Diocese: Bareilly
Pioneers: Sisters Jacintha Cutinha, Edith Rodrigues, Monthi Fernandes and Philomena Moras
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters have been rendering their services in the State of Uttar Pradesh already for sixteen long years. They have been collaborating in the projects of the diocese (education, health, hygiene, awareness programmes, and socio- economic undertakings). They have been serving within the structures provided for them and contenting themselves with the meagre allowance paid. In order to address the situation of ‘over- dependency’ on the diocese, Sr Edilburga Monteiro the Superior General proposed a few remedial measures: possession and management of two or three English medium schools in the Province was one such course. Accordingly, along with Sr Carmelita Monteiro the Regional Superior, she approached Bishop Anthony Fernandes of Bareilly Diocese. He responded positively to the proposal. As a result, the Sisters occupied a plot of land leased by the Diocese at Baheri, a township which lies 45 kilometres to the South of Bareilly city and 95 kilometres to the north of Nainital.
The construction of a school building was to begin immediately. In January 1993, Sisters Rosy Tellis and Jenvita Pinto undertook the responsibility. They resided in the family of a physician belonging to Sikhism; Mrs Elizabeth Theresa Henry, a Catholic lady of Baheri, also assisted them to a large extent. The construction was funded by the diocese partly. Assistance received from Fr Raymond Menezes, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Bareilly, certainly calls for a word of thanks. Help procured from all corners along with tireless labour of Sisters Rosy and Jenvita was visible concretely in the form of five class- rooms by the end of June 1993.
The erection of five classrooms marked the beginning of Assisi Nilaya. Sisters Jacintha Cutinha, Edith Rodrigues, Monthi Fernandes and Philomena Moras landed at Baheri as pioneers. They occupied the classrooms for their residence, naming it Assisi Convent; it was inaugurated and blessed by Bishop Anthony Fernandes on December 27, 1993. A long-standing dream of the Sisters to have a school of their own was realized in July 1993 when kindergarten and class I were commenced with 50 children each in the newly constructed school building.
Over the years, the Assisi School has developed both structurally and numerically. At the request of parents/ guardians, in 2005 the School has been upgraded to PUC Composite College with Commerce and Science sections. The School has been affiliated to the Indian Certificate for Secondary Education (ICSE) and (Council for the Indian School Certificate examination Board CISCEB), New Delhi. The School caters to the educational needs of the rich as well as the poor. Through value education sessions, the Sisters form young minds to make them responsible citizens of the country.
As in other cases, in Baheri too, the Catholic population is almost nil. Right from 1990s, a priest occasionally arrived from Bareilly and celebrated Eucharist in one of the two Catholic families residing at Baheri. With the arrival of the Sisters in 1993, the Eucharistic celebration was frequented and it was celebrated in the chapel of the convent. Only in 1990, a parochial house was constructed in Baheri and a priest began residing in it attending to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Catholic families (now four in number) and the Sisters.
Education/literacy has been the requisite of Baheri; but issues concerning health and socio-economics were no less essential. Sr Julia Noronha ventured singlehandedly to address the concerns; through the mediation of Fr John Joseph OFM Cap, the Provincial Minister of St Fidelis Province, she approached the Swiss Capuchin Provincial for financial help. The response was prompt and generous. In 2001, a health centre was constructed with the support and guidance of Br Julian Crasto OFM Cap. In order to promote better health, she introduced curative as well as preventive measures. The dispensary caters to outpatients; deliveries are being conducted as well. Sr Julia has trained women health workers to work in rural areas: the ANM programme of a year’s duration conducted in the dispensary has proved beneficial. Immunization, awareness programmes regarding health and hygiene, women’s right to health are a few regular programmes conducted in and through the Centre. Sr Saleen Mary replaced Sr Julia in 2011; she attends to health-related requirements of the people.
Sr Julia has been addressing the socio-economic concerns of people in and around Baheri, a venture she had begun as early as 2001. Since 2011, she has been committing herself totally to socio-economic concerns. She has established 106 SHGs (Self- Help-Groups). In an interaction with animators of these Groups it is discovered that members of these Groups, both men and women, were truly empowered. Sr Julia briefed that they undertook effective programmes for people in their respective villages. Sr Julia assists also differently abled people and children: helping them attend school, buying books and uniforms for them, arranging quarterly sessions to encourage and motivate them concerning their worth, providing physiotherapy, tricycles, medical facilities and pensions. Governmental and non-governmental organizations assist her in this venture.
People in rural areas are trained for income generating skills such as weaving bags, preparing detergents etc. Arrangements are being made for sale of their products. A fact to be noted is that one of such beneficiaries has started a school by himself which now has 150 students. People are assisted also to own and manage petty shops. Ration card, Indira Aawaz (home loans) and widow pension schemes have been made available to people. Legal issues concerning the poor have been taken up passionately. Women’s groups, BPL people have been receiving subsidies. Literacy has been accorded utmost importance. Women and children from rural areas (including slow-learning children) have been the focus of the project. Expertise of the candidates has been employed for the cause when the programme of candidates was being held at Baheri for eleven years (1995-2006). Socio-political involvement of the Sisters has been rendered effective due to the financial support of Suchetana
– diocesan centre for social development. Prior to this scheme, the social apostolate was funded by a few agencies from foreign countries.
Assisi Nilaya has been a house of formation for eleven years (1995 to 2006). In early 1990s, when the Congregation decided to entrust responsibility of formation to respective provinces, the North Province chose Assisi Nilaya, Baheri as the residence for candidates. The first batch consisting of seven candidates was formed in local culture under the guidance of Sr Rosy Tellis. As the number of activities increased at Assisi Nilaya, the number of Sisters increased as well. Consequently, the training programme had to be moved to Hardoi in 2006.
