Tag Archive | Seminar

CATECHETICAL SEMINAR AT AUXILIUM, BANDEL

Jan6

A two-day Catechetical seminar was organized from 01-02 January 2024 with on “Know, Grow and Share the Good News”.  Sr. Emilia Vaz guided the inaugural prayer.  Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel welcomed Sr. Provincial and Rev.  Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal SDB, the resource person. On 1st January Fr. Kumudo dealt with four topics: (1) the tasks of catechesis (2) sources of catechesis, (3) challenges of Catechesis and (4) Catechesis through social media. This session imparted great reflection on ‘Where are our young people?’, ‘Is it possible to find God in media?’ and ‘How does catechesis make the Gospel relevant to the’ digital Generation’?’  Sr. Maria Goretti Ekka proposed a vote of thanks to Fr. Kumudo for his presentation and availability.

In the afternoon Sr. Shradha Kispotta conducted the session on the various Catechetical Directories of the Church. She highlighted how the fundamentals, guidelines etc. play important roles in the life of the church. The last session of the day was taken by Sr Shanti Tirkey on Youth Catechesis, helping us to reflect that our mission is to help the young to find meaning in their lives and to reawaken the dying youth of today.  The day ended with words of gratitude and in waiting for the next day.

On 2nd January 2024 Sr Lily Perumpettikunnel conducted the first session on the Papal documents.  We had a brief and quick glance at the 10 types of documents published by Popes and the 16 documents of Vatican II keeping in mind our response to the invitation of General Chapter XXIV.  Sr Jenita Savarimuthu conducted the 2nd session of the day. She dealt with the topic ‘School and Sunday parish Catechesis’. She presented the qualities of a good catechist and the effectiveness of our catechism classes in the school and the parishes. Sr Shradha Kispotta continued the same with ‘The practical way of teaching catechism’ emphasizing the importance of preparing adequately for the catechetical instruction and classes with well-prepared lesson plans using various teaching methods. She suggested making good use of teaching aids particularly modern technology to make lessons interesting to the young children.

It was a learning, re-learning and revision for all of us. Sr. Nayna Kujur proposed the vote of thanks to all the resource persons of the day.  The seminar ended with a note of gratitude reawakening one’s zeal and love for catechesis.

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

Webinar on Salesian Family Spirit

Sep12

In the 2rd Year of Preparation for the 100th anniversary of FMA presence in India (1922-2022), the PCI (Provincial Conference of India) has as its theme “Accept the mandate: I entrust them to you. To revive the Salesian family spirit and strengthen community communion.” To deepen the theme, the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Calcutta (INC) conducted four Webinars in four groups for the 150 Sisters of the Calcutta Province from 5-7pm., on 24 July, 14 August, 28 August and 11 September 2021. The four speakers of the webinar developed the following four topics: Family Spirit as lived at Valdocco; Family Spirit as lived in Mornese; Family Spirit as delineated in the Constitutions; Family Spirit as lived by the first FMA missionaries in India.

Sr Francesca Ekka, Sr Deepa Minj, Sr Rosy Veliyan and Sr Maria Goretti Ekka were the speakers of the first webinar participated by 48 Sisters and Novices. Sr Francesca took the group to Becchi and Valdocco  where Don Bosco and Mamma Margaret created a family atmosphere for the boys to grow as in a family while the second speaker Sr Deepa highlighted the Mornese spirit as the three YES of Mary Mazzarello,  Yes to Life, Yes to Faith and Yes to Suffering. The third speaker Sr Rosy stressed on the Constitutions as a sure guide to holiness while Sr Maria Goretti spoke of the first missionaries who were sisters and mothers to everyone.

For the 2nd group of Sisters the resource persons were Sr Mary Ekka, Sr Aquila Phawa, Sr Nirmala Tigga and Sr Maria Pettayil. They too dealt with the four topics elaborately and expounded their reflections to the group. Sr Mary focused on the Preventive system practiced by Don Bosco, Sr Aquila enlightened on Mornese the house of the love of God while Sr Nirmala Tigga underscored the elements of the Family Spirit, and Sr Maria emphasized on Sr Maria Avio as an exemplary FMA who lived the family spirit to the full.

Srs Mary John, Aruna Kispotta, Shanti Tirkey and Teresa Pulickathadathil the speakers of the 3rd group too dwelt with the topics extensively. Sr. Mary John took the participants for an online picnic to Valdocco exhorting the listeners to create a home where everyone felt loved; Sr. Aruna gave practical tips on how to build the family Spirit; Sr. Shanti had an interactive session delving deeply into the articles of the Constitutions pertaining to Family Spirit while Sr.Teresa stressed on the practice of family spirit lived by our pioneering sisters especially Sr.Cesira Gallina.

