The participants of the renewal programme (batches 1994 & 1997) arrived at Bethel Prayer Centre, Barapani on April 6, 2010. Comprising both the batches, there were 33 sisters to attend the three week-long programme. The prayer service organized in the evening created an atmosphere of serenity and warmth to welcome all the participants and to set afoot the momentum for the renewal programme.
Sr. Nancy Augustine, Vicar General of the Congregation cordially extended her welcome to all and made everyone feel at home with her gentle guidance and directions. She was present with the group throughout the programme with her timely interventions, goodnight thoughts, guided meditations, personal encounters and wise advices. Sr. Mary Thadavanal, Superior General spent two days with the group guiding them to reflect on the identity, call and mission of Congregation.
Fr. Albert D' Sylva S.J., Br. Dermot Barret CFC, Fr. Gratian Carlo S.J., Sr. Philomena Mathew MSMHC, Sr. Christine Mynsong MSMHC, Mr. Probal Ghosh, Fr. Roy Antony SDB and Sr. Ancy John MSMHC were the resource persons of the programme. On the first day and on several other days, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Bishop Jose Mukkala. The participants genuinely appreciated his homilies which were rich with reflections from his own life experiences and Word of God.
Besides the sessions by the resource persons on the selected topics, the group was given ample chances for group sharing, prayer and reflection. Pilgrimage to the tomb of Bishop Stephen Ferrando, the Founder of the Congregation on April 22, offered a wonderful occasion to get to the roots and to be renewed in spirit. The presence of Fr. K.A. Joseph SDB, who celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the arrival of the group in Peachlands was a coincidence. His homily on the life of our founder, his missionary zeal and dedication enthused the group. His reminiscence on the bygone years spent with the founder during his formation at Shillong touched the hearts of all. Visit to DBCIC (Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture), Mary Immaculate Novitiate, Mawroh were part of the day's package.
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