Diocese: Essen
Pioneers: Sisters Severine Sequeira, Violet Sequeira and Monthi Mary Martis
St Josef Convent at Hattingen, Germany was established on May 8, 1987. Even a glance at its twenty-six fruitful years in the German soil makes the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters feel thankful for the blessings obtained through the intercession of St Joseph. Fruitfulness of St Josef refers not merely to the fact of service the Sisters have been rendering to the sick and the aged, which is their primary concern, but also to the fact that St Josef Convent, the first establishment of the Congregation in Germany, has been able to open avenues to more prospects not only in Germany but also in Italy. Moreover, all of these establishments have been able to support the mission of the Kingdom in several disadvantaged and deprived areas.
Initial days at Hattingen were trying. The pioneering trio Sisters Severine Sequeira, Violet Sequeira and Monthi Mary Martis had to wrestle with weird food customs, language, weather, and culture and above all a meticulous working schedule with the sick-aged who can only demand extra from the caregivers. Learning from the pioneers’ accounts one gathers that their commitment enabled them to get acclimatized to each of these facets of their mission within a short time and that they successfully passed the litmus test. Their stay with Sisters of a local German religious Congregation named ‘Sisters of the Witnesses to the Love of Christ’, facilitated their work and stay in spite of all odds; trusting in the care of God, they bore courageously all inconveniences.
Gradually matters got better. In 2001, the Institute granted the Sisters a separate apartment in its second floor; it consisted of six spacious rooms, a chapel, a hall and a kitchen. Fr Juregen Kuhn, parish priest of Sts Peter and Paul Church of Hattingen inaugurated and blessed it. Having experienced the challenges of residing with a different religious Congregation, the Sisters considered the apartment a blessing from God in whom they had trusted all the while. An added blessing came in the form of installation of the Blessed Sacrament in the convent chapel. Fr Kuhn did the favour in 2003.
The house being equipped with modest space and facilities became a meeting point to the Sisters. Various activities of the Region came to be conducted at St Josef. They may be listed: First Superiors’ Meeting from August 4–6, 2006; Silver Jubilee of the Sisters’ existence in Germany (Hattingen) on May 19, 2012 retreats, seminars, and weekend programmes, pre-chapter study, Region Day etc. Expertise of Indian students and priests working and studying aboard is being utilized at some of these programmes. Besides these activities, St Josef accommodates student Sisters of the Region who pursue the nursing course at Evengelisch Krankanhaus which is in the vicinity of St Josef Convent. Sisters Leena Rodrigues, Celine Furtado, Josline D’Souza, Selly Mascarenhas, Roshni Monis, Monthi Fernandes and Juliet Serrao have benefitted thus far from the generosity of the Sisters at St Josef.
The arrival of visitors to the community is a frequent phenomenon; the visitors include Sisters of the Congregation, clergy from India, relatives of Sisters and priests and so on. All of these are offered the best of hospitality at St Josef Convent in spite of the Sisters’ hectic work schedule. Ever since its inception in 1987, the mission at Hattingen has flourished with able animation beginning from that of Sr Monthi Mary Martis.
In the words of the Sisters at St Josef, being true to the Legacy of St Angela Merici, “Consecration of oneself to God and to the service of fellow human beings was the primary factor in the life of St Angela and her companions”, they commit themselves to caring for the sick and the aged in their physical, spiritual and psychological need. They visit these during their hospitalization, accompany them at their deathbed and prepare them for their final departue. Accompanying the sick-aged (most of them on wheel chairs) for Eucharistic celebration and reception of communion have been regular tasks of their ministry. They are glad that they have been able to carry on fruitfully their mission amidst several barriers of learning a new language, battling with extreme cold weather, putting up with cultural shocks.... They express sincere gratitude towards everyone who has stood by them; they thank God above all for being at their side through people of goodwill. The Sisters of the Congregation too accompany them with their wishes and prayers that they continue to find the meaning of their life in the service of their needy brothers and sisters.
Diocese: Florence
Pioneers: Sisters Irene Ralte, Joyce Lobo and Alwina Pereira
‘When God closes one door opens another’ is a well-known saying. Here the statement applies to the cessation of service of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters first at Casa di Reposo, Impruneta, Florence from May 31, 2002 and then at Casa Padre Pio, Florence from December 31, 2010. Sisters Lenita D’Souza, Emy Sequeira, Lucy Cutinha, Jessie D’Souza and Cecilia Pinto rendered their service at Impruneta till 2001. Later the Sisters began serving at Casa Padre Pio, Florence. When their service at Casa Padre Pio was wound up they arrived on December 31, 2010 at Casa Francescana della Pietà (Franciscan Mercy Home) in the diocese of Florence in Italy.
