Editorial A Call to be Risen People, Towards a New Life

“The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you're now invited to belong to it” – N.T. Wright. Yes, the new life in Christ signifies living in hope. The saying of Martin Luther further illustrates it; “Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf of springtime.” All those who met the Risen Lord were filled with new hope, courage and strength. They were renewed and transformed creating a great impact in the society by their very life. The articles on ‘Easter Special’ describe the invitation to live life courageously by permitting the will of God to realize in ones life. The proclamation of God’s kingdom takes place by the way we live and share our life with one another.

The province was privileged to celebrate the mega events – the induction of the new provincial leadership team (PLT) and the journey of golden miles of Aulia and Rajkot mission. We are truly grateful to the outgoing PLT for their committed and dedicated service in the growth and development of the province. At the same time we warmly welcome the new PLT and wish God’s blessings on their new task. The twin jubilee of our mission stations marked the golden journey taken by our sisters and opened the pages of the history.

The articles on ministry visibly display the outcome of our sisters’ selfless service in the mission stations. They further speak about the importance given in uplifting the women and downtrodden both in the city as well as interior villages. We acknowledge the devoted service rendered by our sisters in accomplishing the God given task. God bless you dear sisters.

May the festivity of the ‘Easter’ help us to trust that there is life beyond hope! Let every heart experience the new life in Christ who conquered death. Wishing you a Blessed and Joyful ‘Easter’!!! Sr. Ganga Rawat SSpS RAYS 1 Our Provincial Speaks... “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25- 26). The message of Easter is all about New Life in Christ. As St. Paul writes in his Letter to the Romans (6:4), “We have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life”.

New life in Christ calls for a radical change in our way of life, and it implies a new beginning. This is exactly what happened to the disciples who met Jesus after his Resurrection. The disciples who ran away when Jesus was arrested as well as Peter who was so frightened and denied Jesus three times, were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit after their encounter with the Risen Lord. The disciples were totally transformed and empowered by the power of the Risen Lord and they began to announce the Good News with courage and hope. Therefore, the new life in Christ also signifies living in hope and joy. All those who encountered the Risen Lord were filled with a new hope and dynamism to meet the challenges of their new mission of evangelization. The Easter celebrates this new life in Christ which makes God’s immense love visible in the world.

May the Risen Lord bless us and give us this new life in fullness! May we personally encounter Jesus and experience his accompanying presence in our life’s journey. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and renew a right spirit within us so that we can become again a new people consecrated to God. I Wish you all a meaningful and joyful Easter celebration!!!

The budding trees, the new flowers, And birds that sweetly sing, Whisper to me that it’s Easter.

Sr Geeta Joseph SSpS Provincial Leader - INC

2 RAYS Province Events In Trust and Gratitude!!!

The 16th March, 2013 was marked with a new chapter in the history of the province India Central as Sr. Geeta Joseph the newly elected provincial leader and the team for the term of 2013 to 2016; walked towards the altar seeking God’s blessings for their new mission. The induction ceremony began with the invoking of the Holy Spirit by singing the solemn ‘Veni- Creator’. The meaningful prayer service was led by Sr. Elsie K. Varghese the provincial, Sr. Lissy Jose the community the entrusting of the province to the new leader, Sr. Jessy Mary Paul with the leadership team. It was a moving moment assistance of Srs. Sukanthi Tirkey and for all when the outgoing provincial Shobha Ekka. The whole service was leadership team walked towards the focused on the theme ‘In Trust and sanctuary carrying the lighted lamps in the Gratitude..’- for all that has been thanks and half opened coconut representing the for all that will be yes. Sr. Elsie K. Varghese, fullness of life and handed it over to the in her introduction, welcomed the new new PLT who came to the sanctuary provincial leadership team, Srs. Geeta walking over the Sal leaves (Adapted from Joseph and her councillors, Srs. Deepa one of the north Indian cultures used as a Thomas, Grace Abraham, Manju Lakra gesture of welcome). The new PLT then and Gracy Ruban. She briefed her placed the lamps on the altar in a gesture experience of leading the province for the of surrendering their lives to be led and past six years and thanked the directed by the Spirit of God. congregational leadership team, her team The induction ceremony reached its members, sisters and co-partners of the culmination with a solemn Holy Eucharist mission in realizing the vision of the presided over by Fr. Nicholas Martis SVD province. the provincial, India Central. In his homily The reading of the appointment letter of he threw light on leadership, emphasising new PLT and handing over the the aspect of God’s intervention in choosing ‘Constitutions’ to Sr. Geeta by Sr. Elsie and persons and sustaining them with the Bible by Sr. Rajni symbolically expressed needed strength. Followed by the Eucharist,

RAYS 3 Province Events Sr. Geeta and her team were solemnly The presence of the community leaders taken to the provincial’s office and and the communities in Indore added joy felicitated. With the accompaniment of and solemnity to the occasion. We thank Sailo dance the new PLT was merrily taken the outgoing PLT and warmly welcome the to the dining room for the further new PLT to lead us. celebration. Sr. Jessy Mary Paul SSpS, Indore

Big Thanks and Warm Welcome...

“The essence of all beautiful flame within us.” - Albert art, all great art, is gratitude” Schweitzer. The - Friedrich Nietzsche. Life responsibility of leading the that stems from gratitude province and to keep the blossoms wonderfully and original fire burning isn’t an obviously, you are the artist easy task. The outgoing of your life. When we PLT has played a great role warmly and joyfully in keeping the spark of welcome the new mission burning by their provincial leadership team loving support to each for the years 2013 – 2016 member and community of we cannot overlook the the province in hard work and selfless service rendered by accomplishing God’s will. They have the outgoing PLT. Their dedication and discerned and have taken right decisions commitment in designing the life of the for the good of the province and its mission. province is definitely praise worthy. We are grateful to Sr. Elsie K. Varghese the Indeed we the members of the province are provincial leader for the past six years of indebted to you dear sisters for your her dynamic and devoted leadership (and valuable and unreserved animation of the six years as provincial councillor) together province in its welfare. You have made with her team members Srs. Geeta Joseph deliberate steps in realizing its vision with (three years), Rajni Ekka (three plus six enthusiasm and vigour. God bless you and years), Anjali John (six years) and Jaisa may you continue to experience the Antony (three years). unfathomable love of God directing and guiding your life in materializing the “At times our own light goes out and is kingdom of God. rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep ‘Rays’ in particular take this opportunity to gratitude of those who have lighted the thank you Sr. Elsie K. Varghese for your

4 RAYS Province Events constant support and encouragement in all new leadership team, Sr. Geeta Joseph the of her publications. It was your initiative and provincial leader and her team members, genuine effort that further strengthened her Srs. Deepa Thomas, Grace Abraham, life in multicolour. A big thanks to you dear Manju Lakra and Gracy Ruban. Sr. Elsie. She also cordially welcome the Sr. Ganga Rawat SSpS, Indore

The Golden Moments!!! In the Life of Nirmala Convent School, Rajkot

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It beautifully as tomorrow’s mature citizens. turns what we have into enough and In prior preparations to the jubilee the more...” - Melody Beattie. The 18th school conducted number of competitions December, 2012 was a golden-day of such as quiz on general knowledge, gratitude celebrated by the NCS (Nirmala elocution, book worm, story writing and Convent School) family, Rajkot. And I take essay writing for the students and teachers this as my great privilege to share and the winners of 1st and 2nd prizes were concerning the commemoration of these awarded. I appreciate and acknowledge the golden moments in the life of NCS. The Nirmalites who put their heart and mind to astounding evening began with the warm make the day truly a golden and welcoming of all the guests and visitors memorable event. especially Sr. Theresa Unzu belonging to the congregation of Christ Jesus whose The Chief Guest, Mr. Victor Macwan I.A.S., initiative was the birth of NCS. The birthing The Guest of Honour, Most Rev. Stanislaus of NCS took place in Koyna house near Fernandez the Archbishop of Gandhinagar Jam Tower, Gujarat with minimum facilities and Rt. Rev. Jose Chittooparambil the Bishop of Rajkot enlightened the gathering on 14th June, 1963. Since then the school rapidly grew up in flying colours holding with their thought provoking and inspiring fast to its Motto, ‘Love in Service”. speech. Moreover, the presence of Bishops, Rev. Bishop Gregory Karotembarel, Rev. “Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul Bishop Emiretus, religious priests and even to your smallest acts. This is the secret sisters, SSpS sisters, parents, principals, ex- of success” - Swami Sivananda. Yes, the nirmalites, ex-teachers, well-wishers and success of Nirmalites lies in the thousands of people from far and wide wholehearted cooperation of all its added further joy and colour to the members – parents, students and the entire occasion. The welcome address by Sr. Betty staff. The school is a platform for these Mathew the principal of the school marked young buds of the nation to bloom the beginning of the jubilee function.

