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The mission expereince at Snehavardhini Roha.

Posted on by Bindu Michael

With great enthusiasm and eagerness to know our Roha mission, Alice and myself arrived at Roha on 22nd January 2023. Sr. Carmelita briefed us with all the activities of Snehavardhini social trust to give us an idea of the mission of Roha. 1000 families and 5000 people are benefited by their mission work. Importance is given to the areas of health, education, women empowerment.

On the following day, 23rd January we were placed in the play school. Teaching them, playing with them, interacting with them, making them do different activities etc were good experience. We had the opportunity to be in the play school for another 2 days. It was a reminder for me to be like little children, innocent, simple, pure and loving.

23rd January, being the anniversary of the canonization of St. Raphaela We had a beautiful Eucharistic celebration with the ACI family followed by supper. It was indeed a family get together.

On 24th January Sr. Aleena took us to Bhuvaneshawar village. There we visited few families and

distributed some dresses for the children which was donated by a well wisher from Kerala. We had the opportunity to meet the social workers. Many of them spoke about their experience of working with the sisters. In the afternoon we visited Nivi village with Sr. Prisca. There too we visited the families. In the evening we spent time with our hostel girls, helping them with English. After the class we interacted with them. They expressed their desire to make a trip to Kerala. Hope their dream come true some day.

On 25th January we visited Sambhe Village with Sr. Aleena. There too distributed some dresses. The social worker had arranged a welcome ceremony and gathering of the women. We were impressed by the warm welcome. In the evening we visited Pale Khurdh Village. They wanted us to attend the haldi Kumkum. The ladies had gone to Roha market to get the things. As we had Mass in the church we did not wait for the celebration. On our way back we met the ladies and they gave us banana and tilgul. We were happy to have shared in their joy.

On 26th January Sr. Aleena took us to visit Gregorian Public school. The principal and the director welcomed us. We were invited to attend the republic day celebration of the special school. It was not in our plan, but was a good opportunity to share the joy of those little ones who performed their best. In the evening we visited the parishners houses and Aswani’s house. We enjoyed the warmth of those simple people. We came back and attended the rosary, Mass and novena in the church. The community took us

out to have dinner.

On 27th January Sr. Pealy took us to Khilla village. They welcomed us with aarthi and took us around to see. It was an opportunity to know the simple life style of the people. In the evening we attended the novena and Mass in the church.

These 5 days were a good exposure to our Roha Mission. An experience lived is rich in itself. They were days where we experienced the welcome, hospitality, warmth, care and generosity of the sisters of Snehavardhini. With gratitude in our hearts we returned to Kerala.

Srs.Marina Kannikal and Sr.Alice aci

“ATITHI DEVO BHAVA” : Mission Experience at Odisha

Posted on by Bindu Michael

Can anyone imagine how exciting I was to go to Odisha for the Mission experience as I was there for a year about 17 years ago.  I was there in rented house in Basnthi colony. Yes a small seed had grown to sapling and now has become a tree and it was great joy to experience that the mission has expanded with the various activities.

The culture of odisha is very rich with many symbols as dance, music, washing of feet or hands, arts as I could experience in our house and all the places where I visited, the way they welcomed us with their whole being, it was expression of their hospitality and the visitors are like God for them “AATITI DEVO BHAVA” of the Indian culture. All the catholic greet one another after the Mass “jai yesu” isn’t that wonderful.

We went for the mass in Kahuchuva village very far from our house; I could experience the Faith of the people in that very cold morning, small children, youth, men and women far from the village had come for the Eucharistic celebration.  Liturgy very much alive and three baptisms were there but very symbol. After that again another mass where whole village people were waiting for us and welcomed with typical cultural ceremony and performed program for us and after that scrumptious meal which cooked with the  fire wood and served in the  leafs which collected from their surroundings and again dance was performed. I was enjoying every bit of it. One elderly person narrated their story how they had landed there in that mountain called Kunjam. In that village some of them are educated and have good jobs. They were very much delighted to tell us that there are vocations as already one priest, two sisters are there. People were very hospitable, simple and generous. It was an unforgettable day.

I was very much taken up by visiting the self-help group. Their enthusiasm and unity and organised  program creatively  and they are empowered and still can implement self-sustainable program and one of the groups who are catholic where we can have children’s group and can have ACI family group too for the future.

 Being interacting with the Rickshaw pullers and the street children and each one of them had their unique story to tell .They were very happy to come to our house and   clean oneself and have food. They feel at home with our sisters. They thoroughly enjoyed the game which was conducted for them though it was difficult to make them understand.

We also had the opportunity to extended our mission experience in IMS (Indian Missionary society) in Varanasi and stayed in JVS (Jan Vikas  Samiti)  .This was established as the social wing of the Varanasi province of the Indian missionary society which focus on the empowerment of the Dalit, person with Disability, women and children. Fr. Chetan accompanied us to different places. In spite of his busy schedule, we experienced his availability, generosity hospitality and simplicity    

Here also we visited three self-help groups where they are implementing the IGP (Mashroom cultivation, Soap powder, harpic toilet cleaner, phenyl etc).   which help the women to stand at their feet financially.  Some are starting and others are restarting after a complete lock down and the pandemic which all of us experience.

