The second year Novices of Rosa Mystica Novitiate were sent for a month’s ‘Village Exposure Programme’ to Sindagi Taluk, of Bijapur District, Karnataka. The Orientation was given by Fr Jerald SJ, Sr Anitha UFS along with their ‘Sangam Team’. Sr Priya Rose BS, the Novice Directress accompanied the Novices to their villages. Novices were placed in three villages namely, Asangihalla, Byakoda and Bennakottagi. Initially the people were bit suspicious about Conversion, but gradually they understood the purpose of their living there. Novices had to face the challenges of learning the local language, caste system, culture, adjusting in a small room, and cooking their own food. They had the opportunity of participating in the SHG (Self Help Groups), Children’s Panchayat, teaching in the local schools, visiting the families, working in the fields, conducting tuition classes, and giving awareness of child labour, child marriage, children’s rights, construction worker’s rights, sanitation etc.
Participating in the Rally organized by Jesuit Fathers at Bijapur both for ‘Devadasi Women’ and ‘Slum Dwellers’ was an unique experience. It has evoked compassion towards the neglected and oppressed by the society.
Novices were inspired by the generosity, simplicity, unity, kindness and love of the people. They have found God in the poor, sick and marginalized. Thus they say that they are strengthened in their vocation.
By:
Sr Shalet D' Souza BS.
Rosa Mystica Novitiate
Kinnikambla
