The Inter-Province On-going Formation Programme, held from October 15th to October 28th, 2023, at Nirmala Dhyana Sadan in Athvelly-Medchal, Telangana, South India, was a significant gathering for 59 sisters from Asian
provinces (Amravati – 06, Pune – 08 Trichy – 12, Madurai – 12, Sri Lanka -01, Kolkata – 07, Angamaly 04, Guwahati – 08, Tenali – 1). The theme of the program was “Awakening to our call to be Missionary Disciples.”
The Programme was skillfully organized by Sr. Mary Pinto, the Provincial of Amravati, and Sr. Helen Daisy, the Provincial of Tenali. Assisting them in this endeavor were their secretaries, Sisters Lydia and Sunitha. Their dedication and commitment were instrumental in ensuring the success of the program.
The program commenced with a solemn inaugural ceremony. A procession by the participants added a touch of reverence to the occasion. During the procession, one participant from each province carried placards representing their respective provinces followed by a short prayer service. This symbolic gesture symbolized unity and diversity, emphasizing the shared mission of the congregation.
Sr Mary Pinto, Provincial of Amravati welcomed the participants followed by ice breaker activities to foster a sense of community and familiarity among participants. A reflective session led by Fr Edison Fernandes, SDB focusing on individual life journeys and spiritual growth. Fr Luke Rodrigues, SJ, conducted a workshop on discernment and its practical application in daily life.
A day dedicated to relaxation, leisure, and exploration of the local surroundings. This outing aimed to provide a break from the program’s routine and promote a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Sr. Jiji Mathew, SCC led a session on self-management, offering insights into being resourceful, emotional control, and stress. management.
Sr. Saveri Saverimuthu, SCC explored the concept of being a missionary disciple from the life of our founders and the early sisters. She discussed the challenges and opportunities in this role.
The organizing team led a session for the evaluation of the program, providing participants with an opportunity to share their feedback and insights. The program concludes with a closing prayer, marking the end of the Inter-Province On-going Formation Programme.
Sr Bridget Chelladurai
Province of Trichy
“The blessing Ceremony of the HCC Centenary Project – Holy Cross College RAPHA Health Centre-Heal @Rs.10 in Collaboration with GVN Hospital, Trichy was on 15th August 2023 Tuesday at Maria Villa Block, Holy Cross College Hostel, Trichy. The Programme began invoking God’s blessings with a Prayer Song, Bible Reading and Prayer by the Sisters of the Cross. Rev. Sr. Dr. Isabella Rajakumari, the Principal welcomed the august gathering and Rev. Sr. Dr. Lourdu Mary Academic Co-ordinator and Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Science shared the significance of RAPHA Project stating that this initiative will help in providing quality healthcare to marginalized communities and break the cycle generational health issues and leading to a brighter future for the individuals and their families. 
RAPHA-healthcare infrastructure would act as a frontline defense against health challenges for our own Students, Staff and the larger communities. They can reduce the burden on hospitals by handling less critical cases, allowing hospitals to focus on more complex medical needs. RAPHA would provide cost-effective health care options, especially for those who are uninsured or underinsured. It aims to offer a range of service at a lower cost, making healthcare more accessible to a broader population.
Rev. Sr. Lourdu Adaikalasamy, Provincial, Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod, Tiruchirappalli felicitated and appreciated the noble venture which will be functionally useful to address healthcare gaps, improve health outcomes, promote community well-being, reduce disparities, offer affordable care, and contribute to the overall development of a healthy society. It is an investment in the present and future health of the community.
“The HCC RAPHA Clinic with well-equipped infrastructure for initial medical consultation was opened by Rev. Sr. Lourdu Adaikalasamy, Provincial in the presence of Rev. Sr. Lilly Mary David, Mother Superior, Rev. Sr. Dr. Anne Xavier Secretary, Rev Sr. Dr. Isabella Rajakumari, Principal, all other Sisters of the Cross, Staff and Students of the Department of Audiology Speech Language pathology and DMLT. Rev. Fr Msgr. L. Anthuvan, Vicar General, Diocese of Tiruchirappalli recited the blessing prayer and blessed the entire clinic by sprinkling Holy Water.
Multiculturalism in practice is simply an expression of God’s creativity. We are called unconditionally to embrace the differences among us.
A two day session on Inter Cultural Living and Managing Diversity in Consecrated life was organized for the sisters in the Province of Trichy on 3rd and 5th June 2022 at Fort by Rev. Bro. Dr. Paulraj SG. Montfort Brother of St. Gabriel. He is the Principal of Vidhya Deep College, Bangalore.
