Encounter on the hills.: 27th August 2022 at 4.30a.m.: welcomes Mother Chiara Cazzuola on the mountain terrain of Bandra. God’s abode is the everlasting hills. Hence man meets God on the hill- tops of serenity. La Madre’s morning along with her team was up on the little Mount. Fantastic! loftier the height deeper the foundation. Mary mirror’s the same. Higher the degree of her holiness profoundly deep is her humility. How Beautiful! Mother Chiara and the two councillors Sr. Ruth and sr. Runita kept to the primitive yet novel tradition…..it all began with Mary…….their visit too……. A pilgrimage begins to Mount Mary’s shrine seeking her blessings and accompaniment, then visiting the neighbours of the congregation of the Sister Hospitallers a hallowed spot for us as our pioneers stayed there.
At 6.00p.m.the banqueting hall of Incredible India was ready at Auxilium Pali hill and the maiden on her journey with two councillors steeped in and a warm welcome accorded with showering petals, Aarti and garlands ushered La Madre into another spiritual encounter with the Almighty in the chapel intoning refrains of praises, love and worship. This led to the Eucharistic banquet presided by the Rt. Rev. Bishop John Rodrigues togther with six concelebrants. The introduction to the mass brought forth the 150,100 and 40 years of fruitfulness in symbol and word. His Lordship once again touched upon humility to be in sync with the gospel message. The added feature was the prayer of the faithful. The evenings programme brought forth the cultural folk dances of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and the crowning dance of the phenomenon woman a replica of La Madre a phenomenon of Grace. Speeches in Italian and English were delivered tastefully by the school leaders welcoming and wishing Mother and the two councillors well being. Sisters from all over the province, present pupils, past pupils and salesian cooperators and well wishers were present with shawals, bouqets and garlands for the felicitation. The finale was made solemn with La Madre’s words of appreciation and Brave to one and all for their fine performance and a warm parting wish of Good night.
The early hours of the 28th August warmly welcomed Mother General with her two councillors at M.Y.C.(Mazzarell0 Youth Welfare Center) Wadala in the Amar Auditorium amidst a large gathering of sisters. Sr. Aruna Castellino’s high rating welcome was history running into a manuscript of three pages. No detail was missed from its inception and it was a first hand reckoner to La Madre to know about the origins of our beginnings that started from Wadala a hub of all F.M.A. activity. The welcome address was in Italian and so made comprehending easy. Then followed the felicitation of shawls and floral tribute. This was followed by the morning prayer on Fidelity for the two jubilarians Sr Marina Fernandes celebrating Golden and Sr. Anette N. Diamond. Sr. Rita Dora the animator of the house briefed us about the F.M. A journey Mother Chiara and the councillors had made. Then the two jubilarian cut their cake and were falicitated.
Then we had a message delivered by Mother General. In her message she underscored the words; “I entrust them to you” and reminded all the sisters that ours is not a one time call but continuous by being present to the young, generating life by being caring. She exhorted us to read the cronistoria to improve on relationships. She also asked us to be humble and have apostolic passion of courage like our six pioneers. Then there was the open forum of questionnaire which La Madre responded to together with Sr. Ruth and Sr. Runita.
At 11.45 a.m. during the Eucharist the chief celebrant was Fr. Savio Silvera sdb and the other con celebrants, one of them was Sr. Anette’s brother. The introduction at mass highlighted the jubilarians, the provincial, Mother General and the councillors with symbols like rings , living monument of gratitude of Mary Help of Christians, lights and the word of God. Fr. Savio at the homily spelt the characteristics of brother Artimati Zati noted for his poverty and simplicity and soon to be canonized. Then he said we religious must emulate the saint zati and be generous with no strings attached and the punch line especially to the jubilarians being may you continue collecting rainbows in your life.
