The junior sisters of the INT Province gathered at Auxilium Provincial House for a dynamic and enriching two-day animation and trimonthly recollection on October 31 and November 1, 2024. This gathering offered the sisters an opportunity to deepen their spiritual lives, reflect on their vocational journey, and strengthen the bonds of community. Upon arrival, the sisters were welcomed into a vibrant evening of lively recreation, filling the Provincial House with joy and camaraderie. The evening concluded with an inspiring Good Night thought from the Mother Provincial, setting the tone for a meaningful and reflective gathering.
A day of Animation
The celebration of Deepavali on October 31 infused the event with special significance as the liturgy and morning prayer were themed around light. The community invoked the Lord to make each of them a beacon of light in the world. The day began with a solemn Holy Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Louis OCD, marking the day with spiritual fervor.Rev. Sr. Fernando Majella delivered an insightful talk on Consecrated Life, addressing the sisters’ call by the Church, the Congregation, and the World. This powerful session invited the sisters to explore the essence of their vocation with renewed understanding. Sr. Fernando posed questions for personal reflection and encouraged contemplation of the Constitutions’ key articles:
- Article 38: Emphasis on Prayer Life
- Article 50: Focus on Community Life
- Article 69: Reflection on Mission Life
Adding an element of creativity to their reflections, the sisters were invited to draw symbols representing their vocational journeys, allowing each of them to visually express their path and commitment. The Mother Provincial took the time to engage with each sister individually, showing profound interest and care in their personal and spiritual well-being. This one-on-one interaction left the sisters feeling encouraged and supported in their unique paths.
The sisters were delighted to share tea in smaller groups according to their respective batches, which fostered a warm and familial atmosphere. The evening concluded with a beautiful Marian car procession around the campus, joined by the Novitiate community, in honor of the last day of the Rosary month. This act of devotion highlighted their love for Mary and was a fitting end to the month dedicated to her. During the evening session, the junior sisters presented their artistic representations of their vocational journeys, sharing personal insights and creative reflections. The Mother Provincial closed the day with an apt Good Night message, acknowledging each sister’s unique journey and their contributions to the community.
Solemnity of All Saints – A Day of Recollection
November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, was a fitting day for the community’s trimonthly recollection. The sisters gathered in the portico, where they pinned broaches and processed to the chapel as the hymn “O, When the Saints” played. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated with solemn reverence by Rev. Fr. Francis SDB, infusing the day with a sense of sanctity.
Following the Mass, the community joined in morning prayer, after which the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. The sacrament of Confession was made available with Rev. Fr. Louis, OCD, allowing the sisters a moment for personal renewal and grace. At 10:30 a.m., Rev. Fr. Xavier Terrance delivered a thought-provoking talk on the spirituality of St. Paul, drawing from his letters to the Corinthians. He covered six key themes from these letters:
- Christian Identity
- Christian Faith
- Christian Maturity
- Christian Ministry
- Christian Unity
- Christian Suffering
These reflections on St. Paul’s teachings inspired the sisters to embrace these spiritual virtues in their own lives, strengthening their commitment to their mission. In the afternoon, Fr. Devaraj was present for additional confessions, providing a final opportunity for spiritual renewal. With a heart full of grace and encouragement, the sisters shared a final cup of tea and then departed for their respective communities, taking with them a renewed sense of purpose and unity.
This two-day animation and recollection event was a true blessing, offering the junior sisters of the INT Province an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and recommit themselves to their vocation and mission.