Also very interesting visit of IMS mission where they have Ashram: all religion as one comes there to pray and they are called chritst bhakta .

I liked very much Cafebility- serves with difference where they have café & Restaurant. This is carried out by the children with physical disability and one priest to supervise. This increased my hope to implement this type of project in our special schools, a conviction it is possible.

The visit of River Ganga: For me the shocking experience was the boat ride through River Ganges. The amounts of dead bodies are burned on the bank of that holy river and the heap of ashes and remains were there. It was unbelievable. The river was polluted very much, yet it is holy for the People who have devotion and belief that they receive salvation by dipping oneself in this river or burning the bodies closer to this River Ganga.  

I enjoyed everything from day one of the mission experiences till last day with all the richness of the place as we were in two states and thank God and especially Sr.Bindu making it to happened and to my sisters in the group. I was enriched and relished the wonderful time.

Kochuthressia Konath aci

My mission experiences start from my journey from Kerala to Odisha. It was my first time; travel to Odisha, as well as it was 2 days of journey. Before starting the journey, Sr. Mary Mulloor said that I might meet so many people, variety and I would feel that God has so many children in the earth. Which I had not seen before.It was really like that the train was fully packed by evening of first day and most of the passengers were without proper ticket. All that they wanted to reach to their home, no matter, how bad their journey, but their destination is their home to meet their loved one. As I had the reservation ticket and upper berth. I went to sleep after my meal. Next day when I got up, and I could see the train was fully packed and I could not come down to put my feet on the floor. Even people were sitting on my sit. Somehow I came down and brushed my teeth. After that I took my food bag and went up and remain there, I had breakfast, lunch and supper after that only I came down to go the wash room, before going to sleep on the second day. On the 3rd day early morning, I reached at Rourkela station and went to the Snehadhara Community and freshen up and rested for some time. It was so cold and I felt that I was in Europe. In the morning our sisters and candidates and Hostel students welcomed us according to their culture. They welcomed us  with  Arathi and washed our hands with water alone with the music as a jester of welcome.

We had short experience of different Apostate our community. I like the generosity and simplicity of the tribal people during our visit to their  village. The way, they had welcomed us with dance and washed our hands and feet and put the oil on our feet before the mass. I also like the way; they had brought the things for the offertory. Each family offered whatever they had from their work, without any external covering and exaggeration. It shows the simplicity and generosity of the people, they also shared their food with us in the leafy plate. I really enjoyed having the food in the natural way.

They are the one who really touch the heart of the nature. I was also happy to meet the priest, who is in charge of the village, who helped us a lot to visit the villages, and prepared the people, for all the celebration. Through this visit helped me to understand what it means by Atithi  Devo Bhava, for this tribal people , they see God in a guest, no matter of his background, where they come from, rich or poor. They could find God in each guest .During this days in Odisha , we were like celebrities.

 I also liked the interaction with the street children. Once a month, they come to our house to clean them and to have some food, in that group some of them were married and separated…They live at the railway station and street, but in their heart they had lots of dream and desire for their next generation, for their education and not to have the same experience of  being in the street. The sad part which we could hear from them that as the state preparing for the World cup of hockey at Rourkela. The police were chasing them from the common places, so that outer world will not see the poverty of the country. They were separated from their group and scattered to different places.

I was happy to see the empowerment of the women through SHG group. They were really grateful to the sister, who helped them to stat the SHG group. I really enjoyed being there and to be part of the mission for short time as well as grateful to the Lord and to the Institute for this experience.

 After that we went to visit the mission place of IMS fathers at Varanasi,Fr.Chetan who was the one invited us to visit his place. He was so hospitable to us, and sharing with us, how they work with the SHG group in different villages. They were coordinating the work so systematic with professional people, that is the reason, I could see the changes and developments. We also could get the chance to visit river Ganga, as well as chance to visit IMS Ashram, it is mixture of Indian culture alone with Christianity.

.It was incredible journey, and long journey with different climate. It was like a incredible India. Each day was a new lesson, New culture of people…

I also enjoyed the company of our group; sisters came from different community. We were with different age group but with same the team spirit of mission and szal for meeting people and share the joy of our vocation as handmaids.  

Sr.Tincy aci

“Home is where you feel at home and treated well” : Mission experience at Odisha

Posted on by Bindu Michael

“Without humility we cannot encounter God and experience salvation. Yet it is equally true that without humility we cannot even encounter our neighbours”, says Pope Francis.

These words of Pope Francis came alive to me when I witnessed the simple and humble lifestyle of the people of Odisha.  I was very much eager to visit the state and know about their culture. When we reached there, we were welcomed warmly by our SHENADHARA sisters and candidates.. When we visited the families they welcomed us by washing the feet and the hands. This gesture of theirs touched my heart. For them, the visitors are like God “AATITI DEVO BHAVA” of the Indian culture.

