Category Archives: Candidates

Candidates, CRI Dimapur, Fr. Benny James, Fr. Sabu, Priestly Life, Religious Life

Aspiring to be Missionaries in the Service of God

November 18, 2019 CRI of Dimapur Zone 1 Comment

Indeed we were delighted as we came together from different Congregations as one family to experience new things from each other on 3 November 2019 at Clare Bhavan, Kacharigaon. As FCC Congregation and Fr Benny SDB welcomed us with melodious song and words of welcome, we felt homely and overwhelmed with joy. We were helped and encouraged by the brothers and sisters to participate wholly and attentively through praise and worship.

We were extremely excited to listen to our resource person Fr Sabu Channeckal who inspired us in many ways through his talk. We were exhorted to go deep within ourselves and to build a close relationship with each other and to go forward in our Spiritual journey and to be more human.

Before confession Fr Sabu gave a brief talk about confession which helped some of us to get reconciled. We were so much taken up with these words “God listen to our sins once and throws it into a deep sea and never remember our sins again.” Lunch was delicious. We felt homely as Sisters had shown their love and concern for us. It also inspired some of us to imbibe this act if their life.

As we sat for the third session the sharing of one’s own vocation story we were inspired by their grounded vocation call from different background and how they have nurtured their own vocation. It has helped us to persevere and to be genuine in our vocation and to take up every challenge willingly and accept every situation as it shapes and moulds our life.

This gathering has brought a lot of blessing to all of us and we also suggest that it is good to have get together every year. We thank the programme organizer Rev Fr Benny SDB, the President CRI Dimapur Zone and all the members of organising team for giving us an opportunity to come and meet others those who are also aspiring to be missionaries in the service of God.

By Student candidates UFS
Assisi Convent, Dimapur

Candidates, CRI Dimapur, Fr. Sabu, Religious Life

Every Saint has a Past and Every Sinner has a Future

November 18, 2019 CRI of Dimapur Zone Leave a comment

The joy of being a candidate, preparing to enter in a religious life was the theme of Fr. Sabu Chenackal’s talk.

He said in order to be joyful first we need to have a personal touch with God through personal prayer which we would not give up even in times of trials difficulties and temptations. He also gave his own example about his personal prayer, saying that he prays one Our Father and seven Hail Marys which is very powerful for him.

He advised us to thank God constantly in any situation rather than grumbling over the reality by mentioning it (1Cor 15:10).

Taking examples of some successful persons in the society and in the Church he mentioned that it was the virtue of humility within them that led them to become successful persons in their lives. He also mentioned about a girl who left her religious vocation due to her ego and now she regrets for it. He advised us that proud nature will never be joyful but humility will make us forever joyful person. He said that humility and simplicity can make us the happiest person.

In order to persevere in our vocation we need to detach ourselves from our possessions such as money, talents and intellectual pursuit etc.

Peace and joy is the sign of a good religious. A person who doesn’t have peace within her/him can make the life of another person miserable.

He also spoke about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and stated that even though we confess our sins darkness is always following us. He spoke about evil, evil knows everything about our life, what we are going to become and our past life and with that he will disturb us discouraging us through our past weakness. He added saying that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future and through this statement he helped us to realize that in order to receive the Holy Spirit we need to repent of our sins. He reiterated that without the Holy Spirit we would not be able to live our vocation.

We were also inspired when he said that he goes to bed with a reconciled heart without any grudge feelings. We feel greatly privileged to have attended the programme which has enlightened us and have motivated us to be a better and a happy religious in the near future.

We also extend our special thanks to the CRI Dimapur Zone for organizing such a programme to enlighten the student candidates.

By Student candidates UFS
Assisi Convent, Dimapur

Candidates, CRI Dimapur, Religious Life

Nurturing religious vocation

November 12, 2019 CRI of Dimapur Zone Leave a comment

The CRI of Dimapur unit had organised a day programme for the Candidates of different religious institutions at Clare Bhavan Kacharigaon on 3 November 2019 from 9.45 am to 4:30 pm. It was a day of joy and gladness as the Candidates from around Dimapur gathered together for a get-together and to share the joy of being a Candidate Preparing to enter Religious Life.
The Programme began with a short prayer led by Rev. Fr. Benny James SDB the president of CRI Dimapur zone. Thereafter we were welcomed warmly with a welcome song by FCC candidates of Clare Bhavan followed by words of welcome by Fr. Benny James SDB wherein those accompanying the candidates were presented with small gifts.
The programme was beautifully chaired by Sr. Rang Dila Veronica FMA. Fr. Sabu Joseph Chenackal, the Director of Pastoral Centre, Dimapur, animated the group through his own personal life experiences and shared his deep experience of God. Through his talk father made us to delve deep into our own lives which was an eye opening for everyone of us. Father has elevated our spiritual life and has boosted us to greater heights by sharing his life’s stories and examples.

