When I was Naked You Clothed Me

Bangalore – On January13th, we were informed by the laity that there were two grandfathers living under the flyover near Krishnarajapuram. As soon as we got the information we went to the spot, along with our superior Fr. Kulandaisamy to bring them to our home for the aged. We asked them about their native homes, and the one who was willing to come along with us was from Anandhapura, HL, Bangalore, and his name was Mr. Devadoss. We gave him a nice bath, new clothes and a place to sleep, and now he is happy to be with us. Thanks to the Providence of God, we became His instrument of love.

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Educational Tour

Bangalore – Don Guanella Oratory children went on an educational tour on October 28th. These slum children were so excited to go on a tour; they boarded the bus smiling. The first stop was “HAL Aerospace museum”. The guide explained to the children about the growth and achievements of the institute, “Hindustan Aeronautic Limited” which began in 1940. She passionately shared how it has supplied the nation with many defense planes, helicopters and machinery. The children learned about the evolution of flight and they received knowledge and pride. The audio visual about how each flight served the nation in various ages and sectors was inspirational and exciting. The next stop was to see for themselves the different types of flights and helicopters. Next they visited “Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium”. The children were thrilled and excited by the galaxies of stars in 3D vision. They learned many things about the galaxy and planet earth. After lunch they were taken to the Aquarium, where varieties of fish were kept for admiration and knowledge. The last stop was for free rides for the children at Cubbon Park. Being fully exhausted from the games, rides and the tour which ended at dusk, they returned cherishing evening snacks while dancing playfully on the bus. We give thanks to God the Almighty for this wonderful outing.

Celebrating the Founder

Bangalore – The Guanella Preethi Nivas community and the parishioners began the Novena by hoisting the flag on October 14th. The inspiring words of our Founder were displayed everywhere. The Novena was conducted by the Philosophy students with great excitement. One day of the Novena was led by the Guanellian Sisters; one day the Cooperators and GLM members conducted the Novena. It was great to see how each one made efforts to make each day a different experience. The parishioners lit candles and wrote down their petitions. Everyone prayed together for these intentions.
On October 21st GPN celebrated the Feast of St. Guanella with a solemn Mass at the Tent of Love on the quote of our Founder, “It is better to be poor than to be a sinner”. Parishioners, benefactors, beneficiaries, Guanellian Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Cooperators, GLM Members and religious from other congregations participated in the Mass. Fr. Peter Sebastian was the main celebrant and Fr. Adaikalam preached the Homily. The virtues that our Founder practiced were expressed in a simple way that attracted many. The Celebration concluded by processing to the flag with lit candles and hearts aflame. Fr. Ligori lowered the flag and blessed everyone with a Relic of St. Guanella. The community was thankful for celebrating the Feast with so many faithful.

You are Unique

Bangalore – What a wonderful thing it is to help the little ones understand how unique and beautifully they are made. On the October 14th Rainbow Brush group led by Christine, Guanellian Cooperators and GLM members organized a workshop at Guanella Preethi Nivas for the Oratory children. It was indeed a very fun filled day. The workshop began with some warm-ups, and a little Zumba dance to pep the little ones. The children were very excited to participate and learn new moves. Christine then narrated a small story where she made the children understand how they have been made so unique and beautiful. Some lack gifts but are not to be kept aside. We are to accept them and walk together. She also told the children not to bully anyone for their appearance but we need to always look into the heart of each person which is so beautifully created by God.
After this the main part of the workshop began, coloring a giant puzzle. The children were not sure what they were coloring until each piece was put together and they could see the exact picture. The student volunteers were trained at Rainbow Brush accompanied by their parents. We also had a group of volunteers from the University who helped us to coordinate activities, to organize sumptuous snacks for the kids and to give small gifts for the children to take home.