Even though the Sisters have ceased serving at Padre Pio Centre in Florence nearly three years ago, a brief report on it is in place, due mainly to the philanthropic favours the Congregation has been receiving through it. Mgr Gian Carlo Setti, a holy man and friend of Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata and Saint Padre Pio, was the parish priest at San Remigio and Director of the Padre Pio Centre, both located in one campus, situated 3 kilometres south of Florence railway station. He coordinated the diocesan vocation promotion programme and various prayer groups; he also organized regualar pilgrimages to sancutaries of Catholic faith both within and outside Italy. In his several programmes both in the parish and in the centre, he sought assistance of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters.
Sisters Jessy P D’Souza, Maria Magdalene Mascarenhas and Cecilia Pinto arrived at Padre Pio Centre on October 9, 2001. They were provided with a tiny apartment for their residence in the vicinity of the Centre; it contained three rooms and a dining hall. The Sisters named it Casa Padre Pio (Abode of Padre Pio); Mgr Gian Carlo Setti inaugurated it on the same day. During the occasion, he spelled out the tasks of the Sisters as care of the House of God and management of the Padre Pio Centre. At Casa Padre Pio, the Sisters were involved in catechizing and coaching slow-learning children. They also spent quality time with the aged who arrived to the Centre seeking companionship.
It ought to be pointed out that the Centre besides its several humanitarian activities caters to the neediest. It finances the disadvantaged of the parish such as widows, students, non- Italian families; it also funds developmental works of the developing countries such as Tanzania, India.... It ought to be noted that the Centre donates freely its profits to the poor, made especially during the novenas held in honour of St Padre Pio. The Centre could retain its returns for itself precisely because the whole of Europe has been railing under the weight of economic crisis. Francis’ spirit of total self-giving seems to flood through St Padre Pio in and through the Centre. Sudden demise of Mgr Setti on September 21, 2002 due to cancer was a blow to the new mission. Fr Francesco Saverio Bazzoffi occupied the place of Mgr Setti. His arrival paved the way to undertaking several major projects of the Congregation chiefly of construction in India. At his transfer after three years, the parish was entrusted to the Fathers of Philip Neri Congregation. As they had a residence of their own, the Sisters on December 20, 2006, moved to the parish house (from the rented house) which was more spacious and safer. By this time, Europe was battling with global economic crisis, which impacted the San Remigio and the Padre Pio Centre. The crisis was so severe that the parish found it difficult to remunerate the Sisters. Following this, Sisters Lilly Gonsalves and Joyce Lobo approached Monsignor Claudio Maniago, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Florence Diocese, on September 1, 2010. He assured them of an immediate solution; he also reassured them that their services were required in the Diocese.
Providentially, the Sisters were contacted by Mr Dario (a well-wisher of the Sisters) on September 28 and informed that services of a religious congregation were required at Campi Bisenzio at a Home for the Aged. On the same day Fr Giam Piero, Spiritual Director of Opera Francescana Della Pietà, Campi, Bisenzio confirmed the news by offering them an invitation to the institute. On September 30 Mr Lazzeri Renzo, the President of the Opera Francescana della Pietà and Mr Marco Musmeci, President of the Casa Francescana della Pietà visited the Sisters at Casa Padre Pio and briefed about the institute and its need for service of a religious Congregation. On October 4, 2010 the matter was discussed at Opera Francescana Della Pietà by the officials of the institute and Sr Doreen D’Souza, the Superior General, Sr Leena Rodrigues, the Regional Superior, Sr Akhonuo Mary, the Coordinator of Italian Zone and the Sisters; the matter was reported to the Bishop who appreciated the services of the Sisters at Padre Pio Centre; he also wished them well in their new mission. On October 5, 2010 an agreement was signed assenting to take up the new mission.
On December 31, 2010 Sisters Joyce Lobo and Alwina Pereira departed from Padre Pio Centre, a Franciscan abode, for Opera Francescana della Pietà, a Franciscan fraternity. On the following day, they commenced their service for the sick- aged. Sr Christina Mary having been freed from Monte San Savino for 30 days assisted them. On March 15, Sr Irene Ralte joined the community as its animator. On March 27, 2011, the new community was officially inaugurated. The Sisters render their wholehearted service at the institute. Besides serving at the Institute, they are involved in faith formation of people and in pastoral ministry. The Sisters extend their service whenever possible at Virginiolo, the pilgrimage centre. They visit families, distribute Communion to the sick and pray with them.