 As our sisters are working with street children, rickshaw pullers and the SHG. There I found the taste of love and again I recalled the words of Pope Francis, poor don’t waste. I could see the richness among those people whom I met. They are rich in everything. I experience that children are eager to go to school. It is said that if you educate one child, you educate whole family, in the same way, if we save one street child, we can save many because they can look and learn.

Going to Odisha was a Tabor experience. I could experience the same feeling when I met and interacted with street children and rickshaw pullers. I could feel the joy within me when I spoke to them. Even though some of their stories were very painful but after meeting and talking to them, the joy and the disturbance which my soul encountered, was different.  A small group of committed ones can change the world.

I experienced the zeal of the SHG groups. They are like professional in dealing with others. Hats off to all the sisters who had worked and made a difference in the lives of women.  Creating a society of equality, by empowering them is a great mission which we can do for the people. Life is very simple. We need to learn this simplicity with the people who are simple.

We were fortunate to visit Varanasi. The centre of IMS priest.Fr. Cheathan took us around to show how the SHG groups work. It was an enriching experience.   I felt we too can implement the same procedures and works for the SHG.

I would like to end my experience saying: This is essential for the Christians to feel deep inner restlessness.. The inner restlessness is born out of faith. It impels us to do what needs to do and to make changes. I was privilege to visit first time our community in odisha , I felt and  experience the love, joy and belongingness  with each sister of the community , candidates  and hostel girls. May God bless our mission.

Carmelita.aci

I want to begin my sharing by thanking the Lord for His accompaniment, care and protection which I experienced throughout during my Mission experience.

“Hoping with others and for others”…..this theme was very much relevant during this time of my mission experience. Seeing all the activities of our sisters in Odissa I felt that, this is what they are doing for the people. I was very touched with the work sisters are doing with the street children and the Rickshaw pullers.  Every month sisters invite them to the centre for a get together and to have a meal. Some of them shared with us coming together gave them lot of joy and happiness. Also they are able to share their problems, struggles and difficulties. I was very touched seeing the Women, children and the youth on the street. It reminds me of our Constitution no.6. Where it says “In those who suffer Christ still experiences poverty, oppression and rejection. I felt like a drop in the ocean our sisters are trying to make them aware of their dignity as human beings.

Regarding the S.H. Groups I felt they are functioning very well. One of the village calledAmdedkar the two S.H. groups together arranged a programme for us. I experienced lot of unity among the people in the village. Especially I felt the young girls are very creative and took lot of initiative in conducting games for the children and for the mothers. They performed a dance based on the birth of Jesus was very beautiful. The people are very welcoming, generous and loving.

One of the villages called Kumparpada is very pathetic situation. It is like a slum. Very congested. Children looked dirty and filthy, moving around with no one to take care. It reminds me of my first  visit to Bhuvaneswar.

Visit to the parishes of Kahachuan and Kauch was a beautiful experience. I was very much touched with the welcoming of the people.  As part of their welcoming gesture they washed the feet. It reminds me of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet. Also during the mass the offertory was done in such a simple way. Very natural. I felt Jesus will be happier to accept this poor people’s offering.

Visit to Varanasi was also a beautiful experience. To experience another culture.  Fr.Cheitans S.H. group is well organised.  As we visited different perishes and churches what I experienced was that there is an Indian touch in the way they arranged the altar. Also I felt people have lot of faith and great devotion to Blessed Sacrament.

 For me the shocking experience was the boat ride through River Ganges. The amount of dead bodies burning near the sea, People’s devotion and belief that they receive salvation once they come and bury over there.

Over all I can say that for me it was a beautiful experience. To experience different culture and to see the different apostolate is been done in Odissa by our sisters’. I felt lot of poverty in Odissa. People are very hard working.   Also I experienced they are very welcoming, generous, and simple.

Pearly aci

You have touched me and I have Grown -Mission Experience at Dilkhush

Posted on by Bindu Michael

I travelled to Mumbai on 4 th December 2022 with Rima for the Mission experience. Since the train was
not going to Mumbai we stopped at Roha for the night and continue the journey early in the morning.
Due to some inconveniences we reached Mumbai a bit late than we expected.
5 th December 2022 My first day of my mission experience I was with the skill training group in the
morning. I was happy to have the experience with the new initiative of Dilkhush with 12 trainees. The
dedication of the skill trainer was remarkable. She was very attentive to each of them not only to train
them but also to make arrangements to send them home. They were enthusiastic and pleasant about
learning new skills.
The next day I was in the crèche and preschool. Children were happy to play, dance, sing and eat with
us. We could see the joy in the face of the parents as they come to leave them in Premadhar, a safe
place where they can play and learn. In the evening we visited a few families of these children in Shivaji
nagar. They are very happy and contented even though they live in a small and congested place. They
welcomed us with tea and snacks. They were very generous and ready to share from their littleness. The
parents shared with us that their children improved a lot after coming to our palace.
We also had the opportunity to visit a BCC group in Royal hotel. Two youngsters accompanied us to all
the families. Apart from them there were many youngsters in that group and we were happy to meet
them. They were sharing their old glorious days they spent with the sisters and the support and
encouragement they had from the priests of the parish. We invited them to come and help in the
workshop for the exhibition and they were ready and willing to do it.
In the Workshop it was a great joy to see all the young adults working continuously for the exhibition.
Lots of life and colours were there in everything they make. They were all happy and thrilled. The talents
and the dedication of the teachers were superb. They were generous with their time and energy to
make the exhibition on 11 th a great success.


