As our Congregation commemorates this year as year dedicated to MISSION FORMATION, the gathering we
had at Chowara has got special significance. Accompaniment, awareness of ongoing formation,
creating a culture of care and team work were the key points of the letter addressed by the Superior
General Very Rev. Fr. Rogerio Gomes C.Ss.R. to all the confreres especially for those in formation. Aligning with the mind of our
General, 2024 September 21-22 marked the formees gathering at Nithya Sahaya Matha Bhavan, Chowara, Kerala. It was indeed
a time of acquaintance and accompaniment for the students in formation. Let us see the varied sentiments from various formation
communities.
“Voyage into Vocation”
It was indeed a “Voyage into Vocation”. It was an enriching gathering of formees began with a warm reception from
philosophers at Chowara. The formal inauguration was commenced on 21st morning with the celebration of the Solemn Holy Qurbana.
Our Provincial Superior Rev. Fr. Poly Kannampuzha was the main celebrant. Fr. Shijo Meppilly, the in charge of formation from the
Provincial Council and Fr. Alex Theruvankunnel, the Secretary of the Secretariat of Formation were the concelebrants. The Provincial
officially inaugurated the gathering and then we had a session conducted by Sr. Preetha CSN, which focused on emotional maturity and personal care through a psycho-spiritual lens. This session provided valuable insights into self-understanding and the essential steps toward achieving personal growth. Throughout the program, participants were engaged in group activities designed to foster teamwork and
creativity. A standout feature was the evening skit presentations, where each group addressed pertinent societal issues such as drug abuse,
religious extremism, social injustice, and the influence of social media. We had informative sessions by Fr. Jaise Kulathumkal CSsR and Fr. Jijo Ariyamannil nCSsR, focusing on the impact and responsible use of social media.
We also cherished the moments of volleyball matches which could build up team spirit and comradeship. Delicious lunch on the second day
was another highlight. It was not just a gathering of minds but a transformative experience. It deepened our understanding the role of being a true Redemptorist and becoming fully committed to bring plentiful redemption to the most abandoned.
Novices @ Kunnambetta
BEAUTIFUL DAYS
For us, the students at Edoor, those two days of formees’ gathering were the most beautiful days of the semester. It was a time to know, to share and to celebrate our Redemptorist vocation. The gathering was useful because of the personality development sessions and use of social media. Games, extracurricular activities and delicious food added color for the celebration. These sessions and programs gave deep insight to our lives and were helpful in deepening our Redemptorist vocation. We were so happy to meet the priests and brothers
from other communities. We prayed together, ate together, played and walked together. These sort of gatherings enrich our vocation and strengthen our brotherhood. Thank you, dear Frs. Poly K, Shijo M and Alex T, for those memorable days!
Bro. Daniel Vadakkan
Plus One Student @ Edoor
36 HOURS OF FRENZY
We would like to name the formation gathering as DISCIPLES 2024 : 36 HOURS OF FRENZY. We were thrilled to be part of this great endeavour. Totally 26 brothers attended the program and we were divided into 4 groups on the first day. Each group was asked to
present a skit on redemption. We prepared for it post-tea and presented it after dinner. It was great and we had a lot of fun. After that the 1st years and the +1,+2 students went to the Provincial House for their stay. The second day started with the celebration of the Holy Qurbana. Fr. Sijo was the main celebrant Fr. Jinesh, formator at Edoor and Fr. George, the Novice Master were the concelebrants.
The day was filled with relevant sessions on Media and then the volley ball competition. These two days enhanced our bonding, love and fraternity. The presence of novices from other units of India, was really a matter of happiness for us. It was indeed an unforgettable
event for all of us. Congratulations to all the fathers who organized it really well.
Akhil Jose
1 Year Philosophy Student @ Chowara
For us, brothers from Santhome Minor Seminary Podimattom, it was a first experience that evoked a mixture of excitement and nervousness, quickly transforming into warmth and fraternity. As newcomers, we initially felt a sense of worry. However, this quickly
gave way to joy as we were warmly welcomed by Rev. Tony Kattakkayam, the Rector of the Chowara community,
along with other fathers and brothers present. The shared experience created bonds that felt both spiritual
and social, reminding us of our shared mission and purpose. The atmosphere was filled with solemnity.
The solemn holy Qurbana and prayer gatherings were inspiring, providing us with insights into our vocation.
The sessions during these days encouraged self-reflection and personal growth, helping us analyze our emotions,
explore our identities and aspirations. To balance the solemnity, we also engaged in various games and cultural
programs. These activities brought laughter and joy. Overall, the gathering was a profound experience that
blended spiritual reflection with social interaction. It left us with a renewed sense of community, self-awareness,
and appreciation for the connections we formed. As I conclude, I would like to thank Rev. Fr. Provincial Fr.
Poly Kannampuzha, Rev. Fr. Shijo Meppilly, who is in charge of formation, and all the other fathers who made this event possible.
Jobit Joseph
Santhome Minor Seminary @ Podimattom
