English 
To deepen the reflection on the Year of the family on 2nd September 2017, a reflection on Family life was organized for the families of the Lay Associates. The catholic families of teachers and co-workers (school and convent) too joined. The meeting began at 9 a.m. with the lighting of the traditional lamp.
Sr. Gladis, in her introductory talk, spoke about the bond of love and unity in the family and how we are interconnected and interdependent in mutual giving and receiving.
The resource person of the day, Rev. Fr. K. Mariadas, the Director of SAMVRUDDHI COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, Gunadala, began by an ice-breaking session inviting all the couples on to the stage. He with his spontaneity removed all the inhibitions and shyness of the participants, and helped them to speak about their family life.
From 10 am to 12.30 pm we had input sessions by him based on POST- SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION AMORIS LAETITIA. He explained to us in brief each chapter with the lived examples from day today family life. He made his sessions interesting through the Power Point presentation. He also clarified many of their doubts, specially how to understand and take care of children in this modern world and brings them up in catholic faith. It was a wonderful experience being together, listen to the joyful and sorrowful experiences of different families, which has not only enriched but created a new perspective towards the challenges of life. Paying together for various needs of the families, church and the world brought us close to each other and to feel the power of God in our lives. We are grateful to God for this opportunity, to all the sisters who have taken the trouble to organize this reflection.
Lay Associates of MSI Nirmala Convent Vijayawada
