NEW PAULINE PRESENCE IN VASAI DIOCESE
“In response to the Lord’s command to love one’s neighbour, I now have the additional responsibility of loving the Sisters of the Daughters of St Paul, my newest neighbours on the block!” said Bishop Thomas Dabre in jest at the inauguration of the Pauline Book and Media Centre at Barampur in Vasai on Saturday 8 December 2007. Implying a link between the labour of love of the Pauline Sisters to the purity of Mary’s life, the Feast of whose Immaculate Conception it was that day, Bishop Dabre welcomed to his diocese the light of clean literature being brought by them to counter the darkness of dirty newspapers, dirty books and dirty internet that is so prevalent in our midst. Further, as though in reflection of the sentiments expressed by the Scripture passage that was read earlier, calling on us to let our light shine before others (Mt 5:16), the good bishop declared his full support and encouragement for the spread of good literature saying, “I would want the people of my diocese to get into the habit of buying good books. And if anyone can’t afford it for whatever reason, they could come to me. I will subsidize the purchase!”
After the traditional lighting of the Lamp and the cutting of the red ribbon, declaring the 16th Pauline Book and Media Centre in India open, Bishop Dabre also blessed the new house and chapel of the Sisters. This facility is situated at “Tiberias”, right next to Bishop’s House at Vasai.
Welcoming the gathering that consisted of Priests, Sisters and Cooperators of the Pauline Family besides other priests, religious and lay people, Sr Claudette pointed out that Blessed James Alberione, the Founder of the Pauline Family, used to say that “our book centres are the focal points of our apostolate where the Word meets the world”.
Sr Anne, the Provincial Superior of the Daughters of St Paul, proposed the Vote of Thanks. Sr Anne was profuse in her gratitude to Bishop Dabre who, she pointed out, had expressed the hope and wish that a Pauline book centre would be opened right in front of his house! She sought his prayers for and his blessings on the work of the Sisters. Sr Anne thanked the Novices and Postulants of the Congregation for the Prayer Dance put up at the commencement of the morning’s programme. She also thanked the Parish Priest of Barampur and all others present on the occasion.
Ladislaus L D’Souza (Pauline Cooperator)
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| Bishop Thomas Dabre, gives his message to the gathering | The Word of God holds prominence of place on an occasion like this. | |
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| Blessing of the Book and Media Centre | The Pioneer members, Srs Claudette and Ivy with the Bishop and Provincial Superior, Sr Anne. | |
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Children and people of Vasai are happy with our presence |
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Provincial Team responsible for the opening of this New Centre |
Religious Articles and greeting cards beautifully displayed too. | |
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| One of our Pauline Cooperators at Exhibition which was simultaneously held | Beautiful... Beautiful Words... of Life... | |
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| Busy in the service of the Gospel. | Invoking the Lord | |