LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross

eflections
Season of memory
I then began my education at Brother André
High School in Noakhali. I loved to study and
go to school every day. I was very attentive
to my daily duties and thus passed my SSC
(Secondary School Certification) exam in 1980. I
still remember the loving memory of my school
life. I completed my studies up to HSC (Higher
Secondary Certification) in 1982.
Season of hope and peace
I was an active member of the society and
Church as well as in my family, taking a lot
of responsibility for my younger brothers and
sisters. I came in close contact with the Canadian
Holy Cross sisters and priests who were then
missionaries in Noakhali. Their companionship
had a tremendous effect in my life, which later
helped me in my discernment to become a Holy
Cross religious.
Season of questions and seeking
I thought of becoming a nun and then had
thousands of questions in my mind whether
to do it or not. I was in a dilemma choosing
between too many life choices. Every option
seemed best for me. It was a time to pray deeply
to God to show me the right way as to which one
would be the best.
Season of finding
It was then that I met a wonderful and
committed religious, Canadian Sister Amelia
Terrain, CSC, who walked with me very gently
and compassionately. She served many years in
Noakhali Parish and I was encouraged by her
loving touch in my life. I decided to follow Jesus
Christ and never looked back.
Season of passion and fire
Through Sister Amelia I came to know Holy
Cross sisters. After a period of discernment, I was
welcomed into the congregation as a postulant
in June 1984 and was under the guidance of
Sister M. Bruno (Beiro). I entered the novitiate in
September 1985 and Sister M. Perpetua (Meyer)
accompanied me. I made my initial profession
of vows on December 8, 1987, and my final
profession on October 22, 1993. This year, 2012,
is the year of my silver jubilee.
Season of spirit and zeal
It was now time to put into practice all that
I learned in the novitiate. Every place I served,
I was energetic, self-motivated and strove to be
a faithful steward. My call to serve the people
of God was always the first priority in my life.
For two years, beginning in 1988, I taught in
Corpus Christi High School in Jalchatra. I then
earned my bachelor’s degree and was assistant
director of Holy Cross College in Dhaka for two
and a half years. For seven years I taught and
was headmistress in Lokhipur, Kulaura. Next, I
began my studies in Bangalore, South India, for
a master’s degree and training in counseling. I
then returned to Deepaneeta, Savar, and for more
than five years was candidate and novice director.
Finally, in 2010, I became area coordinator for the
Area of Asia, and today I continue to serve in that
role and to teach at Holy Cross College.
Season of gratitude and integrity
I feel that God was, and always is, in every
decision, every step, every action, and each
and every part of my life. God’s faithful love
surrounds me from every side. God holds my
hand in my troubles and uplifts me when I am
disheartened.
As I celebrate my silver jubilee with our sisters
present in this moment, and present in spirit
from all over the world, I am grateful to all of you,
for your love, prayerful support, encouragement
and continuous acceptance of who I am. I am
grateful for your faithfulness and trust in me, for
standing with me in good days and bad.
I am grateful for the treasure of loved ones.
I am grateful for all those people who came into
my life from my childhood, my parents, brothers
and sisters, Holy Cross sisters, for the events, the
words people shared with me. I am grateful for
the ongoing process of becoming who I am, the
seasons within me, for the struggles, challenges,
anxieties, comforts and blessings.
“That my joy may be completed. That I may
always remain in God’s love.”¡
july / august 2012 ¡ LifeSigns
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