After examining outstanding performances in the arts and sport, Professor Michael Howe and colleagues at Exeter University, concluded that excellence is determined by

opportunities, encouragement, training, motivation, self-confidence and - most of all - practice.

It has significant implications for teachers and parents, trainers and formators, not least because children who are not thought to be gifted are being denied the encouragement they need to succeed. The authors took as their starting point the widespread belief that to reach

high levels of ability a person must possess an innate potential called talent. They said it was important to establish whether the belief was correct because it had social and educational consequences affecting selection procedures and training.

However, studies of accomplished artists and mathematicians, top tennis players and swimmers reported few early signs of promise prior to parental encouragement. No case was found of anyone reaching the highest levels of achievement without devoting thousands of hours to serious training. Even those who were believed to be exceptionally talented, whether in music, mathematics, chess or sports, required lengthy periods of instruction and practice.

Mozart produced his best work only after a long period of training. It was not until he had been immersed in music for 16 years that he first produced an acknowledged master work. The early biographies of prominent composers have revealed that they all received intensive and regular supervised practice sessions over a period of several years. The emergence of unusual skills typically followed rather than preceded a period during which unusual opportunities were provided, often combined with strong expectations that a child would do well. The persistent myth that some people reach high levels of performance without devoting numerous hours to practice, owes much to the fact that practicing activities are usually outside the casual observer's view.

The same principle applies to religious formees, students of philosophy and theology; they advance in knowledge, wisdom and virtues through constant and consistent exercise and practice. The saints are the best examples for the same. There are no saints anywhere who have not grown in holiness through constant and consistent practice. The religious formees need to be inspired by the lives of these great saints and make them models of imitation, so that they learn to be fully committed to the task of formation in our novitiates and seminaries. May God bless every MSFS formees to commit himself fully, through constant and consistent practice, to be in union with God and communion with one another. As I wish God's blessing on every reader of the present Issue of Fransalian Blooms, I congratulate all formators of Northeast India Province of the MSFS for their being exemplary role models of constant and consistent practice in growing towards a life of holiness and wholeness.

Fr. George PanthanmackelMSFS Provincial Northeast India Province.

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MINOR SEMINARY

VINAYA BHAVAN, THAMARASSERY

The academic programme for the second and third term, besides studies aims at more of integration and involvement and talent development by way of extracurricular activities. Special training in reading, l e a r n i n g v o c a b u l a r y, developing the writing skills - c o m p o s i t i o n , s t a g e performance, classes on elocution theory and practical are emphasised during these terms. At the end of the third term, the final evaluation, personal and group, is done involving all the staff and students.

Vinaya Fest: (25th - 27th Nov 2016)

Vinaya fest comprises of Games and Sports and Cultural competitions which lasted for three days. The candidates displayed their talents in various competitions and proved themselves capable of organising and working together as a team. It was a memorable event.

Our Patron's FeastThe celebration of the Feast of our Patron, St. Francis de Sales on 24th January is always the most important event in the academic programme of Vinaya Bhavan. The Feast day celebration of this year was special and unique as for the first time we had the Solemn Eucharistic celebration in Syro-Malabar Rite in English, presided over by Mar Remigius Inchananiyil, the Bishop of Thamarassery.

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Blessed with candidates from various cultures from across the country, particularly from Northeast India, the main event of the feast next to the solemn Eucharistic celebration is always coloured with the grandiose display of a cultural programme by the candidates for the guests from the neighbouring parishes and communities of Thamarassery Diocese. This year too, the candidates displayed colourful cultural items both from Northeast as well as from Kerala.

Rector's Day

Rector's Day was celebrated on 12th Jan 2017 beginning with solemn Mass in the morning, and a basket ball match between the candidates and members of the staff after breakfast. A short cultural programme was arranged by the candidates in the evening to felicitate Fr. Sebastian, the Rector as an expression of their love and appreciation. The climax of the programme was the prize distribution for the Vinaya Fest conducted in the month of November 2016. On this day we were blessed by the presence of the members of the Apostolic Community to share our joy in the celebration.

