Mission has its roots in the love of God. Theory becomes realistic when we do practicals. And so we the novices were sent to the different communities of our province for an experience of knowing and learning the charism and different apostolic works of our institute.
“It’s hard to forget something which gave you so much to remember.”
My heart has always longed to go to the missions and that bright day finally dawned on the 17th of August when I left to be with the Sisters in Pansora, Gujarat. The warm welcome took away all my nervousness. The language was not a problem at all and so I could understand the people, be it at school, in the villages or in the boarding. The unity among the sisters and their understanding of each other made it seem like they were really like Marthas and Marys. The boarding, the school and the village apostolate did tire them yet they brought joy to those they interacted with.
After having spent ten days in Pansora I left for Baroda. It was here that I stayed for a month. The school work, SHG works , Parish catechesis, remedial classes, both in English and in Gujarati and the outings gave me confidence, lot of interest to give myself, a smile and inner joy and satisfaction of my vocation. It seemed like a very busy community, each involved in their mission but also busy in making a happy family. I wish to extend a big thank you to Sr.Rita Dora for sending me to Gujarat, animators- Sr.Nayana Vankar and Sr.Rita Lobo and their community Sisters for their generosity, guidance and encouragement. May the Lord bless you abundantly.
Sr. Prezy Parmar
On the 16th of August, I placed my first step in the community of Oros. Sr. Pricilla Travasso, the animator of the community and all the Sisters gave me a warm welcome and at once I felt at home.
During my one and half month stay the Sisters gave me lots of opportunities to understand the kind of life I was going to embrace. The tasks that that were assigned to me were to assist the boarders and ACC girls, to teach the NIOS students, to help weak children in their studies. The mission in the village and catechism in the school and community life gave me a real test of the Salesian way of life.
During the period of my Apostolic experience, I admired each and every Sister and was taken up by their unity, openness, hard work, willingness, love, care, kindness, thoughtfulness, self-sacrifices, concern and foreseeing nature, joviality and cheerfulness. Their words of encouragement and prayerful support helped me to have fruitful community experience. I am very grateful to Sr.Pricilla and the Sisters of the community for helping me to understand my call. Sr. Rani Pandit
On the 17thof August, I reached to the community of Carona for my Apostolic Experience. I was to stay there for 10 days. I received a hearty welcome from the Sisters and boarders. I was given an opportunity to assist the children in school and boarding.
On the 29thof August, I was sent to the community of Benaulim. Looking at the cheerful faces of Sisters my fears and nervousness disappeared and made me feel at home. Here to I was given the task to assist the children in school.
The sisters of both communities were kind, understanding, loving, cheerful and enthusiastic. They were firm with the children yet loving. They seemed ever ready to save the souls of young as our charism calls us to do – ‘Da mihi animas’ making Don Bosco‘s motto their own and following in the footsteps our founder. I thank the animators of these communities for giving me an all-around experience i.e. of prayer, conference, table fellowship and recreation. Their sisterly reminders helped me to improve myself and grow in love for Christ.
I am grateful to the Provincial Sr. Rita Dora, Sr.Agatha Dias, animator of the Benaulim community and Sr. Rosy Mascarenhas, animator of the Carona community for their support and guidance to make my experience fruitful one.
Sr.Khushboo Vasava
Gratitude for small things makes an everyday gift. It makes sense of our past, brings joy for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. I feel thrilled when I think of the past one and a half month I spent at Nandgad, for my apostolic experience. I am indeed grateful to our the Provincial and the council.
The much awaited day
It was the 17th of August when at last I reached to the community of Nandgad. I was very happy and excited. I saw the joy and happiness on faces of the Sisters as I entered. They welcomed me with a beautiful smile that really did not make me feel that I had gone there for the first time.
The life lived and shared in the community
I stayed with the sisters in the community the animator, Sr. Angeline and community sisters they shared their responsibility, their joys, sorrows together. There was a spirit of Mornese which kept them together. Within a day I too found myself among the Sisters and I felt like I am also a part of the community.
Mission among the poor and the young
I would go to the school together with Sr. Akshita Lobo. I was with the UKG children. In the school, though they were poor but their hearts were big. They were very simple and approachable and loved by all the Sisters especially Sr. Shanti Fernandes, the headmistress. I admired her and also learned from her how she used to work tirelessly in order that children may get the scholarship so they can study and become something in life. I was also going to assist during break time.
Selfless service rendered to the house of God
I also had the experience of going to the ‘sub-stations’ where we would participate in the Eucharist and take catechism for the children. I never heard the word ‘tired’ from the Sisters although they were busy the entire day. I realized it was the joy they received from the missions that gave them the strength and enthusiasm to go on. I got the chance to visit all five sub-stations. I met a lot of people and even though I did not know the language, their smile was enough to feel one with them.
The Unforgettable Experience
I went to Tangudama with Sr. Angeline Fernandes. There I met Sr. Anita Gracias and Sr. Smita Monis. They were staying with the poor children; taking care of them as their mothers. Looking at those innocent faces I felt to stay there. Within two days they became so close to me that I did not want to leave them. I will never forget this experience.
I am indeed very grateful to Sr. Angeline Fernandes and all the Sisters and also the children who made my experience a memorable one. Thank you.
Sr. Jennifer Macwan
With hearts filled with gratitude, we thank our Provincial Sr Rita Dora, our Novice Formator Sr Salome D’Souza and all the Sisters of our province for their prayers and support during our communitarian apostolic experience.
2nd year Novices
SHTC – Nashik