08 September – Mother Provincial and a few Councillors of INK Province welcomed Mother Chiara and General Councillors Sr. Ruth Councillor for the Missions, Sr. Runita in charge of Youth Pastoral and Sr. Celine Jacob the Visiting Councillor at Bangalore INK Province Airport with bouquets and shawls.
They arrived at the main entrance gate of the Provincial House Campus where the large arch welcomed them. They were escorted with colourful traditional decorative umbrellas which reflect the rich cultural heritage of festive occasions. AWC children and the representatives welcomed them with symbolic offering and amidst the children standing Guard of Honour they moved on to the Convent. At different stages the students representing 4 states welcomed them with their ethnic rituals. The whole school children waved colourful balloons as the guests passed by and flower petals were strewn on their way. A typical dance of Karnataka- “Kolattam”- a dance with sticks with their rhythm accompanied them to the entrance of the Convent where all the Sisters and others waited to welcome them. Fruit baskets were offered to welcome them as people of Karnataka do. PU College with their fantastic welcome in Italian mesmerized the crowd. Here too the Guests were given a traditional welcome with “Poorna Kumbam” meaning, abundance and hospitality. Creation is represented by the leaves. Sandal paste smeared on their foreheads and sprinkled rose water. A delightful welcome song was sung by the PU students. All entered the chapel, prayed and sang thanking the Lord for the arrival of Mother and Councillors. M. General offered a symbolic candle to M. Mary while the choir intoned a fitting hymn to her. Sisters and the entire Educating Community enjoyed a delicious Lunch.