Diocese: Jowai
Pioneers: Sisters Letitia D’Silva, Monica Kujur and Rita Miranda
St Clare Convent at Jowai marks the entry of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters into the sixth State of the North-Eastern region of India. Meghalâya. Megha + âlaya, meaning the abode of clouds, rightly illustrates the heavy rainfall the State receives; this also draws our attention to the fact that two of the wettest regions of the world, namely Mawsynram and Cherrapunjee, are located in Meghalaya. Gorgeous scenic beauty and vibrant culture of the State draws tourists into it throughout the year. Not everything is bright and beautiful in the State of course – Meghalaya being an earthquake prone belt, the people live here in constant fear of tremors. Underdevelopment is another characteristic feature of the area. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters landed at Jowai on June 19, 2011 at the invitation of Bishop Vincent Kympat of Jowai Diocese. The Sisters began residing in a structure, constructed by the parishioners themselves; they named it St Clare Convent. It is situated in Mynsngad, a sub-centre of the Namdong parish. The house was inaugurated by Mr Thombor, a member of the Meghalaya District Council; it was blessed by Bishop Vincent Kympat.
Having realized the significance of education in empowering people, the Sisters have taken up education as their chief apostolate at Jowai. They instruct in the Roman Catholic Lower Primary School; they also administer it. The school belongs to the Namdong parish. In view of reinforcing their goal of quality education, they visit families regularly and motivate the school dropouts to return to school. Their initiative and tireless work has certainly borne fruit: the number of students has increased from one hundred to three hundred within a period of twelve months. The Sisters regard their pastoral commitment equally important. They undertake tedious programmes such as accompanying the priest to distant substations during weekends. They involve themselves in spiritual and social gatherings of people. Besides, they visit families, conduct family prayers and pray the Rosary in families. Family visits often serve as a means to introduce people to faith in Jesus Christ.
Health ministry is a basic requirement in Meghalaya. Sisters have obtained the basic infrastructure from the local church – two rooms in the basement of the church building on temporary basis. St Clare Health Care Centre started functioning in December 2011. Sr Reshma MA, a trained nurse visits villages regularly and attends to health-related issues of people. She also accompanies victims of substance abuse and alcohol. Both curative and preventive measures of health are being introduced. Herbal cure has been introduced and insisted on as well.
When seen from the perspective of geographical, economical, socio-political and even religious realities at Jowai, the presence and work of the Sisters at the place is to be considered truly humanitarian. However, they believe that they have a long way to go in the service of God and their neighbour, the needy in particular. Their zeal deserves to be saluted and their passion for Christ and humanity emulated.
