Diocese: Mysore
Pioneers: Sisters Beatrice D’Silva, Florence Sequeira, Bridgit Mary and Milburga Cunha
When the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters arrived at Jompanahalli on May 21, 1971, they witnessed all around an un-mitigated impoverishment, including spiritual. The place was located forty kilometres away from the city of Mysore. Towards the northern direction of Jompanahalli lay a habitat of migrants; they originated from villages of Oddaradoddi, Martalli, Chandihatti etc.
Mgr Fr Cappel MEP, France, who was the parish priest at St Teresa’s Church at Mysore South, took up the charge of the development of people of Jompanahalli, and approached the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to assist him in his endeavour. Even though a clear-cut ministry was not assigned to the Sisters, they took upon themselves educational and socio-medical assignments. Having lived in the sacristy of the parish, Sr Florence took up the administration of the diocesan school; Sr Beatrice D’Silva, being a nurse attended to the medical needs of people both by treating them in their ailments and imparting health awareness programmes; Sisters Brigit Mary and Milburga Cunha assisted both in the school as well as in the socio-medical field. Giving the people a listening ear, guiding them in their moral living and catechising were the chief exercises of the Sisters.
In order to perform effectively their formidable task, the Sisters were gifted eight acres of land; to these three more were added by purchase. On March 16, 1974, the Kamala Nivas Convent was inaugurated. It was renovated in 2009. A medical centre was erected in 1990 with the financial assistance of KRF Germany. The agency financed a vehicle in view of attending to the health requirements of people in interior villages of Jompanahalli as well as surrounding villages. A bus commutes to the village thanks to the efforts of Fr S D Joseph, the then parish priest. The Shanthi Kannada Medium School has been upgraded to class VII.
The Sisters have been striving strenuously to meet the apostolic demands. Educating people on prevention of diseases, empowerment of women, eradication of illiteracy, annihilation of superstitious beliefs have been their chief tasks ever since Kamala Nivas was started. The Sisters have been carrying on these assignments in coordination with the Mahila Sanghas (women’s groups) on the one hand and on the other through the projects sanctioned by the Misereor (funding agency), Germany. They have been conducting awareness programmes regarding health, hygiene and social evils through the media of street theatre, an effective mode of communication in rural areas.
The health centre has been a boon to the village. Sr Gertrude D’Souza has been trying hard to secure the medical facility schemes for the people guaranteed by the government. The widows and the aged of Jompanahalli receive pension because of her efforts. The Sisters continue to attend to the socio-spiritual and psychological needs of people. Eco-friendly programmes are being conducted regularly; rain water harvesting has been a specific feature of the programme.
The people value the presence of the Sisters at Jompanahalli. The celebration of the golden jubilee of Sr Rosalia Lobo on April 28, 1995 by the people was truly a sign of their appreciation of the presence and work of the Sisters. In their own words, Sr Rosalia Lobo has been the heartbeat of Jompanahalli – her simplicity, humility, prayerfulness, faith, love for people – all of which they experienced during her visit to their family. Above all her effort in the formation of their faith had been immense.
The Sisters find Jompanahalli a place, to date, to experience the poor and crucified Jesus. The people challenge the Sisters constantly to renew their commitment among the poorest of the poor.
