Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It makes sense of our past, brings peace today, and creates visions for tomorrow. To continue the tradition of the Institute, the Province of M.M.Mumbai (Madhya Maharashtra) celebrated its Provincial Gratitude day on 13th Feb 2021 at MYC Wadala, on the theme “THANKS FOR BUILDING BRIDGES OF SOCIAL FRIENDSHIP FOR A CARING SOCIETY.” The preparation for the same had begun a month ago inviting each community to look back on the past years which were filled with many blessings and give thanks to God through Lectio Divina and the acts of charity, enabling us to build bridges of social friendships.
Provincial Gratitude Day began with the inauguration of the new extended Auditorium Hall for AMAR Media Centre, blessed by Fr. James Nigrel, the parish priest of Our Lady of Dolours Church, Wadala. In the evening, the vigil service was animated by the community of Maria Vihar, Nashik; calling the group of councillors, animators, Sisters and Novices to thank our dear Provincial, Sr. Rita Dora for shoring all the communities together into a bridge of social friendships for a caring society. Recreation was made lively and enthusiastic, full of laughter and joy by the community of Pali Hill and the games were organized by Sr. Rita Lobo, Sr. Nilima Rodrigues and Sr. Antonette Rebello. Later, grateful words were shared by our Provincial based on the theme.
To sing to God in gladness on this great and auspicious day, the Sisters gathered together to give thanks to God through the Morning Prayer animated by the community of SJTC; followed by sharing the joy of cutting cake by Sr. Rita Dora and her councillors. To mark this day of appreciation and gratefulness, the cultural programme was conducted by the Sisters, novices, Anmol girls, and VTC youngsters expressing their love and gratitude based on the theme, to our beloved Provincial for enriching their lives over these past 6 years. The book ‘Novena to Mother Mazzarello’ was released on this happy occasion.
Counting all the blessings and graces which God has showered on us, the Province together with the Provincial lifted up their ‘THANKS’ to God in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Director of the Don Bosco Shrine, Matunga. The liturgy of the Mass was creatively animated by Sr. Santana Pereira. To celebrate this communion of Christ, the sisters shared the meals together as a sign of God’s love for each of us and in our province.
Indeed, this Provincial Gratitude Day 2021, unlocked the fullness of life, bringing us all together to share and partake in the joy of our dear Mother Provincial in building bridges of friendships and relationships in the communities and in the societies.
