style of St. Mary Mazzarello and her didactics in dealing with the young.

After the usual inaugural prayer on the third day, Sr. Rose Ezarath the provincial of INC Kolkata pinpointed Don Bosco’s rich heritage and his lasting legacy to his sons and daughters. To respond to the profound needs of the young people whom we meet today in the midst of this pandemic, we need to be FMA according to the Heart of Jesus, the Good shepherd, she said. Sr. Rita Dora Thomas the provincial INB Mumbai challenged the assembly to build efficacious educational relationship with the youth of today in a complex social reality that is very fragmented. The young need foundations, convictions and support of the Educator who can help them to build themselves as persons and to value their own capacities, she added. Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel (INC) the resource person of the day took the assembly to the historical bylanes of Don Rua presenting him as a replica of Don Bosco in living the salesian pedagogy and its spirituality. She summarized the figure of Don Rua who was the “the most faithful, the most humble and the most valiant of the sons of Don Bosco”, under three aspects: Don Rua: a Charismatic Figure of Don Bosco; A Kind and Loving Rector to his Boys and Confreres; A Fatherly Figure to the FMA. 

The Last day 7 November commenced with the opening prayer followed by the address of Sr. Nirmala Lazar the chairperson of the Centenary celebration committee.  She invited the FMA India to relive the slogan of the centenary year 1972 given by Mother Ersilia Canta, ”At 100 we need to be reborn”.  FMA India was privileged to have Sr. Runita Borja the General Councillor for Youth pastoral to address on this occasion. She shared her personal reading of the Wedding at Cana in a Salesian educator’s perspective. Sr. Runita illustrated the important elements of the Salesian spirituality which we are called to keep present in our educational environments and to help our young people to live: Joy and optimism in our daily life; Friendship with Jesus and Mary; Responsible service and Communion. Sr. Stella Potteparambil, the resource person of the last day, dealt on the exhortations of Mother Ersilia Canta, the fifth successor of Mother Mazzarello, drawing inspiration from her circulars which speak of the Preventive System spirituality.  Sr. Stella unfolded the maternal heart of Mother Ersilia who wanted her daughters to commit themselves to the vital study and assimilation of the preventive system so that the educative Charism of Don Bosco may be realized and practiced as a response to various situations.

On all the four days of the webinar the participants were given time for sharing their insights on the topic and every province took turns for facilitating the prayer moments and to express sentiments of gratitude to the animators of the day. As a fitting conclusion, the PCI president thanked profusely all those who have contributed richly towards the success of the virtual platform on Salesian Pedagogy. All the participants appreciated the days of study and reflection, and were enthusiastic to journey onward with Mary towards the second year in preparation for the FMA India centenary as well as the 150 of the foundation of our Institute! 

  Sr. Stella Potteparambil

MISSION AD\INTEER GENTES MEET- FMA-PCI

Dec5

MISSION AD\INTEER GENTES MEET was held in Maria Nivas,  Nandigama-Vijayawada from 18th – 20 November 2017. It was  organized by Sr. Bala   Savarimuthu the National  coordinator for Mission ad gentes. The    resource person  was Rev. Fr. T.C. George SDB from the Province of Banglore. Sr. Kanta Tirkey and Sr. Ashalata Kerketta took part in this event.

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The first day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. T.C. George sdb. In his Homily, he gave a meaningful explanation of day’s theme “Stay with us Lord”, recommending each one of us to pray, and   ask Jesus to stay with us on our Journey.

The Inaugural session was well planned, organized and executed by the organizers. The participants were escorted by  the School children, with their rhythmic band-set. The celebration began with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries of the day.

The Key note address was given  by Sr. Bala Savarimuthul, the National Coordinator for Mission Ad gentes. Being a native of Andhra Pradesh, she   gave a short and meaningful explanation of the heritage, the culture, customs the statistical data and the richness of the  state with  a  great pride, stated  that   Andhra Pradesh  is commonly known as “RICE BOWL OF INDIA”.

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The message of Rev. Sr. Lucy Rose, the visiting councilor was read  by Sr. Shirley of INK Province. It was focused on Personal transformation. Finally Rev. Sr. Bridget Jacob, the provincial councilor and In-charge of Province   Youth Pastoral Ministry,  highlighted  the fact that each one of us is  called to “become a saint”  following the foot-steps of our  patron saint St. Teresa of Child Jesus to be passionate for Jesus, cost what it may.

