Negombo (Sri Lanka). From 26 to 30 September 2024, in Sri Lanka, in St. Thomas Apostle (INM) Province, Sister Nilza Fátima de Moraes, General Councilor for Formation of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, along with Sister Anelfreda Miranda, Sector collaborator, met with Aspirants, Postulants, FMA Temporary Professed, and Community Animators.
On 26 and 27 September 2024, at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Negombo, 16 young people from Sri Lanka had the joy of meeting the General Councilor and her Collaborator. At their arrival on the evening of the 25th, they were greeted creatively with an honor guard, a wreath, a welcome song, flowers, and the lighting of the traditional lamp (Kuthuvilakku), symbol of the light of Christ. Sister Nilza then gave the Good Night, bringing them the message of the Mother General, Sister Chiara Cazzuola, who expressed the importance of “planting seeds for the future”, a thought that helps to reflect on one’s actions and how one can contribute to personal growth and the well-being of one’s communities.
The next day, the Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Fr. Roger Pinto, Salesian of Don Bosco of the Aspirantate Dominic Savio of Dankotuwa, Negombo. In the entrance procession, the young women brought the flags of the Nation, the Institute, the Church, candles and a stick, symbol of the Good Shepherd. In his homily, Fr. Roger stressed the importance of each and the significance of having a deep relationship with Jesus. On the occasion of the feast of the martyrs Cosmas and Damian, he then explained the different types of martyrdom.
In the morning, Sister Nilza and Sister Anelfreda led the young women reflect on the Gospel passage of the wedding at Cana, with several questions for further deepening. All of them shared their personal experiences in the communities and also the challenges and difficulties they face along the way.
Sister Nilza listened to the answers of all and encouraged them to be strong and courageous in their vocational journey. While Sister Anelfreda was explaining the guidelines for the period of formation of temporary vows, Sister Nilza took the opportunity for individual encounters.
The day ended with a short cultural program at the Auxilium Convent in Negombo on the theme, “Dreams that make you dream”, drawn from the guidelines for temporary vows. To conclude, Sister Nilza explained an icon of Mary Help of Christians and Saint Mary Mazzarello, explaining how it was written (by an FMA) and its meaning. Finally, gratitude, with the bestowal of a small gift, a painting from Sri Lanka.
On 27 September, the Mass was presided by Fr. Danushka Silva, Claretian, Rector of the Minor Seminary. In his homily, he stressed the importance of formation and personal growth. Each person must take care to actively form themselves in their own character and personal development.
In the morning session, Sister Anelfreda led the young women in Lectio Divina on the icon of the wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1-10), leaving them some questions, which were then shared in the group after a time of silence. Starting from art. 34 of the Constitutions, she then spoke about the personal encounter, highlighting the importance of having a regular personal meeting with the community animator, a spiritual guide, and a teacher of life.
The day ended with the experience evaluation. Sister Nilza gave each one a key ring, while a young FMA, on behalf of all, expressed their gratitude for the formative opportunity, made evident by the song intoned together.
Animators Encounter in Omanthai
On 28 September, the animators of the nine Communities of Sri Lanka met in Omanthai, at Mary Help of Christians Community, to participate in the encounter with Sisters Nilza and Anelfreda.
The day began with Morning Prayer followed by the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Lucian Emil, Jesuit. In the introduction, the names of the young sisters from Sri Lanka were brought to the altar, symbolically placed on a tree trunk carried by Sister Nilza.
In the morning encounter, after the welcome of the Animator, Sister Fernando Metilda, and the mutual presentations, Sister Nilza presented the icon of Mary Help of Christians and Mother Mazzarello. She then invited each to choose a chair as a symbol of expectations and responsibilities. Sister Anelfreda then summarized the points shared by the young women regarding their expectations of the animator and the formation process. During the group sharing, they were asked to list three key experiences and living conditions for effective animation.
The General Councilor helped to re-read the answers, providing valuable guidance for carrying out the role of animator and for nourishing Community growth in a deep sense of spirituality and unity, strengthening the bonds between Animators and Sisters.
The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude to Sister Nilza and Sister Anelfreda for their helpful guidance and accompaniment.