The Sisters are committed to pastoral activities of the parish community. Catechism is taught in the school as well as in the parish. BCC meetings are conducted and attended to, regularly.
Challenges are plenty; however, God’s grace and mutual support keep the Sisters going. In fact the mission of the Sisters at Baheri can be deemed evangelization at its best.
Diocese: Allahabad
Pioneers: Sisters Cymprosa D’Almeida, Josline D’Souza, Maria Magdalene Mascarenhas
Mirzapur is situated adjacent to the Delhi-Howrah rail road known as the Grand Cord; the road had been constructed by the British in 1866. Fatima Ashram is situated a kilometre to the Eastern part of the Mirzapur railway station; it is sandwiched (both by way of its geographical location and its confined constitution) within the campus of St Mary Inter College, Mirzapur.
Mirzapur is a multi-religious and multi-occupational conglomeration. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs residing at Mirzapur are involved in professions like carpet industries, agriculture and railway work. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters were invited to Mirzapur in view of evangelization, catechesis and education. Bishop Baptist Mudartha, metropolitan of Allahabad invited them. Bishop Isidore Fernandes, his successor renewed the agreement on April 15, 1992.
Ever since their arrival at Mirzapur on June 8, 1989, the Sisters have engaged themselves in the field of education. St Mary Inter College, Mirzapur is distinguished for quality education. Along with academic studies, the Sisters impart gospel values to children which is certainly an unequalled manner of evangelization. Besides teaching in the school, the Sisters engage themselves in pastoral needs of the parish. They attend to the spiritual needs of the believers who constitute 28 Catholic families by visiting them regularly. They visit also non-Catholic families, listen to the woes of the people and offer them consolation.
Several children who cannot afford to study in distinguished schools are coached by the Sisters in the evenings in the convent premises. In empowering people, the Sisters create awareness regarding health and hygiene; they also take up with passion issues related to girl children, women and children.
Outskirts of Mirzapur and in particular surroundings of the magnificent school building of St Mary are yet to see the beams of development. This situation of the people who are deprived of essentials for a modest living invites the Sisters to take up the challenge of more social involvement at Mirzapur.
Diocese: Varanasi
Pioneers: Sisters Maria Rodrigues, Mary Rego and Juliana Pereira
The two establishments, namely, at Bareilly and Mirpur had already served as means of publicity for the untiring commitment of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters especially in the service of the marginalized. Their dedicated service was required at Mau. At the request of Bishop Patrick D’Souza of Varanasi Diocese, Sisters Maria Rodrigues, Mary Rego and Juliana Pereira arrived at Mau on May 29, 1979. Their primary task was educational: they served as teachers at the diocesan school. Initial hitches obliged them to reside at the convent of the SRA Sisters at Azamgarh almost for a year, from 1979 to 1980, until the convent building was ready on May, 1980. The Sisters carried on their responsibility with utmost dedication in spite of the fact that they obtained a meagre allowance.
The diocese had a pastoral design, namely, to establish religious institutes in all its rural areas. Accordingly, (and since Mau had the hospital of MSJ Sisters), the base of the school had to be shifted to Tajopur. Alongside the construction of the school building, a convent building was put up in the school premises. The convent building was ready for habitation on February 23, 1990. A minimum of three-to-four Sisters have been rendering their services in the school all the while; head teacher of the school has been a Sister all along. Currently, the school grades up to class XII. It has been affiliated to the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) Board, New Delhi and has been upgraded to ISC (Indian School Certificate). The tireless efforts of Sisters Sangeeth D’Souza, Rosy Tellis, Jenvita Pinto and Cecilia D’Souza and at present Sr Apoline Pinto require a mention in achieving the above-noted milestones of the school. As the convent building was in a dilapidated condition, the diocese constructed a new convent building. This act of the diocese should be considered rightly a gesture of gratitude towards the unassuming service of the Sisters.
Education, no doubt, is supposed to be the focus of the Sisters. The Sisters have been fulfilling this task loyally. Nonetheless, they employ their teaching profession to assist people in their personal and social life. By means of education, they aim at building bridges in areas where caste system has erected barriers too high to cross. This seems to be a huge task in the caste-smitten state of Uttar Pradesh. The Sisters aim at this venture in the school as well by imparting value education and moral science to children.
Pastorally, the Sisters reach out to people of Bahudurganj, a substation of Tajopur parish. They take utmost care regarding spiritual growth of the Catholic children both at Tajopur and at Bahudurganj; their objectives are character building and faith formation. The Sisters coach regularly the children of the supportive staff of the school. They also catechize them on Sundays. The Sisters believe firmly that there is a lot more to be done in the service of the Kingdom, which they strive to do by being signs of hope and love.
Diocese: Bareilly
Pioneers: Sisters Jeraldine D’Souza, Irene Pais and Rosy Tellis
The foundation of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in the State of Uttar Pradesh was need-based; it was also people- oriented rather than institution-oriented. The people of Bareilly invited the Sisters through the diocesan authorities to uplift them socially, economically and psycho-spiritually. Immediately after their arrival at Bareilly on February 11, 1977, they engaged themselves in attending to the socio-medical needs of the people. Sr Jeraldine D’Souza, a nurse by profession, assumed the responsibility as a full-timer. Besides catering to people in the make-shift shed provided for them by the Capuchins, the Sisters extended their services to five neighbouring villages of Bareilly.
