Communities that generate life in the heart of contemporaneity

The Inaugural Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Dr. Soundararaju Periyanayagam SDB., DD,  Bishop of Vellore and in his homily explicated that the new wine in new wineskins in today’s context is to build God’s kingdom and in that new kingdom the new wine will be served.  He recommended that community commitment must be renewed to become a prophecy in the church and in the world. He hoped that the new mission will be extended to the marginalized in the periphery.

The inaugural ceremony began with a prayer dance by the students of Auxilium School, Chetpet. The theme of the Provincial Chapter was presented by the students of Fatima Higher Secondary School, Kqodambakkam with an enactment of the wedding feast at Cana. The chapter anthem was sung by the choir of Fatima School. The former FMA Provincials of Chennai Province Sr. Arogyasamy Mary Celine, Sr. Selvaraj Josephine and Sr.Fernando Mary Ann graced the occasion.

Rt.Rev.Soundararaju, Bishop of Vellore in his Inaugural address observed that the poor deserve new and better wine as Lord Jesus did and the Blessed Mother accepted the cross and gave new life giving new wine of salvation. He also insisted that clericalism has to be overcome through appreciation for the charism of the laity. He exhorted the chapter members to build up men and women that they may be enabled to taste the new wine as a fruit of the chapter.

Fr.K.M. Jose, Salesian Provincial of Chennai Province in his message exhorted to give the best to the young people as the General Chapter invites, “to generate life in the context of contemporaneity.” He invited the chapter members to unravel personal gifts through the channel of the community so as to engage the unmet needs of the contemporary world and wished for a fruitful Provincial Chapter that will strengthen the commitment to the mission and consecration.

Sr.Josephine Selvi, Mother General of SMA in her message put forth that women are the choicest wine whom the Father has called and sent, so one has to move out of her comfort zone. She wished that the right pastures may be identified and the empty jars may be filled with love.

Mr. Aseervatham, President, Association of Salesian Cooperators, Ms Sudha, VDB President, Ms Vimala, VIDES President, Ms Christy Kaviya, Past Pupil, Ms Sasikala, Coordinator of SHG, Ms Suseela, Teacher representative, Ms Sneha, Representative of Youth at risk, and Ms.Aleena Anton, Representative of the young people delivered their messages and wishes for a fruitful Provincial Chapter.

In the afternoon session of the Chapter Sr.Lazar Maria Nirmala presented the Sessenial Report of the Province 2014-19. The Financial Report 2014-19 of the Province was presented by Sr.Puliyani Lucy, Provincial Economer.