FMA PCI Social Communications Sector – Province Media Coordinators’ Updating Course 2025–2026 Seminar on Digital Well-being and Hope-filled Communication St. Mary’s Hill, Kurseong – 13th–15th November 2025

On 13th November 2025, the Province Media Coordinators gathered at the serene campus of St. Mary’s Hill, Kurseong, for the annual FMA PCI Social Communications seminar on Digital Well-being, Mental Wellness, and planning for the academic year 2025–2026. The Sisters of Cumta and Auxilium Convent extended a warm welcome with scarves and bright smiles, setting a tone of sisterly joy and unity.

The day began with the Eucharistic Celebration, invoking God’s blessings on all participants. The inaugural session opened with a prayer to the Holy Spirit, followed by an inspiring message from Rev. Sr. Majella Anto, FMA, who encouraged everyone to “share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts.” She reminded us that in a world marked by harsh communication and division, we are called to be communicators of healing, empathy, and peace—true bearers of H.O.P.E.

A major highlight of the day was the session led by Rev. Fr. C. M. Paul, SDB, a distinguished journalist, educator, and Vice Principal of Salesian College, Siliguri. Drawing from his rich global experience, he offered deep insights on Digital Wellness, emphasizing the need for balance between technology and life. He explained that digital tools, though powerful, can disconnect us from our inner selves if used unmindfully. Through engaging examples, he spoke about Artificial Intelligence, Digital Detox, and the need to reclaim silence, nature, and human presence as antidotes to digital fatigue.
He reminded us that digital detox is not rejection but redirection—a conscious effort to let technology serve us, not consume us.

The first day concluded with a renewed commitment to communicate with truthfulness, gentleness, and hope. The mountain breeze seemed to echo our shared prayer:
“Lord, make us instruments of Your communication—gentle, truthful, and filled with hope.”

Day 2: A Journey of Inner Wellness and Reflection

The second day began with a session on mental wellness conducted by Rev. Fr. Preetam Barla, SDB, a compassionate and seasoned psychologist. After introducing the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, he spoke about mindfulness across three dimensions of our being: the physical, spiritual, and energy bodies.
He addressed the universal experience of loneliness, offering practical and insightful strategies for healing. Through sound-based exercises—AHA (navel), E (chest), and OOU (throat)—he helped us activate and harmonize our inner energies.

Fr. Preetam then led us through transformative breathing techniques including Box Breathing, Waterfall Breathing, Candle Blowing, Kapalabhati, Bhramari, and Nadi Shodhana Pranayama. Each method aimed to calm the mind, strengthen focus, and ease inner stress.

He introduced Psycho-Geometry, helping us identify personality traits based on shapes such as the square, circle, rectangle, and zigzag. Motivational videos reinforced the importance of humility and presence in daily life. Using the Johari Window, we reflected on our open, hidden, blind, and unknown selves, gaining valuable self-awareness.

A meaningful activity followed, where each participant identified a personal challenge, rating its intensity on a scale of 1 to 5. The concluding exercise—drawing a “Tree of Life” with Maternal, Paternal, Unconscious, and Future sections—helped us understand our roots, qualities, relationships, challenges, and aspirations more deeply.

Before concluding, Fr. Preetam taught simple daily exercises—hand gestures, finger presses, palm rotations, Namaste posture, and gentle skull and stomach relaxation—to maintain harmony of body, mind, and spirit. The session ended with heartfelt gratitude and blessings.

Visit to Sonada, Thanksgiving Prayer, and Hospitality

After lunch, we visited Sonada Salesian College and St. Teresa’s Parish, both vibrant centers of the Salesian mission. We also spent time with the Holy Cross Sisters, witnessing their dedication and service. These visits offered inspiring glimpses into the educational and pastoral work flourishing in this region.

In the evening, we gathered for a meaningful Thanksgiving prayer service, expressing gratitude to one another, the host community, and the Provincials of the seven provinces. We concluded with a profound reflection from the late Pope Francis on communication, urging us to be instruments of communion, clarity, and compassion.

A warm and delicious dinner followed, during which we expressed our sincere thanks to Sr. Nirmala Tigga and the entire community for their exceptional hospitality. Their care and generosity made our stay in Kurseong both memorable and comforting.

Day 3: Scenic Outing to Darjeeling

The final day took us to the breathtaking landscapes of Darjeeling. The rolling hills, lush tea gardens, and panoramic mountain vistas filled us with wonder and peace. Amid nature’s beauty, we reflected, shared, and strengthened our bonds of sisterhood.

After three enriching days of learning, reflection, and communion, we returned to our provinces carrying valuable insights, renewed hope, and cherished memories to guide us in our personal and spiritual journeys.