Exhibition on 11 th with all the communities, their teachers, students and benefactors went very well for
the whole day. All were united and worked hard for it. We are grateful to the Mumbai community for
giving us the opportunity to be there. It was a good idea to celebrate the 25 years of our Region. We
really had a good time with the sisters, children and staff. It was a home coming experience for me
because I was in Mumbai all through my formation.
We were also privileged to have the eco examen in one of the evening conducted by Sr. Kochu. Thanks
to all Sr. Bindu and Sheeba for making this possible for us and all the others at Dilkhush for
accommodating us and supporting us.

Mary Mulloor.aci

Along with Sr. Mary and Sr. Rima, I began my mission work from 5th to 9th December, 2022 at Dilkhush community. First two days, I visited the workshop. I was asked to paint but I had no idea about painting. As I entered the workshop, my mind was filled with past memories, the wonderful times I had spent in this space. I had not done any painting work then but as I was painting with the children, I was amazed to see their talents. Their smiles and hearty welcome made me feel at home with them. It was the first time I enjoyed painting with the children. I was deeply touched by their simplicity and energizing smiles. Teaching them Zumba dance was another thrilling experience. When they heard the song and music, they were very happy.

            Though the steps were different, they felt free and kept dancing till the end. I really felt privileged amidst their presence. On the third day, we got a chance to share our mission work from our respective places, with a group of trainees at the Centre. We shared a power point presentation, letting them know the different works we take up in helping and building youngsters and families in our mission Centers. Even though the group of trainees is small, they were very alive and active. During our sharing, they seemed interested to know more about the work we do. It was wonderful meeting the trainees who showed great promise in doing the course with interest and were willing to help the special children to find their place and purpose in society.

We visited many families with the assistance of Sr. Suvarna, around the Shivaji Nagar locality. We were given a warm welcome and I was touched by the smiles on their faces. They were very happy with our visit, and felt free to share about their family situations. Later, we visited Nehru Nagar locality. It was totally a different experience. I found out that many families have come from different parts of India and have settled in this area for the purpose of finding a job. It was disheartening to see specially women, living and moving around with their children in difficult conditions.

They seemed happy when we visited them. I was touched by their welcoming spirit and hospitality. Though they are financially poor, I found them rich in their hearts. It was a learning experience for me. With the same group of women we gave an input session on the Topic, Life and the qualities of the heart.  It was an interactive session where the women were open and happy to share.

Our mission experience also included visiting Mrs. Meena’s family. I had seen her during my formation days in Dilkhush but could not visit her. It was a great opportunity to visit and meet her in person. The smile on her face remained the same but the living conditions had changed. I realized that Mrs. Meena and her son are in a helpless situation. They are living in a big house but no one is there to attend to them regularly. As I was talking to her, I was touched by her simplicity and courage. I noticed that there was struggle within, yet the smile continued to remain on her face. Those few hours that I spent talking to her and cleaning some parts of her house, made me to think about how precious life is and how we take it for granted. I was glad to know that the Dilkhush community has taken this as their priority to visit them regularly and comfort her and her son. I really appreciate our sisters for their support and accompaniment in their difficult times.

Finally, I thank God for this enriching experience and pray for all whom I met during my mission visit. In Dilkhush School and workshop I see many positive changes with the efforts of our sisters and teachers who work together with great interest and dedication to the special children. I would like to extend my thanks to our sisters at Dilkhush for their hospitality and positive approach towards the poor. May God continue to bless us on our journey of life.

Jacklin Ghonsalves aci

I had very wonderful experience in Dilkush. I was very happy to be with the crèche and
nursery children. I was very much touched by their love, care, spontaneity, innocence, sharing,
joy and gentle smile. I was really happy to spend my time with little ones and to be like them. I
was reminded of the words of Jesus ‘the kingdom of God is hidden in the little ones’. The
kingdom of you will not enter unless you become like little children.
I was happy to give my helping hand in the workshop as they were preparing for the
exhibitions. I was touched by the warm welcome and love of the children and their joyful
atmosphere in the workshop. I was very happy to meet the teachers, non teaching staff and the
children in the school. I was really touched by their love especially from the teachers as they
were happy to meet.
The unique experience was to visit Nehru Nagar and Royal hotel. I was very happy to
visit Royal hotel especially the St. Michael zone. I was very surprised as people remembered me
though I did not have personal contact with them. I was really taken up by there warm welcome,
generosity, love and sharing from their nothingness and from their simplicity. The families were
very happy to welcome as and accommodate as in their small tiny houses.
I was so much taken up by the living conditions of crèche children’s family. As they live
in very poor conditions and the daily struggle they go through to live their life in Mumbai. Even
the safety of the children is really a question mark. The hard work they put in daily to live each
day at a time. By this experience I was reminded of the poor widow in the gospel who offered
out of her nothingness whatever she had, she offers to God. In the same little way, they
welcomed us in their small tiny house with lots of joy and happiness and shared with us
whatever they had with big generous heart.
I am grateful to Dilkush community for their love, care and availability. Thank you dear
sisters for your warm welcome and precious time.