Then followed the celebrations. Sr. Minal raised the toast. Sr. Marina replied to it on a note of thanks. The M.C . dressed in the attire of Mary Mazzarello amused us all with the application of Mother Mazzarello’s words. There was also the wedding march and felicitations to the jubilarians, Mother General, councillors sr. Ruth and Sr. Runita and Fr. Savio the provincial. Finally the vote of thanks was proposed by sr. Iona to La Madre and the councillors followed by a high lunch. It was day to be remembered as it was graced by the loving presence of our beloved Mother Chiara together with Srs. Rutha and Runita.
Novices of Sacred Heart Novitiate – Encounter Mother Chiara Cazzuola!!
3.00pm, was an eagerly awaited moment for us the Novices of Sacred Heart Novitiate – Nashik, and the memory of its unfolding will remain etched in our hearts. We had the great joy and privilege of meeting our Superior General Rev. Mother Chiara Cazzuola, who takes the place of our beloved Co-Foundress St. Mary Mazzarello herself, and along with her, the two visiting councillors Sr. Ruth del Pilar and Sr. Runita Borja. We had known and seen Mother Chiara only online, through the digital media and in photographs and now meeting her in person, so close, so real, and experiencing her motherly presence, was for us a dream come true moment. Mother Chiara, gave us a message, that seemed to come straight from the heart of Mother Mazzarello who often asked her novices, Are you happy? Are you Cheerful??It was indeed a wonderful time, being with Mother General and her councillors. The atmosphere at MYC Wadala was full of cheer and happiness. It was overwhelming to see the eldest to the youngest sisters so happy and graceful. Above all we could breathe the strong spirit of Mornese all around us. It was a day to be remembered forever.
3.30p.m. the Temporary Professed met Mother General and her Councilors as a group and greeted her with a joyous song and dance. Mother Chiara then made the unique moment even more personal by allowing the Temporary professed to ask her whatever questions or doubts they had, though she had prepared some message for us. In their interaction, Sr. Jennifer Macwan asked Mother of her feelings while taking up this great task of animation, to which Mother Chiara analogically compared herself to an ant and the Institute to an elephant, recognizing that the task at hand was enormous but not impossible. She made us realize that we are never alone as she has recognized over the time gone by. Sr. Minal Bhosale acknowledged with gratitude the interest taken at the Centre for the formation of the Sisters at all levels through the various documents that have been recently published and through the guidelines offered now and again. Sr. Akshita Lobo curiously asked Mother Chiara to tell the group about how she joined the FMA Institute. Mother gave us a convincing answer in explaining to us the attraction she felt both to the Sisters she encountered at some stage of her life along with the desire to be married and have her own children. She felt the Lord answering her desire to do both in being part of the Salesian Family in which being a religious also means being a mother to countless youngsters entrusted to us in the mission.
10.30p.m. Arrival at Goa: Our beloved Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola along with her councillors Sr. Runita Borja and Sr. Ruth del Pilar Mora were joyfully welcomed as soon as the plane landed in Goa, by the Air India Staff and the team of superiors of the Goa region gave them a hearty welcome and a floral tribute They then proceeded to the community of Benaulim, who were eagerly awaiting their arrival.
29the August at 8.30 a.m the sisters of the Goa – Karnataka region gathered in the St. Francis Xavier – Benaulim, Convent Hall and welcome our beloved sisters with a loud, cheering applause. We had a short prayer moment, followed by heartfelt words of welcome. With a melodious blend of voices the sisters then sang their welcome song led by the community of Auxilium Caranzalem. Gifts, along with a potted plant, a sincere expression of our love were given to La Madre, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, Sr. Runita and Sr. Ruth. With open hearts and minds, the sisters were ready to listen to the words of wisdom and advice of La Madre. Sr. Chiara Cazzuola began with these loving words that seemed to break all barriers, “It is one thing to see the maps, but another thing to see the place; it is one thing to see the names on the pages of a book but another to see the face behind every name. Life changes when we meet people rather than communicate from far.” The students of the school entertained all with their songs and dances.
We also had the honour of having a few sisters from the congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI), members of the Salesian Family, who also expressed their sentiments of joy and thanks.