Over thirty-five years, the make-shift shed has grown to be a full-fledged hospital. An immensely contributive factor in this regard is the financial assistance received from people of goodwill. Bro Julian Crasto OFM Cap was instrumental in obtaining the required funds. Sr Edilburga Monteiro, the Superior General, inaugurated the hospital on November 13, 1999.
As a stepping stone towards the growth of the Health Centre, a doctor has been appointed since 1999. The number of patients has been increasing remarkably. An operation theatre and laboratory was installed in 2001. A lab technician has been appointed. These amenities facilitate attending to even complicated health cases, which otherwise were directed to the city hospital. Several medically equipped Sisters namely, Jeraldine D’Souza, Concepta Pinto, Gracilda Dias, Monthi Martis, Carmine D’Souza, Julia Noronha, Christine D’Souza, Lilly Monteiro, Sushma Ekka, Cecilia Geeta, Vidya Lopez, Victoria D’Souza, Sunita Roshni Minj and Reshma Fernandes have revealed the compassionate face of Christ to the sick at Bareilly through genuinely personal care.
Health ministry is not restricted to attending to the ailing people arriving at the hospital. The Sisters conduct outreach programmes such as MCH programme, Dai Programme for women, antenatal check-up, vaccination, Polio drop and DOT (Directly Observed Treatment). People are highly appreciative of the service of the Sisters. In 2004 ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwife) training programme was initiated. The first batch consisted of ten students. They are trained by doctors and nurses – they obtain practical knowledge regarding general medicine, hygiene, sanitation, health and nutrition. The Sisters conduct health programmes in seven villages through the assistance of ANM students. Those who complete the Course secure jobs in clinics and hospitals.
The Hartmann Health Centre has launched out concretely into rural areas of Bareilly through socio-political apostolate in 2002. Sisters Gracilda Dias and Christine D’Souza deserve a mention in this regard. They moved out to five neighbouring villages. They appointed health workers, who could also conduct adult education programme in villages. Self-help-groups began to take shape. As the apostolate was flourishing, the Sisters appointed animators and supervisors. The diocesan social work centre, Suchetana, collaborated to a large extent in the outreach programmes of the Bareilly community. Sr Maria Jyothi D’Cunha, a trained Social Worker (MSW), coordinated the socio- political apostolate. Awareness programmes are conducted through seminars and through the mediation of folk arts such as, puppet shows, Nukkad (Street Play) dramas etc. The SHGs formed in villages have become means of empowerment to women; women fight for their rights and obtain their due.
In 2002, the Sisters celebrated the silver jubilee of their presence in North India. As the founding house of the Province, Hartmann Community Centre was chosen for the occasion. Selfless good work of the Sisters rendered for twenty-five long years in the service of the marginalized at Bareilly and in surrounding areas was certainly a cause to celebrate.
The Sisters continue to serve the people with the same zeal and commitment. Currently, two Sisters are involved in teaching at St Fidelis School and four Sisters are actively involved in socio- medical apostolate. The Sisters involve themselves actively in the pastoral activities of the parish church as well. They catechize, prepare children for reception of the sacraments, regularly visit families, and involve themselves in youth ministry. Through these activities they facilitate the faith formation of people. The presence of the Sisters is felt strongly in the parish especially on occasions such as St Monica Day, Family Day, and Parish Day. Thirty-five years of selfless service of the Sisters in the place has not gone in vain. It is bearing fruit in abundance.
Diocese: Bhopal
Pioneers: Sisters Fatima Dias, Renuka and Roma
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of the North Province have been serving God’s people chiefly in the State of Uttar Pradesh over a period of thirty-six years. Certainly there is more to carry out and in more regions of the State. Extending their services to other States of North India has been a frequent subject matter of the Province Chapters. The fifth Provincial Chapter held in November 2012 had mandated that the Province should open a house outside the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Association of Franciscan Family in India (AFFI) Meeting, 2013 turned out to be an opportune moment for realizing the wish as well as the mandate.
Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal Diocese, main celebrant of the inaugural day’s Eucharist, requested to extend the services of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in his archdiocese with Sr Doreen D’Souza, the Superior General. Then the issue was discussed along with Sr Alice Pinto the Provincial Superior at the Regional Pastoral Centre, Bhopal. Sr Lenita D’Souza, the Provincial Superior of Mangalore and Sr Alice Pinto visited the place on the same day and a positive feeling regarding the mission began to vibrate. The matter was finalized on February 21, 2013 after a meeting of the officials of the North Province along with Superior General who was present at Jeevandhara, Lucknow on account of the canonical visitation. On April 9, 2013 Sr Alice Pinto and Sr Shanti D’Souza, Provincial Councillor, visited the Archbishop and notified the decision of the Congregation to serve at New Lambakheda. To this effect, an agreement was signed by the two parties.
Sisters Fatima Dias, Renuka and Roma arrived at New Lambhakheda2 on June 28, 2013. As a less developed area, New Lambakheda has claimed their attention in the direction of educational ministry, one of the right means towards development as well as empowerment. They teach in the diocesan English Medium School, which has reached up to class VIII. The Sisters reside in a convent building provided by the diocese; the building is within the school premises. Pastoral and social collaboration will be subsequent tasks of the Sisters. Would- be beneficiaries of their pastoral apostolate are locals as well as migrants from the southern States of India. Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate, another Congregation working in the area have set a trend for social apostolate by opening a school for differently abled children.