RAYS 5 Province Events

The stage opened in multi-colours Nirmalites to the senior most ones. Their portraying ten vibrant states of India stating colourful creative cultural programme for – ‘This indeed is the voice of a river . yes, sure enthralled the whole audience. the voice of river Nirmala’; a ballet – Nirmalites have always had a special bond ‘Swarnim Soor- (The Golden Notation)’ and are indebted to Spain as its foundress, which was the highlight of the programme. Sr. Theresa Unzu and her sisters originate The ballet was a monologue ingrained with from that beautiful country. Therefore a Chutzpah, depicting the story of our Spanish dance was performed as the tribute journey through the past 50 years. The to a multicultural Spanish society and token character ‘River Nirmala’ took us all from of love especially to Sr. Theresa. The last the time of its foundress, Sr. Theresa Unzu but not the least a carnival dance gave an to the present day. It depicted the steady insight on the culture. It gave us a picture growth of the school, its overall functions of dynamic tool, to seek out our roots, to in moulding every child as well as the great unite the world, to discover what we all progress and success of her students who have in common and to celebrate what passed out. The ballet, Swarnim Soor is makes us different. The life of Nirmala was the result of deep thinking spiritual unique from the beginning of its birth and experience and artistic ingenuity of Sr. it continues to be so. To preserve this Pushpanjali SSpS. Certainly, the audience matchless heritage a documentary was tasted the sweetness of our tradition, prepared ‘The Nirmal Speaks”, which was cultures and the spiritual wealth that our a creative and amazing work by Sr. Nisha sages had handed over to us. It was more SSpS. A part of the video was viewed to meaningful today as our rich traditions are the audience. being hijacked by what we call the modern, fast track culture. It was indeed an amazing On a significant occasion like this, is a way of telling the story of Nirmala. Further chance to recognize and appreciate those the performance ranged from the youngest persons who embedded into the history

6 RAYS Province Events of NCS in a very unique and special way. Eckhart Tolle said, “Acknowledging the Sr. Elsie K. Varghese SSpS the provincial good that you already have in your life is cum president of Nirmala Society the foundation for all abundance.” Today acknowledged the contributions of many as NCS stands on her golden threshold she including Bishops, parents, sisters, gratefully acknowledges all Nirmalites and teachers and other well-wishers. Many continues her mission of lighting the lamp were felicitated with shawls and of knowledge to wipe away the ignorance mementoes. Also the teacher, Sophie and of darkness. She cherishes those the Ayaben (worker), Sumithraben who unforgettable memories of the past and served the school for long time with fidelity welcomes the unseen yet the awaiting and enthusiasm were not forgotten they glorious moments of the bright future. were also felicitated. Finally Sr. Elsie Abraham Lincoln once said “I am a expressed her thanks to all others who in success today because I had a friend who one or the other way had been a support believes in me and I didn’t have the heart to the school especially the benefactors of to let Him down”. Nirmala is a success the school from its inception. She also because we have faith in her. We wish that thanked the Bishops the honorable Chief there will be many more such occasions Guest, Victor Macwan IAS, Guest of and we bow our heads to the Almighty Honour, invitees and dignitaries who spent that we may have the courage and hope their valuable time to grace the occasion to go on . Jai Nirmal Maria. by their presence. Sr. Sylvia SSpS, Rajkot

Foundation stone for St. Raphael’s Campus II in Biccholi, Indore was laid on 23rd January, 2013. The ground breaking ceremony was performed by Most Rev. Chacko Thottumarickal SVD the Bishop of Indore. Sr. Elsie K. Varghese the provincial leader and sisters from all three communities of Indore were present on the occasion. Looking forward to the launching of the St. Raphael’s campus II the school has already taken 66 admissions for this year. St. Raphael’s Primary School would take care of their curriculum until the construction is complete.

RAYS 7 Province Events Treading the Golden Miles Aulia!

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I facilities even conveyance to share God’s would rather burn it out in a land filled with love is definitely praise worthy. Today we darkness than in a land flooded with light" ought to fan into flame in order to revive - John Keith Falconer. Today the Aulia the same spirit in carrying out our call to mission at its golden threshold salutes live radically and proclaim the Lord by our gratefully those candles of great life and mission. Certainly, hardships are missionaries whose life made the mission part of any venture. Our sisters did really to what it is today. In the year 1963 our undergo all barriers in accomplishing the Srs. Anfreda, Antonilde and Francis Mary God given task. The mission today is the pioneered the mission. Their hard work, result of that passionate and altruistic effort. enthusiasm and zeal paved way to a big 15th January, 2013 marked this euphoric glow of growth and development in the momentum of treading those simple yet lives of all the beneficiaries. The vision of fervent steps taken by our sisters. the mission The hallmark was education of these golden and health and years began it is still being in the month carried out by of June, 2012 our sisters in with a small various ways. prayer in The humble the community beginning step and in the by step grew parish as up with proper well. This facilities for the intercessory boarding children as well as a dispensary prayer prepared us to celebrate the festive for the patients. Later St. Luke’s hospital year in a spirit of faith which brought us to was established for the people suffering the culmination of the jubilee day. Although from Hansen’s disease. the celebration wasn’t a pompous one yet "We are debtors to every man to give him it was very meaningful and memorable. the Gospel in the same measure in which The day was still significant as it was the we have received it." - P.F. Bresee. We are feast of St. Arnold our founder. The festive indeed debtors until we share the love of mood began as everyone got involved in God that we received freely in good one or the other activities to make the day measure and the mission in Aulia is a visible bright and remarkable like decorations, sign for it. The daring spirit of our setting of the tent, putting up the banners, pioneering sisters to walk miles with no choir, cultural programme, etc. 8 RAYS Province Events The golden hour commenced as the Sr. Francis Mary, the parish priest, procession moved to the altar set for the Fr. Sakkaidas, Fr. Kuriakose the Vicar Eucharist with the accompaniment of General, Fr. Mathew K.V. the dean, rhythmic dancers. The main celebrant Rt. Sr. Elsie K. Varghese the provincial leader, Rev. A.S. Durairaj the Bishop of Khandwa, Sr. Elsy Kochappan representing the past concelebrants Fr. Kuriakose the Vicar superiors and Sr. Antonette the present General, Fr. Mathew K.V. the Dean and superior were honoured with shawls. ten other priests offered the Holy Eucharist. Sr. Elsie in her address to the gathering Sr. Antonette in her introduction welcomed thanked the pioneering as well as the everyone to the auspicious day and shared present sisters who with much dedication the magnitude of the event. The liturgy was and commitment served the mission made very solemn especially by the devotedly. With gratitude she recalled all melodious singing of the choir led by sisters, the benefactors whose generosity aspirants, boarders and few parishioners. supported the mission in its progress. Rev. Bishop Durairaj in his homily Further a Hindi Bible for each family was appreciated the golden miles of all those given as memento of the golden jubilee. worked in Aulia mission and asked the The programme concluded with the young sisters also to opt for such difficult thanksgiving speech by Sr. Ganga Rawat mission. followed by a delicious meal for all. The presence of all the distinguished guests, our The Holy Mass was followed by a short and sisters and parishioners (about 300 people) sweet cultural programme performed by made the day wonderful and memorable. boarders, youth and aspirants. The Chief Guest, Rev. Bishop Durairaj, the pioneer, Sr. Antonette SSpS, Aulia

Overwhelmed with Joy I recall...

Courage, daring spirit and strong faith are the dusty road aspiring to proclaim the the charisma of true missionaries. On 3rd Good News to the people there. Thus we March, 1963 I deeply felt this pinch of reached and entered our simple house walking in faith to an unknown land, Aulia which was just enough to meet our needs. with two of my companions, Srs. Anfreda The people were very poor yet they were and Antonilde. We were accompanied by warm at heart. Fr. Hoffstee SVD. There weren’t proper As Hudson Taylor said, "God isn't looking roads or conveyance like nomads we for people of great faith, but for individuals proceeded to Aulia with no security of life ready to follow Him”. Our readiness and but totally dependent on God. Dashing willing heart to uplift the downtrodden was over the stones, shaking and jumping over immensely blessed by Him who sent us pits and blocks we moved forward through there. We never lacked His providence RAYS 9 Province Events especially during the mission in its infancy. the crippled body due to the dreaded Definitely, there were uphill struggles but disease. in the course of time the mission progressed quite well by His grace. Several girl children The mission grew up steadily with were educated and the seed of faith was dedicated and committed service of the sown in the hearts of the villagers. The missionaries down the years. Today when boarding had been an instrument in the I look at it I am wonderstruck at the way it success of thousands of girl children of has grown – the good road, better boarding whom many are still drawing a good facilities, access to modern technology, etc. amount of government I appreciate the creative and innovative salary. The opening of efforts of our sisters both the dispensary solved the past and the present in issue of villagers walking sustaining the mission miles to get medication spirit. As the mission for minor illness as well as celebrates the golden year for the first aid in case of my heart overwhelms emergency. with joy and gratitude to God and I fondly The arrival of Sr. remember two of my Christabaldis was a new- other companions who birth for the people who were suffering left for eternal home. I also cherish the years from Hansen’s disease. She reached out I spent working for the people of Aulia even to them with love and compassion in the later years. As I treasure all these fond cleaning their stinking rotten sores and memories I thank my God who allowed me putting medicines. The people who were to witness this great day. I wish and pray considered out-cast and unholy began to that the mission may continue uplifting the feel accepted as human; gradually their life less fortunate of our society. began to change. Her motherly care healed their broken heart much more than Sr. Francis Mary SSpS, Dahod

Hearty Congratulations and God’s Blessings Hearty congratulations to the newly appointed Bishop of Udaipur, Most Rev. Devprasad Ganawa SVD. We wish him God’s immense blessings in shepherding the diocese. We also gratefully acknowledge the devoted service of our Emeritus Bishop Most Rev. Joseph Patalil especially to us SSpS sisters. We are truly indebted to him for the loving support and guidance received right through our mission in Udaipur.

