Pilgrims of Hope United in the Call
A profound spiritual program for the first phase of the second novitiate sisters took place in Dahanu from November 18th to December 18th, 2024.
1/19/20252 min read
A profound spiritual program for the first phase of the second novitiate sisters took place in Dahanu from November 18th to December 18th, 2024. This one-month journey, filled with prayer, reflections, sessions, and discussions, was an enriching and transformative experience. The program commenced with an inaugural service under the theme Pilgrims of Hope United in the Call, marking the beginning of this inter-provincial second novitiate. Sisters from five provinces—Madras (INM), Shillong (INS), Guwahati (ING), Bombay (INB), Bangalore (INK), and Trichy (INT)—participated, from the Bombay province: - Sr. Lavita Braganza, Sr. Vencila Dimekar, and Sr. Benzina Vayaghar was the part of this program.
The program covered a variety of topics that were diverse, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant to the lives of the consecrated. These topics ranged from personal growth to profound theological reflections. The sessions, led by different resource persons from both Salesians (SDBs) and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMAs), provided valuable insights into the sisters' spirituality.
Pilgrims of Hope United in the Call


The formation began with a session on the development of moral conscience, with a focus on psychological aspects. Notable discussions included Conscience for Faithful Living, which encouraged self-reflection and moral integrity, and Docibilitas, emphasizing the virtue of being teachable and receptive to God's will. Key lectures explored Jesus' Women Disciples and Great Women in the Bible, offering a fresh perspective on the role of women in Scripture, highlighting their courage, faith, and leadership. Further topics included Consecrated Life and the Evangelical Counsels, which deepened the understanding of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and Personal Discernment: The Inward Journey, guiding participants in recognizing God’s voice in their lives. The sessions on Emotional Wellbeing introduced tools for emotional intelligence in spiritual life, while Rooted in Christ: Prayer as a Journey helped sisters cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer.
A particularly moving session on Mission That Generates Life underscored the importance of sharing the Gospel message with the world. Canon Law on Consecrated Life provided legal insights into the sisters' spiritual commitments, while reflections on Youth Pastoral and the Desert Experience encouraged participants to reflect on their mission to guide young people and embrace solitude for spiritual renewal. The importance of being Pro-Life Warriors was also addressed, urging the sisters to defend life at all stages.
The month-long program concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude towards Provincial Sr. Meenakshi D’Silva, the community members, and all those who contributed to making the program a success. The sisters thanked them for the immense spiritual growth they experienced. This gratitude was expressed through a short cultural program on December 17th, featuring dances, skits, poems, and a song of thanks. The event was a joyful moment of reflection and celebration, and it also included the opportunity to extend Christmas wishes to the Provincial and the community. The program concluded with a Bombay Darshan on December 18th, where the sisters explored the historical and spiritual landmarks of Mumbai. This month-long journey in Dahanu was truly a transformative experience, helping the second novitiate sisters prepare themselves for their final commitment to God..


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