Rima Nigrel.aci

Mission Experience at Odisha

Posted on by Bindu Michael

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I unite myself with Sr.Prisca in thanking God and Sr.Bindu for the wonderful opportunity to have the experience of our Mission at Odisha. The 5 days of intense Mission experience in Odisha has helped me to deeply experience the Mercy of God.

Snehadhara community had planned the days in such a way that we had the opportunity to visit most of the places and the people with whom we work. On the first day, the celebration of Children’s day was superb. To see the happiness and wanting to have the celebration, putting up a program by themselves was very encouraging. We had a great time with the Hostel students. The opportunity to interact with them too gave us a lot of hope.

visiting different villages, Self Help Groups and women, Rickshaw pullers, and children on the street  and being with them was very impressive. Some of their conditions are heartbreaking. We lack words to express our gratitude to the priest and Parishioners of Kahachuva. During our visit, they celebrated the village feast. We had a glimpse of the Tribal culture as they explained it and performed their dances.

The welcoming gesture and the enthusiasm  which all of them did to us without fail. wherever we visited, all of them welcomed us with their gesture of washing the hands with lots of happiness which was very touching. All of them were very simple, generous, thoughtful and joyful. 

We were very happy that our neighbors and the people of our Mission appreciate our presence and the work which we carry out there with respect.

We really could experience in reality what  St.Rapheala Mary  said,” Humble and simple touches the Heart of God”!  Thanks to the sisters of our community for the love and care they have given to us! We continue to keep all of them in our prayers that we may reach out to more people who are in need of our care and support!

Sr.Sheeba antony.aci

I thank the region for giving me this opportunity to have this experience. It was a very beautiful experience to see our sisters touching the lives of so many children, youth, women, and men, who are marginalized by society and who need the basic necessities to live a dignified life. Wherever we visited I could experience the warmth and simplicity of their hearts. After this experience, I feel I belong to this mission of our sisters.

Sr.Prisca Dsouza.aci

Mission Experience at Dilkhush –

Posted on by Bindu Michael

“Know me for my abilities, not my disability.” – Robert M. Hensel

As the name mentions, my mission experience in Dilkhush was very delightful. I was sent to Dilkhush sheltered workshop along with Ashna. We could join the Diwali celebrations with the students. The joy, enthusiasm and simplicity of our differently abled students challenges me to live a happy life. They welcomed me very warmly and with a bright smile and gestures of familiarity though I had been there before to help in the workshop only for a month. I felt that the workshop is blessed with dedicated staff and volunteers. On the very first day a volunteer shared with us her joy of being in Dilkhush. “It is God who brought me here” – I felt very much touched when I heard her words. On the day of Diwali party, I enjoyed dancing with them, listening their naughty chitchats among themselves and enjoyed Dosa party with them. Being there in Dilkhush, I have received the news that I have got the permission for juridical renovation and it doubled my joy.

Once the workshop closed for Diwali holidays myself and Ashna continued going to the workshop and we kept targets each day with the aim of finishing the work given to us as the workshop was preparing items for Diwali and X’ mas sales. I felt very happy to do fine painting for dia which I never thought I will be doing. Then we start doing the covering of the books. The dedication and love which our staff have towards the mission inspired me a lot. Also I felt very happy about the work that is happening in the sheltered workshop especially the decorated Diyas were very pretty and presentable. Also there is lot of new ideas coming up – new materials and items for sale. I felt proud seeing the dynamism of this mission and thanking God for allowing me to give a small contribution of mine to this mission. I am very grateful to the region for this experience which gives me new enthusiasm and joy.

Mary Honey.aci

“The source of knowledge is Experience”. Albert Einstein

I am very glad to share my Mission experience at Dilkhush community. I had a very beautiful experience. I had placed in the workshop. I was very lucky to be with the adults with intellectual disability. I experienced lot of support from Sr. Sangita as she is incharge of the workshop. She was always there to guide me. I was helping out them for the upcoming sale of the workshop. I got change to mingle with adults with intellectual disability for a few days. Nice Diwali party we had with them and I enjoyed a lot. Teachers had prepared many games for them and I too help them to conduct. All of us enjoyed a lot and we danced a lot. Being with them I really felt very happy. Their innocence and love has touched me a lot. I could feel their love for me seeing me after a long time. I was very much taken up by the dedication and hard work of the teachers. They are very committed to their work and they love them a lot. For it was an experience of great joy to see such dedicated teachers. I could help them in covering the books and making pom poms for the book marks. I also got an opportunity to give my time to go for the exhibition of our workshop products. I really enjoyed it a lot. Even I got an opportunity to go for the mission Sunday sale at Holy Cross church, Kurla for our snehavardini community Roha.  It was another experience where I really felt so happy that people are so generous to give and support our Missions. So much to learn from the parishners over there. They were very open, hospitable, loving and generous. Even being in the community also I enjoyed a lot. It was a home coming experience. All the Sisters were very happy to have us there. I experienced lot of love, care and concern. I am very grateful to all my sister at Dilkhush community for their hospitality, availability and support. Really it was a fruitful experience.