The resource persons for the 4th webinar, Srs Prema Lourdu Francis, Basanti Ekka, Emilia Vas and Lucy Kachira led the group to re-discover the family atmosphere that reigned in Valdocco and Mornese and are permeated in our Rules and in the life of our first sisters. Sr Prema took the audience to Valdocco the cradle of the family spirit followed by Sr Basanti who underscored the importance of practicing the family spirit among the sisters and girls. Sr Emilia stressed on the aspects that make up our family spirit as mirrored in our Constitutions while Sr Lucy invited the group to follow the example of the pioneer missionary of the northeast Sr Clotilde Appiano who weathered all types of difficulties of the beginnings living her motto, “to give and not to count the cost”.

All the 16 speakers made the concepts penetrate the minds and hearts, by their vivid presentation and innovative methods. The webinar was a strong invitation to carry forward the rich and beautiful heritage that we have received from Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello and the pioneers and to continue to make it bear fruit today and in the years to come. “Family spirit, the creative outpouring of Don Bosco’s heart, must characterize all our communities and requires the commitment of everyone”, was stressed by all the speakers unanimously. The resource persons were chosen from the Sisters of the province. Srs Stella Potteparambil, Celine Alexander, Rosalia Tirkey and Teresa Adampakallel were the Moderators of the webinar co-ordinated by Sr Lily Perumpettikunnel the General Co-ordinator of the province.

It’s Faith Formation

Jan11

Three days Catechetical Seminar was held at Auxilium Bandel from 2nd to 5th January 2021. It was organized by Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel the Coordinator of Catechetical sector. Rev. Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB was the recourse person. 28 sisters from Kolkata zone participated in the seminar and benefited by it.

On the first day in the introductory talk Fr. gave brief description about the Catechesis and its role in the church. What is Catechesis?

God’s way of life

It’s a vocation

It’s sharing of faith

It’s faith formation

Spirituality of Religious

An Identity of Religious

It’s a Mission of Consecrated life

Second day’s session preceded with the topic “Art of Catechesis”, where Fr. explained about the origin, definition and task of the Catechesis. He also gave brief history of the Catechesis and shared knowledge about the various catechism books that were introduced in the church; Compendium, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church (Youcat) Theology of the Body (Docat).

He spoke in length about the content of Catechesis that are: Creed, Sacraments, Commandments and Prayer which are also known as 4 pillars of the Church. At the end of the session, he gave us some methods & guidelines how to make Catechism classes more interesting, innovative and lively.

On the third day he explained about “Communicating Faith” in the present and post pandemic, where he stressed about finding new way out of Catechizing through family prayer, social media, newspaper with Bible, jumbled Bible story, action songs, riddle etc.

Session was very educational, innovative and persuasive. All the participants are stimulated to be a vibrant religious Catechesis today.     

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

Mobile Photography Workshop

Apr19

Photography.pngThe announcement of Mobile Photography Workshop at Nitika Don Bosco captured the attention of 22 active participants: priests, brothers, sisters and laity from different parts of Kolkata.  Sr. Rosy Vellion, Sr. Rejina Joseph, Sr. Jancy Valliyil and Sr. Shanti Tirkey were the privileged ones to take part in it.   It was held from 11-13th April 2019.  The vibrant tutors were Fr. Nirmal Toppo SDB and Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB.  They imparted to the participants the ways to use cell phone  camera and video and also explained and showed the rule of third, aperture, Exposure rules, ISO& shatter speed, types of shots, photos for reflection and documentation etc.   The course was comprised of theory and practical. The participants profited much from the workshop.

Sr. Shanti Tirkey

CBCI National Education Consultation

Nov18

The national CBCI Education consultation was done by way of a full day Programme on 14th  Nov 2018 for the National and Provincial Education Coordinators of Religious Congregations and it was attended by about 100 participants. It was held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Okhla. The inaugural session continued with the welcoming and felicitating of the Chairperson of the CBCI Office for Education and Culture Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata and the Member Bishops of the CBCI Office for Education Most Rev. Archbishop John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati and Rev. Fr. Joy Jacob, Rector, Don Bosco Provincial House Okhla.