As the residence of the Sisters is spacious, it is being used for hosting various events of the European Region. They are, Regional Chapter and Mission Day in June 2013. Observance of the Mission Day was intended to acquaint people with missionary activities in India; it also has collected funds for the cause. The management of the Institute has been supportive of these events especially by extending accommodation to the Sisters. It has also expressed its contentment regarding the service of the Sisters. New members have been joining the institute: Sr Arockiammal in March 2012 and Sr Lilly Gonsalves in June 2012. Sr Joyce is pursuing her nursing study in India. Besides the service at the institute, the Sisters cater to the spiritual needs of the people. They keep the House of God ready for prayer and lead prayers in the chapel of the institute.
Several bishops, priests, religious, and their relatives from India, and abroad including Africa visit the Sisters. Each individual cherishes their hospitality along with a delicious and sumptuous meal. As in other European communities, here too, the Sisters share household chores; they themselves prepare their meals. The Sisters count God’s blessings and sing God’s mercies. Surrendering themselves in the hand of the Lord who has been guiding them in the past years, they trust in the continuous assistance of the Lord. They also implore the Patrons who have lived and trodden the land in which they live, to continue to guide and bless them.
Diocese: Essen
Pioneers: Sisters Juliet Molly Serrao and Tresa Martis
Franziska Christine Convent is located at the heart of Essen Steele; it lies six kilometres to the east of Essen Central railway station. At the request of Fürstine-Franziska-Christine-Stiftung (FFC Trust) at Essen Steele, to render service to its sick-aged, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters arrived at FFCS on December 1, 2011.
Two meetings were held between the officials of the FFCS and the European Region on July 25, 2009 and September 20, 2010 respectively. Mr Meinold Roth, President of Theresia-Albers- Stiftung and Mr Heidrich Hans Wilhelm, Director of Fürstine- Franziska-Christine-Stiftung, Mgr Tillmann, retired spiritual director of the FFCS, represented the FFCS while Sr Doreen D’Souza, Superior General, Sr Leena Rodrigues, Regional Superior, and Sr Severine Sequeira, Regional Councillor, represented the European Region. It was decided at the meetings that the Sisters would begin serving at the Institute by the end of December 2011.
On December 1, 2011, Sisters Juliet Molly Serrao and Tresa Martis arrived at the FFCS and began their mission. However, as their residence was not ready, they resided in the neighbouring community, Marienheim Essen Überruhr from where they commuted to Essen Steele daily. When the duo began residing at their house on December 28, 2011, the occasion was marked by celebration of the Eucharist. Fr Paul OCD highlighted the significance of this unique mission and prayed God’s blessings on the Sisters. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters from other four establishments in Germany and officials of the FFCS were present at the event. Pioneers to the FFCS were welcomed with flowers by its director; he also briefed those present on the history of the Trust. A delicious Indian meal drew curtains on the programme of the day.
Sisters Precilla D‘Cunha and Geeta Rani joined the community on October 19, 2012 and April 4, 2013 respectively. Work is demanding and challenging; however, commitment of the Sisters keeps them going joyfully in the service of those most in need. They distribute Communion to the sick. They are blessed with good working colleagues and officials. The Sisters hope and pray that the good work begun at the FFCS may arrive at a joyful fulfilment in the service of the aged at FFCS.
Diocese: Essen
Pioneers: Sisters Severine Sequeira, Tresa Martis and Lilly Monteiro
St Elisabeth Convent consisting of four tiny bed rooms, a chapel and a hall is located in the fourth floor of Haus Elisabeth, Home for the Aged at Ennepetal2. The origin of Haus Elisabeth is to be traced to a vision of Fr Erwin Otte, parish priest of Sacred Heart parish, Ennepetal. He constructed St Elizabeth of Thüringen Home for the Aged on December 1, 1965 in order to attend to the sick-aged members of his parish. The Home consisting of 72 members was administered by the parish council of the Sacred Heart parish until February 1999. Due to internal conflicts in the management of the Home, during the time of Fr Albert Oberkoetter, the succeeding parish priest and chaplain to the Home, the Home was handed over to the Theresia Alberts Stiftung; it was renamed as Haus Elisabeth.
