MSMHC presence in the Parish of SS.Nome di Gesu' in Turin City

The Genesis of the Turin City Parish and the MSMHC of Italian Delegation is a story noteworthy of recalling. Since the inception of the Italian Delegation back in 2004 and Don Bosco  Crocetta as a Delegation office.  However, there was always problem existed regarding accommodation of the sisters whenever need arise. Therefore, there was a sheer need to have a proper place/ community in the heart of Turin City apart from Don Bosco Theological College Crocetta. 

Many attempts were made to procure a house for the delegation but somehow it was never realized. In 2014, the Diocese of Turin invited the msmhc to collaborate in the Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes in Forno di Coazze. The invitation was accepted, thus extending our mission in that Sanctuary of Lourdes.  Though, it was  appropriate place to render our service to the  pilgrims who come to  visit this Sanctuary. However, the problem was that, this Sanctuary being situated high on the mountain, the activities in this sanctuary was seasonal, that is precisely from April to October (spring and summer seasons respectively). In order to give accommodation to the sisters serving in this Sanctuary the Delegation enter into contract with Sisters of Picolle Serve di Sacra Cuore in Viale Catone, Valsalice Turin for their ex-novitiate building .  This served the Delegation for two purposes.  Transit house for the sisters especially as a winter home for the sisters working in the Sanctuary and at the same time utilize for Animations, conference and for hosting friends and guests. Since, to get accommodations is a big problem in Europe.

On 2^nd February 2017, at 3:30pm we had official blessing of the new house. Don Roberto Populin officiated the blessing of the house. Don Guido assisted Don Roberto in carrying out the rite of blessing. Then after Sr. Marta invited Sr. Leena the incharge and introduced her to Parish priest and Don Guido and the parishers present on the occasion. Sr. Marta thanked Archbishop Nosiglia Cesere , don Domenico and don Roberto and others whose supports make our presence in this place a reality. She gave a token to the newly community form members Sr. Leena and Ausilia and to Don Roberto, Don Guido and few parishers present. After the official installation of the new community, there was a short refreshment party, which everyone happily shared, and then the gathering ended at around 4:30pm. 
Sisters who came to take part in the new house inauguration after having attended the Installation program of the Delegate superior left for their respective places, while Delegation Superior and her new formed team had their first Council Meeting in this new community. 

Installation Ceremony of the Delegate Superior of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, Italian Delegation, 2 February 2017. 

On 2 February 2017, on the Solemnity of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the MSMHC of St. Teresa of Child Jesus of Italy Delegation had the Installation Ceremony of the reappointed Delegate Superior Sr. Marta Do Rosario and her new team at Don Bosco Institute Crocetta Turin.

Highlights of the Day:

At around 9:00, the sisters from different communities arrived at Crocetta and had their breakfast. At 10 am, everyone gathered in the community chapel for the solemn Mass.  The main celebrant was Don Paolo Paolucci sdb, the professor of Theological College Crocetta,   concelebrated with Don Roberto Populin the Parish Priest of Santa Croce and SS. Nome di Gesὺ.  Before the Mass the compeer of the day Sr. Piholi Leena, intimated the Mass procedure and the rest of the day’s event. Sr. Lincy Thomas welcomed everyone to the Eucharistic Celebration and proposed introduction for the Mass. Sr. Mary P.C the Vice Delegate read the scripture reading while Sr. Angeline Lotsuro read the responsorial Psalm.  

In his homily, Don Paolo gave a beautiful reflection on the consecrated life in three points: 1) Consecrated persons are called to be the true temple of the Lord in today’s world. All of us are called to become the living-stone to build the dwelling place of the Lord. 2) To become guardian, that is to love and guard the souls entrusted to us with dedication. 3) And the accountability in all our contact as consecrated people.

After the homily, the Sr. Piholi Leena invited Sr. Bridget the Delegate of the Superior General to read out the Decree of the Appointment.  Then the Delegate Superior was asked to came forward and receive the laying from the main celebrant while the assembly sang the hymn to the Holy Spirit invoking the power from above. It was followed by Solemn Oath-taking by the Reappointed Delegate Superior and the signing of the Decree of Appointment paper of the Superior General. Then Sr. Bridget Jacob the Delegate of the Superior General said the special prayer of entrustment.  At the conclusion of the Mass, the New Delegate Superior and her team came forward and knelt before the altar for the final blessing, and then posted for the photo with the celebrants Don Paolo and Don Roberto.