10 RAYS Province Events Ongoing Formation, 2012 A Journey to Inner-freedom

“If you do not express your own original ideas, if deepened our understanding on ‘Inner-Freedom’. you do not listen to your being, then you will have The understanding of the call as shared by him, ‘To betrayed yourself.” - Roll May. To journey inward be a person is my dignity and to exercise my freedom with a listening heart of course is a great challenge. for love, and becoming more and more a person is At the same time the failure to listen to the my destiny, my first and great responsibility’ in short deeper self is equal to betraying ourselves as said summarizes the whole of his session. We also had by Roll May. This was our experience during the the opportunity to have guided meditations in his ‘Ongoing Formation’ for the age group of 45 to 55. place, ‘Dhyan Kutir’. It was to be the first SVD – SSpS combined ongoing formation. The programme was planned to be held As for me the seminar was a time to journey at Atma Dharshan, Mumbai but couldn’t be held as inward to understand my person as a whole. only few priests volunteered. Therefore the Moreover, I also understood why we behave the programme was way we behave. shifted to convent The knowledge Anugraha from that freedom is a gift and it is 3rd to 7th December, 2012. my birth-right lets We were twenty me to live the SSpS from all life meaningfully. provinces. Five of The programme us from our ended with province namely Holy Eucharist Srs. Bridget, Rosily P., Jona, Angel, and I took part presided over by Fr. Ittoop in which we all offered and benefited from it. The resource persons were a symbol depicting our person. As a whole it was Fr. Tony D’souza SJ and Fr. Ittoop Panikulam SVD. very meaningful, enriching and a chance to be The theme for the programme was, ‘A Journey to together. I take this opportunity to thank Sr. Elsie Inner - Freedom’ and her team, our sisters in the community who freed us from our responsibilities and Frs. Tony The programme commenced with Holy Eucharist and Ittoop who accompanied us in discovering our presided over by Frs. Tony SVD and Ittoop SVD. inner-self. We are also grateful to Srs. Ancy Jacob The first day’s session by Fr. Tony D’souza SJ and community whose loving hospitality made our enlightened us on living life with awareness. The stay comfortable and for providing us with a silent question ‘Why I do what I do?’ made us ponder about and peaceful atmosphere for our reflections and our way of life lived and shared. The thought prayer. provoking session by Fr. Ittoop SVD further Sr. Shenila Thayil SSpS, Udaipur RAYS 11 Province Events My Inner Journey

I was privileged to attend the ‘Ongoing affirmed my understanding and learning Formation’ for the age group of 45 to 55 about my person. in Anugraha, Mumbai from 3rd to 7th December, 2012. The theme ‘A Journey I found the seed of God within myself to Inner Freedom’ helped me to walk into which needs to be nurtured, treasured and my shadows courageously. It was a cared. Any seed that is sown requires wonderful experience of inner freedom sufficient care like water, sun, weeding, and growth. Besides, it was a manure, etc. so also my life. My inner-being personal journey inward to tap also needs adequate love, care the potentials that I had by the and acceptance. It is then I grace of God. I realized that begin to grow like the seed with each one of us in one or the its new shoots and fresh leaves other way are stuck in life and thereby bearing the right fruits. are unable to travel across the Having dealt with my shadows road to life. This happens to I entered into the core of my us because unconsciously we being where the seed of God allow ourselves to function the was simply buried to rise with way our mind desires to act. newness of love, peace and joy. The inner freedom helped me “Just when I think I have to move from fear to love - A learned the way to live, life mindful and choiceful life. The changes” – Hugh Prather. Yes, it is when knowledge that none can take away my we have learned the way to live our life it is freedom but can restrict or unfold; meaning then we turn to be people who are peace to say that nobody has the power to deprive radiating. The seminar was one such me of my true freedom without my experience for me. It helped me to obtain permission. The gift of freedom that we the fruits of the Spirit such as peace, joy, enjoy is from God the author of every life self control and courage. The scriptural here on earth. So I wish and pray that may passage, “May God strengthens your inner all of us have the grace to celebrate this self through His Spirit according to the inner-freedom at every moment of our life. riches of His glory” (Eph. 3:16) once again Sr. Jona SSpS, Indore

Hearty Welcome and Best Wishes: We warmly welcome you dear Sr. Pushpa Thomas back to our province India Central. We also wish God’s immense blessings upon you in living the call to spread the kingdom of God.

12 RAYS Province Events A Unique Celebration of the Province Day!!!

We the pre-novices, aspirants and and talents we become bearers of Good candidates came together along with our News. The sharing by Sr. Pushpa Mary directresses to celebrate the province day about her mission experience in Brazil on 6th February, 2013 at Holy Spirit boosted our spirits to be future missionaries. Convent, Indore. The meaningful morning Through competitions and being together prayer evoked in us sincere sentiments of we learned to be more creative, co- gratefulness for the wonders God has operative and responsible individuals. worked in the life of our SSpS in India. With Together each one of us accomplished gratitude we remembered our first four more... and together we made a difference. pioneer sisters who rendered their ‘Small things happen when we are single dedicated service to the people. Some of and Great things happen when we our companions dressed in habit mingle...’ represented the pioneering sisters which created their presence amidst us. It is only a matter of faith one has in oneself Before prayer we gathered in the lawn and the courage to risk one’s own life at and then went the service of in procession others that to the chapel helps us to singing ‘Veni- achieve what Creator’. We we want in thanked God life. for all those Let us missionaries remember a along with our saying of Indian sisters Jesus that we whose have the commitment, devotion and hard work gave power to move the mountains if only we new directions to our provinces and now have faith as big as the mustard seed. We growing vibrantly. would like to take this opportunity to thank The first get-together of all formees in the Sr. Elsie K. Varghese our provincial leader province was an opportunity to know the and her team for arranging the formees get- roots of our province and congregation. together. We thank our directresses, Srs. Besides, it was a time of being together Manju, Lavina, Jessy, Sukanti & Shobha sharing our talents and abilities with each for organizing the whole programme very other. The get-together helped us to systematically. understand that each of us are unique and Pre-novices - Khandwa it is in putting together these unique gifts

RAYS 13 Easter Special Alleluia! The Lord is Risen

Unity, intimacy and integrity are the three while all had changed. CHANGE is spiritual qualities of the resurrected life. We essential. are called to break through the boundaries of nationality, race, age and mental I was thinking why nobody recognized capacities and create a unity of love that Jesus immediately. They thought He is a allows the weakest among us to live well. gardener or a ghost. However, when such We are called to a spiritual similar gesture repeated like intimacy that involves body, breaking of bread, inviting mind and heart. A call to let go them to try another catch of of all the old ways of feeling fish, sharing a meal, etc. His good about ourselves thus friends realized that He was there reach out to the many facets for them. The old Jesus is gone. of our humanity in They no longer can be with Him integration. These are the call to as before. resurrection while anticipating The resurrection stories in our daily lives through reveal the ever- present spiritual unity, intimacy and tension between coming and integrity. leaving, intimacy and distance, holding and It was not a spectacular event forcing people letting go, indwelling and mission, presence to believe rather, it was an event for the and absence. Resurrection of Jesus puts us friends of Jesus who had known Him, on the journey to the full realization of the listened and believed in Him. It was a very promise given to us. Jesus says, ‘I am with intimate event: a word here, a gesture there you for your task in the world, so continue – small, hardly noticed but with the potential what I have begun, for from now on you to CHANGE. Mary Magdalene heard her are the bearers of Good News. Yes, May name; John and Peter saw the empty grave our Risen Lord help each of us to become and Jesus’ friends felt their heart’s burn in effective agents of CHANGE. encounters. All had remained the same Sr. Tresa SSpS, Indore

Kudos to Sr. Rosily Panjikaran SSpS: She was awarded once again for her remarkable service to the women domestic workers cum girl children on 6th January, 2013 at Indore. She was honoured by ‘Madhya Pradesh Welfare Association for the Blind Children’.

14 RAYS Easter Special EASTER – A Wake-up Call to be Risen People

EASTER is the celebration of Jesus’ Every faulty behavior arises from resurrection. God the Father raised Jesus ignorance. At times we lack proper from the dead; this is the foundation of our understanding of other person, their views life and faith, the base of Easter celebration. and perspectives, beliefs and frame of mind. Easter heralds a new dawn. It is the Without right knowledge we wrongly judge beginning of a new life beckoning us to others. Any type of judgmental nature can resurrect. We must know our personal life bring harm to oneself. Easter is a time to situations at times lie low and there is a need experience newness and renewal of life. to be resurrected. It could be our Renewal is possible when we are ready and sinful tendencies or certain willing to resurrect. When we weakness that we struggle to get realize our need for being rid off. raised, it enables us to resurrect from our weaknesses like, I remember an occasion in this malicious anger, hatred or regard, that struck me very jealousy. We cannot be strongly. One day I was entombed in ignorance as well walking and meditating in as sing Alleluia. Through our the early hours of the day. very profession of being At a particular place I religious we are called to be stepped over some dry leaves. risen people. The dry leaves got crushed Forty days of sincere under my feet with a sudden cry. Then I preparation for Easter must help us to wanted to know what would happen to recognize our real identity as the image of the green leaves so I deliberately stepped God. Accordingly His wisdom and on them. Neither the sound of cry nor the intelligence are bestowed on us. Like the crushing took place. Those leaves were rays of the sun envelop the earth except totally unaffected. It brought to my mind on cloudy days we are enveloped by the a unique realization a point for reflection. light and life of God. The clouds of negative When we are lifeless like the dry leaves thoughts and attitude block the rays of God every little pressure is felt like a thunderous from flowing to us. Every time we celebrate bolt. If we are filled with the life-giving the feast of Easter, it should be a wake-up Spirit of God, we cannot be crushed so call to be risen people and a time to re- easily. Mostly, hurt people tend to hurt claim our divinity within and around us. others. For a person who believes in May the grace and peace of the Risen Lord introspection and reflection, it should be help us to be Resurrected people. a golden opportunity to actualize the Sr. Vimla Jacob SSpS, Indore saying ‘know thyself’.

