A religious community is a group of persons living together, knowing and loving one another. This is the earthly version of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said to His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest for a while.” (Mk 6:31) In the context of the return of the seventy-two, this call of Jesus could mean that He was calling his disciples for some rest, after the completion of the mission entrusted to them. On the other hand we can also say that Jesus was asking His disciples to gather at a lonely place so that they could possibly evaluate their Mission Experience. Whether they had fulfilled the original mandate they were sent to accomplish. 

In the light of this need, the members of the Mozambique Delegation gathered at Casa Fransaliana, Matola, Mozambique, for the Colloquium-2019, from 22nd - 25th September. It was a gathering to assess, to evaluate, to straighten the curves and to re-dedicate ourselves to the ‘Mission Mozambique.’ The theme of the Colloquium was ‘MSFS ON THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE FOR A PROGRESSIVE MISSION IN MOZAMBIQUE.’ The assembly began on 22nd evening with the introductory and recollection talk given by Fr. Henry, the Delegation Superior. The key-note address was delivered by Fr. Joseph Puliyilakat, of the Southern-African Region. The total number of participants was 19. We were happy to have the guiding presence of the Provincial, Rev. Fr. J.B. Muthuswamy. A well-planned schedule was prepared for the smooth flow of the Colloquium. Each day had a theme in line with our MSFS Constitutions.

Fr. Petrus Tirkey, the outgoing Delegation Superior shared his report. This was followed by reports of the four forums - Mission, Formation, Education and Social-Innovative Ministries. Then the collated report of the questionnaire and the financial report were presented. For the first time, the election of the Councilors/Advisors and Bursar of the Delegation was held by secret ballot. A special session was held to reflect and discuss on the Call of the General Chapter-2019. On the last day of the Colloquium, Founder’s Day was celebrated. A few benefactors of the Delegation were also present for the festive meal.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said; “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” As a community of Jesus’ disciples, we the MSFS in Mozambique, have decided to carry on the vision and mission of Jesus actively in accordance with the decisions of the Colloquium-2019. To those who ask the question, “Is there any hope for progress in Mozambique Mission?” our answer is a resounding Yes. In Christ there is always hope. A hope for progress echoing in the hearts and minds of all the members of the Mozambique Delegation.  Fr. Melky MSFS

An update programme for those who were ordained between 1995 and 2009 was held from 25^th to 27^th July 2019 at the MSFS Provincialate, Nagpur. There were 24 participants and the resource person was Dr. Fr. Philip Thomas MSFS of North East Province. The Provincial, Fr. Muthuswamy and the former Superior General, Fr. Agnelo were present for the inaugural session that was       held on 25/7/19 at 9 am in the conference hall. It began with a short prayer service and lighting of the lamp. Fr. William introduced the speaker of the day and welcomed the dignitaries with bouquet of flowers.

25/7/2019

Day 1: The session began with the topic - Personal Empowerment for Effective Pastoral Leadership. Fr. Philip dealt with the following topics: Who is a pastor? What are the qualities of a Pastor? He is a man of God and an integrated person

·        Leadership Behaviour – is it centred on tasks or relationships?

·        Pastoral Leadership - Personality Characteristics

·        Creative Dimensions of Leadership

·        Nine Styles of Leadership: 1) Strategic Leader; 2) Transactional Leader; 3) Visionary Leader; 4) Moral Leader; 5) Empowering Leader; 6) Charismatic Leader; 7) Customer Care Leader, 8) Entrepreneurial Leader; 9) Innovative Leader

A Psychological test was conducted to find out the leadership behaviour of each participant.

26/7/2019

Day 2: The session started with the topic - Transformative Leadership.

During the day he dealt with the following:

·        How to form the best model of Transformative Leadership?

We need to integrate all the positive aspects of the 9 leadership styles.

·        Jesus as a Transformative Leader

·      Competencies and Skills needed to be an Effective Leader: Communication Skills; Emotional Intelligence; Wounded Healer; Self-awareness and Foresight; Individual Discernment; Time Management; Stewardship; Shepherding; Commitment to the Growth of People; Care Formation; Conflict Management.

·        Attitudes for a Leader: Personal and Inter-Personal

·        Reasons for Conflict: Upbringing - Faulty parenting; Self-image of the person; Unmet needs creating a psychic hole; Emotions not integrated.

·        5 Styles of Conflict Management: Competitive Style; Avoidant Style; Accommodative Style; Compromising Style; Collaborative Style.

·      A psychological test was conducted to find out how one acts when in a conflict. The day concluded with the topic Team Building. With the help of 3 PPTs Fr. Philip led the participants to deeper reflection.

27/7/2019

Day 3: The session started with the subject - How do we Respond to People? There are 5 Types of Responses: 1) Evaluating / Advising; 2) Interpreting /Analysing; 3) Supporting / Reassuring; 4) Probing / Questioning; 5) Understanding Statement.

The second session was on the topic - Midlife Transition.

He dealt with the following:

·        Common symptoms of midlife transition.

·        Major problems of midlife: Loneliness, Stress, Frustration and Modernisation.

·        Two Challenges: 1) Sexual revolution in present day society.

