Coming together brings about many factors such as sharing knowledge,
joy, memories and so on. The spirit always unites us no matter who we
are just as St. Paul reminds us in the letter to the Ephesians. Such were
the days of our formatees gathering which was held at RRC, Kottayam.
Our programme began with the inauguration ceremony with the presence
of Rev. Fr. Poly Kannampuzha, the provincial superior of Liguori province
who stressed the importance of community life in his message. It was a time
for us as members of the province to come together and to know each other
well. Prayer was the core element during these days as we were involved
in yamaprarthana, meditation, praying the rosary, celebration of the Holy
Qurbana, Adoration etc.
Along the side we had many programmes that took place such as Jubilee
celebrations, felicitation for newly ordained priests, conferring of minor
orders and meanigful sessions etc. The Jubilarians celebrated the Holy
Mass and were felicitated for their tireless contribution to the congregation
and to the church at large. The newly ordained priests also took part in the
gathering during which they celebrated the holy Qurbana and enlightened
us with good reflections. It was an honour to have their family members as
part of our celebrations. We also had six of our brothers receiving minor
orders conferred by His. Excellency, Mar. Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, the
Curia Bishop of Syro-Malabar Church.
We were also engaged in many interactive sessions, manual work, games
both indoor and outdoor, recreation, agape etc., which enriched our
community spirit. Fr. Shijo Meppally who was in charge of formatees
gathering and who organized it gave the vote of thanks.
In all these above-mentioned activities and celebrations one thing that
stands out is togetherness which can also be referred to as unity. Unity is
a blessing as we read in psalm 133.This gathering helped each member to
grow in brotherly love and fraternity as our constitution number 2 states ‘in
carrying out its mission in the church the congregation unites members who
live together and form one missionary body’
UNITY IS A BLESSING
FORMATEES GATHERING
Br. Nithin Thazhackal C.Ss.R.