Community Outing

On 25th February 2017 the Vinaya Bhavan community went for a one day outing to Makkiyad, Sneha Jyoti MSFS Novitiate of the Southwest Province. The journey through the Ghat section of Wayanad was a thrill to the candidates. On our way we visited a Dam as well. The Sneha Jyoti community extended a warm welcome on our arrival and after the lunch we had a short relaxation followed by a friendly match of Volley ball and Basket ball between the Candidates and the Novices. The evening tea was featured with beautiful melodies both from the candidates and the novices. The candidates for the first time got a chance to interact with their elder brothers and it was a beautiful experience for both the communities. We made our journey back with the assurance of a visit from the Sneha Jyoti community to us.

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NOVITIATE

The Holy Week and Easter Celebrations at MSFS Novitiate, Chabua

The Holy Week Celebrations at MSFS Novitiate Chabua began with the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Palm Sunday, presided over by Fr. Jose Mundoly, Director of Novices. Brothers, sisters, novices and candidates of various Religious communities of Chabua and the Parishioners participated in the Palm Sunday procession and Holy Mass. In the homily Fr. Jose Mundoly spoke about the importance and significance of Holy Week Celebrations in the life of the faithful.

Fr. George Parampukattil MSFS, the General Councillor In-charge of Education was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday and Fr. Jose Mundoly administered the washing of the feet, Fr. Sebastian, Rector of Vianney Home and Fr. Mark Hriinii concelebrated. The neighbouring communities also joined for the Eucharistic celebration and the common adoration.

With a solemn way of the Cross at 9.30 a.m. in the morning the Novitiate community began the Good Friday prayers and commemorations. In the jointly conducted Way of the Cross brothers, novices and candidates belonging to different communities shared reflections and took part in the sufferings of Chr i s t . The Pass ion Service began at 3'0' clock in the afternoon during which after the Passion Reading Fr. Jose shared reflections on the Passion and Death of Jesus and briefly explained the vital role of suffering in life and

encouraged the faithful to face hardships with optimism and courage as Jesus did.

Fr. Sebastian, Rector of Vianney Home was the main celebrant for the Easter Vigil Mass which began at 10.00 p.m. with the blessing of the New Fire. Sisters and novices from Maria Bhavan, Brothers from CST and Montfort, Father and brothers from Vianney Home joined the Novitiate Community for the Easter Vigil Mass. Fr. Mark carried the Paschal Candle and led the Candle procession to the chapel and Sr. Veronica melodiously chanted the Easter proclamation. Fr. Jose in his homily stressed on the joy of Easter and highlighted the main theme that all Christians are called to be Easter people carrying with them the spirit of Risen Christ. Light refreshment after the Vigil Mass became a forum for all to greet each other with the peace of Risen Christ. On the following day, we had a friendly volley ball match followed by a sumptuous dinner and concluded our Easter Celebrations.

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SUVIDYA COLLEGE

T h e c o m m u n i t y a t Suvidya had an eventful second semester. The third year students of philosophy made their five days educational tour of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in December 2016 , catching the glimpses of tourist and historical spots, savouring the different del icacies , visiting various places of worships and enjoying the scenic beauty on the beach. While the 2nd and 1st year students of philosophy along with their moderators and animators had their annual picnic on 11 March: the Second years had their trip to river Kaveri and the first years to Nandi hills.

On 24 January 2016, the Suvidya community celebrated the feast of our heavenly patron together with the congregation of DSFS, after intensive preparation both spiritually and physically.

Suvidya College conducted the annual comprehensive examinatons on 19 February 2017. The students performed extremely well and it was appreciated by all the professors and examiners. Big thanks to all the professors for their help and congratulations to the students for their hard work. The convocation ceremony for the Bachelor of Philosophy was held on 3rd March in Suvidya. Dr Bernard O'Connor, OSFS President of the De Sales University, USA, conferred the Degree certificates on 50 students of philosophy and 5 students of theology in the presence of dignitaries and invited guests.