The praise and worship sessions conducted by two young energetic Salesian’s bothers Cl. Kadena Elow Mario and Cl. Kame Gaisinrei Elias helped to personalize our experience of God.
At 1:00 pm we had lunch which was delicious and well prepared with love. After the lunch one Candidate from each institution shared a short speech on the topic “The joy of being a Candidate in preparation for religious life”. It was an enriching experience hearing from our companions their vast and rich experience of God in their lives. The sharing has strengthened our vocation. The panel discussion cleared our doubts and fears and has set us on fire to work for God more zealously.
The Eucharistic celebration was meaningfully presided by Fr. Benny James SDB. The Gospel of the day was beautifully enacted by the candidates. There was an offertory procession in which one candidate from each congregation carried a symbol with a short prayer.

The photo session after mass has brought all of us together under the umbrella of God. The programme ended with tea. It was indeed a memorable day for all of us. We wholeheartedly thank and appreciate the CRI Unit of Dimapur under the leadership of Fr. Benny the president. Everything went off smoothly which had made a great impact on us. We pray that the CRI, Dimapur Zone flourish and conduct more of this kind of programme to encourage the young sprouting buds of the different institutions.
We feel proud and privileged to be part of CRI Dimapur zone who arranged this programme with outmost care, where everything was meticulously planned that we enjoy every bit of the programme. Once again ‘A Big Thank You’ to our CRI President Fr. Benny and all our Directors and Mistresses.

By FSMA Candidates Signal Angami

Candidates, CRI Dimapur, Fr. Benny James, Hindrances, Religious Life

Hindrances versus longing to see jesus

November 11, 2019 CRI of Dimapur Zone Leave a comment

A one day animation programme for the candidates in formation was organized by Dimapur Zone of CRI at St Clare Bhaven Convent Kacharigaon on 3^rd November 2019.

The culmination of the programme was the Eucharistic celebration at St Leo’s Church, which is in the Convent campus itself. The main celebrant was Rev. Fr. Benny SDB, the President of CRI, Dimapur zone. He began the celebration with a short introduction highlighting the very purpose of religious life. He said that we should have joy and happiness within ourselves as we pursue our religious vocation. Unless we find joy in our vocation, the religious life too can become miserable.

The Gospel passage chosen for the day was Luke’s narration of Zacchaeus meeting Jesus and subsequent transformation of Zacchaeus. A skit highlighting the episode was presented by the SABS Candidates of Shanti Bhavan Convent. It was further interpreted by Rev. Fr. Benny in his homily. Pointing out the implications of the event in the gospel he said that there will be hindrances in our life too like in the life of Zacchaeus. In spite of his limitations he had a unique strength, that is, his longing to see Jesus. Similarly if we have a yearning for Jesus we will overcome our hurdles of life too like Zacchaeus. The gospel did sync well with the theme of the animation programme, “The joy of being a candidate in preparation for religious life.”
Another highlight of the Eucharist was the offertory in which each congregation presented a symbolic gift representing their aspirations, specific charism and vocation and offered prayers.
As the celebration came to an end, Bro. Dibyaranjan of St Vincent’s Seminary thanked the organizers and collaborators of the animation programme which was organized so well. The Eucharist was concluded with all the participants singing a jubilant hymn of praise to God.

by Bro. Pongkhu Wangsa

Candidates, CRI Dimapur, Religious Life

Humility is the key to be happy religious candidate

November 8, 2019 CRI of Dimapur Zone Leave a comment

One day animation program for the candidates (class xi & xii) of all religious congregations, organized by the regional CRI Dimapur unit on 24 October 2019, at Clare Bhavan Convent, Kacharigaon was a golden opportunity for us to come together as a group and to learn something new and practical, as we are beginning our life as candidates. Rev.Fr. Sabu Chenackal the main resource person brought our attention to the different aspects of religious life and the various ways in which we are expected to build up our lives in order to become joyful and responsible candidates. He highlighted on the importance of being humble. it is humility that makes us great and for that reason people appreciate us. He gave us some examples from the Bible to remind us that God prefers the most humble. (1 Cor:15: 9 – 10, Isaiah 14: 12- 15). Humility should be the strength in one’s own life.
Through this session we learned that to be joyful always as a candidate/religious:

One should not be succumbed by the thoughts of inheriting wealth and property and fame.
Not to be proud of our intelligence and we should not regret of our choice.
We must become persons of prayer: Personal prayer is very important and powerful. We can receive divine touch only through personal prayers.
Good and sincere confession gives peace and joy within us. To receive the Holy Spirit we need to confess regularly our sins. This point was made clear through relevant examples.
We need to get rid of our possessions and ego.
We need to respect and obey our elders.