Thereafter, Sr. Runita Borja, the councillor for Youth Pastoral addressed all the members of the Salesian Family and educating community. She told us that, we are a family and our mission is to work to lift others, especially the poor and the youth. She then gave us an acronym – LIFT. L is for ‘Listen,’ listen first, so that after listening we can reach out to help. I is for ‘Include’. Include all with no competition, no difference of caste, creed, colour; every individual is important. F is for ‘Find.’ look for solutions. No person however highly educated has the solution to all problems. Everyone should be included in helping solve problems. T is ‘Take Action.’ Transform and improve the situation by taking action. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Felix Fernandes, Provincial of the Salesian Konkan Province. In his homily, he spoke about the life of St. Mary Mazzarello. He compared her to Abraham, the father of faith as she too allowed God to lead her wherever He wanted. He urged us to imitate her virtues especially those of humility, piety and holiness. After the Eucharist La Madre thanked Fr. Felix and the con celebrants. The day concluded on a joyful note with an agape meal. All those present received a memento of this memorable day. They returned back to Mumbai late night at 12.30 a.m of 30th August.
3.00pm to 6.00pm : Cultural visit to Goa: The most historic place in Goa is the Old Goa where the relics of St. Francis Xavier is preserved. It was a memorable day for our Mother General and the councillors.
30th August at.8.45a.m. Italian Mass at the Crypt Of the shrine Matunga Don Bosco. Fr. Ashely Miranda Sdb celebrated the same. They were invited by the Provincial for a cup of coffee and exchanged family news.
10.30a.m. Auxilium School Wadala: They came, they saw, they were enthralled. This can be rightly said about the most anticipated event at Auxilium Wadala. Mother General Rev. Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, accompanied by the General Councillors Rev Sr. Runita Borja and Rev. Sr .Ruth Mora Del Pilar entered the portals of Auxilium Convent High School ,Wadala in the morning at 10.30am .She was given a befitting welcome with traditional Indian Arati, and draping with shawls as our hospitality knew no bounds. School Girls cheered and danced as she passed them on her way to the AIPS (Auxilium International Pre Sschool) children who put their best foot forward in their own inimitable manner singing, dancing as well as speaking few words in Italian while greeting our guests.
She then proceeded to the basement and greeted the primary as well as Pre-Primary students. They waved and welcomed mother with flowers, emojis of smile. Mother Chiara continued to walk to Sr. Berta Hall where she met with a thunderous applause as all 3 Sisters entered. A Welcome Song commenced after the dignitaries were formally announced. It was performed by the secondary pupils. Next a novel dance concept portraying India ‘s patriotic fervour was depicted with synchronizing dance steps and rhythm on the theme. ‘ONE NATION, ONE EMOTION, ONE IDENTITY’ .It was a mesmerizing performance getting an ovation from the audience. Our primary students then belted out 3 different songs in English ,Marathi ,and Italian. This touched the cords of Mother General’s heart as it spoke about our Co- foundress.
3.00p.m. – 8.15 p.m. Virtual Pilgrimage and cultural Visit around Mumbai : Sr. Philomena Dsouza the guide of the Pilgrimage took Mother General and Councillors around Mumbai to some of the most important historic places. The visited gateway of India, famous International Hotel Taj, sewri cemetery (FMA cemetery). Etc.
8.15p.m to 10.00p.m Thanksgiving Prayer and closing of the Maiden visit: All the sisters of the Mumbai houses gathered in Provincial house Bandra for a Short and meaningful prayer service in thanking the Lord for the memorable and most precious days of grace of the visit of Mother General. All the sisters sang a song of thanksgiving in Italian and blessing song in English. Mother General thanked all the sisters for the most wonderful time and for the Fidelity with which we carry out our mission in this province. They sang a Spanish blessing song. After a meal together Mother General gave a precious medal of St. Mary Mazzarello. She blessed all of us. Thus the curtain closed to the maiden visit of Mother General.
31st August 2022, at 6.30a.m. left the shores of India to the International airport to forward journey to the Province of Chennai. Thank you dear Mother General Rev. Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, General Councillors Rev Sr.Runita Borja and Rev. Sr .Ruth Mora Del Pilar. God be with you and we all love you.