Compared to most new establishments of the Congregation, New Lambhakheda offers the Sisters a platter full of facilities as well as avenues. While conveniences stimulate them towards a fruitful mission, avenues beckon them to launch into untrodden paths. Without doubt the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters will see them already as veterans in the next volume of the History of the Congregation.
Diocese: Lucknow
Pioneers: Sisters Carmelita Monteiro, Lucy Lasrado and Philomena Benedict
A long felt need of the Sisters of the North Mission to own a house of their own in Lucknow, the capital of the State of Uttar Pradesh, was realized in February 1993 when a plot of land was bought in Gaurabagh, thirteen kilometres to the North of the Lucknow railway station. Sr Carmelita Monteiro, the Mission Superior of the North Mission, had a significant role to play in this venture. Having bought the piece of land with the assistance of Fr Oswald Lewis, the Vicar General of Lucknow Diocese, Sr Carmelita along with Sr Lucy Lasrado and Sr Philomena Benedict resided in a rent-free house made available by Mr Peter Fanthome (a Catholic Minister in Parliament representing Anglo Indian community). They settled in the house from July 24 to December 27, 1993.
In the meantime a convent building was raised in the plot; Bishop Albert D’Souza of Lucknow Diocese blessed it on December 30, 1993. A tiny and rather congested house served as the Mission House, Vice Provincial house and then the Provincialate building until June 27, 2005 when a more spacious and more comfortable building was put up during the tenure of Sr Ancilla Pinto, the Provincial Superior. The new structure was meant to be the Province administration block as well as residential block for the Sisters of Jeevan Dhara community. The new structure is designed in a way to make the two structures appear as a single block. In 2012, a second floor was added to the Provincial house in order to accommodate Sisters arriving at Jeevan Dhara for courses, retreats etc. Sr Ancilla, the Provincial Superior left no stone unturned to see to the growth of the Province during her stay in the North Province. The Sisters of the Province are indebted to Br Julian Crasto OFM cap for designing the structure. The building serves as a meeting point for all the major programmes of the Province.
At the insistence of the Central administrative team headed by Sr Edilburga Monteiro the four provinces of the Congregation had established their own novitiates in their respective provinces in early 2000s. The North Province had established its novitiate programme in 20021. However, due to hassles involved in procuring a feasible location, the programme was held in a block of the Jeevan Dhara School at Lucknow. At the completion of the new building, the novitiate programme was shifted to the existing building (first house) in 2005.
Alongside the construction of the residential block, Sr Carmelita had raised a building, meant to be Jeevan Dhara English Medium School. Here too as in the case of Baheri, the chief objective was the financial self-stability of the North Mission. While the building was still in the process of completion, classes were conducted in the convent building. The roll entailed fifty children for kindergarten to class II. Subsequently the children were shifted to the new school building. The school is upgraded in the following years reaching up to class XII currently.
The purpose of the presence of the Sisters in Uttar Pradesh was to ‘evangelize’, which they were to achieve by reaching out to the poor. Being true to this objective, Sr Carmelita initiated a Hindi Medium School in the evening hours of the day for those children who could not afford to meet the demands of an English Medium School. Several children have been benefiting from this project. Currently, the scheme has been shifted to morning hours in order to cope with the acute issue of availability of instructors. Expertise of teachers from the English Medium has been utilized in the Hindi Medium section.
The Diocese of Lucknow has been considerate towards the Sisters, their spiritual needs in particular. Earlier the Sisters walked four kilometres to participate in the Sunday Eucharist in St Fidelis church at Aliganj. Besides, the Catholic population was also growing gradually in Gaurabagh. The Bishop addressed the situation by erecting a parish church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at Gaurabagh on December 1995. Currently, five convents, two province administrative units, three novitiate houses reap the spiritual benefits from the parish church. The Sisters as well as trainees serve the church wholeheartedly. Sisters take up pastoral activities such as cleaning the House of God, preparing liturgy and conducting prayer meetings. They undertake faith formation and leadership training of youth. Sisters also visit families, coach students slow in learning, participate in inter-faith meetings and in celebration of festivals of other religions.
Diocese: Mangalore
Pioneers: Sisters Jenvita Pinto, Anitha Rodrigues, Polet Menezes and Nirmala Mary
The Sisters of the North Province had felt constantly the need to have a house of their own in Mangalore. It was meant to serve as a study house for both candidates and Sisters of the Province and as a house for rest during their vacation to Mangalore. This greatly felt need was realized when an existing tailoring cum technical centre of the Congregation at the Marian Institute in Valencia, Mangalore was remodelled and blessed on June 6, 2010. However, the Sisters and thirteen student candidates moved in only on June 13, 2010 after the completion of the interior furnishing of the structure. The chapel of the convent was blessed by Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore on June 22, 2010.
The Province Chapter of 2010 expressed the need of having a house in Mangalore. Accordingly the Provincial Superior, Sr Alice Pinto and her team requested the General Council. The generous collaboration and monetary contribution of the Superior General, Sr Doreen D’Souza and her team in this regard must be gratefully acknowledged. Alongside, the hard work put in by Sr Jeraldine D’Souza, the Councillor General in charge of land and buildings and Sr Jenvita Pinto, the Superior of the convent in restructuring the building must be recorded too.
Being true to the objective of having a house of the Province in Mangalore, Marian convent caters to the academic needs of the Sisters and candidates not merely of the Province, but also of other provinces. The convent is a ‘home’ to Sisters of the Province and others during their visit to the convent. Sr Jacintha S rendered her one year service at the nursery school of Valencia parish and then Sr Winnie D’Costa took up this mission joyfully.