A five-day annual retreat was animated by Fr. Tom Pannalakunnel MSFS from 21st to 26th February 2017. It was indeed a time of self-introspection and spiritual renewal.

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MSFS STUDY HOUSE

Driving Course

The third year brothers of the MSFS Study House had a short but successful driving course from 21st January to 31st of January, 2017. The course was conducted at SFS Technical Institute, Manja, Diphu under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Varghese Chakkalamuriyil and was amply supported by Rev. Fr. Roshan Kanjirathinkal. All the seven brothers did learn the basics of driving during this short span and were given certificates at the successful completion of the course. This was really a very useful course for the brothers in their future ministry and the brothers remain grateful to the fathers for this wonderful learning opportunity.

Holiday Ministry and Delhi Tour

It was a rich experience for us second years to spend our holidays in the missions. On 8th December 2016, we set out for our holiday ministry in different centers. Since it was the Christmas time we had a good time in our missions. We spent fruitfully our days in visiting the houses, preparing children for the first Holy Communion, making cribs, and preaching retreats. It was also a time for us to learn more about the people and their culture. Being in the village with people was a different experience for us. We learned so many things from them and shared our joy with them. We all cherish the beautiful memories we had during our holiday ministry.

After having experienced the spirit of a true missionary life at different mission centres in North East we the second year students had a wonderful excursion to Delhi. Four days in Delhi were very well organized which in fact helped us to visit most of the tourist places. Exploring the historical places was something new and enriching for all of us, especially the Taj Mahal, Akshardham temple etc. Above all what gave us joy was that we went as a batch. We had lots of fun, joy and sharing. Those days were really memorable and terrific. This memory of exploring together would remain with us in our life time.

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Inauguration of the Jubilee Year

The MSFS Study House, Shillong, celebrates the Silver Jubilee Year of its existence. To mark the beginning of the Jubilee the community of the Study House organised an Inaugural function on 29th March, 2017, Wednesday at MSFS Study House, Shillong. The opening of the Silver Jubilee began with a Holy Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uppamthadathil, the Provincial Councillor cum Admonitor, North-East India Province. It was indeed a privilege to have him as the main celebrant, as he was one of the First-batch students of the Study House. The presence of fathers from the Apostolic Community graced the occasion, especially as all of them were past students of the Study House. The Eucharistic celebration was soon followed by a short get-together wherein Fr. Emmanuel declared the Jubilee Year open. It was really a joyful and memorable occasion and a proud and historic moment for the community of the Study House and the North-East Province at large.

Annual Picnic to Cherrapunjee

It was a happy occasion for the MSFS Study House community, Mawroh, as we went for the one day picnic to Cherrapunjee on 18th May 2017. We had the privilege to visit 7 beautiful picnic spots which included waterfalls, caves, rocks and rivers which made the destinations unique and special for picnic.

The day was filled with lot of excitements and fun as we spent time in exploring new places. The experience within the caves was indeed unique. We a l s o e n j o y e d t h e pano ramic s cene ry o f Bangladesh from Sohra. The Community also prepared a sumptuous meal and shared it on one of the picnic spots. It was indeed a beautiful experience for us as we could explore through the heart of Cherrapunjee, a place renowned for the highest rainfall. Thanks to Frs. Johny and Sudhir for arranging this one-day picnic.

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Fransalian Blooms is a bi-annual newsletter published by the Formation Forum of the North-East India Province of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (C/o MSFS Study House, Mawroh-Mawlai, Shillong-793008). It highlights the activities of the Formation Houses of the North-East India Province and serves as a link among its members, friends and benefactors.

Design, Layout and Editorial Assistance: Bros, Melvin P. K, Libin Varghese, Anandha Prabhu, Sibin V. A,, Romilson Marak, Fr. John Kuttikottayil and Fr. Sudhir Hasda.

Frasalian Blooms Wishes you Hearty Congrats.