AVEC Mumbai: January 2011

Tuesday, 25 January 2011

St. Anne's, Fort: STD X Animation

January 24, 2011: St. Anne's Convent - Fort: Std X Animation

The standard Ten students of St. Anne's Convent, Fort were given an opportunity by their school management to have a few hours of 'prime time' to be challenged and motivated once again by the AVEC Team. Fr. Glenford Lowe and Mr. Rochwyn animated the seventy students as they prepared them selves to face their future with hope and optimism. Sr. Prudence, the Principal, together with Sr. Simplifer organized the event for the students.

Mr. Rochwyn began by animating the students to calm down through a moment of personal relaxation and a fantasy meditation. It was really edifying to see all the students participate in the entire event with a lot of attention and serenity. He then introduced Fr. Glenford and spoke about the AVEC responsibilities in promoting Values among the schools affiliated to the ABE.

Fr. Glenford Lowe invited the students to take the destiny of their future and to make responsible choices especially in the 'care of self'. He inspired the students to value their lives and to understand themselves as 'Sensual, Sexual, Social and Sacred beings'. Once we love ourselves and care for the Value of self, only then, will we be able to love and value God and Others. Through various interactive exercises and powerful video clips, the students were drawn to commitment themselves to re-set the clock of their lives and to focus on 'Meaning Questions' in order to live life with greater meaning and purpose.

The entire session was a happy blend, filled with fun and deep reflection. "You will not remain a tenth standard student all your life. Start seeing the big picture and climb every mountain to make your dreams come true," said Fr. Glenn. Through a twelve point recipe, he urged to students to live lives of deeper value and meaning. Only then can one live life with no excuses attached!!!

At the end of the session, a vote of thanks was proposed by Neha. In the AVEC logbook of appreciation, she wrote these following comments:

"The session was very meaningful. It was wonderful to have you with us. Today, as I looked into myself, I realized that I had given no importance to 'Self'. I now promise that as I move ahead I will definitely prove out to be a winner. Thank you Father for bringing out such an AH-MAZIN change in me!!!. I will keep the twelve points and follow them up daily. Thank you again." Neha Std X

Mr. Rochwyn then took time to wish the students all the best in the National exams and assured them all of our prayers. We are grateful to Sr. Prudence for going out of her way to make this possible for the students. God bless her abundantly.

Monday, 24 January 2011

St. Anthony's Girls, Chembur - VII Retreat

January 22, 2011: St. Anthony's Girls, Chembur: RETREAT VII

At the request of Sr. Sophia, the principal of St. Anthony Girls' High School, Chembur, the AVEC team organised a day's retreat for thirty catholic students of standard seven. The students were invited by the preacher, Fr. Glenn Lowe to view the retreat as a 'Vacation with God and Self'. He based his talks on the scriptural passage 1Tim 4:12

The retreat began with a screening of prayerful and meditative hymns that set a spiritual ambient. It was encouraging to see the catholic students participating with full attention and eager to grow in their love for Jesus and His Gospel message.

Mr. Rochwyn Fernandes too joined in for the first time in animating the retreat. He helped the student to make a journey into their past and dreams in to their future. Through a lot of creative and interactive moments the students were able to get the message loud and clear. Celebrate life with no regrets and have the courage with God's grace to live your future with greater purpose and meaning.

The students took time to evaluate their live and re-set the clock of their lives based on Gospel values. Being the feast of of young student saint, Laura Vicuna, Fr. Glenn took the opportunity during the Eucharistic Celebration to help the students look at the life of this young saint and model their lives too on the path of holiness. A few elements of the Salesian Youth Spirituality were proposed as a means to live holy lives.

After the Mass, the students expressed words of appreciation and a few of them wrote their comments in the AVEC log book of appreciation. Given below are some of their comments:

"Thanks so much for the deeply spiritual experience and for inspiring us to lead our life better. I pray that you do come again" Simron Chauhan

"Whatever father taught us has really touched my heart and we also learnt that with faith in Jesus there is nothing that will let us down" Sheryl L. Denis VII-A

"The retreat was really nice. Father explained a lot of valuable things and we also realized that it is important to take care of our beautiful world and not destroy it." Schnelca D'Mello VII -B

Friday, 21 January 2011

St. Anthony's Girls - Chembur

January 21, 2011: St. Anthony's Girls - Chembur : Std VIII Retreat

The AVEC activities began once again with the annual retreat for the Catholic students of std. VIII. Thirty eight students participated in the retreat that was preached by Fr. Glenford Lowe. The Theme chosen for the occasion was based on the scriptural quote 1Tim 4:12 "Do not let anyone despise you because of your youth. Be an example to all the believers in conduct, love, faith, spirit and purity."

The students had an opportunity to look into themselves and make decisions for Christ. Using a number of video clips and scriptural texts, every student had an opportunity to share their faith stories and their journey to God. Using the 'River Me' as a guide, the reflective process was deep and challenging. The students were given an opportunity to discover the Our Father in a practical way that would enable them to become more prayerful people.

The Retreat ended with a meaningful mass. The call of the disciples was a moment to reflect on their own response to God's call in their lives. Christ has to become a CONVICTION rather than an OPINION.... a message that challenged the youngsters to live their lives as Catholics.

The students were very attentive all through the sessions and one could sense a difference in their view of God, others and self. The Commandment of Love became more real and attractive to live. The students expressed their thanks and committed themselves to make a difference in their personal lives.

Given below are some of the comments written by the students in the AVEC logbook of appreciation:

"Thank you Father for such a wonderful spiritual day. Beautiful hymns. Awesome Retreat.... Please do come back soon" Sumantha Shaji VIII

"The retreat was indeed inspiring and we learnt a lot about putting our priorities right. Thank you and do come again." Lathika Moraes VIII

"Thank you for this wonderful retreat. It made me realize my faulty past and am sure that I will improve in my future" Meenaas Bastawala VIII

"Thank you such a wonderful and prayerful experience. Hope to see you soon" Priya D'Souza

"Thank you for such an interesting retreat. It made me realize about love, prayer and purpose. please do come again." Ankitha Babu

"Thanks very much father Glenn for an inspiring retreat!!! It is a spiritual experience. Do come again and pray for our school." Tejasvita Awale VIII

Thanks to Sr. Sophie for organizing this retreat for the students and it was an opportunity to grown spiritually.