RAYS 15 Easter Special Save me Father In one of my theology classes the professor more important than the life of His only shared a story about a man who sacrificed Son. The man in the story chose to save his son for thousands of passengers and I thousands while his son died under his nose was deeply moved by it. The man was the miserably. If an earthly father could go to monitor of Pumpen Bridge (built across the that extend in order to save many lives, how sea) in Chennai. On that fateful day he had much more will our Heavenly Father do to close the bridge as soon as for His beloved children? the ship crossed so that the Jesus died and gave us new train could pass by. As he was life. The cry of His son, struggling to turn the wheel “Father, why have you his son arrived with meal and forsaken me?” still echoes in accidently the child was His ears. Yes, at the shedding caught up in the giant wheel of Jesus’ blood the heavenly crying, ‘Save me father’. Now bridge is left open for us who being a father he had to often fails to know and decide to let his son die before understand the depth of him or let thousands die. He Abba’s love. chose to save the lives of thousands and watched the In this modern individualistic son being totally crushed under the huge age it is rather amazing that we still find wheel. The cry of his son, ‘Save me father’ people like the man at the bridge. The world continued to echo in his ears. moves smoothly with the presence of such people who readily sacrifice their own The story of the man conveys the message personal interest for the sake of others. of God’s unfathomable love for His When ‘LOVE’ begin to reign things change. creatures. He could have saved His only May this season that prepares us to Son - Jesus when He cried out, “Father, if celebrate the joy of our salvation help us to possible take this cup away from me ” grow in the awareness of that profound love (Mk. 14: 36) but He chose to save us. The which dwells deep in us. redemption of the whole humanity was Sr. Sheela D’silva SSpS, Pune

On 16th January, 2013 the Holy Spirit School, Khandwa had the blessing and inauguration of its new building, English medium section. Hearty Congratulations to our Sisters and all those who are involved in getting the building complete.

16 RAYS Easter Special Endurance Paves the Way to Glory

There are only two ways to live your life. 12th September, 2012 was the day where One is as though nothing is a miracle. The my faith was greatly tested. In the surgical other is as though everything is a miracle.” room of Holy Spirit Hospital, Mumbai with – Albert Einstein. Life indeed is a great powerful lights on me, I lie lifeless, miracle when we begin to understand this vulnerable and defenceless leaving my life concept of life. As my name portrays, to the hands of those doctors. “Not a hair ‘Rose’, meaning the flower with lovely will perish from your head without my fragrance invites me to take life in the same knowledge” (Lk. 21: 18). Yes, He did take spirit. The call to spread the fragrance of care of every aspect and gifted me with love, peace and joy as SSpS makes me feel new life. Definitely, every surgery and that every moment of my life is a miracle. especially when it is a major one the pain However, when we and aches are are faced with pain beyond one’s and suffering it is a ability. However, challenge at the “Life is like riding a same time an bicycle. To keep invitation to accept it your balance, you in faith. I understood must keep moving.” this very fact deeply - Albert Einstein. I in the year 2008 had to move on when my back left amidst the me with discomfort vulnerability and and aches caused due to a fall. In the course confusions about life and its meaning. The of time especially in the year 2010 it further pain was terrible that I could no more aggravated with an accident and gave me tolerate it and I cried loudly squeezing the an opportunity to know the depth of my hands of those around me in support. faith in Jesus. The unanswerable questions like, why me Although I was anxious and rather worried and why do I have to go through such I went ahead with my life believing that torture; began to hover over my head like God knows it better until that day when I bees on the flowers. The total dependency was told to undergo a small surgery. “Just on others, the uncertainty of the future, when you think it can't get any worse, it lifeless and terribly aching body made me can. And just when you think it can't get feel frustrated and often upset. There came any better, it can.” - Nicholas Sparks. How many voices whispering into my ears: true is the saying! I thought that it would ‘Through your suffering others will be be ok but it wasn’t and it caused me not healed’, ‘It’s your cross you have to carry just a small surgery but a major one. The it’ and ‘Surrender everything into God’s

RAYS 17 Easter Special hand’; was it all answer to my physical, “Nothing is more honorable than a grateful mental and spiritual agony sobbed my heart” says Seneca. My heart is indebted heart. While wrestling with all these chaos I to my God, my sisters, doctors, nurses, my could sense the still-voice of my Lord, people at home and all who supported me ‘Trust, all shall be well again’ left me with in prayer. I would like to thank very specially hope and courage to get on to my feet Sr. Elsie K. Varghese the provincial leader again. Behind every suffering there is an and her team, Srs. Lissy Devassy, Lydia, awaiting greater joy and the Easter morning Monica, Jona, Geeta Veera, Ancy and is the visible example for it. It was the community. I too am grateful to Sr. Marion Calvary experience of Jesus that brought who was an instrument in keeping my spirit glory to Him and through Him our own alive by sharing her own life and giving me redemption. communion everyday. God didn't promise days without pain, Life teaches us various lessons in both laughter without sorrow, or sun without events of pleasant and unpleasant. Allowing rain, but He did promise strength for the these graces to transform our inner-self and day, comfort for the tears, and light for the radiate it to others is how we become truly way. “If God brings you to it, He will bring fruitful and life-giving persons. Jesus bore you through it”. Yes, He brought me out our suffering and freed us 2000 years ago very safe and sound through all those high and continues to free us from all that binds tides. But it was not all over, the test of faith us with His profound love. This is the continued even after reaching my home in ‘Easter’ message; the message to be patient Indore. With enthusiasm and vigour I and endure all the hardships believing that moved around doing exercises and meeting He would one day glorify it. So I wish that sisters. I know not how it all began again the greetings of Paschal Mystery resonate but the pain was so intense that I couldn’t to everyone especially who are in difficult bear it. I was taken to Bombay Hospital, situations. The Lord is Risen!!! Alleluia.. Indore where the doctor suspected having Alleluia.. infection in the operated area. This was another storm that tested my faith. Sr. Antony Rose SSpS, Indore

Habemus Papam – We Have a New Pope Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope (Argentinean) made his first public appearance on 13th March, 2013 wearing simple white robes and bending low seeking blessings from people gathered at St. Peter’s Square before he extended the papal blessings. The Church rejoices and seeks God’s immense blessings upon her new Shepherd.

18 RAYS Easter Special Glory to Him who rescued me! A supper so delicious and gorgeous The meal of love, the life of God Broken and shared to His creatures Generously and in abundance. On that day so precious He set an example by washing the feet The feet of His disciples the inheritors Thus showed His zenith love so very dear To be practiced down the ages to come. Scattered were they in fear of death Then came the decisive hour so dreadful And watched Him tortured from distance In the garden of Gethsemane so fortunate One betrayed the other denied To hold the heavy heart of its Creator Yet did He love them just as they are And assure shelter for a while For He had known the glory awaiting To be in communion with His Father dear The glory foretold by ancient prophets. For the hour was so crucial and fearsome. Thus the spotless lamb was sacrificed Sweat of blood wet the rock that held Upon Calvary on cross a sign of shame His sacred hand in folded palms Brutal soldiers nailed and killed Tears of anxiety and insecurity The savior the author of creation Rolled, down the cheek so holy and tender The end of passion led to glory ‘Father let it pass away if you will’ Giving hope for all who struggle in life Cried the celestial heart in bitterness. Was the message for all ages to come. Oh! The time of darkness is hereby When my ailing body feels so down Alarmed the earth in shudder And I see no ray of hope ahead in life But fast asleep were the chosen ones Anxiety, frustration takes my peace away For they knew not the tempest I recall the path treaded by my Lord The reign of evil so horrifying. For He has promised me peace eternal The joy that every soul longs for. ‘Rise, let’s be going..’ Came the voice so gentle Thanks to my Lord who redeemed me Rubbing the sleepy eyes they woke Glory to Him the author of my life Just to see their Master For He is worthy of all my praise Dragged by a crowd in rage Glory to Him who rescued me! Glory to Him who set me free! Chain bound, pushed and pulled. Sr. Cini George SSpS, Indore

RAYS 19 UDAY News Uday Community Development Project, Badi Dhamini Self Help Groups (SHGs) Meeting and Miss. Seema of the NGOs working in with Aajeevika – NRLM: Aajeevika – the district of Jhabua. Although they NRLAM (National Rural Livelihood discussed with us we weren’t convinced Mission) under the ministry of rural about it. Hence we arranged a meeting with development had a meeting with our SHGs them in the presence of Sr. Lizy Thomas, in the month of February, 2013. The Fr. Jacob Péénikaparambil CMI and mission aims at creating efficient and Animators of nine SHGs. Thereafter the effective institutional platforms for the rural poor enabling them to increase household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial and selected public services. NRLM has been set with an agenda to reach out and mobilize 7.0 Crore BPL households, across 600 districts, 6000 blocks, 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, 6.0 lakh villages in the country, into self-managed Ajeevika personnel met all the nine SHGs SHGs and federated institutions and of the village separately. Finally in the support them for livelihoods collectives. In month of February Aajeevika group met addition, the poor would be helped to all the members of SHGs in Gram Sabha achieve increased access to their rights, where all unanimously agreed to open one entitlements and public services, diversified bank account for all the nine SHGs. The risk and better social indicators of programme is already in the process of empowerment. completion. We came to know about the mission Sr. Nirmala Marandi SSpS, through Mr. Peter, Mr. Mukesh Patidhar Badi Dhamini

On 7th March, 2013 at Gurudwara, Indore the Sikh Community honoured various religious women working for the women empowerment. Srs. Rosily Panjikaran and Geeta Joseph were also chosen for this award. Congratulations to our sisters!!!