Delhi Meeting.jpgArchbishop John Moolachira said that even in the face of the multiple pressures that all of us have while running our institutions, we need to focus our attention and works for the Catholic children, organize scholarships for needy children and keep alive our option for the poor. Next, he led the participants to consider the qualities required for a Principal and imbibe the spirit of the Church, compassion for the needy and a heart for the poor. The need of the hour was to work in collaboration and adopt participatory management, continuously motivating the staff and training them and seek their full participation in the mission and full cooperation.

In the key-note address given by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza highlighted the salient and relevant features of the policy contained in the “All India Catholic Education Policy” and the importance of implementing them- namely: Provide quality and relevant education for all especially the poor; provide education that frees persons from the encumbrances of discrimination, illiteracy and whatever endangers life and respect and inculcate the values in life; promote respect for diversity and inclusiveness; provide education that humanises and allows all to play their rightful role in society, understand economic structures and political systems and promote transparency and accountability; impart education that energizes the young and promote nation building; impart education that shapes character, provides competence and promotes qualities of the heart; ensure promoting collaboration and cooperation and finally provide education that nurtures encounter with God and nourishes faith and teaches values.

Fr. Joseph Manipadam, Secretary for the CBCI Office for Education gave a presentation reporting on some of the very latest concerns posed by the latest Government policy changes after which he gave a report on the work of evaluating and certifying the Catholic institutions across the country on the effectiveness of implementation of the “All India Catholic Education Policy” by each institution and the overall impact in each of the 14 regions through the graphic analysis that had been done. He ended his presentation with the  inauguration of the  “CBCI Education Mastermind”, a commemorative national quiz for schools across the country to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the “All India Catholic Education Policy” to create awareness and onward enthusiasm generating commitment to implement the Catholic Education Policy.

Sr.Clara Saminathan

Seminar on Becoming witnesses of Christ in our quest for peace

May1

         DSC01659A seminar on the current scenario was conducted at Auxilium Dum Dum on 27th April 2018 in the afternoon. It was animated by Fr.Sunny Jacob SJ and participated by 31 sisters from Kolkata zone. It was organized to bring awareness to the participants of the present ethnicity, ideology and patriarchy which create barriers in our education. Father Sunny began his session with the core issues of today’s situation. He said that our country is struggling against multiple injustices that stem from economic inequalities, Caste discrimination and cultural hegemony. He also gave the participants some strategies which are relevant for our educational system. Lastly he exhorted everyone to give Christ like response to the suffering world. In order to make a difference at the earliest, we should all join hands together, dive the problems from the root and work for peace and reconciliation, thus creating a loving and peaceful world.

 

 SEMINAR for Teaching Staff- St. Mary’s Geyzing

Feb22

A seminar on “Exploring various methods of educating children was organized in St.Mary’s School, Geyzing on Thursday, 15th February 2018. The seminar was attended by all the teachers of the school, the Vice Principal and staff of Govt. Geyzing college and the teachers of Govt. Senior Secondary school, Geyzing .

Sr. Lucy John, Principal welcomed everyone and introduced the programme of the day. The seminar was chaired by Fr.Sunny Jacob S.J., the Secretary of Jesuit Educational Association of South Asia, a well known personality from New Delhi.

Fr.Sunny, in his introductory session focussed on the idea that ‘everyone in this world is same’. So, a teacher should never discriminate and make sure that every child is treated the same. Through activities, screening of video clips and discussions the following important points were  presented in a creative manner by Fr.Sunny.

  • The four areas of Education
  • Different types of leaning styles
  • Multiple intelligence theory
  • Qualities of a good teacher
  • Characteristics of adolescence .

He emphasized that a teacher should be accountable, adaptable, dedicated, caring, emphatic and passionate. He made them realise that the success of the students greatly depends on the hard work and dedication of the teacher.  Every child should be given the opportunity to develop himself/ herself fully.

The seminar was highly appreciated by everyone. Kudos to Fr.Sunny. We are grateful to the School Management for providing us with such wonderful programme as we commence the new scholastic year.

Ms.Shradha Subba

seminar.JPG

 

 

 

 

International Formation Encounter

Oct17

 

 Roma (Italy). From October 1 to 20, 2017, the Generalate of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians is hosting the International Formation Encounter for and with the Novice Formators, on the theme: “To the Root of Perennial Vitality… The Constitutions, plan of life that forms and transforms”.

The encounter is animated by the Formation Sector and is aimed at searching for and sharing the ‘road’ to help the Novices know, vitally assume, and savor the Constitutions, Plan of Life that forms and transforms, directs and sustains the growth of the charismatic identity of the FMA.