The Sisters are active apostolically as well. They participate in SCC prayer meetings, parish activities, catechesis of children and adults. Sr Jenvita Pinto performs a beautiful mission of catechizing catechumens to receive the sacraments. Sisters of Marian Convent strive to represent Mary our Mother along with Jesus her Son in the fast growing consumerist and secular culture of Mangalore.
Diocese: Kolkata
Pioneers: Sisters Jaya Joseph and Cynthia Pashan
In view of securing financial stability of the North Province as well as procuring a residence for the Sisters and student candidates of the Province to pursue their studies, the Congregation bought a piece of land at Guma in the suburbs of Kolkata. The plot included a building as well. Guma is sixty kilometres north of the city of Kolkata. Guma is also the border of Bangladesh to the south of Paschim Banga (West Bengal).
Sr Edwina Saldanha and Sr Emercina Pereira were rendering their services at CIT, Kolkata from1990 to 2000. They were instrumental to a large extent in establishing Shanthi Dham at Guma. On being instructed by the Generalate to procure a place in Kolkata, they sought assistance of Sr Edwina’s brother Fr Henry Saldanha, a priest of the Archdiocese of Kolkata. The request synchronized perfectly with the scheme of Fr Henry to motivate a group of women religious to work at Guma. Guma is a substation of Shanthi Rani Girja, Bamanganga and Fr Henry served there as priest in charge. Guma is unique: it had sheltered several refugees from Bangladesh. It had also housed four hundred and fifty Catholic families. Living in Indo-Bangla border – no-man’s land – they looked for assistance from any and every possible angle.
On May 10, 1997 the Sisters bought two acres of land. Archbishop Henry D’Souza of Kolkata Archdiocese permitted the Sisters to construct a convent in the plot. Thus Shanthi Dham was inaugurated on 26 June, 1997 by Bishop Cyprian Monis, Auxiliary of Kolkata. Sisters Jaya Joseph and Cynthia Pashan arrived at Guma on June 12, 1997 as pioneers. Instantly they involved themselves actively in pastoral activities. Alongside, they started a kindergarten school (with 7 children in view of continuing it as a full-fledged primary and higher primary school. However, as the scope for such an endeavour was bleak, Sr Edilburga Monteiro, the Superior General contemplated the idea of withdrawing the Sisters from Guma. When the matter was brought to the notice of Fr Henry, he reassured the Sisters with the words that God would continue the work if it was God’s work. He also assured them of his assistance not merely during his presence at the place but even after he was transferred from the place.
The Sisters resolved to continue at Guma. The decision has proved to be as providential as challenging. The Sisters put up a school building within a period of two years; however, they could afford only asbestos-sheeted roof and walls. As the school would cater to the marginalized chiefly, it was rightly named after St Francis of Assisi, who is also the patron saint of the Congregation. Fr Henry was around again to suggest that the Sisters open a hostel which would bring in more students to school; more specifically, it would cater to the marginalized sections of society. Accordingly, a hostel was opened. It had ten (Catholic) children, among whom a few belonged to a neighbouring Bangali medium school. The number grew gradually; the number currently is 730. Catholic children find easier to procure admission to the hostel as they are financially sponsored by Bhalobasa ONLUS, Italy. Currently, the school has classes LKG to X. It is affiliated to ICSE Board, New Delhi. A decent Convent for Sisters, a residence for the hostel children and extension of the school building to accommodate the rising strength of students are contributions of Don Fancesaco Saverio Bazzoffi, a saintly priest from Italy who envisaged Guma’s mission in his prayers.
The Sisters do not restrict themselves to the school premises. They animate activities such as Marian and Women Sodality and CLC. They also prepare children for reception of the sacraments. Besides, social apostolate is taken up with commitment. Poor children of the neighbourhood are coached at convent premises in the afternoon on regular basis.
Shanthi Dham salutes its initial members and the persons who have supported its origin, growth and development. May Gods work be continued with full vigour by the Sisters striving at Shanti Dham currently.
Diocese: Kolkata
Pioneers: Sisters Edwina Saldanha and Emercina Pereira
At the request of Archbishop Henry D’Souza of Kolkata Archdiocese and Fr John L Noronha, the Director of Seva Kendra, Kolkata, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters opted to render their services at the Seva Kendra. Sisters Edwina Saldanha and Emercina were chosen for the task; they reached the place on June 1, 1990. Sr Edwina was appointed Assistant Director of Seva Kendra and Sr Emercina was given the charge of WEANE (Women’s Economic and Nutritional Enhancement) Project.
As the name Seva Kendra suggests, the Centre was to be at the service – of those in need. Accordingly, they ministered to the needy of every sort. Primarily they focused on training people: parish elders and village heads were trained at regional level on co-operative principles and saving schemes. People were conscientized on concerns such as health, environment, ecology and legal issues. The youth in particular were guided vocationally. Women were assisted to obtain self-sufficiency through Mahila Mandals (Women’s Guild) and programmes related to their development. In training people for employment and self-employment, the Sisters used group animation as the medium.
In carrying out their responsibilities, the Sisters used Seva Kendra as their base. After two months, they moved to a flat provided for them by the diocese; they named the new residence Shanthi Kiran. In 2002 the Sisters terminated their service at the Centre as they were requested by Archbishop Henry D’Souza to take up teaching at St John Berchmann School. The location is three kilometres south of Shanthi Kiran. However, until certain formalities had to be finalized with the existing religious congregation at the school, the Sisters rendered their services at St Francis Xavier Nursery School, Bowbazar. Sr Matilda Cutinha of North-East Mission assumed the task of instructing in the school; she taught for five months, from January to May in 1995.