20 RAYS UDAY News Uday Community Development Project, Dharampuri

Seminar on Sex Education: Common sayings like, ‘Health is wealth’ and ‘Prevention is better than cure’ say about giving importance to health. Considering this very fact we organized a seminar on ‘Sex Education’ on 11th January, 2013. The resource person was Mrs. Raj Kishori the staff from Khandwa Diocese Social Service. The seminar was precisely meant for the drop out girls from the villages of Dharampuri, Pathara and Sarai. The awareness programme was to assist the girls to know about their body and its functions. Thirty three girls from the villages and 8th standard poverty. Realizing the significance of hygiene in girls from the Government Middle School, the lives of villagers, an awareness class on Dharmapuri attended and benefitted from the ‘Health and Hygiene’ was conducted on the same seminar. day for the SHGs. Mrs. Raj Kishori through her thought-provoking The session was made very interesting and session made the girls become aware of the attractive with documentaries on women importance of having dignity. She enlightened the empowerment. Twenty two members from the girls as to how they are abused, exploited and three SHGs participated and benefitted from it. battered in their own homes, society and country They were made to become aware of their at large. They were given time to discuss in groups potentials as women who have the power to make also to share their personal experiences of being difference in the families and societies. Mrs. Raj victimized to any such torture. Besides these, Kishori stressed the necessity to attend the ‘Gram there were also group activities to help them come Sabha’ meetings which would enable them to out with their ideas and insights. All of them were know the available schemes and the right use of happy about the seminar and expressed that it their power as citizens of the country. The short was very helpful and meaningful session. film on ‘Health and Hygiene’ helped the women Awareness Class on Health and Hygiene for become aware of the importance of hygienic life. SHGs: Health and hygiene can never be As a result they decided to make toilet facility for understated. Good hygienic practices assure good every house and some of them have already health and it ensures social acceptance and self- begun the work. The session further proved good confidence in persons. In the interior villages by the result on 26th January, 2013 as few of them people hardly give importance to health and attended the Gram Sabha meeting and demanded hygiene as they are illiterate and lack proper the available government scheme for the toilet facilities. Hence they are easily prone to get many facilities. diseases and make them further vulnerable to Sr. Brigit John SSpS, Dharampuri RAYS 21 UDAY News Uday Slum Development Project, Bhopal Public Hearing: Every government Children’s Parliament: The school going department which serves the public ought children from Jatkhedi slum were motivated to have a functional public hearing to form a group of their own. This was to department. This takes place on Tuesday help them find solutions to the problems in the presence of all the concerned they frequently face. There, they were authorities of the department. It gives the introduced to C.P - ‘Children’s Parliament’ public an opportunity to get solutions to in which they showed lot of interest. Thus their concerns especially when they are ‘Children’s Parliament’ was initiated and denied of the available schemes and they elected ministers among themselves services. After the hearing, the officials for health, education, sports and all round answer in written form to the applications development. submitted. Thereafter the respective ministers took The above said provisions were made use oath to be faithful to their responsibilities by the women in Jatkhedi and Bagmugalia. and work for the development of the The municipality children in the responded slum. They also quickly to their decided to hold eight applications the meeting of all regarding the the elected sewage blockage. ministers on Besides this, the every Saturday. request for new This is being toilets is also on practiced the process of its regularly by the completion. The self-help groups of women group. also submitted their applications for waste The outcome of their meeting was well containers in different areas of the slum. In portrayed on Republic Day. The children response to their requests three waste belonging to C.P wrote and enacted a containers were provided along with two short play. It depicted the importance of main places for the waste collections basic education as well as the reality of moreover, provision is also made for the thousands of children being forced to child removal of waste. The remaining labour in order to support their family applications were for life insurance schemes instead of exercising his/her right to to people belonging to below poverty line, education. The programme was well contingency employment and medical aid appreciated by all. which would be answered in a month time. Sr. Rosina Joseph SSpS, Bhopal

22 RAYS UDAY News Indore Domestic Workers Solidarity (Uday) Eliza … A Child, Deprived of Parental Care:

The pain or agony know not depressed and misbehaving. She began to Looks so gloomy and sad develop friendship with slum boys and Lonesome for sure was she started to lead an unhealthy life. It was at Longing to have someone this stage Annakutti got retired and was Someone to comfort and care appointed by the same medical department Someone to say as her own: to train the village health workers. Since Eliza’s character was rapidly changing The poem clearly portrays the life of Eliza Annakutti didn’t want to take risk thus she (fictitious name) a fifteen year old girl. She sent her to the remand home, Baakhaghar, was an illegitimate child who became Indore where the victims of domestic orphan as her mother became mentally ill. violence stay. When she was just three years her mother requested Mrs. Annakutti a nursing tutor in In January 2013 one of our staff happened Maharaja Yashvandsingh to visit Baakhaghar and there Hospital, Indore to give them she met her. We decided to find a shelter. The good woman the whereabouts of the child was kind enough so she and it took weeks for us to find accommodated them in the out all details about her as worker’s quarters. The child mentioned above. Although grew up there taking care of nobody is allowed to talk to the Mrs. Annakutti’s grand child. inmates there they permitted us Her mother Mercy (fictitious as the child was catholic and I name) used to go out at any was a religious sister. Since one time of the day and night year she stays there without which didn’t please Annakutti. Knowing this any further studies. It is quite saddening to would affect the child she put her in the see her living a life of uncertainty. How could hostel run by Augustinian Sisters and a child grow normal when he/she is deprived educated her until 6th class in Nirmala of parental love and joy-filled childhood? Convent School, Sendwa. Thereafter she One could easily read in the eyes of Eliza put her in government school, Pipliyana in the pain and longing for someone’s Indore where she did her 7th to 9th classes. affectionate touch which she elicits by Meanwhile Mercy became mentally ill and misbehaving. We are still trying to help her was with Mother Theresa ashram in find a place. And we are hopeful to find a Ashadam, Khandwa. suitable place where she could grow to maturity and achieve her heart’s desire. Although the child received all the care to come up in life but she didn’t. She was Sr. Rosily Panjikaran SSpS, Indore RAYS 23 Ministries Empowerment of Women

Empowerment of women has emerged as an of the church. The Magnificat is an example for important issue in our society in the recent years. women: There is a greater awareness about women’s My soul glorifies the Lord rights among all sections of the society. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior Empowering girls is the key to breaking the cycles For He has looked with favor on His lowly servant of discrimination and violence experienced by women. Our boarding and hostels are the means And from this day on all generation will call me to empower women. We focus on their wholesome Blessed.” development by providing them with the training It is not merely a spiritual song, but Mary rose on leadership and Karate. The various above the barriers into a political and social realm. competitions on several topics help them grow with She realized that she is able to contribute to the courage and self confidence. They are also given Mission of the Lord. Nehru said once: “I am quite faith formation and character sure that the future of India will building sessions. We probably depend ultimately encourage them to grow as more upon the women than the good citizens, house wives, men”. If women are mothers, teachers and leaders. encouraged to think, to learn Vishwas, Khandwa carries out and to come out of their yet another ministry in the same dependence, the family will be campus that focuses on women awakened and then the village empowerment. Women, to a great extent are will move, the country and the world as well. encouraged to participate in legal counseling, Hence all forms of violence such as physical, income generation activities, support group of mental, psychological and sexual violence against women at the village level, mutual support group girls and women must be condemned. As we work and linking women to banks and other schemes for the development of girls in our hostels, women available for them. A lot many opportunities are staff and domestic workers we focus towards a provided like education for their children, society where the women live with dignity and networking with other NGOs and awareness respect. What we need is not some more sessions on heath issues especially reproductive documents denouncing injustice against women health and HIV /AIDS. but a firm practical commitment eliminating God created woman in his own image and violence against them that is so widespread in likeness and that God saw her very good. When our society. If this takes place their lives would be we work with girl children and women I feel it is beautiful with the feminine nature having better a journey back to the part of the history of understanding of each other with love and humanity which is expressed in the scripture. We compassion. Then we, women become a read about Judith, Esther, Ruth, Samaritan message…..a blessing for all ….. woman and Mother Mary who shaped the history Sr. Vinita Joseph SSpS, Khandwa 24 RAYS Ministries Rally on World AIDS Day 2012, Khandwa

Vishwas, Khandwa celebrated the ‘World AIDS Day’, 2012 in a unique way by taking out a rally through the city. The objective of the rally was to create awareness on HIV/AIDS among the students as well as on the general public. Therefore, a special effort was made to gather students from as many schools as possible. The support of 14 schools of the city, Industrial Technical Institute, Education Department, Police Department, the City Magistrate, Khandwa diocese and many about Vishwas, its origin and vision. Dr. well-wishers made the rally a successful Panika appreciated the work of Vishwas one. and promised his continual support for the patients. Words of appreciation and The preparations to take the rally began encouragement were expressed by Rev. well in advance. Since the day was declared Bishop Durairaj and other guests. The with rule – 144 we also had to go through distribution of red-ribbon showed the number of procedures in order to get the significance and solidarity with the people permission. The Chief Guest of the event suffering from HIV/AIDS. was Dr. R.C. Panika (CHMO) of Khandwa and the Guest of Honor was Rt. Rev. The rally began as Dr. RC. Panika unfurled Bishop A. S. Durairaj SVD and other guests the green flag. There were around 1100 were Fr. Philip the Public Relations Officer students who participated in the rally and of Khandwa diocese and the Parish Priest, along with them were the teachers, NCC Fr. Sebi the Director of Khadnwa Diocese cadres, volunteers, sisters and fathers from Social Service and Sr. Arpita the Principal the nearby institutions. The students of St. Joseph’s School. marched shouting slogans and holding banners. The rally ended in Utkrusht The inaugural session was held at St. Vidyalay with a short puppet show on HIV/ Joseph’s School ground with a prayer song AIDS and refreshment for all the sung by the students of Holy Spirit School, participants. Khandwa. Sr. Deepa the director of Vishwas, Khandwa gave a brief introduction Sr. Deepa Thomas SSpS, Khandwa