                            2) Challenges of adult development in midlife transition

·        Psycho-Sexual Growth and Unhealthy Development

·        Integration Animus-Anima; Masculine and Feminine Characteristics

The update programme was highly appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed by the participants. It concluded on 27th with a photo session followed by lunch. Confreres of the Nagpur Apostolic Community joined for the sumptuous lunch. Fr. Shijumon proposed the vote of thanks. Fr. Wilson Abraham MSFS

An educational institution in Bamra, Odisha was a long-cherished dream of Nagpur Fransalian Corporation. For this purpose the land was purchased way back in 1997. The project was finalised in 2017 by the Provincial Administration. From 17^th July 2018 Fr. Jacob Karamakuzhyil msfs was appointed as priest in charge of Bamra project. Later Bro. Amrit Kujur; and Sr. Jyoti Minz and Sr. Rosita Kerketta of St. Joseph of Chambery joined the mission. On 18^th March 2019 with a simple prayer service, classes from nursery to 5 and a hostel for boys and girls started. This marked the beginning of another Fransalian school, the first of its kind in Sambalpur district, Odisha.

22^nd July 2019 was a red-letter day in the history of Bamra Mission. On this 50^th working day for about 300 students and 26 staff, the school was formally inaugurated.  At 9.00 am students lined up outside the gate and welcomed the guests and parents. The Inaugural Ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp by Rt. Rev. Niranjan Sualsingh, the Bishop of Sambalpur Diocese, Fr. John Britto Muthuswamy msfs, the Provincial of Nagpur Province, Fr. Agnelo Fernandes msfs and other specially invited guests. This was followed by a prayer dance put up by the students of classes 1 to 3. The school community then welcomed the Chief Guest, the Guest of Honour and the special guests by presentation them with bouquets. Bishop Niranjan Sualsingh conducted the prayer service and blessed the school building. Then the school was inaugurated by Fr. Muthuswamy by cutting the ribbon at the main entrance of the school and unveiling of the plaque. Students of classes 4 and 5 entertained the audience with a spectacular cultural dance depicting the life of rural Odisha. The entire program was well coordinated by the Students Leadership Squad.

In his address Bishop Niranjan Sualsingh said that a good English Medium School was an urgent need in Bamra as no good school is located near Bamra. He said that the school which is only two months old does not seem to lack anything when compared to many established schools. Fr. Muthuswamy wished the school community God’s blessings for all the educational activities that will be done in future. He thanked Fr Jacob Karamakuzhyil for his pioneering work and said that the school is now in the safe hands of the new but experienced Principal, Fr. George Kurickal. Mrs. Meenakshi Mahji, the Sarpanch of Govindpur, Bamra, wished that the school will do everything possible for the education of children from economically underprivileged background, especially for the S.C. and S. T. children. 

Sr. Jyoti Minz proposed the vote of thanks and Fr. Jacob Karamakuzyil honoured all the guests by presenting each with a shawl. The contractor Mr. Jaison and the architect Mr. Parag Date were especially honoured along with other officials of Surya Construction Company.  At 11.30 the inaugural ceremony concluded with the singing of the School Anthem. In the afternoon, in the presence of the MSFS Odisha Apostolic Community, Fr. Muthuswamy blessed Mermier’s Children Home, which is near the priests’ residence.  Fr. George Kurickal MSFS

The Pre-SPA (Salesian Programme Annecy) was conducted in the Nagpur Provincialate from 4th to 11^th July 2019. The participants of the programme were: Fr. Badugu Thambi Raj (Visakhapatnam), Fr. Ashihe Andrew (North-East), Fr. I. S. Jesuraj (South-East), Fr. A. Prashant Kumar (South-West) and Fr. Jijo Punchayil (Nagpur- Mozambique). It was animated by Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, Fr. Melroy Almeida, Fr. Philip K and Fr. Issac John. The inaugural programme began with a short prayer service. The hymn to the Holy Spirit put all in the mood of seeking the Wisdom of God, launching into the deep and thirsting for the unknown. This was followed by the lighting of the lamp by Fr. Agnelo F, Fr. Patras Tirkey the Provincial Vicar and Fr. Melroy.

Fr. William formally welcomed all the participants to the city of Oranges and the second home of the MSFS in India by offering them a bouquet each. Fr. Patras exhorted the participants to live up to the expectations of the Congregation. “There is so much to see, so much to learn, so go with an open mind.” This was followed by an overview of the programme given by Fr. Issac. The participants were made aware of the objectives of Pre-SPA, expectations during SPA and commitments to be made after SPA to spread Salesian Spirituality. The inaugural Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Agnelo on 5^th July. He exhorted the participants to discover the treasures in Salesian Spirituality and Mermierean Heritage.

The programme was spread over eight days with four Salesian conferences each day. Various aspects related to the Congregation were touched upon during these conferences. Fr. Agnelo enlightened the participants on the Missionary Spirit of the French Missionaries; the Spirit of Evangelization, Salesian Spirituality, etc. The participants were able to journey with him through the missionary legacy of the Congregation. Fr. Melroy dealt with Fr. Mermier; his Missionary Legacy and the Virtues of Mermier. Fr. Issac highlighted various aspects related to St. Francis de Sales; a comparative study of Salesians personalities, etc. Fr. Philip enlightened the participants about Salesian literature, especially the Treatise on The Love of God. The participants were taken to many MSFS historical heritage sites in and around Nagpur. Visiting the Kamptee church evoked a nostalgic feeling in them. The concluding Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. William. The participants honoured the resource persons and others with a gift as a sign of their gratitude. The Pre-SPA program helped to create within the participants an awareness of Salesian spirituality. They were convinced that SPA will help them to rekindle their love for the Church by learning about St. Francis de Sales and Fr. Peter Mermier.  Fr. Isaac John MSFS