Refocusing SCC towards a relevant Consecrated Life, focusing on the strength of the Province and appreciative inquiry, Difference is expected, respected and encouraged so that every sister can be productive, innovative and achieve to their fullest potential were dealt on the first day.
The orientation Program for the First Year Junior sisters was held from 2nd to 13th October 2021. We had the inaugural Mass on 3rd at 7.00 am at Kattupatti near (Viralimalai) by Fr. Sujin OCD and Fr. Antony OCD from Manikandam. The theme for the orientation program was "Miracles happen when God mixes with us". To mark the significance of the day, we planted the Mango saplings in front of the house in responding to the call of Pope Francis "Care for the common home" and the CCROP commission celebrating the season of creation.
Vision, Mission and Charism of the Congregation, Meditation and contemplation, Spiritual accompaniment and accountability, health and hygiene, Eco Spirituality, Ignatian way and the paradigm of Ignatius, Art of cooking and hospitality, Auto therapy measures and acupressure, Social response in view of COVID 19, Art of accounting and personal auditing were the topics dealt during the programme.
The junior sisters had an enriching experience to grow in the spirit of the Congregation and their consecrated life. The program came to an end with the sharing by the participants, evaluation and prayer.
The province of Trichy celebrated the Golden Jubilee of our dear sisters Juliet Soosainathan, Ruby raj, and Borgia Michael with a lot of gravity on 3rd January 2021. The august assembly gathered for the solemn Eucharistic celebration to thank the Almighty for the inestimable gift of their life and precious religious vocation which was indeed a journey of fidelity. Rev. Fr. Michael Raj from St. Paul Seminary was the main celebrant along with four more priests who were the special invitees.
The celebration started with the welcoming of the Province Animator Sr. Jyothi Selvaraj followed by garlanding and the procession accompanied by the little flower girls. They were felicitated by Srs. Julie Kulandaisami, Arockia Mary Soosaimanickam and Dhanamary Manickam. The theme of the celebration was “His goodness shall follow me to the end of my days”. Sr. Juliet thanked the group.
30th December 2020 marked an awesome day in the history of ‘POWER’ the Social Centre at Viralimalai as it celebrated the 25th year of it’s birth. Jubilee year is a year of thanksgiving to the Almighty God who blessed immensely with showers of light and encouragement to delve into the untrodden paths in creating the space for the last and least in the society.
The great and awaited events of the Jubilee celebration began by invoking the presence of God with the multi-religious symbols and the lighting of the lamp. The chief guest of the day Sr. Jyothi Selvaraj, the provincial of the Province of Trichy, the speaker Mrs. S. Sundaravalli the Social activist, the guest of honor Rev. Sr. I. Josephine Chinna Rani, the director of SOC SEAD and the founder of ‘POWER’, Rev.Fr. Paul Mike, the director of IDEAS, Madurai, Rev. Fr. Eugene, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Trichy and Mr.M Palaniyappan, the businessman, Viralimalai were warmly welcomed by Rev. Sr. Jeyarani the Director of POWER. All the invitees were honoured with a shawl and a Momento.
The highlights of the day’s programme were the release of the Silver Jubilee souvenir, screening of a fabulous documentary to the audience, release of the flag for POWER Social Centre and the cash of Rs.1,50,000/- for the education of the poor children handed over to Sr.Jeyarani, the director by the women federation of POWER.
Sr. Jyothi Selvaraj, Provincial Superior, set the tone for the day with a cordial welcome with a thought provoking inaugural address. It was delightful to see the newly professed sisters becoming the stars of the day during the opening ceremony with the colourful welcome as they take part in the province assembly for the first time.
To cap it all, Sr. Jyothi Selvaraj addressed the gathering again. In her address she appreciated the sisters for their tireless commitment and hard work in living the patrimony of the Congregation and for carrying out the ministries entrusted to them with utmost care. The areas we need to look into also were highlighted and brought into notice. Sr. Jyothi thanked the sisters for the arrangements made to make the day meaningful.
The first session began with a meaningful prayer in which the significance of milestones and the activities of the yester years (2008-2018) were brought out by the Butterworth Unit. Followed by an hour of reflection shared by Rev.Sr.Mary Johnsi Amaldas on the topic “Joyful Witnesses of Christ’s Mission” and 19 God’s abundant graces from the book of Hosea”.
There was a group sharing on the obstacles in reading the Word of God followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by Reverend Father Marianus Isaac for the milestones as God had travelled with our lay associates during ten long years. During the Eucharistic celebration 14 Lay Associates renewed their promises.
We had the presentation of Annual Reports followed by felicitation. Our provincial Rev.Sr.Jyothi Selvaraj and the golden Jubilarians – the President Mr & Mrs.Joseph Raj Rosebel were honoured. The day came to an end with the Unit wise photo session.