RAYS 25 Ministries In the Effort to Protect HIV +ve Antenatal Mothers

Vishwas made a zonal supervisory visit to the seven districts of Madhya Pradesh such as Indore, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Neemuch, Ujjain, Mansour, and Gwalior on 5th February, 2013. The purpose of the visit was to assess our involvement in the prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child. Presently we have two district coordinators and eighteen out- reach workers actively working for the same cause. About 220 HIV+ve antenatal mothers were registered under Vishwas. Therefore the visit meant said areas. However, the local out-reach to enhance the coordination and workers were found lacking adequate networking with Government ART (Anti education and required training. There was Retro Viral Therapy) centers, DLNs (District also verifying of the records. Meetings were Level Networks) and DICs (Drop in organized to discuss various problems faced Centers) also to evaluate the performance by the staff in motivating the beneficiaries. of the ORWs (Out Reach Workers). Having learnt the concerns it was decided that out-reach workers would be sent for It was my first experience of supervisory capacity building and the district visit along with Sr. Geeta, the director of coordinators would visit the houses of Vishwas, Fr. Jobesh, the director of Saathi patients at least once a year. and coordinator community care center of Ujjain diocese, Mr. Kripal, the district We are appreciative of all the work being coordinator of Ujjain, Mansour, and done by our staff, coordinators, out-reach Neemuch. We visited the centers with workers and all the others in one or the whom we are already in network with such other way involved in supporting the as district hospitals, ICTCs (Testing centers), project. The success of Vishwas lies in their and DLNs (District Level Network of people hard work and valuable efforts. We look living with HIV). The study showed that the forward to reaching out to many more linkage with government agencies was mothers who are infected and affected comparatively good and that we were 96% thereby become vulnerable in saving their successful in preventing the HIV child from the deadly disease. transmission from mother to child in the Sr. Roseline P. SSpS, Indore

26 RAYS Ministries Faith is like a radar that sees through the fog!

“Every tomorrow has two handles. We can the staff in Maharaja Yeshvandsingh take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or (Government) Hospital, Indore he directed by the handle of faith” – Author Unknown. them there so that they could get free The life of Giria and Gowri (fictitious check-up. However, he also gave some name) depicts the said quote. The couple money. Moreover, he called up few of his was orphan and married since three years known people to support them with yet both led a happy life until the finance, nutritious food, free check-up, etc. catastrophic day. Giria was illiterate while Further we also came to know that they Gowri completed B.A. first year. Giria was lived in a rented house and had not paid working and lost all his savings in a rent for the past six months. He had mysterious way. At this juncture they borrowed money from many and they too visited Masih Vidhya Bhawan and met Fr. were asking them to return it. We were Prasad SVD, the director. I came to know helpless but assured our prayerful support from father about the couple and took and asked them to hold on to their faith initiative to meet both of them personally. and forgive those who cheated them. When I prayed over Gowri she began to say aloud the Bible quotes which surprised After a month Gowri gave birth to a me. Their faith in Jesus was tremendous premature baby and I went to visit her though they were non-catholics. Although along with Fr. Prasad. We had carried Giria was uneducated he could read Bible some food and things for them. God be and carried one along with him. “Faith is praise! for there weren’t much like a radar that sees through the fog” – complications. Later Fr. Prasad helped Corrie Ten Boom. Their life was filled with Giria to get a job through some bank hardships yet their trust and confidence agencies which is again just bare minimum in the power of God was amazing. They to meet all their expenses. Now they are were able to see through the fog of happy and continue to walk in faith. In suffering, isn’t it something that we this year of faith, the life of this couple may Catholics need to ponder on? inspire all of us to trust the unknown realities of life and let us support them Having seen their faith in Jesus I also through our prayers. Rabindranath Tagore introduced to them the Bible said, “Faith is the bird that sings when the correspondence course. As I was talking dawn is still dark”. Yes, the trust in God to the couple I became aware that Gowri when there is no ray of hope is faith and was in her seventh month of pregnancy believing in it is the identity of every and had no medical investigation done Christian. due to financial difficulties. She looked to Sr. Elsy Chiriyankandath SSpS, me anaemic so I advised her to do some Indore check-up. Since Fr. Prasad knew some of

RAYS 27 Ministries Life is Precious

Life indeed is a precious gift of God. We thing was his auto. He shared with us that often fail to realize its worth until we face he has to sell the auto to meet the expense. with certain trauma. This realization got Assuring our prayerful support we went confirmed during one of my family visits ahead. However, we kept in touch with along with Srs. Sylvia and Pushpa. The him. driver of the auto we hired was talking over the mobile saying, ‘Please save my child..’ God’s ways are not our ways. Yes, the boy We could see him wiping his tears and died after few days leaving the family sad realized that he was in great trouble. So, and empty. This incident depicts the reality we enquired and came to know that his of God’s will in the life of human beings only son was to undergo an emergency which we are called to see and accept in heart operation for which he had to deposit faith. However, it is a break through Rs. 20, 000/- Any human being in dire need experience. The life calls us to accept the will look for the nearest possibility to get reality as it comes. things done and for him the only available Sr. Marie SSpS, Rajkot

Prison Ministry .

Prison ministry in I consider this ministry Indore diocese has got as a golden opportunity twelve volunteers who to reach out to these serve the prisoners in desolates. We are various capacities. restricted to enter into Every Wednesday Sr. their deeper reality but Jessy and I visit the being with them itself is women’s section and very touching and spend about two hours with the inmates. inspiring. They wait for our presence with They are allowed to do their studies and them and show lot of enthusiasm in learning appear for exams. Many of them take this despite their pathetic situation. When we opportunity seriously and do their studies. leave jail they ask us, ‘You are going will There are women doing their studies from you also take us out?’ Their inner desire to primary to higher classes and one of them be liberated is very visible in the above st has reached up to B.A 1 year. Except expression. Caring for them without any Saturday and Sunday there are sisters and judgment is our mission – the mission of novices from different convents to help love filled with compassion. them with their studies. Jail authorities are very much appreciative of our work. Sr. Sushila Garwal SSpS, Indore

28 RAYS Ministries Tare Zamin Par – Stars on Earth

Once there was a melancholic old woman promote the innate talents of the kids living in a nursing home. She wouldn’t entrusted to me. I see the struggles of these speak to anyone but enjoyed rocking on a underprivileged children whose parents rocking chair. Later on a nurse used to visit hardly care for their education and welfare. her daily. Without saying a word she would As a teacher I make every effort to instill in pull out another rocking chair and would them the significance of having a dream or rock with the woman for a vision for life. sometime. Months later Certainly, they are the the old lady said to the stars of tomorrow. The nurse, ‘Thank you for growth as well as the rocking with me’. Yes, development of the our loving presence can village depends on make a great difference them. to the lives of others especially the neglected I take pride in their ones of our society. eagerness to learn things and it boosts me to give The Hindi movie, ‘Thare Jamin Par’- Stars my best in creating a bright future for them. on Earth depicted the importance of Being a teacher I learnt that it is not that I personal touch in the lives of people who teach them rather I learn from them. I especially the children. In the movie the was frustrated with few who refuse to study loving understanding of the teacher and I realized that being hard on them changed the life of the eight year old boy. wouldn’t help. It is only my loving He rocked with the child and stood by him understanding of their weaknesses and as a strong pillar of support. The film visibly inabilities that help them grow gracefully. I explains that there are stars even on earth have learnt to rock with them by my being, if we really care for the other. Today I feel playing, laughing and learning together. I that I too am called to be like the teacher in wish that these children grow up the film and the nurse who rocked with the understanding their self-worth hence old lady. God lights up the stars in the sky become the stars on the earth. and it is our duty to light up the stars on the earth. Through the ministry of education I Sr. Punam Dung dung SSpS, am given an opportunity to identify and Dharampuri

Hearty Congratulations to our pre-novices, aspirants and candidates promoted to the next stage of their formation. And congrats to their directresses under whose guidance they were moulded and shaped.

