With the theme: “Creative Fidelity to the Founding Charism and Spirit through the Eye of Mary” a two-day Symposium was held at MSMHC generalate from 22nd – 24th October 2023. The Candidates from different levels of formation, YAC representatives, MSMHC Student representatives, MSMHC sisters, Provincials, Provincial councilors, General Chapter delegates all were present for the grand inaugural function. This day was colored with another historical event “Ferrando memorial Quiz” organized by Rev. Sr. Katherine Joseph, the General Councilor for Education. The colorful inaugural function added grandeur to the day’s event and the Ferrando Memorial Quiz doubled the significance of the gathering. The participants for the quiz were selected from different provinces and indeed it was an unforgettable event. Mother Philomena Mathew, the Superior General, Sr. Christine Mynsong, assistant General, YAC representative along with important dignitaries lighted the lamp. Sr. Philomena Mathew in her speech highlighted the importance of the coming together and encouraged the quiz master and the participants.

The following days were very excited and packed with many panel presentation, group studies and open discussions about the matters concerned to the theme. In her orientation paper Sr. Philomena Mathew, the superior general brought out the core of the founding charism and spirit through the eye of Mary our Blessed Mother. She brought alive the words of our beloved founder when she narrated the deep sentiments of him with our Blessed Mother. She said, “On the occasion of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the arrival of the Salesian missionaries in Assam North east India, Bishop Ferrando acknowledged the invisible presence of Our Lady Help of Christians, his mother and queen “as the propelling force like the steam power in a train” and exclaimed with great excitement “All is the Blessed Mother’s work.” All the provincial councilors presented a paper each regarding their areas of expertise.   

Two full days of panel presentations from different apostolates pictured the actual state of our congregation. These days indeed were days of journeying together with our Blessed mother in every area of our beloved congregation. Sr. Philomena Mathew in her validatory speech thanked and expressed the uniqueness of the coming together and exhorted the sisters to continue to walk with Mary to experience the wonders through her powerful intercession.