The FMA-PCI, a delegation of the six provinces of Salesian Sisters gathered for a three-day meeting at Mary Our Help Training Centre, Bellefonte – Shillong from September 21 – 23, 2012. The theme of the meeting is FMA India Formation Programme. The Holy Eucharist was presided by over by Rev. Fr. George Maliekal SDB, the Provincial of Silchar Province. The members include Provincials, National Coordinators of different sectors and the delegates from the provinces.

In the inaugural Eucharistic celebration the host province made all to reflect on ‘I am the Potter; you are the clay’ depicting the PCI theme on ‘formation.’ At the entrance procession Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the presiding General Councilor, carried the Institute’s flag, she was followed by Sr. Wilma de Souza, the President of the PCI and the five Provincials, who carried clay pots representing the Indian Provinces, our nothingness and our readiness to acknowledge that we are the clay and He is the Potter.

During the homily Fr. Maliekal spoke of the importance of the selection of candidates, of praying for the formees and accompanying them while they begin to make their experience of Christ.

Welcoming the participants to the meeting the young people from Sacred Heart Convent Mawlai arrayed in colourful dress, waved their balloons high accompanied by their lively movements and some vested in traditional attire accompanied the revered PCI members as they ushered them in to the hall for the inaugural function.

The Novices and Sr. Isabella Suja, the FMA Provincial of Shillong through a skit introduced the beginnings of the Indian Provinces and the history of its growth in a charming narrative style. This was followed by a graceful prayer dance putting the assembly in touch with the Divine. The program closed with a traditional dance an amazing symbol of unity of the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya a home for lovers of nature and beauty.

Sr. Lucy Rose with words of great appreciation thanked the young people, Novices and Pre-Aspirants for their performance, assuring them of our affection and support always.