In June 1995 the Sisters took up administration at St John Berchmann School with Sr Matilda Cutinha appointed head- teacher. She reorganized and systematized the functioning of the School. Meanwhile, the Generalate team deemed it more fitting to entrust the administration of the School to the North- East Mission; the chief reason for this recommendation was that the North-East Mission was equipped with personnel to spare for School while the North Region was still struggling to make ends meet. Besides, the Generalate found administering a mission from a distant place – Mangalore too arduous. To this effect, an agreement was signed between Sr Jeraldine, the Mission Superior of North-East Mission and Fr Vincent Lobo, the parish priest of St Teresa Parish, CIT. Sr Augustine D’Souza replaced Sr Matilda as head teacher in 1999.
Meanwhile, the North Region had begun to show signs of development: they had established the Shanthi Dham School at Guma. When viewed from the perspective of geographical distance, Kolkata is nearer to the State of Uttar Pradesh than it is to Nagaland, the administrative unit of North-East Province. Hence, the eleventh General Chapter (May 2004) decided to entrust the administration of the other two houses namely, Shanthi Kiran, CIT and Jyothi Kiran, Premnagar to the North Region. Sr Cymprose D’Almeida replaced Sr Celine Lobo of North-East Province with Sr Albina Kujur joining her.
St John Berchmann School currently has classes from kindergarten to class V with a number of 230 students on roll out of which 62 are Catholics. Most of the students belong to economically poor background; they live in slums. The Sisters render their services joyfully to the most needy.
As members of Fatima parish community, the Sisters involve themselves actively in the parish pastoral activities. They catechize the children and prepare them for receiving the sacraments; they also visit families regularly, pray in families, join BCC prayer meetings.
Ever since its inception Shanti Kiran has been a feasible and comfortable study house for candidates of North and North- East Province. Besides, it serves as a transit house for Sisters of the North-East Province during their travel to and from South India. Sisters residing at Shanti Kiran have the need of a broader vision to be able to flood the whole of Kolkata with ‘rays of peace’ for which a greater awareness of their mission is indispensable.
Diocese: Varanasi
Pioneers: Sisters Severine Sequeira and Violet Sequeira
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters toiled hard at Bareilly, their first ever mission in the State of Uttar Pradesh of North India. Their untiring labour of love in the service of people, the marginalized in particular, had been noticed and talked about. They had crafted for themselves a niche in the heart of people as well as the diocesan authorities. Subsequently, Bishop Patrick D’Souza of Varanasi Diocese invited them to take up one of the most underdeveloped areas of the State of Uttar Pradesh, namely, Mirpur. Even to date, Mirpur does not seem to have developed much. The first book of the History of the Congregation supplies socio-economic-cultural condition of the place vividly. In keeping with the details noted therein, this section is a continuation of the life of Shree Yesu Ashram from 1990 onwards.
The key objective of the presence of the Sisters at Mirpur is twofold: imparting and forming faith and imparting quality education especially to girl children. In order to meet the goal, the Sisters assumed the responsibility of administering the girls’ boarding house. The scheme was proposed by Bishop Patrick D’Souza and implemented by the Norbertine Fathers (who have been serving in Mirpur) in 1995. Catholic girls from remote villages of Varanasi were/are the chief beneficiaries of the boarding facilities. Initially, the boarding house took in eight girls. Pursuing the need to accommodate more children, the Norbertine Fathers constructed a well-furnished, spacious building with a capacity to accommodate 40 children; the boarding house was inaugurated on February 22, 2011. It is truly equipped for decent amenities: each child has a bed; the Fathers have provided a generator as Mirpur is known for frequent power cuts. The present number of students is 24. Sr Shaila Gonsalves, the present animator of the community, has managed to obtain a sponsorship of Rs 300/- each for fifteen boarders. Sr Cicilia Tauro has been in charge of the boarders for the last few years. The Sisters in general are true witnesses when it comes to identifying with the downtrodden. Their unassuming labour in the service of the ‘little ones’ calls for a mention in the pages of the history of our Congregation. They have been involving themselves wholly in every exercise of the children including harvesting and threshing the grains – cultivating grains in the adjacent fields seems to be part of the curriculum of the boarders in view of obtaining self-sufficiency.
The Sisters make themselves available to form children in faith both in the boarding and in the school. They also involve themselves in the faith formation of people. They catechize them, join them for family Rosary, visit Catholic families three times a week, participate in SCC prayers and arrange for the celebration of the Eucharist in villages on occasions meaningful to the people. They also counsel them in times of distress.
The other objective of imparting quality education to children has been a trial indeed for the Sisters at Mirpur. The Hindi Medium School started in 1978 (in a mango grove) and gradually built as a structure grading up to class V imparted education to children of near and remote villages of Mirpur for almost 25 years. Only in 2004, the school has been upgraded to class VII. These details point to the distressing reality of Mirpur. A heart-rending scene further unfolds the painful reality at Mirpur. Malnourishment, constant illness, insufficiently dressed and barefooted children (even during severe cold) are a common sight at the school campus. A new block is being added to the existing building in view of upgrading the school to junior high school (classes VIII-X). The block in conjunction with toilets is a generous contribution of the Norbertine Fathers from Netherland. Prospects for beginning a junior college are also somewhat bright.
