Calcutta (India). From January 24 to 28, 2018 the Triennial Evaluation of the Interprovincial Conference of India (PCI), which includes 7 Provinces, is taking place. The Triennial Evaluation has two goals: to evaluate the post-chapter journey and offer suggestions for the theme of the next GC XXIV.
On January 23, Mother Yvonne Reungoat arrived at Mary Help of Christians Province of Kolkata (Calcutta), the city of joy, and of the 4th missionary dream of Don Bosco, together with the Visiting Councilor, Sr. Phyllis Neves, at the international airport of Natajii Subhas Chandra Bose. She was welcomed with a bouquet from the Provincial, Sr. Rose Ezarath, FMA, Students of Auxilium Dum Dum, parents, and Past Pupils. The students greeted Mother to the rhythm of the ‘Anando loke’, scattering rose petals and playing the pon-pon. Mother was accompanied to the Chapel and there she lit the traditional Indian lamp, symbol of God’s presence. Mother Yvonne expressed her joy at being part of the Province, happy to meet the sisters and the teachers, especially the children with their smiling faces.
The Evaluation began on January 24, 2018, with Morning Prayer and the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Msgr. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Calcutta. In his homily, he highlighted the tenderness and compassion so desired by St. John Bosco, drawing inspiration from the life of St. Francis di Sales, Patron of the Congregation, whose feast is celebrated that day.
There are 35 present at the Evaluation to represent the Provincial communities, including the Provincials, FMA delegates, lay people, and the young, together with Mother General and the four Councilors: Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, Sr. Alaide Deretti, Sr. Runita Borja, and Sr. Phyllis Neves.
There followed a time of welcome prepared by the Province located in the heart of Calcutta, the city of joy. The participants traveled through this land by recalling the ancient monuments noted for their traditional and patrimonial attraction. Then the participants were accompanied to the auditorium where about 700 students of Auxilium School presented the culture of West Bengal with varied artistic expressions that gave a taste of the wealth of this land and of its people.
After the ceremonial welcome, Mother General gave her message. She expressed gratitude for the welcome and called attention to the whole FMA world that is following them right now on the Institute Web Site.
Each day, Mother General Sr. Yvonne will make a presentation. On this first day, Mother Yvonne offered a meditation on the theme, “Remembering the Call”. She spoke to the participants of the beauty of our vocation as believers. She said that we must, “let ourselves be found by Jesus”. Only an encounter with Jesus can help us encounter others. After this, there was a group discussion that helped the participants to reflect on the theme proposed by Mother.
Another main event of the day was the presentation of the journeys. PCI shared the synthesis of the Province journeys, presenting the common processes, highlighting the steps and the journeys to strengthen. This was followed by a lively discussion. The day ended with Evening Prayer, supper, and a short recreation that united the FMA, laity, and young people.
The following days will continue with reflection on the themes proposed by Mother and will alternate times for study and interiorization and times for group dialog and sharing.
