The Students of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum, under the guidance of their principal and teachers, observed the 4^th of November, 2016 as a Day of Mercy, Peace and Penitence, alongwith the other Auxilium Schools.

The entire student body right from Class Nursery to Class-XII took part in this Penitential service and through various prayers, songs and enactments brought out the real essence of the word ‘mercy’ which is the fruit of ‘penitence’.

 The High School students gathered in the School Hall for the day’s assembly which had Mercy and Penitence as its theme. The assembly began with responsorial prayers during which the students prayed for the soldiers of the country fighting at the borders and for world peace and harmony. They also thanked God for sending amidst them a messenger of mercy like St. Teresa of Calcutta. The prayers were followed by a song on peace and a prayer dance. The assembly concluded with a recorded version of Mother Teresa’s last speech on mercy which was played for the students to hear what Mother, a messenger of mercy herself, had to say about being merciful like the father.

 After the assembly, the principal of the school, Sr. Esther Rani Abraham, asked the students to thank God for all the graces he has bestowed on them. There were a series of thanksgiving prayers in which the students enumerated the gifts that God had given them and thanked him for them. The responsorial prayers were followed by a period of introspection during which the students were asked to reflect on certain attitudes and actions of theirs which have been contrary to God’s will. The reflection was followed by repentance and a request for God’s pardon.

 The students of Class-VI went to the School Chapel to offer their prayers for world peace and harmony to God. Hymns were sung in praise of God and the parable of the Prodigal Son was read out so that the students could understand the quality of God’s mercy. The students of the primary section assembled in the school hall and offered prayers in praise of God. There was a Bible reading followed by prayers imploring God to forgive each one for their weaknesses and failures. The prayers service was concluded with a song ‘Whatsoever you do to the best of my brothers ……, which was accompanied by an enactment.

 The 4^th of November being the first Friday of the month, the students also got the privilege of partaking of the Holy Eucharist. The celebrant, Rev. Fr. Hermil J. D’Souza, explained to the students, through the parable of ‘The Lost Sheep, the magnanimity of the Lord whose mercy is enveloped in love and compassion. The students were also able to renew their penitential rites by asking the ‘Son of David’ to hear their pleas for pardon. It was indeed a day on which every student felt that they had moved one step nearer towards the Merciful Father.

Forgiveness is the best form of LOVE. It takes a strong person to say I’m sorry and even stronger person to FORGIVE.   At 11 a.m. the community of sisters, staff and senior hostel students took part in a Penitential Service. The altar was adorned with decorated lamps and a huge central light representing Christ the Light. After a brief introduction, all approached the altar and lit our lamps simultaneously from the central one imploring God to dispel all darkness of unforgiveness, grudge, indifference, coldness, anger or spite but rather to give each of us a contrite heart and a humble spirit. The Scripture passage of the Unforgiving Servant: Mt. 18: 21-35 was read reflectively and shared. Hymns like “Mercy Lord for we have sinned” and “Make me  a channel of your peace” were intoned at intervals.

A very touching moment was when all arose and went out to ask pardon and forgiveness from each other through any gesture they felt comfortable with. Here “Grace” worked and God touched us!  Most of us were in tears. No doubt then at the end was a celebration – celebrating God’s Mercy for each one of us and others too. We returned to the Father like the Prodigal’s Son. We left rejoicing with peace in our hearts. We could not possibly have a banquet served as at the palace of the Father’s House but good enough some light snacks and tea to conclude this beautiful moment. Praise the Lord for His mercy endures forever !