Immediately, the congregation moved to the hall for light refreshment with Don Paolo and Roberto Populin.

Auguri Sr. Rini 

At around 11:30 a.m. the group once again gathered for the felicitation program. The M.C of the programme, Sr. Leena, invited a few sisters to offer bouquet to the new-delegated Superior and her team. They came dancing and singing to felicitate the new team. On the occasion, Sr. Marta, the Delegate Superior gave a short speech based on the Holy Father’s homily on consecrated life. In addition, Sr. Mary P.C spoke to the group present on the importance of collaboration and working together. She also updated the group with the current news of the congregation as she just returned from her home holiday. Sr. Leena then proposed vote of thanks and led the group to the next level of the programme- the fellowship meal. Each community prepared one or the other food item to share with all. It was a great moment of being in the company of one another praying, loving and sharing like that of the early Christian community. The program came to the end around 2:00 p.m. After the programme all marched out to catch a bus to go to the parish of Santa Croce and SS. Nome di Gesὺ, Turin, for the blessing of a new community, for which scheduled time for blessing was at 3:15 p.m.

25 years “Love is the answer”

25 years

“Love is the answer”

The community of Crocetta celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Sr. Sali Paul their superior, on 20^th Oct.

An hour of thanksgiving adoration was organized on the eve of the feast, thanking the Lord for the past 25 years that He accompanied Sr. Sali and entrusting her to His bountiful love for the years ahead.

The Solemn Jubilee celebration kicked off with the meaningful Holy Eucharist celebration at 11:00 am, presided by Don Chrzan  Marek, the rector of the Theological College Crocetta, Turin. Twenty-one sisters from different communities took part in the celebration. “You did not choose you, but I chose you” was the running theme. During homely Don Chrzan heighted, the faithfulness of God and His continues invitation to ‘remain in His Love’. 

There was a short felicitation program after the Holy Mass, congratulating the Jubilerean with a beautiful bouquet and gifts, accompanied with Jubilee Chorus. At 12:30, there was a solemn lunch in the Oratory Hall. 

On the occasion, there were 10 priests from the Institution whose presence added color and flavor in the celebration. After cutting of Jubilee cake and brindisi our celebration came to an end. We wish Sr. Sali God’s manifold blessings as she enters into her Slivering years in religious life.

Happy Jubilee Dear Sr. Sali 

MSMHC Italian Delegation Day and the Opening of the Platinum Jubilee of the Congregation.

On 6^th Oct 2016, the msmhc of Italian Delegtion came together to celebrate our twin feasts namely Delegation Day and the Opening of the Platinum Jubilee of the congregation.

We commenced our day at 9:40 with a meaningful prayer service. From the veranda all proceeded inside hall, where beautifully prepared backdrop with inscription: “To God be the glory”. On either side, the statue of Mary Help of Christians and Bishop Ferrando’s   Picture was placed.  All around there was display of the sayings of Bishop Ferrando rendering special effect. Soft background music was played creating conducive atmosphere for prayer and worship.  

A symbolic lighting of the Indian lamp by Sr. Marta the Delegate Superior and Sr. Veronica Maiong vice Delegate Superior kick off our celebration. The participants then lighted the candles from the Indian lamp and place before Mary Help of Christians and our founder respectively.  

All took active part in the prayer service, drawing strength, inspiration and act of entrustment for the future. Sr. Marta terminated the prayer service with unveiling of the Jubilee Emblem and officially declaring the Platinum Jubilee Year Open, followed by round of applause and hymn to our founder in unison.