A special gratitude to Sr. Bindu my Regional Superior and Sr. Sheeba Superior of Dilkush community. I believe that “Everything we do should be a result of our gratitude for what God has done for us.” Thanking God for this beautiful opportunity.

Ashna Joseph .aci

“RETURNED WITH JOY” from Snehanilayam

Posted on by Bindu Michael

“The mission of the Christian in the world is a mission for all, a mission of service, which excludes no-one; it requires great generosity and particular the Gaze and heart turned heavenward to invoke the Lord’s help. There is so much need for Christians who bear witness to the Gospel with Joy in everyday life. The disciples, sent by Jesus, ‘RETURNED WITH JOY”. When we do this, our heart fills with Joy.”(Pope Francis)

23rd October 2022 was a Mission Sunday, a great day to travel to Kochi for mission experience in Sneha Nilayam. Sneha Nilayam community has been a great community in the beginning of my formation. It has always given me good memories of how and what religious life should be.

 As I set myself for mission experienced in this particular community flashes of memories came back to me also, I remember the members of communities with great respect who are not in this world. I missed them because they have been a great role model for me in those days of my postulancy. 

First two days I was placed in school and it was nice to be there with new teachers’, new students, even

the atmosphere was different. Teachers more dedicated, compassionate, creative and loving towards children. I realized that now we don’t take children only active and capable but we are taking more sever challenged students. Which cause a lot. I enjoyed helping them in their activities and specially the way they were responding to that particular activity. I was very much touched by this particular  student.

Last two days I was place with workshop children, “home science and computer class.” ‘O’ it was wonderful days where I helped and learn to make cake and be with them while they were cleaning the garlic. As I listen to them, I realize that how important to be special, it is something different the way they think, talk and the way they love and listen to one another. Even the computer class student shared what they are doing in a simple and understanding way. I was surprised to see and hear about the knowledge they have about the computer and the ability to handle it. As I was talking, we also recalled sr. Catherine and sr. Rosario. They remember them with grateful heart.

I also enjoyed visiting the families of our sisters and Migrant girls.

At the end of this mission, I was left with a question in my mind and heart. What is the future of this children? specially those who have no one to take care. What God is telling us? I was filled with question but I experienced the Joy of being with them.

I Thank Sr. Bindu and her Team for giving me this opportunity to have this Mission Experience and get disturb by it. But I have hope …

“I think this is the most wonderful experience we can have: to belong to a people walking, Journeying through history together with our Lord, who walks among us! We are not alone; we do not walk alone. We are part of the flock of Christ that walks together.”( Pope Francis)

Sr.Kitty Nigrel .aci

I’m grateful to the Region for giving me an opportunity to go back to our olden days to spend our few days with the school and workshop students.  My experience in Kerala working in the school, workshop, and being with the communities was very good. I really enjoyed being with the special children helping, playing and being with them. The teachers were very kind and sensitive towards children. The students put up a beautiful program for us. We really enjoyed their lovely program. I appreciate Sr. Tincy who is very hardworking, sensitive and very pleasant. Even though she was extremely busy since Sr. Ayana was out of station we could approach her and with the smiling face she would explain to us. I really missed Srs. Catherine in the school and Rosario in the house.  I had the opportunity to meet the migrants. I really enjoyed the Eucharist with them.  They were very kind to welcome us with flowers. I remember my days in Rourkela.  Both the communities were very generous and kind towards us.  Thank you dear sisters both the communities and the students at Snehanilayam, for your love, care and generosity towards us.

Sr.Rosy Dsouza. aci

with the hostel students

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting”. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

It was a long-awaited uncertain opportunity I can says since my holidays were not matching with others as I am a student and I do agree with Ralph Waldo  that everything is a God given opportunity to see the beauty and His hand at work and finally I got a chance to go for the mission experience at Snehanilayam which was organized by the Region of India.

Two of us travelled from Mumbai on the 22nd of October and reached there on the 23rd Sunday. The community was very welcoming and cordial. That evening we did rest a while and were ready for the next morning.

As part of our mission, we also visited the Mulavuvkad land and Vypin community where we had a warm welcome. We attended the mass which was organized for the migrants and it was a lovely opportunity created by the sisters for them. Because of some interferences the number was much less comparatively with what we had seen earlier in the photos. But overall, it was a good job done by the sisters.

The following morning, I was so happy to see the children and the staff. There was a floral welcome by the staff and the children. It took me back to my formation days, 23 years back memories were surfacing… the kids who were very small have grown and are in workshop doing their best with a broad smile.

