LETTER from MOTHER SUSILA - Dear Friends, greetings from everyone here. The monsoons are nearly over and the weather is more bearable with no more heavy downpours.
Since last November, we have been busy with several meetings or getting ready and planning for various events. We were glad when Bishop Bill Down arrived. It was good to meet him again, though his time was taken up mainly with meetings. However, in between those, the St Mary's Home girls presented dances and songs, and there was lots of laughter to cheer everyone up. Father Francis and Brother John accompanied Bishop Bill Down to Kushtia. Most of us went later to Haluaghat in two buses for Bishop Sunil's consecration on 08 November. He is a Garo, so there was much excitement among the Garo Sisters Ruth and Salome and the girls from that area. There were Garo hymns and songs (which we continued singing at Christmas time), and so many people were greeting each other in Garo – for example 'Naya Nami Doungama' which means 'how are you?’. The Bishop had worked at Jobarpar for four years before he went to Dhaka to study theology, so many of the little boys remembered him. Jobarpar is a suit able 'nursery' preparation for those who wish to become priests.
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At the end of February, there was a 'Prayer and Meditation' meeting in our Church of the Epiphany here. All those who had taken life vows – Roman Catholic and Church of Bangladesh - gathered here for it. It was mostly silent, but at certain times, talking was allowed. About 40 people were present, and Father Autal (our Father Confessor), Brother Eric and Mrs Cynthia Morgan (whose husband Dr Morgan is known to us. Their little boy died last year, so they know pain in their lives) gave meditative addresses. It was good for our clergy to be with the Roman Catholic clergy. It has been a great form of worship, and a second meeting is being held in Holy Week.
The Revd Asish MondaI, our parish priest at Jobarpar for the last four years, has recently been transferred to Halluaghat. We wish him well in his new ministry.
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Work continues as usual. Everyone is happy, as the matriculation results are good. In St Mary's there are 40 women, of whom 33 are pupils. 5 are handicapped, 4 are widows and the others do odd jobs. There is night school for those who cannot study during the day. ln Jobarpar there are 70 girls in the hostel and 15 in the playgroup. We had a fairly good harvest, and sowed seed on all our land. The farmyard grows, we have 2 new calves, Shuki (meaning 'happy') and Joy.
At the moment there is a short holiday, so some of the girls have gone home and some have examinations.
With every good wish for a blessed and peaceful Easter, may we continue our days in the power of the risen Christ.
Mother Susila
Superior, CSS