At 11 am, we had Solemn Mass celebrated by Fr. Nallayan sdb in the community chapel at Crocetta. During the homily, Fr. Nallayan beautifully highlighted the function of the flowers: It gives to the beholder sweet fragrance filling them with joy and happiness. Our life of consecration too calls for the same function that is, spreading sweet perfume/fragrance of good works. He concluded his homily with three points to remember

1.      Have a good self-esteem. Be always grateful

2.    Be responsible

3.    Be duty minded.

After the Mass, we had light refreshment with Fr. Nallayan and Fr. Mark the new Rector of the Theological studies at Crocetta. At around 12:30 we proceeded to the Chinese restaurant for the lunch and then around 3pm all departed to their respective place.  

Long Live MSMHC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New MSMHC Community in Ostia-Rome.

On 18th September 2016, the long awaited dream of MSMHC of having a house in Rome came through as we make a new venture in Ostia Rome at Infernetto, in the parishes of San Tommaso Apostolo and Santa Maria dei Pellegrini.

The-pioneering members are Sr. Jessy K Jose, Sr. Angeline Lotsuro and Sr. Bridget Jacob.  In the evening at 7:00 pm, there was a solemn mass celebrated by Don Elia the asst. priest in their honour.  At the outset, Don Stefano Bianchini officially welcomed them on behalf of the whole parish community.

On this specially occasion Sr. Marta D’ Rosario was present along with our student sisters Elizebeth Mao and Viji John. During the short felicitation program, she had the chance of presenting the congregation in brief, the history and charism.

The main apostulate of the sisters in Ostia are: Take care of the two main parishes, take catechism, visiting the families, take communion to the sick and many other things connected to the pastoral activities.

Add:

Casa Maria Ausiliatrice

Santa Maria dei Pellegrini

Infernetto 

Via Pasqual Bernardino No.34 ,

Casal Palocco, Roma, Lazio 00124

We wish them fruitful and God-filled apostulate in this new mission.

World Consultative Body of the Salesian Family 27-29 May 2016

                     

 The Salesian charism is alive !!! 

Sr. Martha do Rosario along with Sr. Dominica Kasho participated in World consultation of the Salesian Family 2016 held at Pisana from 27 to 29 May. The theme of the meeting was the Family. Consequently, the input, the discussions and the action plan were oriented towards family apostolate as a Salesian Family. Present were Rector Major, Rector Major, don Angel Fernández Artime, Mother Ivonne Reungoat, FMA, superiors generals of different congregation and the representatives of various associations within the Salesian Family.

The programme began with the address of the don Angel Fernández at 4.30 p.m. He spoke of the beauty and wealth of the Salesian Family, and the enormous responsibility we have in the Church to “rewaken the world”.

After the supper the group gathered together for the short presentation of the congregations. Five institutes were selected on the criteria of newly elected head of the institute. The MSMHC were given special chance on account of bishop Ferrando’s being raised to the state of Venarable. Sr. Martha prepared a beautiful PowerPoint on the origin and the mission of the congregation which was appreciated by all.

The following day, the group was blessed to have Holy Mass celebrated at the tomb of St. Peter, Vatican, presided over by the Rector Major. Back to Pisana, Mons.  Sigalini, bishop of Palestrina shared his reflection on the Synod and the Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris laetitis: a challenge and opportunity for the Salesian Family. After briefing the content of the document highlighting the vocation of the family, he left behind thought provoking points for the Salesian world:

1.     The centrality of family

2.    A commitment to sexual education

3.    Marriage preparation, a fact absolutely linked with youth pastoral

4.    Accompanying the young couples after the marriage

5.    Not to stop paying educative attention to young people

Another important animation and the workshop was led by don Roberto Carelli on family accompaniment. The human family is in the image of Trinity who is present in the temple of the matrimonial union. Family is the first place of human values where one learn the good use of liberty, one learn to listen, to share, to support to respect and to live together.

Unfortunately, the structures and the dynamics of the family is losing is significance because of individualism, confounding the genuine liberty with the idea that everyone judges as one seems. Self-love has overtaken self-giving love to the other.

All these calls for a need to teach and educate the young people and the young couple on the values of marriage and the family life.

The groups were led to reflect and discuss on the following:

1.     How to announce to the youth of today, the beauty of family and denounce all that threaten the family

2.    What should be the content and the strategy of communicating the message

3.    The formative paths of education to love at different stages of  life, necessary for the creation of conditions for a valid, happy and a stable marriage.