 Rev. Fr. T. C. George gave a meaningful session   on the Chapter theme “FROM EMMAUS TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH” highlighting  the following themes:

  • “Stay with us”
  • “Where not our Hearts Burning within us”
  • “They set out immediately” respectively.

The different kind of Shifts and the challenges in the Disciples of Emmaus were explained to us clearly:

  • Doubt to Faith
  • Weakness to Power
  • Fear to Courage
  • Sadness to Joy

Fr. George stressed the role of Mary in the Church’s Evangelization. We believe that Mary is the greatest Evangelizer as she continues to spread the messages of prayer and penance through her apparitions in different places and to different people. We also viewed the Devotion to Personal consecration to Jesus through Mary, “Millions to Mary” a World consecration Campaign. We are convinced that, With Mary, from “Emmaus to the ends of the Earth” becomes fruitful and challenging.

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These three days of seminar strengthened our conviction that “Once we are transformed we feel the urge within ourselves to go and proclaim or give Jesus to others”. Transformation Leads to Proclamation.

Besides the input sessions and presentation of various gospel themes, group discussions, reflections and sharing were held in groups and it certainly enriched our day’s learning experiences and Personal missionary convictions.

 

FMA-PCI 2017 HELD at St. Joseph Training Centre, Lonavla – Mumbai

Sep5

 

The Annual Meeting of the FMA-PCI 2017 was held from 29-31 August 2017, at St. Joseph Training Centre, Lonavla – Mumbai. There were 28 participants from the seven FMA Provinces of India including Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the Presiding General Councilor and her Secretary. The theme of the meeting was: “Mid-Chapter Evaluation 2018”.

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The meeting began with the Morning Prayer on the theme “Transformed by the encounter”. The participants were then welcomed to the Eucharist with a bracelet representing the different colours of the rainbow and a traditional welcome with sandal paste and kumkum. The inaugural Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Valerian Pereira SDB, Rector of Don Bosco, Lonavla. In his homily he presented the encounter of Mary with Elizabeth. At 8.45 a.m., the participants were escorted to the school hall with the accompaniment of “Maharashtra  dhol tash” by the Auxilium School students. The welcome ceremony began with a prayer dance and a symphony of cultural dances followed depicting the culture of Maharastra.

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At 11.00 a.m. the participants gathered in the conference hall to proceed with the day’s programme. Sr. Rose Ezarath the PCI coordinator extended a warm welcome to all the participants of FMA PCI 2017. The three new provincials Sr.Celine Jacob INK, Sr.Nirmala Lazar INM and Sr. Mary Margaret Amalanathan INT were offered a shawl and a gift as a gesture of welcome.

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Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, in her keynote address presented the two symbols of the origins of the Institute, the Well and the Window. She exhorted the participants to make every encounter a moment that forms and transforms and wished everyone a fruitful journey towards the Triennial Evaluation 2018. The National Coordinators for Formation, Education and Youth Pastoral, Social Communication, Youth at Risk, National Development Forum and Mission ad Gentes then presented their annual reports.

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The second day began with a meaningful Morning Prayer focusing on the theme of the day “Missionaries of hope and joy and being with the young”. Sr. Lucy Rose in her opening talk explained the modality for Triennial Evaluation 2018 which will take place in Kolkata from 24-28 January. She also announced the name of Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel (INC), as the contact person for the Triennial Evaluation 2018 and the names of the General Councillors who will be participating in it along with Mother Yvonne Reungoat: Sr.Runita Borja, Sr. Maria Elena Moreira, Neves Phyllis and Sr. Lucy Ozhukayil. The assembly was then divided into four groups to suggest the icon, theme, modality of presentation of the answers during the Triennial Evaluation.

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The theme of the third and the last day of the PCI was: “Consecrated life – to be a prophetic sign for the future” and the resource person of the day was the founder of Universal Solidarity Movement (USM) Fr. Varghese Alengaden. Some of the main topics he dealt with were: the challenges in the changing socio – political context in India and the position of the Church in India; ‘Put New Wine in New Wineskin’; Net working to uphold Constitutional values; 50 practical tips for Congregational leadership.

The meeting came to a happy conclusion with words of gratitude from Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil who also exhorted the members to verify the output, outcome and impact of our mission today.

