Bicentenary Celebration CJM, Kharghar (Pune Province), INDIA

200JM > Actividades > Bicentenary Celebration CJM, Kharghar (Pune Province), INDIA

October 6th 2017

On October 6 th 2017, we stepped into the 200 year of the Foundation of the Congregation of the Religious of Jesus and Mary. We began this day with the solemnity of the Eucharistic at 9.00 am celebrated by Fr. Peter Michael CSSR.

The theme for the Eucharist was’ How Good God Is! All the Catholic parents of both SSC and ICSE schools were invited. Approximately 350 people were present for the beautiful liturgy prepared by our teachers in thanksgiving to God for the gift of St. Claudine and the Congregation. At the end of the Eucharist a Power Point Presentation on the life of St. Claudine and the missionary activity of the Sisters in India was viewed. This was followed by delicious snacks and souvenirs Key Chains were presented to all present.

October 8 th 2017

To Mark the Foundation Day, Mr. Alice George- the Superior of the Community organized a special Eucharist at Parish level on Sunday October 8 th 2017 at 8.30 am in the Church at Prem Dan, Kharghar. A beautiful liturgy was prepared by our Sisters. Mr. Prudence D’Souza gave a short introduction on St. Claudine and her values. She spoke about the JM Congregation completing 200 glorious years. Fr. Louis Kajjar -our Parish Priest spoke very aptly about forgiveness citing the life of St. Claudine. After the Eucharist, the teachers of CJM showed a video on the Life of St. Claudine and the work done by the JM Congregation. Approximately 400 people were present.This was followed by a Cultural Program staged by the children’s hostel of Prem Dan. Snacks and souvenirs Key Chains were presented to every parishioner. There was a lot of appreciation for those who attended.

» JM DAY» – October 13 th 2017

«JM Day» was celebrated all over the JM WORLD on November 13 th 2017. In CJM Kharghar it was celebrated with great festivity by the Sisters, Staff, Students and Parents. The program was held in the evening at 5.30 pm. To mark this day, we began with a meaningful Prayer Service followed by items of relevance to the life of Claudine. The entire School wore a festive look including the quadrangle which was uniquely decorated for the occasion.

A large gathering of about 1500 people was present. There was a «Heritage Walk» well-arranged and organized to showcase the journey of the pioneering Sisters of the Religious of Jesus and Mary, who came to India in 1842. The exhibition gave the viewers a glimpse of the perilous and difficult journey by them . The display also showcased the contribution of the RJM Sisters in each of our Provinces since our beginnings to the present day, to the cause of Education and the uplift of the poor in India and Pakistan.

The program commenced with the singing of the National Anthem followed by the lighting of the Samai by the Principal, Sisters and the Supervisors of the different Sections of the School, as well as the Head Boy. The Prayer Service was meaningful and included a graceful Prayer Dance by the students.

To earmark the occasion of the Bi-Centenary celebrations, 200 balloons were hoisted in front of the open air stage and released in time. Each of these balloons represented a year of the 200 years. This gesture signified hope given to the millions of young people around the world, through the spreading of the message of love, peace and joy. All the JM sisters were presented a bouquet of flowers. Following this, the Priests and Religious, who were invited from the neighboring parishes, were also congratitated. A beautiful song composed by one of our teachers for this special occasion, was sung by the students to welcome the guests.

An elaborate musical depicting the life of St. Claudine in song and dance was enacted which captured the interest of the audience. The performance of the students was truly impressive as one could see that they put their heart and soul into what they did and enjoyed doing it as well. This enabled the audience to understand the various challenges faced by St. Claudine and her response to God through it all. Nearly 600 children took part in it.

After the Musical, the Principal – Mr. Angela Raposo, addressing the gathering, highlighting the Message and the Values ​​of St. Claudine which our School and Junior College stand for. Sister also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Staff and the students in organizing the show on such a grand scale. Cake and a drink were served to all present. The program ended on a note of high appreciation by everyone. We hope that as the spirit of the Bi-centenary celebrations continue throughout the year until 6th October 2018, the spirit of Claudine will invade every home and family of our Staff and Students, so we learn to live in Forgiveness, and Communion with everyone.

PRAISED FOREVER BE JESUS ​​AND MARY!