4.    The themes, the urgency and forms of family and pastoral interventions that can help to accompany the young to take consciousness and heal the wounds of the heart.

In the morning of 29, the group elected two persons namely Mr. Ricardo Sá, president of ‘Community New Songs’ and Mrs. Dina Mascioni, president of ‘Testimony of the Risen Lord’ to form part of secretaries for the Salesian Family. In this the Rector Major is always the centre point of reference.

For the coming year the whole Salesian Family will commit to the family pastoral ministry. The reflections and guidelines will be given by the Rector Major in the strenna 2017. 

In order to deepen our knowledge about different institutes in the Salesian Family and take care of collaborations and co responsibility of the apostolate, each institute is requested to share the valuable news (regarding the mission) in the salesianfamily.org.

Viva Salesian Family

Sanctuary of our Lady of Lourdes in Forno di Coazze , Turin.

All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child.Marie Curie

Forno di Coazze is a fraction of the municipality of Coazze (Turin) in the height of Val Sangone , 40 km from the city and is  1000 mts height,  lies the beautiful  Sanctuary of our lady of Lourdes. Don Guiseppe Viotti constructed the Grotto in 1961, as a sign of gratitude to our Lady of Lourdes from whom he had received the grace of physical healing from his terminal sickness.


He found himself miraculously healed on the 31stmorning of August 1947. After regaining his health, he was sent to Forno di Coazze to begin his pastoral ministry. As recognition of the great favour that the Madonna had done for him, he constructed the Grotto, the sanctuary, and the spirituality centre, which has become a place of pilgrimage for all those who seek God. It is a replica of original Lourdes in France (mini Lourdes).  where the experience of it can be re-lived for those who have been to Lourdes, and to have a similar experience for those who have never been. The construction was done with the aid of the pilgrims over the years. It has huge premises with many chapels, the way of the cross, museum of the Holy Shroud, Parks and many sites for prayer. This beautiful Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes welcomes millions of pilgrims, devotees, sick and tormented, sportsmen and nature lovers. Under the maternal mantle of Mary, everyone finds solace, peace and joy. 

This center is an oasis of peace, a perfect atmosphere of prayer in a panorama surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains, which elevates the mind to God amidst the pure and fresh air and water. It is a holy place frequented by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, who come for spiritual retreat, animations, seminars formations, holidays and rest.  It is fascinating to see the whole premises filled with beautiful thoughts that felicitate to raise the mind to God in prayer and feel closer to the Creator being elevated to a height of 1000 meters. It can accommodate hundred guests with the possibility of getting the spiritual nourishment as well.

 Don Giuseppe Viotti had also founded an association called Mamme Missionarie di Gesù Maestro (Mothers of the Missionary of Jesus the Teacher) who helped him out to take care of group of families and orphan children and the spirituality centre as well. After don Giuseppe Viotti passed away, the Mothers too were growing in age, and so this centre was given to the diocese of Turin. The scarcity of priests had led to invite the MSMHC to collaborate in running this centre during the summer season. 

On 7^th May 2016, this very Sanctuary had the joy of welcoming two special pilgrims, in the person of Mother Philomena Mathew and Sr. Jane Francis who came to pay homage to Our heavenly mother and to receive her copious blessings on terminating their official visit to the MSMHC Italian Delegation. It was truly a day-out from busy noisy modern world to the world of nature’s harmony.

Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are, our higher call. For nature is none other than God in all things. And ‘in the order of nature we behold the ways of the Eternal’. Thus, the whole morning was spent raising mind to God in happy recollection, in praise and adoration. Indeed, how true George Washington Carver when he said,

“ I love to think of nature as having unlimited broadcasting stations, through which God speaks to us every day, every hour and every moment of our lives, if we will only tune in and remain so”.

Here it is a place where the nature is in its best display, mesmerizing the by -passers to retreat with nostalgic feeling.  Elizabeth Aston aptly says, 

“Mountains inspire awe in any human person who has a soul. They remind us of our frailty, our unimportance, of the briefness of our span on this earth. They touch the heavens, and sail serenely at an altitude beyond even the imaginings of a mere mortal”.