Mirpur is underdeveloped in all areas. The pathetic state of affairs of the area compelled the Sisters to focus on socio-medico needs of people. Ever since the inception of the convent at Mirpur, one Sister has been kept aside full time solely for social and medical apostolate. The Shree Yesu Ashram Dispensary which was started in the same year as the arrival of the Sisters in Mirpur, with the assistance of the Diocese of Varanasi is rendering yeoman service to people of neighbouring village. The Sister attends to all general illnesses and delivery cases. In view of welfare of women and children, the Sister conducts programmes such as Mother and Child Care, health awareness camps for teenage girls and women; polio drops for babies, medical examination for school children etc. Sisters Severine Sequeira, Gracilda Dias, Rosa Dias, Julia Noronha, Seleen Mary, Sushma Ekka and Cecilia Geeta have been those who cared for the sick of the village. Currently, Sr Gracilda (third timer at Mirpur) serves as a member of the medical personnel. The Diocese of Varanasi has assisted in these endeavours to a large extent through various projects of the diocese. Detecting children who have dropped out of school and who are of age to begin schooling is also an integral part of the mission of this Sister. For three years now a Sister has been working full-time as a social worker. Sr Sujatha Tirkey undertakes the responsibility at present. Guiding the existing thirteen SHG groups and conducting non-formal education are her key responsibilities. Currently 5 Sisters, 2 health workers and12 teachers are striving to assist the people of Mirpur to realize their dignity as the children of God. In this context, the endeavour of Sr Antonette and Sr Cicilia Tauro to identify themselves with the marginalized, calls for a mention. In 1999, they lived with people in their houses on experimental basis. However, the scheme had to be discontinued due to unhygienic conditions of villages.
To live and work in Mirpur one ought to wrestle against numerous odds. Conveyance is one of them. Due to lack of proper roads, the Sisters had to walk a three kilometre distance to the town with heavy weight on their head until 2004. They have certainly transformed the challenges into opportunities. Seemingly the community members of Mirpur were the first Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to ride bicycles for marketing and other similar purposes. The tarred road constructed in 2004 has given them a respite. Likewise, the Sisters had to reside in extremely poor conditions. After having changed to three different structures (mostly in dilapidated condition), for a period of 20 years, they have finally managed to reside in decent living conditions. The renovation of the convent building has been financed partly by the Norbertine Fathers. The renovated convent was blessed on September 8, 1997 by Bishop Patrick D’Souza of Varanasi Diocese.
Even though Mirpur has not developed as it ought to have been, the labour of the Sisters has certainly borne fruit. The faith of people has deepened: the grotto of our Mother constructed in the convent premises with contribution of Catholic women evidences this claim. People gather around the grotto for prayer in the evenings. Economic condition of the people has begun to show signs of growth: mud huts in the immediate neighbourhood are being altered into brick buildings. People have realized the need of literacy: children arrive at school even though they reach late.
On the other hand, the abject poverty that lingers in and around Mirpur moves one deeply and impels one to act. The reality of Mirpur also generates awe and admiration towards the Sisters living and striving for the uplift of people.
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.
Diocese: Lucknow
Pioneers: Sisters Avita Pinto, Benedicta D’Mello, Trecilla Dias and Josephine Correa
At the invitation of Bishop Allen D’Lastic of Lucknow Diocese, Sisters Avita Pinto, Trecilla Dias, Benedicta D’Mello and Josephine Correa arrived at Hardoi on June 29, 1987. The objective of the presence of the Sisters at Hardoi is to evangelize, which ought to be achieved through the education of the poor. As a common phenomenon, the Sisters had no residence of their own.
They resided in the quarters of the helpers for fifteen days followed by their stay in one of the classrooms of the school for a year until their house was ready on July 25, 1988. Fr Simon Fernandes, Principal of St James School, was instrumental in securing their residence; the Sisters acknowledge gratefully his thoughtfulness and goodwill.
Almost for twelve years, the Sisters focussed chiefly on education – teaching in the English Medium School of the diocese. They visited people in neighbouring villages and coached children from rural areas. Only in 2000, they ventured into concrete socio-political action. Sisters Alice Pinto and Victoria D’Souza at the persistence of Sr Edilburga, the Superior General, visited families, surveyed and studied situation of people in several villages around Hardoi. Their venture has certainly borne fruit. The Hardoi community currently caters to the downtrodden through the instrumentality of qualified Social Workers Sisters Maria Jyothi and Albina Kujur, who are engaged full-time in social apostolate. Besides, a medically trained Sister attends to the health cases of people both at the dispensary and in neighbouring villages.
The outreach programme to the disadvantaged in particular has been enhanced through the instrumentality of Fr Claude D’Souza SJ. He organized through Inde Espoir the arrival of a group of eighteen French students along with Fr Patrick Langue SJ, their guide, to Hardoi on August 2, 2003. Having resided at the place, they contributed both technical expertise and manual labour in constructing a structure which is used as dispensary cum Centre for Social Work. They also assisted the venture financially. Brother Julian, OFM Cap planned as well as supervised the structure. The building was ready on July 8, 2004. Fr Patrick Langue inaugurated it and Bishop Albert D’Souza of Lucknow Diocese blessed it. The centre caters to the needy of surrounding areas. It also accommodates the novices of the province during their Immersion cum Exposure Programme which takes place annually for duration of one month.
Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, belief in superstitions, caste system are usual phenomena throughout the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Sister-Social Workers with the assistance of community Sisters, attempt to address them by way of awareness programmes and community development projects. Programmes such as community health, mother-and- child health education, non-formal literacy, adult education, coaching sessions for schooling children, Self-Help-Group formation and facilitation, Balmandal (child-related) meetings, empowerment programmes, skill training, tailoring are conducted on regular basis. The programmes are funded financially by people of goodwill. In 2010 the Director of Missieprocuur Solidair Met India, Fr Prem Arockia (Norbertine) has financed the outreach projects of the Province in Hardoi. The Switzerland Province of the Capuchin Friars has financed the programmes of non-formal literacy, adult education and other developmental works in the service of the poor.
The Health Centre facilitates health of people by way of OPD (Out Patient Department) Check-up, community health programmes, health camps, health and hygiene awareness programmes, mother-and-child care, immunization programmes, antenatal and postnatal check-up, DOTs programme, HIV/AIDs awareness programme and Herbal Cure are regular programmes conducted at the health centre.
Catholic population is scanty in Hardoi. Unmindful of this fact, a church building has been constructed at Hardoi on January 20, 2008. The construction aims at proclaiming that ‘a house of prayer proclaims the presence of God who guides the course of human destiny’. St James Church assembles people for worship on Sundays and feast days. The Sisters are involved actively in pastoral activities of the parish church.
The Sisters at Hardoi community have made a leap of faith by involving themselves in the service of the downtrodden by performing pro-poor programmes. Several generous persons and organizations have facilitated this leap. A further venture for a higher leap to be expected from the Sisters is: not to be merely pro-poor but also to be radical, namely, making possible for slum- dwelling (who dwell all around the school) children to obtain education in the English Medium Schools they instruct…
Diocese: Varanasi
Pioneers: Sisters Cynthia Pashan, Benedicta Tellis and Roshni Tirkey
Ledhupur, a township in the suburbs of Gazipur, receives its significance from the seat of Hindu religion – Varanasi and from the seat of Buddhism – Sarnath. Despite the impact of Varanasi and Sarnath, Ledhupur remains underdeveloped in all aspects. People of Ledhupur are daily wage earners by means of manual labour in agricultural plots and industrial belts. Their struggles for livelihood have brought them to realize the significance of education, if not to themselves, at least for their children. Hence the Diocese of Varanasi, under the vision of Bishop Patrick D’Souza put up St John School in 2007.
When the St Ann Sisters had to pull out of the School for reasons known to them alone, Bishop Raphy Manjely of Varanasi invited the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to Ledhupur. In response to the invitation, the Provincial team studied the situation and sent Sisters Cynthia Pashan, Benedicta Tellis and Roshni Tirkey to Ledhupur as pioneers on March 31, 2010. A well-furnished house was given to the Sisters for residence which was inaugurated on the same day.
At the inauguration, Bishop Raphy underlined the significance of the presence of the Sisters in Ledhupur; he invited them to be true representatives of Christ and assured them his support in their mission. Sr Alice Pinto, the Provincial Superior, assured him on behalf of the Sisters residing at St John Convent that they would strive to fulfil the missionary demands placed on them. She also offered special thanks to Fr Peter Colaco for his wholehearted cooperation and support to the Sisters. Several Fathers and Sisters from the neighbouring parishes and convents were present at the inauguration of the convent building.
The Sisters are involved actively in the ministry of education. In the words of the principal of the School, the presence of the Sisters has brought vibrancy in the School. The Sisters also reach out to slow-learning children in the evening hours. Not much could be done at Ledhupur in pastoral apostolate as the parish church is three kilometres away from the convent and the number of Catholics is meagre. The Sisters carry on the teaching apostolate efficiently and effectively. However, their valuable and productive presence ought to be felt in the highways and byways of Ledhupur where they are needed most.
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.
Diocese: Bareilly
Pioneers: Sisters Susheela Remy, Seema Lobo and Jacintha S
The Second Vatican Council invites the consecrated religious to reach out to the disadvantaged. Education is certainly one of the most effective ways in this regard. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of the North Province have consciously chosen to extend their services in interior areas of the State of Uttar Pradesh through the ministry of education.
Nawabganj, an underdeveloped village is twenty kilometres north of the Hartmann Health Centre at Bareilly. This densely populated rural area is characterized by unemployment, illiteracy and therefore poverty. Bishop Anthony Fernandes of the Diocese of Bareilly envisioning the development of this hamlet had started a school in 1996. However, he had not succeeded in obtaining committed teaching and administrative personnel to the school. In this context, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters arrived at Nawabganj on June 30, 2010 at the request of Bishop Anthony.
The newly elected administrative team of the fourth Province Chapter (January 3-5, 2010), after a careful study of the opportunities for mission in the area, sent Sisters Susheela Remy, Seema Lobo and Jacintha S as pioneers to the place. As the residence of the Sisters was not yet ready to inhabit, they resided at the Hartmann Health Centre at Bareilly until June 28, 2010 and attended to the administration of the school and the renovation of the convent. On June 30, 2010 Sr Alice Pinto, the Provincial Superior, inaugurated and Bishop Anthony Fernandes blessed the renovated house.
Currently, three Sisters, namely, Susheela Remy, Roshni Tirkey and Margaret Sanhotra render their service in the School. Besides, they coach the slow-learning children of the neighbourhood. The presence of the Sisters has brought about a qualitative change in the School. The children, staff members, administrator of the diocese and the local people were pleased both with the services and presence of the Sisters. Just as there is an ample opportunity to extend the services of the Sisters to reach out to the marginalized through the apostolate of education, there is also prospect to touch them through socio- medical apostolate. The prospect is a challenge as well. The Sisters will certainly reach out to the people at Nawabganj in assisting them to realize their dignity as children of God.