RAYS 29 Ministries An Inspirational Annual Function at St. Raphael Co-Ed School, Bhopal

St. Raphael Co-Ed School wore a festive look, illuminating with shining faces as the school celebrated its Annual Day on 8th December, 2012. The annual day celebration was a befitting occasion for the spontaneous outburst of high spiritedness in a wide range of creativity. The celebrations started as scheduled in the evening with the warm welcome of the Chief Guest, Shri B. Raja Gopal Naidu IPS the principal from the song album of two CDs - Arzoo secretary of Madhya Pradesh women and Ke Diye (Throbbing of Heart) and Manzil child development department. Special Ki Or (Pulsations of Life) compiled by Sr. guest on the occasion was Most Rev. Dr. Nisha SSpS. These CDs were also released Leo Cornelio SVD the Archbishop of during the function and acknowledged the Bhopal. artists. The performance by the pre-primary The most awaited event of the function was section ‘Wonder of Creation’ enthralled the the Prize distribution ceremony to those audience. Annual report was presented by students whose performance was the principal, Sr. Grace focusing the stupendous in the academic year. achievements of the school. The thematic Achievers were honored by the Chief presentation on the ‘Feminine Face of God’ Guest. The performance of the grand finale left spectators mesmerized. The Hindi skit by the seniors on fusion music added charm was an exclusive presentation which was to the spectacular evening. The day laudable indeed. concluded with the vote of thanks followed by the national anthem leaving behind the The inspiration for the thematic promise of a handful of brighter hues of presentation – that is the ‘Sobs of a Girl the year. Child’, the ‘Greatness of a Mother’, the ‘Need for National Integration’ -was drawn Sr. Grace Abraham SSpS, Bhopal

Accolades to Sr. Vimla Jacob SSpS : Sister has published a book by name, ‘Concern for Holistic Education’. This motivational and inspiring documentation is the result of the whispers of her heart.

30 RAYS Ministries ART- DECO - 2013

“Every child is an artist” This saying of Pablo Picasso is indeed a great truth and it was well proved on the ‘ART- DECO 2013’ (art and craft exhibition) of St. Raphael’s Primary School on 29th January. “Imagination is more important than knowledge” said, Albert Einstein. Yes, just gaining the bookish artistically decorated ‘galleria’ and the knowledge isn’t sufficient for children’s over rooms which were assigned for exhibition all growth; they ought to develop their of craft items, spoke volumes about the hard innate quality of imagination. It is then they work, dedication and aesthetic sense of the begin to cultivate the inborn nature of children. The topics ranged from free hand creative thinking brightening their awaiting sketches, paintings of all kinds, clay and future. The ‘ART-DECO 2013’ was one wood work, artifacts made by waste such platform where the children had their material, crafts and flower decorations. chance to portray their creative Jewellery items, rangolies, mandanas, imaginations. puppets and needle work reflected the traditional arts which are still prevalent in The Chief Guest, Mr. Dilip Chinchalkar a our ‘Incredible India’. The nation’s rich renowned artist inaugurated the exhibition cultural heritage came alive in the by cutting the ribbon in the presence of exhibition. Guest of Honour, Sr. Geeta Joseph SSpS the Vice- provincial, Sr. Vimla Jacob the The parents as well as the visitors lauded principal of the school, other guests, the efforts of the students and teachers. The teachers and students. Thereafter the guests exhibition exhibited the hidden talents and were taken to explore the great artistic work innovative ideas in the most unique way of the young minds. Mr. Dilip was amazed which left the visitors enthralled. The to see their enormous giftedness and level spellbound press appreciated and recorded of imagination. the event which proved that ‘Art is an expression of the inner soul which strikes Then the lush green premises of the primary chord in various tunes’. section soon became the center of attraction for all the art lovers of the city. The Sr. Sini Joseph SSpS, Indore

RAYS 31 My Views Those nine days

Love and greetings from Formosa means spirits and bad fortune. Red envelopes are “Beautiful Island” now known as Taiwan. usually given from elder to younger, small gifts generally food or money are I would like to share with you in gist about exchanged between friends and relatives my life in Taiwan. The celebration of the of different families. The 15th day of the New Chinese New Year was truly amazing. The Year is called 'lantern festival', which is people in China celebrate both calendar celebrated at night and children go in year as well as Chinese Year. They parade carrying their lantern. Those nine celebrate it very grand by decorating the days of holidays, were special for me, I had houses and streets with colourful lights, lot of opportunities to go around and see frightening ghost, firecrackers and varieties the beautiful places. Being in Taipei 101 of glittering decorations and as for me it floor famous building was amazing and was like our ‘Diwali’. It starts with the first implausible for me. The world’s fastest moon of the New elevator within no Year and goes up time took me to to full moon 91st floor high and which is fifteen I felt that the days. Each New whole Taiwan is Year is marked in front of me. by the There is always a characteristics of big crowd to have one of the 12 a glimpse of this zodiacal animals: great wonder. the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, Without knowing snake, horse, the Chinese sheep, monkey, culture or history, rooster, dog and pig. So according to the it's difficult to understand its values and people’s belief this year is considered as importance. In national palace museum snake year. there are most precious objects which signify Chinese arts and cultures. And I was The Taiwanese celebrate it in honour of surprised to know that there are collections heaven and earth, the gods of the of more than 680,000 of such objects. The household and the ancestors. On New Year museum is so vast that it would take three eve, family members come together to hours to visit the whole of it. International celebrate and enjoy meal with solemn Glass Art is another worth watching sight thanksgiving prayers. Here, Red is a colour and it portrays Taiwanese culture as well of good luck because it scares away evil as the great work of its artist. One of the

32 RAYS My Views Taoist temples has got traditional garden, to its tones, reading and writing the natural bridges, beautiful ponds with whole characters. I would like to share with you lot of fishes and tortoises. I also found few two good news, firstly I already got my Indian snakes and I said my hello to them. missionary visa secondly I am able to communicate in Chinese. So once again I am really grateful to my sisters here who thanks to one and all for your prayerful avail themselves to take me around. After support in accomplishing the mission of the holiday, I am back again to my regular God. Chinese classes as usual. It is really interesting to learn Chinese like: listening Sr. Lima Rosalia Tete SSpS, Taiwan

What can help the deprived children obtain their rights?

Every child born on this earth will have a mouth. Isn’t it something saddening? dream to fulfil. They deserve to have their basic needs met like good health, food, The poor children are forced to work and shelter and clothing. Each child must be free earn for their families. At times their parents from physical, mental, emotional and abuse them while the rich or the land spiritual hazards. owners exploit. The child has to be The young girls are protected from misused, abused being abused and and persecuted for must be provided their very birth. with good They become atmosphere in vulnerable and order to grow and voiceless. If only develop as free our ears are open citizens of the we can hear the cry country. But the of these children fact is that there are being crushed in number of children who don’t get these the quarries to carry stones, cleaning in requirements. Yes, the disparity among the hotels, picking up rags and plastics. They rich and poor in our country is quite don’t even get the deserved wages. Some alarming. The rich children enjoy every of these children are also sold for labour or facility but the poor children are denied prostitution. I have seen the elder ones who even their own basic needs. Every day and are so young at age taking care of their every minute they struggle for hand to young ones. I was often moved by the

RAYS 33 My Views struggles of these children of whom I have to grow and mature. Besides, it’s a platform specially seen while working in interior where they have the freedom to express villages. I asked myself, ‘What can I do to their views, concerns and find the right help them obtain their rights?’ The answer solutions to all the issues of their life. is, ‘Where there is a will there is a way’. We have already begun number of activities The mission of uplifting the shattered for these children especially in some of our society towards a peaceful world by missions but would that be enough? Don’t working with the deprived children stands we need to launch into this important before us as a great challenge of the time. mission in a wider level? "Perhaps we To become the voice of the voiceless for cannot prevent this world from being a sure requires a lot of guts. It is the call of world in which children are tortured. But the hour to reach out to these deprived we can reduce the number of tortured children and raise them to the status of children" – Albert Camus. May the words dignified citizens of our country. To attain of Albert strengthen our desire and vision this, the best medium would be ‘Children’s to foresee above all to materialize a peaceful Parliament’ where they get all around world! development. It provides them with sustainable and meaningful opportunities Sr. Jona SSpS, Indore

The joy of selfless giving is the joy of living life authentically!

“The most treasured and number of people living sacred moments of our in poverty and lives are those filled with deprivation. How many the spirit of love. The of us think or are moved greater the measure of by them when we see our love, the greater is them on the streets with our joy .” says Joseph a begging bowl. B. Wirhlin. A person filled Definitely, it is a serious with love gives concern to ponder. generously himself/ herself without expecting anything in return. I remember an incident that I read Jesus on the cross visibly explains this very sometime ago in the news paper about a fact. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. young boy who died in an accident. On 9/7) Yes, a cheerful giver is a person full of the site there were many onlookers but love and compassion. Today there are none dared as they were afraid of the legal

34 RAYS My Views consequences. The onlookers could have console her. What an innocent giving! Hard saved the boy’s life if they were motivated to believe that at this age the child could be by love. Where there is love there is no so selfless. Our call to reach out to the needy fear. Our service that comes from love demands this GIVING – Giving selflessly bears better result than the service that without expecting anything in return. Often stems from duty. The sayings of Mother we may not get any positive outcome still Theresa, “It’s not how much we give but we serve the society in love. Certainly, it is how much love we put into giving” challenging and demands patience filled describes the above fact. with courage and convictions of one’s ability to go ahead. And it is in this giving When I was in Rajkot taking care of the one finds joy and satisfaction of living life nursery kids I remember a boy by name joyfully. So, ultimately the joy of selfless Asif who wiped the tears of another child giving is the joy of living life authentically. Berkha saying, ‘Don’t cry mummy will come soon’ and gave his own play toys to Sr. Antonette SSpS, Aulia

