Diocese: Allahabad
Pioneers: Sisters Jenvita Pinto, Sangeeth D’Souza and Irene D’Sa
In a multi-religious, multi-caste and dalit context of Raebareli, Fr Henry Suarez started an English medium school. To administer the school, he approached the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters through Bishop Baptist Mudartha of Allahabad. Sisters Jenvita Pinto, Sangeeth D’Souza and Irene D’Sa arrived at Raebareli on July 8, 1985. For their residence, they occupied a portion of the parochial house until the convent building was ready on July 10, 1989.
The Sisters assumed teaching at St Peter School. Besides, they engaged themselves in catechizing, assisting in liturgical activities, visiting families in view of forming them in faith and prayer. In addition to pastoral activities, they reached out to the marginalized of the locality. Muslim women of Raebareli, who live in seclusion found solace in the presence and service of the Sisters. Further, their realization that a limitless scope exists in the area to strive for the all-round development of the people, the Sisters explored the possibility of establishing a community health centre in one of the neighbouring villages of Raebareli. Sr Victoria was involved actively in the process. However, the proposal did not materialize. The Sisters are involved chiefly in educational apostolate currently.
St Peter Convent functioned as the administrative unit of the North Mission from 1990 to 1993. Alongside teaching in school, the Sisters continue to participate actively in all the pastoral activities such as catechizing, animating the youth, praying Rosary in the families, visiting families on a regular basis. They also impart non-formal education in neighbouring villages. The presence of the Sisters and their interaction with the people has made an impact: people seek their guidance, help and support.
