Vatluru – The Feast of St. Joseph gave birth to the Guanellian Lay movement (GLM) in Vatluru. The Guanellian parish, Sacred Heart Church, with its 9 sub- stations has become the locus for its establishment. For the past 10 years Guanellians have been entrusted with the pastoral needs of the people. The Guanellian presence has brought out changes in the ethical and moral values of the people and made CHARITY the center of every activity. The Superior, Fr. Peter Sebastian, and confreres felt it was time to establish the GLM. Invitations were sent to people of five substations, the Guanella Bhavan area and the Minor Seminary to become GLM members. Nearly 30 members attended the inaugural session at Guanella Bhavan. The meeting began by invoking the Lord’s blessings with prayer. A short biographical book on Fr. Guanella was distributed and recommended to read. Fr. Peter spoke of the importance of the GLM and the laity in the Church. He highlighted the changes in the functioning of the Church since Vatican II. The pyramid has become circular, bridging the gap between the religious and laity. Teaching about the GLM, he said that Fr. Guanella started two religious congregations DSMP for women and SdC for men. He started the cooperators as a third order; making the laity members of the Guanellian Family. Therefore, the family would be incomplete without the laity. He thanked them for helping to spread the love of God to the least in society. He encouraged them to work in an organized manner through the GLM. Doubts were clarified and members expressed their happiness to join the GLM. A solemn mass was celebrated by Fr. Charles Borromeo in honor of St. Joseph. The meeting ended with a delicious meal. A similar group was also started at the parish creating two GLM groups for the local Guanellian family.
January in Andhra Pradesh
Koppakka – The Month of January is a month of special blessings for all the residents of Guanella Bhavan because of the many important events. The arrival of the aspiring Deacons also brought new life and blessings to our house. They remained from January 4th to 16th as part of their preparation for their Final vows. Their presence created many memories for the house, especially the initiation brothers; the brothers were edified by the way of life of the Deacons. They attended classes on Emotional Maturity by Sr. Jayasheela, JMJ. They all participated in a week-long session on Spiritual orientation by Sr. Sagaya, SSCC.
The 64th Independence Day of India was celebrated on January 26th. The National flag was hoisted and honoring followed by athletic games to celebrate the day in a grand manner.
A Home In Memory of ‘Don Mimi’
Andra Pradesh – Rev. Fr. Soosai Rathinam and Rev. Fr. Peter Sebastian were visiting the Vatluru Community on the occasion of the inauguration and blessing of “Mendam Sapna and Lucy Bhavan,” a house built for two orphan girls through he sponsorship of Cotronix, on September 26, 2012. God’s grace filled the whole community as the boys band marched in accompanied by parishioners of Sacred Heart Church for the blessing. Rev. Fr. Kulandaisamy started with a prayer, Fr. Soosai blessed the foundation stone and Fr. Peter cut the ribbon and blessed the house. This house is dedicated to Rev. Fr. Domenico Saginario with special thanks to Mr. Mimo and members of Cotronix.
Servants of Charity 