We, the candidates of SJTC, Lonavla began our retreat animated by Sr. Santana Pereira, FMA. The theme of our retreat was “Holiness is for you too”. On the first day, we were introduced to some Biblical calls. We are called to be righteous and blameless in God’s eyes and to be holy as He is holy. For what does God call us personally? Does the suffering of poor people pain me?
On the second day, we reflected on the passion with which Jesus worked. Fired by the Holy Spirit how Jesus was led in His compassionate ministry. We need to be that fire that kindles others’ lives. Sr. Santana continuously made us aware of our vocation, enriching us by citing the example of Roberto De Nobilli, who would say “When God calls, no human consideration should stop us”.
On the third day we reflected on our call – what does the call mean to me? What is the call of holiness for me?
Through daily meditations in the morning and meaningful adoration services in the evening, we learned to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
As we woke up on the 24th of July 2019, there was great joy and happiness. The theme for this day’s celebration was ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord’. During the Morning Prayer animated by Sr. Jacinta Moisan, four candidates received the Aspirants’ medal from the Provincial, Sr. Rita Dora Thomas. After receiving the medal they joyfully sang the Magnificat.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by our dear Parish Priest Fr. Peter Rodrigues and was concelebrated by Fr. Xavier Devdas SDB. As per the Gospel of the day Fr. Xavier in his homily compared our vocation with the Sower and the seed. The sower doesn’t sow the seed one by one but scatters. We that seed are called to sprout and grow; we have to take care that no hardships of life may choke its growth. Mother Mary said her Yes once and for all. She did not renew it every year or every month. We need to be firm like Mary until the end of our life.
After the Holy Communion, the four Aspirants received the Postulants’ Medal from the Provincial. After receiving the Medal they sang they prayerfully sang the hymn, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord.”
