Chennai (India). From 25 to 27 July 2025, the temporary Professed Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Indian Provinces St. Thomas the Apostle (INM) and Our Lady of the Snow (INT) and the students of the Provinces Mary Help of Christians (INC), Mater Ecclesiae (ING) and Immaculate Heart of Mary (INS), hosted in Chennai, in the INM provincial headquarters, met for the quarterly retreat.
Father Sathian Innasi, Franciscan (OFM), professor in Anugraha, Dindigul, led the young FMA on the topic of Positive Psychology, with particular attention to health and well-being in religious life.
The INM Provincial, Sister Margaret Devadoss, warmly welcomed the Temporary Professed, received them personally, and remained a constant presence, guiding them with maternal care for both days.
On 26 July, the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anna, the day began with a moment of prayer in memory of the grandparents and elderly Sisters. It was a time of gratitude and intercession for those who preceded them and inspired their journey of faith.
During this retreat day, Father Sathian gave three very engaging lectures. He first illustrated practical ways to make one’s vocation flourish and live happily, underlining the importance of emotional well-being and a balanced lifestyle. He then presented the Sisters with various forms of meditation that foster self-awareness and strengthen dedication to the mission, with a focus on altruism, encouraging them to live generously in the service of others. The evening conference was dedicated to an interior healing session, during which the preacher led reflection exercises that touched the hearts of many of them and brought a sense of peace, serenity, and renewal.
The last day, 27 July, was animated by the Provincial, Sister Margaret, who explored the FMA Constitutions, focusing in particular on the articles relating to the Mission and encouraging the young FMA to live the mission with passion, especially in their service among young people.
Sister Josephine Rani Susai, Provincial Formation Coordinator, facilitated group sharing, inviting the Sisters to reflect based on their year of profession, sharing the challenges faced in their mission realities, and proposing concrete solutions. Sharing fostered unity, creativity, and a deeper involvement in their apostolic calling.
Subsequently, the young Sisters joyfully presented the Cronistoria and the Formation Plan, Rooted in the Covenant. Recreational moments followed with games that strengthened bonds of sisterhood.
At the end of the activities, the Provincial expressed appreciation for the creative and committed participation of the Sisters. She also thanked Sister Josephine Rani for the good organization of the meeting and the Provincial Bursar, Sister Anna Kunnathu, for the preparation of the meeting place. Finally, she encouraged the Temporary Professed FMA to continue living their religious life with authenticity, enthusiasm, and joy. The Sisters returned to their respective communities enriched and renewed in spirit, reinvigorated in their motivations and in the assumption of their vocation.