I was placed in the workshop so that I could try my best by giving the finishing touch for the wood work which was part of the carpentry section. Every child and the atmosphere were reminding me about the past, the work that we did as formees and specially our sisters who came to India as a Missionaries, I sensed the presence of Srs. Catharine and Rosario all over, felt a deep sense of gratitude and admiration towards them. I did enjoy being in the carpentry section. I say the sisters giving their best for this particular mission of caring the special kids.

We also had a protest against drugs and I became very emotional looking at the innocent children holding the placard and I really felt those who see this innocent child should try working towered drug addiction and abuse.

I found the teacher are much committed comparatively to olden days when we were there, there is lot of creativity and lot more activities in the school.

We also visited some of our sister’s family and the clergy home where we met the know priest and the family members. At the end the students of Snehanilayam School and workshop organised a cultural program for us to thank us for being with them. I really appreciated their gesture of simplicity and love.

We were five of us and it was a good experience to be with the community and the apostolate that they carry out over there. It a moment to refresh the memories of the past and thank God for the present. I am grateful to both the communities of Vypin and Snehanilayam for making us to feel at home and taking care of us. I am grateful to the Region and to Sr. Bindu for organizing this Mission experience as the Region celebrated 25 years and I look towards the future that the Lord will bless us with vocations and vision to carry out His plan.

Suvarna Fernandes ACI

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“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Maya Angelou

Yes this was my experience with the special children during the experience in Kochin and calls me to thrive, live with passion, compassion, humor and some style. When I heard that I am going to Kerala for mission Experience I was wondering what type of mission experience it could be as I had lived during my early formation time.

But this experience was to deepen my vocation as we were with our special children. After so many years as I was again in Snehanilayam school and the work shop reminded about our old sisters Catherine, Theresa and Rosario.  Who have given their life for this mission in Snehanilayam for the special children.  I felt their spirit and calling me to be committed and life giver in our mission which we are called.  

After being with the children and interacting with them I felt that I need to be person of simplicity, gentleness, humility, live in union, caring and sharing. Their dealings one another, their gentle talk, care concern.

Teachers’ patience, their self giving, dedication touched me a lot. I could also see the difference between the old teachers and the new teachers, so we need to encourage the teachers and appreciate their dedication and values.

 We were welcomed on the first day and the last day they put up a beautiful programe with full of joy and enthusiasm. They also expressed their gratitude to each one of us by giving a card and small key chain which is prepared by them.

We were also taken to vyppin where we work with the migrants. We were Happy to meet them and to celebrate the Eucharist together with them. We also had a small programe where they welcomed us with song and the flowers. We gave them a message on the importance of the day i.e. Diwali and its significant also as Christians we are called to be the light of Christ where ever we are.

I was happy to see the hostel so many girls. It is a new apostolate and where young people can be accompanied.

I take this opportunity to thank our Sr. Bindu the Regional superior who gave us this opportunity to renew me from with through these little ones. I am also grateful to our Snehanilayam sisters Mary, Alice, Tincy and Ayana who prepared us this experience and gave us their best. I conclude my experience

by thanking God Almighty who gives us the opportunities and the grace; also ask Him to bless each one of us with His grace to continue His mission with Enthusiasm and Love which He has entrusted to us.

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance”. – Eckhart Tolle

Monti Rodrigues.aci

My mission experience in Snehanilayam community. It was a beautiful experience. As Pope said in video message to the pontifical Mission Societies Prayer is the first Missionary Work. And each day the mission began with the prayer. I was one week in the workshop. And first time I did the polishing and normal painting. But I enjoyed and learn new things. And Sr. Tincy she is very kind to direct and teach whenever I asked my doubt. And three days I was in the school I enjoyed with them. They are very friendly specially girls. Every day they use to call me by name really it touched me how they remember. And I noticed that some of them are very friendly, loving, helping and caring for each other and talented.

I enjoyed seeing some of the boys are very good in playing the drum very well they play. And we visited the Mulavuvkad and Vypin community and we had Hindi mass organized for the migrant. And after the
mass we interacted with them they welcomed us with flowers. And we visited our sister’s families close by and I felt happy to visit them. Though we are from different places but I felt we are like one family. We were five of us and I enjoyed with my companions.


I am grateful to God for giving me the 0portunity to have a different experience. I thank Sr. Bindu and her teams for arranging the mission experience in different community. And I thank both of the communities
Snehanilayam and Vypin communities for their hospitality and availability.

Margaret Soreng.aci

Mission Experience in Roha

Posted on by Bindu Michael

                                         

 

I am grateful to God for the wonderful experiences I had in those 5 days when I was in Roha. Thanks to our Region and to Sr. Bindu for this opportunity. I was truly excited to know that I had to go to Roha for the mission experience and I was waiting for that day. From the time I joined as a candidate, I have heard about the Roha mission from Sr. Pearly. A lot from her experiences especially of Bhuvaneswar village. Then some more I have received from Sr. Monica as well during my postulantship. All these have added to my excitement to go there. Thanks to all sisters who have geared me up for this visit.

