Tertianship Programme Bhubaneswar Province
4TH June to 11TH June 2019
at Siloam, shilling, Meghalaya,
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
It is with this attitude of gratitude that we recall our strengthening and rejuvenating experience of Tertianship. We are grateful to our Provincial Sr. Linette and the team who designed this refreshing programme for us.
The programme took place between 4th and 11th June. For all of us – Sisters Frisca, Prasanna, Annie Joseph, Juby, Mary Ratnam, Alice, Vani, Roja, Lata, Prabhavathi and Vijaya Nirmala -the thought of coming together brought us great joy. It was a time to strengthen our bonds with God and with one another.
The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests, flowered fields and sandy beaches. It has plenty of stars and the promise of sunrise and sunset everyday. What the world needs more of, are people to appreciate and enjoy it. These phrases resounded as we set our foot in the North East on the first evening in “SILOAM --- Life to Wholeness”, a facilitation centre for Psycho/Spiritual experience. The four days sessions were guided by Rev. Fr. Dr. P.V. Joseph SDB, Missiologist. He is a great priest who is full of love for God and the mission of Christ and his sharing of his 40 years of life in North East India greatly inspired us.
The various aspects of Religious Life were discussed and dialogued and we were reminded that a missionary is always called to be on the move. To recall the Origins and History of the Congregation was revitalising for all of us. Great respect and honour was paid to the “Pioneers” who went through terrific hurdles in life, which even resulted in death for some. We, together with our facilitator, gazed in awe as we reflected upon the great humility that our founder desired for us - as of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. We also meditated on the great love of St.Joseph for Jesus and Mary and all of us and, in so doing; we relived the experience of our Charism of THE GREATEST LOVE
Fr. P.V. Joseph highlighted good human and religious aspects and provided practical tips for Evangelisation. While strengthening our commitment with inputs, he also insisted that freedom with responsibility is the hallmark of a faithful Religious.
Father made clear to us the meaning of the Paschal Mystery; that God, in His loving plan of salvation, allowed Jesus to experience joy in suffering, glory in humiliation and life in death and forms of death. The four days sessions concluded on the evening of the 8th, and we left, convinced of the great learning experience from Siloam i.e. we must always change, renew and rejuvenate ourselves - otherwise we harden. Renewal requires opening ourselves up, to new ways of thinking and feeling.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth, find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” And so, with added strength from green mountains, valleys, streams, waterfalls, caves, plums and peaches and the lovely people of the North East, we set out on our journeys back to our dear communities on 11th June.
“We can be tired, weary and emotionally distraught but after spending time alone with God, we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power and strength.”
As we hold this experience as treasure,
Looking back, we thank God
Looking forward, we trust God
Each of us has deep gratitude for those who have lighted the flame in us. We thank from the depth of our hearts, our Provincial, Rev. Sr. Linette and the team who enabled us to participate in this programme; superiors and the sisters in our own communities who supported us; as well as all the well wishers and “good Samaritans” who made our programme comfortable and fruitful by their generosity.
Thanks be to God! Thanks be to all !