FMA PCI 2016

Sep12

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FMA PCI:  India, hosted the annual reunion of the FMA Conference of the Indian Provinces (PCI) on September 1-4, 2016, on the theme “The Importance of Salesian Historical Memory”.  There were 38 participants from the six FMA Provinces in India.  Present were Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, Visiting Councilor, who presided at the meeting, and Sr. Piera Cavaglià, Secretary General, who is an expert in the historical memory of the Institute.
At 9:00 AM, the participants were escorted by the Auxilium School Children and the School Band to Nancy Memorial Hall, which was decorated for the inaugural celebration of the 2016 Conference Meeting.

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The program began with a prayer dance by the school children, followed by the greetings of Sr. Crescenzia D’Almeida, Provincial of the PCI Province.  Sr. Lucy Rose, Sr. Piera, and the six Provincials received a shawl; the delegates received a bouquet of flowers as special guests; while the national coordinators received a colored shawl and a red rose.  The school children also performed a lovely typical dance.  Taking into consideration the exhortation of Pope Francis to take care of nature, Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, Sr. Piera Cavaglià, Sr. Elizabeth George, Sr. Crescenzia D’Almeida and Sr. Lidia Komuhra were invited to perform the gesture of watering a plant as a sign of our desire to reinforce our communion with God and with the entire cosmos.  Sr. Lucy Rose informally expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the marvelous inaugural function organized by Sr. Crescenzia, the Sisters, and the students.

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Sr. Elizabeth George, President of the Conference of Indian Provinces (PCI), presented the discourse of welcome and reception of Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, Visiting Councilor, and the Conference representatives along with Sr. Piera Cavaglià, Secretary General.  Sr. Elizabeth George emphasized “the importance of Salesian Historical Memory”.  She also thanked Sr. Crescenzia D’Almeid and the Sisters for graciously hosting Conference 2016.

Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil held the opening discourse.  She spoke of the meaning of our being together as FMA-PCI as a sign of communion.  She exhorted the participants to conserve the value of historical memory because we cannot face the future without our roots of the past.  Sr. Lucy Rose invited the sisters to value the presence of Sr. Piera Cavaglià, defined as the “Living Archive”, and reminded us of the duty to carry on the rich patrimony handed to us by our Founders.  We are grateful to Sr. Piera Cavaglià for her lively and interactive animation during these days, highlighting the importance of preserving Salesian Historical Memory.  The group discussions were very enriching for the participants.

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We could easily perceive the vibrations of love for the Institute and the desire to transmit the same sentiments that flow from the heart of Sr. Piera as she communicates to the FMA of India the patrimony of the rich heritage of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.

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Reported by Sr. Hilda

FMA PCI 2015

Sep14

FMA PCI Chennai

 

FMA PCI 2015 was held at Mazzarello Convent, Kodambakkam, Chennai  from  1 – 3  September 2015.   The theme being, “Communion of Goods and solidarity at the service of the mission”.  The resource person and most competent person to deliver the topic was         Sr. Vilma Tallone, the Economer General of our Institute and the presiding General councillor was Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil  a well-loved and  familiar figure.FMA PCI - Chennai

The PCI was set in motion at early dawn with the soul stirring morning prayer with the theme, “I am the potter and you are the clay” led by the province of Guwahati.  The Bangalore province animated the  Holy Eucharist  with the entrance procession recalling our responsibility to sustain God’s creation with apt commentaries. The celebrant Stanislaus Swamikanu SDB  in his talk   delineated the theme “communion of goods and solidarity at the service of the mission” with profound insights.IMG_0426

IMG_0440The province of Chennai doled out an impressive welcome ceremony  with  guard of honour with their  impeccable band slow march performance and  a cultural  extravangza participated by the nearby schools.  The inaugural session commenced with  welcome address  by Sr. Elizabeth George, provincial of Guwahati,   the president of the PCI and the keynote address on the theme ,”Broaden your vision! With the young missionaries of hope and joy”delivered by Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil.  Later Sr. Vilma Tallone took over the reign of the proceedings of the PCI and through her inspiring talks fired with passion  ignited the minds of all present to delve deep into the topic of communion of goods and solidarity at the service of the mission.  All through the three days she propelled all present through her stimulating talks, engaging group discussions and general assemblies,   motivating each one to be an advocate and witness of the aspect of the communion of Goods and solidarity.IMG_0946

IMG_0273The third day   the  national coordinators of Formation,  Youth Ministry, Education, Media, NDF, youth at Risk presented  their reports. The day ended with the a very innovative thanksgiving ceremony organized by the provinces of Mumbai and Guwahati  who made tremendous effort to thank  each and every one who had contributed to the Success of PCI 2015.

Sr. Stella P.

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