The Aci family from three different groups from the Region of India met together at Mangalore on 1st and 2nd March 2018 for their first national meeting as part of the celebration of the 50 glorious years of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in India. Not a small period at all. A brain child of our foundress Sr.St. Raphaela Mary Porras y Ayllon “a gift to the world”.
A trip down memory lane displays the ample dedication by the followers of St. Raphaela in the service of God and one’s fellowmen echoing the intention of St.Raphaela: “My life must be a continual act of love and service”. She wanted to give her all to ‘”GOD” because of His greatness and our littleness. She spelt out the chief Charism of the congregation, and that is “To forgive, to be reconciled, to unite ourselves and to be healed, through Reparation’, The Holy Eucharist was at the centre of the mission with Eucharistic Adoration and Reparation.
As for me, I was drawn to the Congregation and joined the ACI family 10 years ago, We are considered as the extended family of the Handmaids and have our meetings on the last Wednesday of every month, a topic chosen for discussion, followed my adoration and thereafter fellowship.
The Charism of the Institution prompted me to attend daily Mass, with visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and devotion to the Divine Mercy thus enhancing my spiritual life.
Many a times I was asked as to why I visited the Blessed Sacrament almost daily, At that time I had no concrete answer to give, But ever since I spent my two days in Mangalore, I learnt the reason why I spent time with our Lord in the Blessed sacrament. May be at the back of my mind was to imitate the charism of our foundress, St. Raphaela whose entire life was based on her unshakable devotion to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and towards making Reparation. Indeed being in Mangalore was a dream come true along with my fellow sisters, I experienced a new outlook to serve the Lord more deeply jelling the Divine with Nature, not forgetting Sr. Bridgette’s contribution to the Healing service and Holy Spirit – filled conducting of the Holy Hour which was so edifying.
It is not easy to put down every detail of what I learnt. I left Mangalore with fond memories and it will go a long way in cementing our relationship knowing that we are called to serve Our Lord by following the charism of St. Raphaela Mary. I am convinced that our foundress is looking down from high above and spiritually directing her mission here on earth.
All glory to God for this wonderful experience and thanks to the Parish Priest Fr. Vincent and Fr. Walter for their warm welcome to each one of us, for their constant support and cooperation. Sr. Margaret Durom, Regional Superior, for her meticulous planning of the entire programme and the grace to listen patiently to her voice ,enlightening us about St. Raphaela spirituality and its charism ,Sr. Suvarna Superior of the Mangolore community who worked tirelessly for the lovely arrangements by taking care of our stay and tasty delicacies, Sr. Bridgette, Coordinator for this program ,for being so vibrant and instrumental in planning and organizing the whole programme and conducting lively sessions with group discussions and appropriate use of audio visual material. To all the sisters of the Handmaids of the Sacred of Jesus for their help and kind disposition who worked selflessly with one heart and one mind and for bringing us all together for the first Regional gathering of the Aci family, wherein, all aci committed participants along with benefited immensely from these interactions with spiritually fulfilling experiences. Special thanks to Sr. Sheeba our aci coordinator from Mumbai community for her motivation and encouragement. Last but not the least a big thank you to all the parishioners for displaying their talents in a cultural programme which was outstanding followed by dinner.
I would like to end with the words of our foundress “Eucharist never finishes in the life of the Handmaids”
I bring the whole world to Jesus in Adoration” and give Christ to others as well as experience Christ with each of us. Mrs.Vivette Pereira ( Mumbai)
ACI family gathering was a beautiful experience. We enjoyed more than we expected or we thought off. We came to know more about St. Raphaela Mary and about the congregation very closely. We understood not only prayer but giving importance to prayer, and if we do anything with sacrificial mentality it can be fulfilled. We will not get this kind of experience from anywhere .Most important thing was that we were able to mingle with the ACI family members from the other states. Language was a problem but slowly our fear of language disappeared and we realized that the language of love was enough to communicate.
