The newly appointed animators of the communities had an animation programme from 9 to 15 April at Hatigaon. The programme began on 9 evening with an hour of adoration organised by Sr. Mary Perunilam, the Assistant General. She reflected with the group the attitude of Jesus towards service as described in the Gospel of St. Luke (22:24-27). The group drew inspiration from Jesus who showed the perfect way of leadership which gave emphasis to service other than gaining recognition and status.
During the goodnight talk on the first day, Sr. Mary Perunilam spoke to the new animators about the purpose of the programme and gave them some important points taken from the memento of Don Bosco to Don Rua, the successor of Don Bosco when he was appointed as the leader of the new community at Muravello. The memento had some important points for the leaders to practice in their daily life and it focused on the need to become good leaders who lead by examples.
The programme comprised of input sessions by different persons on chosen topics. The session by Sr. Mary Perunilam was based on the reflection of Pope Francis about the virtues necessary for leaders of religious communities. She also reminded them of their responsibilities as mentioned in the Constitutions of the Congregation.
Sr. Christine Mynsong, General Councillor for Evangelization spoke about ‘Evangelizing Community’. She explained evangelization as a process of seeking to spread the Gospel message throughout the world. She said that, “community is a place where we live and share the faith.” Underlining the influence it can have on the people, she stated that our community need to be animated by love, influenced by love and radiant with love of God.
Explaining animation and accompaniment as part and parcel in religious life, Sr. Jancy Joseph, Secretary General, reflected with the group on ‘Animation and Spiritual Accompaniment in Religious Life’.
Sr. Mary Thadavanal, during the two days’ sessions guided the group to understand God’s plan and His interventions in each one’s life. She highlighted the importance of having deeply spiritual leaders in the community who can influence the lives of others positively.
Fr. Rony Mukkuzhy from Divine Retreat Centre, Khetri in his talk laid stress on the need to have strong personal life, credibility and authority which come from God. He said, “The essential qualities required for an animator is acquired through personal prayer and relationship with God. An animator should lead others to a personal encounter with God.” He made clear to them the meaning of authority drawing inspiration from the Bible passages that mentions about authority.
On the final day there were sessions on the nitty-gritties of community living by Sr. Nancy Augustine, General Councillor for Formation and Sr. Mary Perunilam, Assistant General. Sr. Shiji James through her presentation underlined the need of setting up proper archives for each community and its upkeep. She also explained about the importance of writing chronicles with clarity and precision. In the last session, Sr. Monica Mathew from Ferrando Holistic Centre for Su Jok Therapy, Guwahati enlightened the group on how to experience the love of God through human hands. She explained about the holistic healing that can be brought about through human hands.