Voto de Covadonga, May 31, 2009

A special day, we commemorated the inspiration for the mission of the Teresian Association at a small grotto of Our Lady at 16, Kahun Road.
A gathering of 27 comprising youth, ACIT and core members along with our families, in solidarity with the rest of the Association all over the world, we walked while praying the rosary to see Our Lady. This was followed by a beautiful prayer thanking her for the Association, its members and the Work and seeking her guidance and blessing in the year ahead.

This was also the Feast of Pentecost and we invoked the Spirit’s gifts of courage and wisdom to discern and accomplish God’s will. The members also prayed in a special way for youth and those affected by the recession.

The pilgrimage ended with a hymn to Our Lady in praise and thanksgiving.

A short celebration and food and drink brought this beautiful event to a close.

Youth Leadership Camp, 2009, Photographs 2

Youth Leadership Camp, 2009, Photographs

Youth Leadership Camp, 2009

Encouragement given to youth by St .Pedro Poveda and the vision he shared with an evangelizing mission has come a long way. This was witnessed at the 3 day Youth Leadership Camp 2009 at the SARPI Centre Honavar. 17 participants from Anand, Mumbai, Pune and Honavar came together from the 2nd to the 4th of May.

Sessions on ‘You are chosen,’ ‘Self disclosure,’ ‘You are Salt and Light,’ ‘Jesus the Leader,’ ‘Poveda and youth’ and ‘Challenges of youth today,’ provided adequate opportunity for the participants to understand new perspective and introspect and come up with something really practical and doable in their daily lives. Unique and lively dynamics used in each session by the facilitators- Savitha Pais, Gregoria Ruiz, Fr. Lesther (Redemptorist) and Reeves Rodrigues engaged the youth through the different hours of the day. This accompanied by the all important moments of prayer, camp blessing, Taize, walk with Christ and Masses were moments of spiritual sojourn and tranquility.

Everyone had a thrill of a time at the Kasargod beach one evening, enjoyed the sightseeing trip to Murudeshwar and later eagerly learnt from their visit to the San Motto village where they saw how ropes are made from the very start and shared a meal with the villagers.

‘This camp helped the youth in the psychological and spiritual growth. It gave the youth an opportunity to discipline themselves, interact with one another openly, educate and inculcate leadership values. Life was different there, full of entertainment and enjoyment yet bringing the best out of each individual aiming at living for oneself and others. We realized we are salt of the earth and light of the world and we have to strive honestly to fulfill the dream of St. Pedro Poveda. The camp was a wonderful and lifetime experience for all of us,’ say Cheryl and Lynn, participants from Pune.

Celebration of Josefa Segovia, 29th March 2009

Members and families of the Teresian Association in Pune, together with persons getting to know the Association from the new group in St.Francis Xavier's Church, came together to celebrate the Feast of Josefa Segovia on the 29th of March at the TA house.

The afternoon began with a meaningful prayer. Thereafter, a powerpoint narrated the beautiful life of Josefa Segovia. Those present then met in small groups to reflect on some of her writings, which off course inspired everyone and helped each one make connections with their own personal lives.

Later, Ana Madrigal explained to all present, with photographs, an insight into the life of Eliza, the member from Italy whose cause is now taken up for canonization. Its awesome to have someone so contemporary being elevated and inspirational for all members.

No celebration is complete without snacks, and this rich moment was celebrated with some summer treats.

Lenten Recollection 2009

More pictures

Lenten Recollection

Lenten Recollection

28th February, 1st March 2009

Loyola Retreat House, Pune.

Members of the Teresian Association, Pre ACIT, Members of Teresian Niwas (Hostel) and Members of the Formation Group in St. Francis Xavier's Church Chinchwad, came together for a two day recollection on the first weekend in Lent.

On the 28th evening, the participants, embarked on a 'Walk with Jesus'. In the first station, the experience of the last supper and washing of the discpiles feet was relived with the participants washing each other's feet. In the second, before the cross in the chapel, the members were led into a session of forgiveness for the things they held against themselves and others. From, here the retreat makers, wrote a letter of love, acknowledgement and gratitude to people they loved, in the third station. In the final station, amidst a dark night, on the terrace, they received the light and committed to being the light, aligned with the diocesan vision.

Later that night, after dinner, they spent time in silence and meditation, interspersed with Taize chants.

On the 1st morning, the group came together with prayer to start the day. Fr. Altrichter (SJ) then lead the participants into a session where he emphasized the importance of saying 'Yes' to the will of God, inspired by Mary. He also delved on the significance of spending time of silence in our daily lives, in union with God.

Soon, in small groups, the members deepened in various texts on 'Living Crucifixes' and presented their thoughts later to the larger meeting. A meaningful celebration of the Eucharist preceded lunch.

In the afternoon, the group read the Letter of the Pope for Lent and saw a powerpoint on the various implications of fasting. They also read the letter of Loreto Ballester, President of the Association. The group resolved to spend less on themselves through Lent and contribute the same to specific cause.

A meaningful and Spirit filled begining to this season of 'repenting and returning.'