Children Celebrate Senior Citizens’ Day

Bangalore – This year was the first time in the history of the Guanella Preethi Nivas community that children prepared and celebrated World Senior Citizens’ Day in a grand manner. The Senior Citizens were the shining stars of the program, well-dressed and full of smiles, as always, accompanied by the young like their grandchildren. They enjoyed singing and dancing with the children. The children also shared their love by giving flowers and performing dances, speeches and songs for them. Fr. Adaikalam addressed the gathering, speaking about the importance of the day, being grateful to the elders and honoring them for all their life sacrifices and loving gestures. It was truly heartwarming for senior citizens experiencing the love of these eighty angelic kids. The program ended with open dance and giving snacks to the children.

The Singing Vicar

Bangalore – On August 23rd Vicar General Fr. Nico arrived at Guanella Preethi Nivas. The Don Guanella Evening School children welcomed him with a welcoming song and a bouquet. The children were very happy, Fr. Nico also was very happy to see them. The next evening, August 24th, he entertained them with his beautiful singing and guitar playing. The children enjoyed his singing as well as his presence. He provided chocolate for all the children. He said good-bye in Italian, he assured his prayers for the children and he also asked them to pray for his Guanellian mission and service.

Children Celebrate Independence

Bangalore – Don Guanella Evening School celebrated Independence Day joyfully with the oratory children on August 19th. The children participated in many events, especially enjoying the parade. The Chief Guest hoisted the national flag and then everyone recited the pledge of our nation before singing the national anthem. Subsequently the chief Guest, fathers and children gathered in the tent of love. Then children performed their talents, and the elderly were brought to the program. The Chief Guest addressed his inspiring speech to the children. To close the event, delicious snacks were provided for the children and all the spectators.

Guanellian Youth on a Mission

Bangalore – The Guanellian Youth Movement started the Open Road Ministry in Bangalore to fulfill the mission the founder, ‘Give bread and the Lord.’ We have received the spiritual guidance from our fathers to fulfill the mission of the founder. The GYM reached a new milestone providing food for street dwellers every Sunday. The youth contributed a lot for this event. Fr. Adaikalam blessed the endeavor. They cooked and packed meals by themselves. They went two-by-two as Jesus sent His disciples for the mission, delivering food for the street dwellers. It was successful and very much appreciated by all the people. The youth were inspired, they enjoyed it and they found some inner happiness through this mission. They are willing to continue this mission for the poor.

Election of New Lay Officers

Bangalore – The Guanellian Lay Movement held an election for the 2018 – 2021 term on August 11th and 12th at Guanella Preethi Nivas under the supervision of Fr. Visuwasam (Provincial Delegate), Fr. Gnanaraj (Superior of GPN), and Fr. Adaikalam (Local Delegate). This meeting was inaugurated by Fr. Adaikalam invoking God’s blessing in the form of a prayer. The election process was initiated by Fr. Visuwasam. On the 11th was the election for the officers for the Guanellian Co-operators. On the 12th we had the election for the officers for the Guanellian Lay Movement. Fr. Visuwasam thanked the outgoing office bearers (Ms. Stella -former GC Secretary, Mr. Hubert – former GLM President, Ms. Sharmila – former GLM Secretary, Mrs. Estelle – former GLM Treasurer) for their immense hard work. The newly elected council members were felicitated by the fathers and other members of the group. The meeting was concluded with a prayer by Estelle (GLM member).

Spiritual Awakening – Desert Experience

Bangalore – The seven novices of the Guanella Preethi Nivas community went on a ten-day desert experience under the guidance of Fr. Gnanaraj. They went to the Servarayan Hills, at Sagayapuram in the Thiruvannamali District. It is a desolate mountain top with a substation church. They had a spiritual awakening by spending lot of time in prayer, meditation, discerning their vocation, speaking to God and journeying into one’s own self. It was an atmosphere conducive to listening to the voice of God and to be enlightened to one’s true self. After morning Eucharist and instruction all went into the forest, having no contact with anyone except God in solitude. Fr. Gnanaraj beautifully guided each novice to discern their vocation through fasting, prayer and spiritual direction. Everyone would return in the evening, share their experiences and collectively prepare dinner. They had inexplicable Tabor experiences on that mountain. On the way down the mountain, they visited the Cloister of Poor Clare nuns. Talking to those spiritual giants was awesome and enlightening for the novices at the threshold of their Religious profession.