The specific objectives proposed are: life an encounter experience that forms, transforms, and qualifies the ministry of discernment, accompaniment, and guidance in the formation journey of the Novices; qualify oneself to accompany the novices in understanding, in today’s context, the meaning of being united in community in the name of the Lord and sent for the young in the spirit of the da mihi animas; assume responsibility for self-formation in a process of ongoing formation to form self and to form to ‘docibilitas’; elaborate Forms that guide the transmission of the Constitutions to encourage, throughout the Institute, a unified and at the same time differentiated path, according to the socio-cultural context.

Seminar.jpg

There are 26 participants coming from the five continents. The meeting-workshop is in continuity with the Formators Convention of April 2013, in which emerged the need to begin a process of reflection on how to transmit, to help to pass on the treasure of the charism with essentiality, depth, and with all its prophetic value to the young women of today so that it can be vitally assimilated. In 2015, the process began with the elaboration of Forms on the identity of the FMA (C 1-7). In 2016, in the second phase of the journey, forms were elaborated on the FMA Vocation beginning with the re-reading of Articles 8-35 of the Constitutions. The guiding theme in this context is: “United in community in the name of the Lord and sent for the young in the spirit of the ‘da mihi animas’, on the horizon of an on-going formation process with the re-reading of Articles 36-76 of the Constitutions”.

The encounter began with a time of prayerful celebration within which the participants, urged by the Word (Mt 13,31-32), were invited to perform a small gesture: plant seeds in vases full of soil that will grow in the course of the meeting and will bear fruit. Hopes and dreams were sown with the certainty that – as Mother Mazzarello says – if we cultivate them well, they will bear good and abundant fruit. This sign and gesture symbolically express the mission of the Formator in discerning and accompanying so that the seed will become a tree…”at the roots of a perennial vitality”

FMA 3.jpg

Sr. Nieves Reboso, Councilor for the Formation Sector, at the start of the encounter wished that: “It would be for each one an encounter with the Triune God who has confidence in each person, who draws forth the best of what we carry within us, and that He Himself has given us. That He would make us recognize both the greatness of the mission He entrusts to us and make us truly experience our littleness. That He make us always feel accompanied by His Word which encourages us and supports us: Do not fear…I am with you! May it be a powerful experience of communion to continue the journey of opening our heart wide to the action of the Spirit and to His mediations”.

There are various presentations with very rich content: The Horizon of Consecrated Life Today: United in community and sent for the young in the name of the Lord, (Fr. Rino Cozza CSJ); Anthropological-theological Aspect of Prayer (Fr. Jesús Manuel García SDB); Charismatic Aspect of Prayer (Sr. Piera Cavaglià, FMA); Fraternal Life in Community: Psycho-pedagogical Dynamics(Sr. Milena Stevani, FMA); Biblical-Theological-Charismatic Aspect of Fraternal Life (Sr. Linda Pocher, FMA and Sr. Piera Cavaglià, FMA); New Approaches for Initial Formation: the Novitiate – Heart and Center of Initial Formation (Facilitator: Sr. Rosemary Howarth SSND). This last experience saw the whole group participating in a meeting organized by UISG. It is a sign of the openness of the Institute to being inter-congregational, to sharing experiences for mutual learning. The themes proposed are the subject of study and reflection, dialogue and comparison, of research along with a workshop methodology for the elaboration of forms oriented to the vital assumption of the Constitutions by encouraging the Institute along a unified and enculturated path.

A much-desired moment was the meeting with the Mother General, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, who solicited by some questions, focused attention on the community dimension and the sense of belonging to the Institute, indispensable elements for genuine discernment and vocational accompaniment.

Halfway through the course, the participants lived a day in Assisi, an experience of deepening Franciscan spirituality, tracing moments of the life of Francis and Chiara, the places of their mission among the poor.

FMA (2).jpg

The work will continue in the coming days with the proposal of other thematic nuclei: The formation community (Fr. Beppe Roggia, SDB); The biblical-theological foundation of the mission (Fr. Rossano Sala SDB); Charismatic-pedagogical foundation of the mission (Sr. Piera Ruffinatto, FMA); The Formator in Action: Context, Conscience, and Identity; relationships, discernment and vocational experience (Fr. Juan Crespo, SDB). This phase is also marked by the alternation of moments of personal reflection, of confrontation with groups and assemblies, of spaces in which each has the opportunity to express ideas and points of view.

“At the root of perennial vitality, to the source of fidelity, to the Constitutions, to live today the ever-actual spirituality of our origins, with the same passion as Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello for the mission.

fma.jpg