Nearly 180 formees with their formators gathered with great enthusiasm at Auxilium Convent, Barasat on February 2, 2008, for the first ever such gathering in 24 Parganas (North) deanery. The programme began at 9 o’clock with registration and the welcome tea.
Fr Sajeev welcomed and invited all for a meaningful participation in the day’s proceedings. Sr Veronica, BS, and Sch Roshan, SJ, conducted a few creative games to mix up the formees coming from 12 different formation houses of Barasat and Barrackpore.The theme of the day was “Pauline Mission”. Sr Roma Kujur, novice of Sisters of Charity, introduced the speaker of the day, Fr Andre Bruylants, SJ. He then presented before us the Missionary Zeal of St Paul and its relevance in our religious formation. Based on his reflection, the formees were given some points for their reflective sharing in small mixed groups. In the mean time the formators held a short meeting to discuss some future plans connected to
the formation of both the formees and the formators. 
The Mass of Religious Consecration began with a candle light procession singing ‘Deep Se Deep Jalao’. During the Eucharist, Fr Andre continued to inspire and challenge the young hearts by his thought provoking words. He said, ‘The candle burning in each one’s hand remarks the presence of missionary zeal among you young people. And let not the passion for
missionary life die, but try
to keep up your motivation.’ Sr Ruth Yanthan, novice of Sisters of Providence, thanked Fr Andre for sparing his valuable time for tender buds.Lunch! Sr Treesa, FMA, and her team had put their whole heart
and soul together to prepare a sumptuous lunch for all. All ate and satisfied, and at the end there was hardly anything left. Varun, a Jesuit Pre-Novice, said, ‘Lunch was the best part of the day. I enjoyed the delicious meal as well as the company of the formees of different religious congregations.’The afternoon cultural programme was based on Pauline Spirituality. All the houses presented their programmes in such creative ways that it was highly appreciated by one and all. Br Elias Kisku of the Minor Seminary MCed the whole programme effectively.
The sharing of Fr Hermil, the Rector of the Minor Seminary, about his unique love for Pauline Spirituality
also inspired the young hearts. At the end, Sr Prisca Kerketta, novice of Daughters of the Cross, proposed a vote of thanks especially to Auxilium Convent Family for providing us their place and infrastruct
ure. Fr Sajeev thanked all for responding to this gathering positively.Kudos to Fr Devraj, the programme coordinator, Sr Mini, FMA, th
e event manager and to all the formators for organizing such a wonderful gathering.(Click on the photos for a bigger view)