As a whole the session on “the Joy of being a candidate preparing to enter Religious Life” has made us more alert and listening deeply and enable us to continue the life of a religious candidate. We have gained the knowledge about the various dimensions of religious life and encourage us to persevere in our CALL. Fr. Sabu’s talk was indeed very splendid and helpful to build up our life through personal prayer. Also, it urges us to be humble persons. Sharing of his life experiences and giving realistic examples were very enriching. In his closing session Fr. Sabu spoke passionately on the need to grow in personal prayer in order to be successful in our life as a Religious.
We thank God for this wonderful experience of coming together of all candidate of all different congregations. We are also grateful to the CRI Dimapur Unit for the effort and hard work put into it, making it a big success. Thanks to one and all who participated as well.

by Bayabiang Kharbuli, MMS Candidate

Candidates, CRI Dimapur, Fr. Benny James, Fr. Sabu, Religious Life

Another memorable day

November 6, 2019 CRI of Dimapur Zone 2 Comments

The candidates and others do appreciate the C.R.I of Dimapur Unit for the wonderful and meaningful gathering of the candidate that was organised on 3 November 2019. Rev. Fr. Sabu Joseph Chenackal, the director of the Pastoral Centre Dimapur, the special animator and Rev. Fr. Benny James SDB, the President of C.R.I Dimapur Unit, for animating the whole program and preciding over the Holy Mass and making the day a very fruitful and enriching.
We also appreciate the D .C sisters for their availability and sincere commitment in organising the programme in the absence of the secretary and treasurer. We would like to express sincere thanks to Sr. Dila Veronica FMA for beautifully introducing every event of the day.
The response from the candidates was so positive that many wanted to have the programme for longer hours. We want to thank each one sincerely for making our day another memorable occasion for ages to come.
By one of the candidate

Candidates, CRI Dimapur, Fr. Benny James, Fr. Sabu, President of CRI

The Joy of Being a Candidate Preparing to Enter Religious Life

November 4, 2019 CRI of Dimapur Zone 1 Comment

The programme for the Candidates belonging to SABS, UFC, CM, FSMA, CMC, FCC, SCCG and MMS was held at Clare Bhavan, Kacharigaon on 3 November 2019. The programme began at 9. 45 am with a prayer by Fr. Benny James SDB, the president of CRI, Dimapur Zone. The candidates of FCC Kacharigaon presented a welcome song, followed by words of welcome from Fr. Benny. He welcomed the gathering and presented a small gift each to all those accompanied the candidates to the centre.

The praise and worship session by two young Salesians from Salesian College namely Cl. Kadena Elow Mario SDB and Cl. Kamei Gaisinrei Elias SDB brought life and freshness to the gathering . Sr. Dila Veronica FMA, who was the M.C. of the programme brought liveliness among the young aspiring candidates to priesthood and religious life.
Fr. Sabu Joseph Chenackal the Director of Pastoral Centre , Dimapur gave the main talk of the day on the theme “The Joy of being a Candidate Preparing to Enter Religious Life”. He started his talk with one Our Father and seven Hail Marys which gave a lot of insight to the listeners. His talks were very much touching and inspiring. He spoke from his own life experiences: about the devotion to Mother Mary, confession, holy vocation etc. He invited the candidates to have a constant touch with the Lord through prayers. He emphasised that only then a consecrated person can be happy in his/her vocation. He quoted Bible passages to bring home the message of perseverance and commitment to vocation. He stressed on the importance of the virtue of humility in one’s life. He warned the candidates that pride and lack of obedience can destroy Holy Vocations.

The second talk began after 10 minutes of the Praise and Worship. Fr. Sabu talked about how a religious person can be a burden to the community and the society by being a proud person and not obeying the will of God expressed through their Superiors. He beautifully explained about Confession comparing it with the life of saints and the temptation of the evil spirits. He said, “Every Saint has a past and every Sinner has a future”. Meanwhile, Fr. Benny James SDB made himself available for confessions. After the talk and confessions one of the candidates thanked Fr. Sabu profusely and we moved to the residence of the sisters for lunch.

The third session started at 01.50 pm with action songs. In the afternoon session Fr. Benny encouraged the candidates to share their own experiences of vocation and their experiences as candidates preparing to be a religious. There were 85 candidates attending the programme from 8 communities in and around Dimapur. One candidate from each community shared his or her vocation story. Every one’s vocation story was unique, interesting and inspiring. There were also some who shared on the spot about their vocation to religious life. Fr. Benny pointed out the central points of each ones’ sharing and explained in a very meaningfully the uniqueness of God’s call.

Fr. Benny James SDB, the president of CRI Dimapur presided over the Holy Eucharist at 3.00 pm. The Holy Mass was celebrated meaningfully and with much devotion. The Gospel of the day was enacted to bring home the central theme of one’s vocation. There was offertory procession with a short prayer raised to God seeking His blessing and guidance. After the Mass the candidate thanked Fr. Benny and the sisters at Clare Bhavan Kacharigaon. The photo session and tea marked the end of events of the day.
By Srs. Sumita DC, Anjali DC and Mothina DC