Diocese: Mysore
Pioneers: Sisters Epiphania Fernandes, Clotilda JK and Magdelene Souza
The situation of Shanthipura which was known as ‘Christian Koppalu’ was not better in anyway compared to the condition of the surrounding hamlets where the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters had been rendering their services already. Besides the necessity of faith formation of fifty-five Catholic families, it was inevitable that the abject poverty of people was addressed. The Sisters of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation had been rendering their services already at Shanthipura commuting from Hunsur. Shanthipura is a remote village situated five kms away from Gaddige that is known for Kenda Ganeshwar Temple. At the request of Bishop Mathias Fernandes of Mysore Diocese, Sisters Epiphania Fernandes, Clotilda JK and Magdelene Souza arrived at Shanthipura on June 1, 1968.
The Sisters prioritized their concerns: while residing in a rented house for twenty days, they started class I in one of the houses of the villagers. A modest structure with four rooms was ready on June 28, which entailed classrooms as well as residence to the Sisters. With the assistance of the parish priest at Hunsur, the construction of a separate convent building was completed on May 6, 1971 on the parish land. The school was upgraded to class VII in 1975-1976. A boarding house was started in order to cater to children coming from remote areas. In 1978 Muddanahalli was erected into a parish. On November 13, 1984 the Shanthi Dispensary was started; a trained nurse attended to the medical requirements of the locality. The Shanthi Gramabhivraddi Kendra catered to the socio-developmental needs
of the locality. As many as twenty-five villagers around Shanthipura were its beneficiaries. The Sanghas (organization) formed by the Centre strove for the developmental needs of their respective village. Later the social development activity was taken over by ODP Mysore, under the supervision of the parish priest.
Shanthipura is no more the same village it was forty-five years ago. Its face has been altered thanks to the constant efforts of the Sisters in coordination with efforts of people. With the assistance of Fr Patrick Langue and a group of students from France a high school block and the social work centre were constructed.
The convent building was renovated in 2004. The renovated structure gives a sense of delight to the Sisters. This is because they had managed in a congested structure over a long period of time. The improved living conditions of the Sisters could be justified because people of Shanthipura also live currently in a decent setting. The convent chapel was renovated in 2004; Bishop Thomas A Vazhapilly of Mysore Diocese blessed it. The Sisters continue to reach out to people in areas such as spiritual, moral, social, political and economical. They also put in physical labour in their farm, which sends out a powerful message regarding dignity of labour.
The Sisters identify themselves totally with people. In their own words, they form one single family at Shanthipura, which is according to them nothing but a true Franciscan commune.