My experience was truly wonderful with a variety of visits and interactions. It was filled with visit to play school at their Diwali party, interactions with hostelites, visits to the villages and parishioners and the ACI members. More colours and lights were added to this trip since it was the Diwali season! The very first day itself we were welcomed by the hostel girls. I was happy that I could contribute to them by sharing a little bit of English class on the following day. What has surprised me is that all of them are eager to know new things and very receptive. They are very capable and talented, which they showed in their cultural program at the Diwali party. Whatever I have heard earlier about the education among the tribals, I see great achievement in this area. Our sisters’ efforts are truly commendable.

On the 2nd day afternoon was planned the visit to “Bhuvaneswar”; one of the village I was waiting to visit. It was planned for 3 pm and the pouring rain and thunder started there from 2.55 pm. Once I felt bad at not getting to visit there. But thanks to Sr. Carmelita who made the arrangements fast and to Sr. Aruna for the courage to take us there even in that rain. That trip in the scooters was amazing! And reaching that village, we hardly saw any elders there. The people who were there came out after the rain, and Sita-Gita (hostel girls) were also found there. I was so excited with the rainbow which appeared there. I consider it as something special for us there. That evening we were blessed with the visit of Mother Mary’s statue in our convent. 

The following day was fully dedicated for the village visits. Morning Sr. Pearly took us to visit “Killa” village. We met many children there and all were happy to see us as well. They were very enthusiastic and energetic when we asked them to perform before everyone. I could also notice the positive influences our hostel girls make among their peer group in their villages. I am sure that they become a model for others when they go back to their villages.

Evening we could visit the “Palebudruk” village where we saw the results of our livelihood project. The villagers are very grateful to us for this initiative. The elderly ladies there shared with us how they lived before and how life has changed now. The generation gap was very visible there. What Sr. Lizzie said it is true I felt; that after a couple of decades, the whole tribal culture will see a great shift!

On Sunday, we could see our parishioners during the Holy Mass. I was thanking God on that day for allowing me to be in a Mission centre on a Mission Day! Evening we visited the houses of our parishioners. I was taken up by their warmth and affection in welcoming us. I felt their closeness to our sisters while they remembered our pioneer sisters at the mission there.

On Monday we visited the other three villages. Everywhere I could experience the hospitality of the villagers. One experience which touched me was during the visit to “Sanegauv”. While waiting for our hostel girls, Swati and myself went ahead to the house where many children were playing. When we reached their home, they all went inside and were quiet. We thought they all got frightened of us. But we found them inside the house, sitting in a line very well, keeping two chairs for us near them! Very spontaneous and they were ready to interact with us. We shared the things which we bought for them and all of them enjoyed it with much gratitude. One old lady who was in that house joined her hands when I gave her some sweets then. I was touched by this gesture.

I remembered all our sisters who worked very hard at our Roha mission, especially the beginners who had taken so much pain and struggles, to bring up our mission to this present state. Strong foundation was built at that time itself and thus we see our mission is flourishing now providing great support and help to the poor and needy.

What I take from all these experiences are, the visible signs of God’s continuous work through our mission and the positive changes in the lives of the tribals. I really appreciate the many helping hands and the tireless contributions of our social workers and the teachers too. Their collaboration is truly remarkable. I cannot forget the simple and smiling faces of the people in the villages and of course the beautiful nature of Roha!

I thank the Lord for all His blessing upon our mission there and pray to Him that He may continue to strengthen our works and allow many good things to happen through us. I thank Sr. Aleena and each one of the sisters in the Roha community for arranging a variety of experiences for us and accompanying us in the visits.

Ayana Mathew.aci

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25 years of Journey with Hope

Posted on by Bindu Michael

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.”(Psalm 100)

It is with great joy and gratitude that we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the erection of the Region of India in all our communities of the Region on 6th October 2022. On the same day we celebrated the 54th anniversary of our foundation in India.

So with sentiments of gratitude, we remembered the commitment, hard work, and sacrifices of our beloved sisters Josefa Queralt, Catherine Hanley, Maria Dolores Tena, Celia Garcia, and all the former Regional Superiors; Srs. Josefina LLach, Audry Andrade, Aleena Rodrigues and Margaret Durom. We gave thanks to the Lord for all the benefits received in the Region.

We had planned a thanksgiving Eucharist and fellowship along with aci family, benefactors, collaborators, our staff, and students. Each community celebrated the day in a very unique way with a creative liturgy.


We were able to begin 2 new shoots on this auspicious day with the help of Proacis Foundation. In snehanilaym, Kochi we blessed and inaugurated Sneha Nursery as part of the new vocational unit for Adults with Special Needs.

In Vyppin, we blessed and inaugurated the new Physiotherapy Centre in the presence of the parish priest, neighbours and aci family. The parish Priest, some delegates from the political parties, and the Government officials etc felicitated the sisters for this new initiative in that area,

We bow our heads with humility for His faithfulness to each one of us in the Region. Yes! This is what our hearts and souls were singing aloud at the end of the day…

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.”
His mercies never come to an end.
Great is Your faithfulness, O Lord,
Great is your faithfulness.”