Embrace the Precious Ancient Days

Will I ever get chance to see ancient days? Noisy, foul, yet no time to bother The celestial awesome nature For life is just a rushing vehicle Sparkling in pearls of morning dew Caressed by scented breeze of east At the end of the day tired and weary Of course no time again but rest The myriad lively birds chirping Yet again to the anxious dawn Fluttering from branch to branch To run the race of another day Hunting little creatures to gulp it Swinging the sway of east wind Do I hear the knock of the hour To pause and know my inner voice The seagulls in chase of prey The voice of the deep so deep Flying about the endless waves Get back you dear get back Golden moments indeed Captures any turbulent heart Ha! Where am I rushing? Or where are we rushing? Gone are those gorgeous ancient days Don’t we need to pause a while The peaceful and peace-loving days No more do I hear the sweet birds To hear that voice so deep Or do I have time to relax and enjoy To embrace the precious ancient days Time is hurrying and I ought no delay And rebuild that gorgeous ancient days Catch-up with the world so hurrying Sr. Elizabeth Rani SSpS, Delhi. RAYS 35 My Views Still the Mind so to Live in Depth

“Watch and pray that you may not enter for them. At the close of the day they find into temptation, the spirit indeed is willing themselves with down-syndrome. Tired but the flesh is weak.” (Mt. 26:41) In the and broken yet hopeful at the deeper self said quote Jesus discloses the significance they go to rest just to wake up with further of prayer. The willingness of the spirit and anxiety of making the day meaningful and the weakness of the flesh in accomplishing purposeful. I believe this happens due to God’s will in one’s life are portrayed in it. the lack of faith in self and in God. It could The everyday life is exposed to events both also be the inability of the person in allowing good and bad. Hence it demands a person the grace to enter into the life of him/her to be attuned to God in prayer which is especially in such hours of life. In this ‘Year based on faith blessed with grace. I stress of Faith’ it is good to reflect on these aspects ‘blessed with grace’ of our life which is very because the strength of much connected to our every prayer is faith and core being. the fruit of faith is grace. Accordingly, faith and The question here is what grace are like the two could help us attain faith sides of the same coin so and grace? The answer without one the other has could probably be no meaning or purpose. personal prayer. I would “In him we have define personal prayer as, redemption through his ‘Stilling of the mind to blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses know the depth and so to function from according to the riches of his grace which depth’. Why should one still the mind? The he has lavished upon us.” (Eph. 1: 7) The mind is something which is always busy passage elucidates both the aspects of faith through out the day. Whether the person and grace. Jesus cleanses us of our is sitting idle or working hard the mind is trespasses however, it is in the gift of grace busy planning, discerning or thinking. The we receive inner healing. reality of faith and grace cannot make its way into life because the mind keeps Daily realities of life often challenge our reasoning. For example the mind inner desire to be successful in life. The questions, why should you pray? Work is whole lot of chores and errands in life, time prayer and so on. Obviously, if this is and again disconnect us from our truer prayer then faith and grace can hardly find being. People running from one post to the any place in our life. The rising number of other have hardly any time to know their suicides, rape, murders on burst of sudden depth. Frustrations, disappointments mixed rage, family break up, Religious leaving with some light moments makes the day the Societies, etc, candidly explain it.

36 RAYS My Views Stilling of the mind helps one to get in our relationship takes a u-turn and we touch with the inner self. There are a begin to enjoy the work even if it is heavy number of methods today in getting it or taxing. accomplished like meditation, yoga, and many more. Will any of these be useful to A person in touch with the depth can be people during the working days or hours? easily identified for she/he is graceful or Most probably it isn’t practical for many joyful. They are in total control of their of them although they are some of the best being and handle all issues well. They are methods to stay connected. Then what efficient in their work and produce good can be helpful? The ‘Here and Now’ or output. I personally feel that the churches the practice of living in the present. In this must take initiative in introducing such the person stops working for a while and quick awareness exercises which would enters into a deeper silence by taking few help the faithful stay connected to their deep breaths. This few seconds of staying core being. Lord Budha was a person who away or being cut off from the work went in search of the truth and found it connects us back to our truer self. A Greek nowhere but deep in him. The hidden Philosopher, Epictetus once said, “It is not treasure of love, peace and joy dwells right what happens to you, but how you react within every human being all what one to it that matters”. In our working hours requires to do is to delve into the depth. several times we get into conflict with the The search for truth reaches the acme co-partners, subjects, even authorities. when one discovers she/he is at the depth. Have we ever asked why does it happen? If this has to happen we ought to make Perhaps we are not connected to our deliberate steps to stay with the depth by depth. The stilling of the mind then comes stilling the mind. These attempts will for as handy for us. It helps our inner-being sure be blessed with grace in abundance. to remain attuned to our feelings and gifts It will help us become new persons who us with the grace to be in control with our are graceful and peace radiating. In our sudden reactions or emotions. Flow of endeavor to still the mind so to live in such energy eliminates those unwanted depth may the life of Jesus, saints and created frustrations and we feel good great people be our inspiration. about ourselves as well as the other. Thus Sr. Cini George SSpS, Indore

A calendar of ‘Sirpur ki Ma Mariam’ (Our Lady of Sirpur) was released by Rt. Rev. Durai Raj SVD the Bishop of Khandwa on 2nd February, 2013. It was designed by Mr. John Oswal. May Ma Mariam bless every house in which her image is exposed and honoured.

RAYS 37 Formation Events From the Files of Aspirancy

One Month Community Experience: In Our formators planned our schedules very the month of December 2012 we the meticulously. On 5th evening we were aspirants had our one month mission divided into four groups and spent sometime experience in different communities of the to know each other. province. It was a wonderful opportunity to The dawn of ‘Province Day’ brought in know and understand the mission that our sentiments of wonder, gratitude and sisters are involved in. We were glad to be missionary zeal as our pre-novices led us into part of their mission and serve the Lord in meaningful morning worship. The our own little ways. When we received our responsibility of the liturgy of the Eucharist appointments to different communities we was taken by us aspirants and candidates. were rather worried and anxious about it. The most exciting part of the But the moment we reached our programme was the communities the experience was all competitions in four basic different. Although it took us few days groups. The competitions to know the place and work we were quiz on Bible, general picked up and began to feel knowledge, founding good and confident. Some generation, four Indian of us had the chance to be provinces (there were funny part of the golden jubilee and tricky questions too), celebration of Aulia Mission. group dance, group singing, We too contributed our creative Biblical fashion talents in getting ready with show, throw ball match and a skit - ‘SSpS the programme like decorations, choir, Communities Today and Tomorrow’. The cultural programme, etc. winners were awarded with prizes. All of us were taken up by the mission carried In the evening we, formees and our out by our sisters in interior villages. Such formators put up a short cultural programme. mission demands lot of courage and During the programme we acknowledged convictions along with faith in the Lord who and thanked Sr. Elsie K. Varghese our called each of us. We felt cared, accepted provincial leader and her team for their solid and understood by our sisters moreover, it contribution to the province for the past six helped us to look forward to our dream as years in various fields particularly in the missionaries with enthusiasm and vigour in formation field. We are grateful to Srs. Elsie, the years to come. Lissy, the formation team and provincial The Formees Get-together: The formees house community for giving us this (pre-novices, aspirants and candidates) get- wonderful opportunity to come together as together held in our provincial house on 6th one SSpS family. February, 2013 was indeed a great event. The Aspirants, Indore 38 RAYS Formation Events Visit to Provincial House

It’s since long did we wait founding generation. It was an opportunity For that journey so very precious to know how our sisters began the mission Ha! the day finally came in India and how it progressed to what it is A wonderful journey indeed today. We also had the competition in Into that dream house mixed groups like quiz, skit, dance, singing, The house our mother house throw ball, etc. The evening was still The poem above clearly describes our wonderful as we had put up a short cultural hearts desire to see our provincial house in programme. We performed two disco Indore. We had been longing and were dances and one action song. The evening excited to see it and at last on 5th February, was truly wonderful and unforgettable. 2013 we reached there by afternoon. To We take this opportunity to thank our our surprise there were our elder sisters – formators whose initiative gave us this pre-novices and aspirants. Their presence wonderful get-together. Also we thank our made us feel comfortable and at ease. It sisters in provincial house especially was a great opportunity to meet our sisters Sr. Elsie K. Varghese our provincial leader and to celebrate our ‘Province Day’ with who supported and encouraged us by her them. valuable presence through out our stay We went around and were fascinated and there. We are grateful to our directress, Sr. inspired to see the number of activities that Manju Lakra for taking us. We cherish the our sisters are involved in. The golden beautiful memories of the days spent and chance to celebrate the ‘Province Day’ wish God’s blessings on all our sisters in helped us to understand the depth of our mission. Candidates, Alirajpur

RAYS 39 Formation Events Who is a Formator ?

Who is a formator? Is she a person of love and kindness? Is she someone who listens Or suggests and defends? Is she our very best friend? Who can define her? With whom can she be compared? Oh! Yea, Formator is one who moulds Moulds the formees to serve the Lord A person with a loving heart A source of strength and support Her love forms us so very well A guide who shows the right way Her patient and calm nature The way to attain the goal of life Allows in us a genuine growth None can substitute her We love you for what you are For she knows us through We thank you for being so good She is proud when we grow mature For you made us what we are today She corrects gently when things go wrong Thank you for being you. Miss. Philomena Kisku (Candidate) Alirajpur

Rays congratulates and appreciates all who have contributed to make her presence meaningful, informative and colourful. Kindly continue to enrich her with articles, insights, new ventures and events in your ministry.

Printed and published by ‘The Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit – India Central’. Address: HOLY SPIRIT CONVENT, POST BOX 530, KHANDWA ROAD, INDORE – 452001 (M.P.) INDIA Email – [email protected] Printed at: Sat Prachar Press, Indore Cover Page: Anju Offset Press, Indore

40 RAYS