The surprising visit of Sr. Alaide Deretti and Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the two General Councilors brought in much joy and happiness to the two communities of Barasat. They were accompanied by Sr. Rosy Veliyan from Auxilium Dum Dum and on their arrival at Auxilium Convent, Barasat they were warmly welcomed by the sisters and boarders. The children sang a festal song in honor of Bl. Laura Vicuna whose feast is celebrated today and an Italian song to make them feel at home. They spent a few minutes of friendly chat with the sisters then they proceeded to Auxilium Aspirantate.

The Aspirants were eagerly waiting for their arrival at the gate. With an action song they welcomed them and escorted them to the chapel. Sr. Alaide spoke to them at length. She exhorted them how to be FMA missionaries of the Gospel starting from the initial stages of their formation. ‘The only thing essential is to offer our lives for the other, utilising our entire being in order to be at the service of others’, she said.

On 20 January 2018, Sr. Runita Borja, General Councillor for Youth Pastoral visited

Auxilium Snehalaya.  It was an exciting experience for the children and for the community.  On her arrival she was given a traditional welcome and offered garland and bouquets.   She spent the evening with the children and they felicitated her with the beautiful programme.

On 25th April 2017, the community of Aspirantate was blessed by the visit of His Grace Most. Rev. Thomas D’souza, the archbishop of Kolkata. It was indeed a surprise visit after the 1st profession of the sisters of Bethany. It was his maiden visit to us. He expressed his appreciation to see many candidates to work in His Kingdom with joy, enthusiasm and commitment. He exhorted the candidates to cling to the Lord in everything. He prayed with us in the chapel and blessed us with the apostolic blessings. It was indeed an enriching experience for all of us to have the Archbishop with us during this Easter season.

On April 19, 2017 the animators of the four communities of New Delhi and Sr. Annie Thevarkunnel Provincial Economer greeted Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal at the Vatican Embassy. The encounter took place from 4.30 – 5.30 pm. The very fact of being an alumni of the Salesian Sisters made all the difference in our encounter and chat with him. His conversations made us feel that he is a lover of the FMA and their mission. He was interested in knowing about the Indian provinces and the growth of vocations. He shared with us his conviction that we are called to spread holiness. When he came to know that we are running a centre for the young at risk, he offered to give the collections of Sunday Mass in the Vatican Embassy and asked for the address of the centre. He also accepted our invitation to celebrate the Holy Mass for us on May 9, the birthday of Mother Mazzarello. After a photo with him and after receiving his apostolic blessings, we came back home by 6 pm.

On the 26^th November, 2016 the students of Class VIII of Auxilium Convent School, Dum Dum were privileged to visit the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum as an educational trip. Early morning at 8:00 on Saturday the students of class VIII assembled near the stage as Principal Sr. Esther gave us instructions before our departure. We prayed and boarded the buses allotted for the respective classes. It was a fun ride to the Birla Museum through the lanes and sprawling roads of Kolkata. Finally, we arrived at our destination. It was a large building, surrounded by greenery and on the concrete banner to the entrance of the large compound were the words, “Birla Industries and Technological Museum”.

Excited we got down from our buses and headed to the building in a queue. We reached the first floor and all of us were amazed to see the various scientific exhibits like- the obedient ball, the frozen shadow, amazing mirror etc. next we went to the other section of the building to see the exhibits on electricity and were guided to a hall where we saw a 3D show, “The Lost World” followed by different exhibits on biotechnology, Mathematics, etc. We were then guided by the authorities to an auditorium to witness a science show. The show was the best part of the excursion. The experiments which were performed were really a feast for the eyes. It was presented in two halves- first the’ Fire-y Tale’ show which included experiments like the dancing flames, fire in water etc. the second half ‘The Bubble Show’ was performed after a break which seemed like a picnic as we feasted on the dishes brought by us. ‘The Bubble Show’ was really a learning experience where the performer showed us the largest bubble and today it is in the Guinness World Record. After the show, we were really awestruck. We went to the coal mine replica which gave us the feeling of real coal mine workers at work, the sound of machines and it enthralled us. The trip will always be in our memory as the excursion not only provided us enjoyment but also vast expanses of Knowledge as we were introduced to some of the deepest parts of technology through the experiments and exhibits displayed there. We will always cherish the memory of this visit.

On 06 September the boarders and the sisters visited the old age home at Pashupati, Kathmandu. We arrived safely. We had a view of the old age home at Pushpati. It was a pathetic scene to see more than 200 hundred old men and women who are totally depend on others. It was founded by Mother Teresa but later the Government took over and now it is under the Administration of Nepal government. Two Missionary Sisters of Charity have generously offered themselves to serve these rejected people. We were glad to meet the Sisters and get sufficient information about them. Some of the boarders courageously moved to mingle with them and others were busy entertaining them with songs. They enjoyed the company of the children and sisters. Before we left the place Sr. Superior was happy to offer them  a carton of biscuits .Then we proceeded to another old age home known as “Shanti Bhawan” run by the Missionaries of Charity. We were happy to see this group of people well cared for by the  MC nuns. As soon we reached the old people came to meet us from their cells. They were very excited and some of them began to dance with us. We entertained them with songs and our presence. We presented a carton of biscuits for them. We hope that our presence made some difference in their life.

The Sisters took us to their convent at Mitrapark. We spent some time with them. The MC Sisters were happy with our visit. It was a memorable day for us. We cherish these moments as we recall the words of Jesus, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brother you do unto me”.

On 16^th June 2016 was an auspicious day for sisters and children of Snehalaya. All of them were excited to welcome Provincial Sr. Rose Ezarath and all the provincial councilors. The children of Snehalaya welcomed the sisters with garlands, cards, a short programme and by sharing the report of Snehalaya.

All the sisters appreciated the talents of the children and congratulated them. Provincial Sr. Rose and Sisters exhorted the children to pray, to do good deeds and to give their hundred percent in their studies, to respect and listen to the elders and learn many things for life. They told them to help one another and achieve their goal so that in return they too may be able to help the poor and abandon.  Sisters expressed that their only desire to see all of them doing well in their life. At the end sisters and children of Snehalaya thanked Mother Provincial and sisters for their support.