Diocese: Lucknow
Pioneers: Sisters Jaya Joseph, Renuka and Nilima Jyotsna Minz
Bangarmau is a township in Unnao District; it lies 65 kilometres north of Hardoi district headquarters. If perceived from the standpoint of development in areas of health, education, transport and living conditions, the label of ‘underdeveloped’ fits it well to Bangarmau. Over eighteen lakhs people inhabit Bangarmau; however, no Catholics are spotted in the area.
In view of addressing the crying needs of Bangarmau, Fr Louis D’Sa of Lucknow diocese started a Hindi Medium School (Nursery and Kindergarten) in July 2001. Gradually, a convent building was put up in view of inviting a women religious congregation to assist in the school. As no women religious congregations were ready to take up the mission, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters ventured into this demanding mission and arrived at Bangarmau on June 28, 2008. Sisters Jaya Joseph, Renuka and Nilima Jyotsna Minz were the pioneers. They were accompanied by Sr Benedicta Tellis, the Provincial Superior, and Fr Ignatius D’Souza, the Vicar General of the Diocese. On June 30, 2008 Bishop Gerald John Mathias of Lucknow Diocese celebrated the Eucharist in the convent to mark the beginning of their challenging task. Several priests of the diocese, Sisters of the Province and Br Julian Crasto OFM Cap were present on the occasion.
The Sisters commenced their education ministry on July 1, 2008. The school has now classes from nursery to class X, CBSC Board. Sr Cecilia D’Souza serves as head teacher while Sisters Bindiya Jayanthi Minj and Sarita Masiah serve as assistant teachers in the School. Alongside teaching in the School, the Sisters visit families of children; this enables them to remain rooted in the reality of suffering of people. The Sisters have scope for social work and pastoral apostolate. Teaching staff of St Aloysius School and two families are the Catholics who reside in the area. The Sisters attend to their spiritual needs.
In July 2009, Sr Pushpa Nayak joined the community as a full-time social worker. She started reaching out to the people through awareness programmes regarding health and hygiene, education and human rights. She has also facilitated the process of obtaining identity cards, conscientizing people regarding schemes from the government and availing themselves of the benefits of herbal cure. Life at Bangarmau is demanding but not fruitless.