Sisters and the Novices treated us and welcomed us very lovingly. It gave us lot of joy and happiness. When we took the commitment we became aware of St. Raphaela Mary’s presence with us and she will also intercede for us. We felt happy and proud of being part of the ACI Congregation sisters. We have decided to encourage more girls to join this congregation and by sharing our experience we will try to bring more members to ACI family. We are very proud of being part of this group . Mrs.Mini Willson -Vyppin
This was the first and new experience for going for the programme which made me very enthusiastic. I thank Srs. Margaret and Brigit who organized and invited all of us for the ACI gathering at Mangalore.
I was very happy to attend the Inaugural session conducted by Sr.Brigit. I like the place where we were accommodated very silent and clean place. The sessions held by Sr.Margaret about Rapheala Mary touched my heart. The way Sr.Brigit elaborated the life of Rapheala Mary made me keener to know about her. The group discussion and the sharing of our feelings made us to know each other. The Mass was very nice and overwhelming.
The knowledge shared with us about our Earth and planet was amazing and I was impressed by it. The cultural programme held by the members of the Parish made all of us happy and enthusiastic. I would like to thank all the sisters’ especially Sr.Suvarna for the delicious food. Thank you for all the care and concern which you have shown to us…you have taken trouble to make this trip a memorable one…May God bless all of you. Ms.Kamal Satpal -Mumbai
On Feb 27th 1018, 12 members of the ACI family along with the handmaids journeyed on towards mangalore. On our long train journey we were accompanied by 10 members from Roha. The groups from Cochin n Vipon joined us at our destination on the 28th. Sr. Survana of Paldane Mangalore welcomed each and every one. The two days seminar was very interesting with talks, dialogues, video clips and slides display given by Sr. Margaret Regional Superior and Sr. Bridget ACI fly Co-ordinator. They did a wonderful job of interpretation in Malayalam. They very well explained the history of ACI fly and the charism of Saint Raphaela Mary and to give importance to the daily Eucharist and Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
On 1st and 2nd March, being the birth day and Baptisam of Saint Raphaela Mary we had the cake cutting ceremony. I agree to what Sr. Margaret pointed out that the best wine was kept for the last, That is the wonderful performance put up by the parishioners of Paldane of the ROCE ceremony of the Mangalorians. It was simply awesome. Each and every one loved the whole enactment of the ROCE and wedding ceremony. My sincere gratitude goes out to the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart who went out of their way to arrange the two days function. Sr Survana and her team for the two days arrangement. Sisters Margaret and Bridget for their heart provoking talks. Also each and every one who made it possible to attend the jubilee function and make it a grand success. Through the intercession of Saint Raphaela Mary we all had a safe and sound journey. Mrs.Bernadette Gonsalves – Mumbai
Visiting and participating the ACI gathering at Mangalore in St.Rapheala Mary Convent was indeed was a wonderful experience. The life of St.Rapheala Mary touched me deeply as I heard her life story. Her humble nature and forgiving attitude are the qualities which we should imbibe in our lives. Her communication with Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament teach me to spent my time with Jesus not only in trails but each and every moment of my life. Each visit to the Blessed Sacrament brings me closer to HIM who is waiting for me.
I truly learnt that St.Rapheala Mary followed the footsteps of Jesus by being the servant, even though she was the superior she rendered her service to the community. I pray that may she touch the lives of many more people to follow the footsteps of Jesus. I Thank God for the wonderful opportunity to take part and to know many more other members of the ACI Family. Mr.Cyrus Mysquita – Mumbai
I came to know more about St.Raphaela Mary and the Eucharist which was the center of her life. Sisters shared with us the history of the ACI Family,International Assemblies,Mission of the Institute. Sr.Margaret shared that God loves us a lot but we forget to return that love. Adoration is exposed in all the chapels of the Handmaids, so we should spent more time in front of the Blessed Sacrament in prayer.
Because of my experience in Mangalore , I will bring more youth to ACI family. The most touching experience there for me was that I was able to take the commitment in the ACI Family. All those who came for this gathering with me was also very very happy.Mrs.Rosmi Mello -vyppin