For days there had been feverish activity as Monica with Sabrina and Varsha worked together to have all ready for D Day.  All was in readiness on 23rd, a gloriously cool morning in this steamy monsoon season. Duties had to be allotted so by 10.30 am all were at their posts to welcome the guests and lead them to the new floor still under construction where the Eucharist was to be celebrated. The back-drop, a maroon curtain, carried the theme for the Eucharist, "I WILL BLESS YOU, SO THAT YOU WILL BE A BLESSING” . This was done in large, white lettering meticulously cut out by a young class VIII boy of the neighbourhood.

At 11.00 am sharp the entrance procession led by Bishop Thomas D'Souza and 25 Priests made its way up the stairs to the Altar bedecked with flowers while the choir led the congregation in the hymn "Come and Celebrate....".  Elizabeth invited the Bishop to bless the house while the choir sang "Let us build a house where love can dwell... followed by Marilla’s reading of "A New Venture"

After the blessing Sr. Monica formally welcomed our guests. She hoped that the newly blessed Regional House might be a house of inspiration, encouragement, rest and refreshment for all of us. She then referred to an incident related in "First the Blade". A dying novice prophesied that the foundation in Darjeeling would in time be abundantly blessed and great good would come from it. 161 years later these prophetic words continue to be true as over these years other houses of the Institute in India were opened from Darjeeling. In our time Lolay, Panighata, Dharan and Sadam were fostered by Darjeeling. Sr.Monica prayed that today we continue to be open to God's blessing and in receiving, be open and gifting to all.

The 1st and 2nd readings, Deut. 8:6-10 and 2 Cor:9:6-11 continued the theme of Blessing  "God will lead you into a fertile land...  and you will give thanks to Him". The Psalm, sung by Stephanie reminded us "The steadfast love of the Lord never changes”, and the Gospel proclaimed "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has chosen me to bring Good News to the poor...”  Bishop Thomas in his homily urged us to listen to this Spirit calling to us today.  He believed the Spirit had shown us "This Place" and would continue to work today through us. He  ended with a prayer that our work here be  inspired by our charism, that Mary our Mother, Patroness of our Institute, intercede for us and Mary Ward guide our Mission from above.

The Eucharist continued with hymns and prayers in Nepali, Hindi and Bengali. At the offertory, fruit, vegetables, rice and eggs were offered along with the Bread and Wine. The thanksgiving prayer was read by Agnes in Nepali.  Elizabeth, in her vote of thanks included all.  The recessional hymn "Shine Jesus shine, fill this land with the Father's Glory”  resounded as all made their way downstairs to partake of a grand lunch -Chinese Cuisine.

There was a very homely atmosphere as Sisters moved around among our guests meeting and chatting with friends and relatives. It was a day for all of us to thank the good Lord for His bountiful blessings.  

FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN, THANKS.  FOR ALL THAT WILL BE, YES.