During a canonical visit of Sr Edilburga Monteiro Superior General, to St Josef Convent, Hattingen in 1999, Mr Johannes Maurer, managing director of St Josef requested her to provide personnel for Haus Elisabeth. Doubtlessly, the request was a by-product of the dedicated service of the Sisters at St Josef. On May 1, 2000, Sr Severine Sequeira began serving at Haus Elisabeth; she lived there all alone nearly for four months. On August 12, 2000, Sisters Lilly Monteiro and Tresa Martis joined her. At the successful request of Sr Severine to provide them with an additional post in the institute, Sr Selly Mascarenhas joined the community on October 15, 2000.
Thirteen years have elapsed since the Sisters began to serve at Haus Elisabeth. Their life of prayer has been keeping them bonded together effecting fruitful ministry at the service of the sick-aged. They prove correct: As an example to emulate the Sisters have witnessed Sr Severine, pioneer at Haus Elisabeth and long-standing member of the community, spending long hours in prayer even immediately after being administered a dose of chemotherapy! The community accords utmost importance to spiritual exercises; in view of this they even bend their otherwise inflexible work schedule. They also enrich themselves spiritually during their vacation to India. Besides, community meals, recreation, celebrations, meetings, evaluations, picnics, gatherings, recollections, apostolate, planning and discernment are various sources that help keep the community bonded.
Carrying on one’s apostolate with ‘total love, total zeal and total commitment’ is in a way the vision of St Elisabeth Convent. This correlates with the motto of Fr Erwin Otte, founder of the Institute, namely, ‘making Christ present in everything one does’. In line with this challenging vision, the Sisters strive to fulfil physical, spiritual and psychological needs of the sick-aged at the institute. They also make themselves available to assist the inmates on their day of pilgrimage to neighbouring sanctuaries. Distributing communion to the inmates in their individual cell, conducting Marian prayer with/for them, accompanying them in their final journey here on earth, visiting the ill inmates and parishioners in hospitals and counselling the colleagues are a few of the many humanitarian deeds of the Sisters to be noted.
Certain events in the history of St Elisabeth Convent deserve a mention. It has been the Regional House ever since the inception of the European Region in 2001 and Sr Severine was the Regional Superior. Two Region Days of 2002 and 2006 have been hosted by the Convent. Sr Selly Mascarenhas and Sr Roshni Monis have completed General Nursing at Evengelisch Krankanhaus in 2004 and 2008 respectively. Sisters Lydia Juliet Baretto and Janet Rita D’Souza have completed Nursing Course of the Aged at Katholische Schule Fur Pflegeberufe, Caritas, Essen in 2009 and 2011 correspondingly. Sr Celine Furtado has obtained her certificate on Pastoral care in 2012. The Sisters along with inmates had to shift to Wuppertal on March 26, 2007 for duration of nineteen months on account of renovation of Haus Elisabeth. At their return in October 2008, they had a more spacious shelter compared to the earlier residence. Sr Roshni Monis was appointed animator of the community on February 28, 2009.
Sr Severine Sequeira, battling with cancer left for India on September 1, 2011; she passed away on September 15, 2011. The Requiem Mass was celebrated for her on September 16, 2011 at the Regional level and September 30, at the level of the Institute. Mr Meinolf Roth the President of the Institute and Staff members were present at the occasion. Sr Roshni Monis was appointed Regional Superior in June 2013 with Sisters Monthi Mary Martis and Sr Juliet Molly Serrao as the Regional Councillors.
The Sisters depend much on the prayerful support of the Congregation in order to continue to ensure that the people they serve have someone in them on whom they can rely at all times.
Diocese: Essen
Pioneers: Sisters Leena Rodrigues and Lydia Baretto
Mareinheim is located in Essen Überruhr, which lies eight kilometres south of Essen Central Railway station. Mareinheim came into existence in 2004 when a diocesan administered home for the aged (with 80-100 sick-aged) that existed for thirty years was taken over by Theresia-Alberts-Stiftung (Trust). As the house was in a dilapidated condition, it was renovated; the renovation lasted for two years. The new structure consisting of 130 beds was inaugurated on November 8, 2010. An outstanding attribute of the structure is that each of its eighty-seven single rooms and seventeen double rooms are designed with the latest infrastructure which constitutes it a ‘home in great demand’. Its magnificence has not stifled its mission a bit; Auxiliary Bishop Franz Vorrath of Essen Diocese illustrated the mission at the inaugural Eucharistic celebration of the institute. Elucidating on the encounter of Simeon and Anna with Jesus he asserted that the aged have known and experienced different ways of God in their lives. This is because they have been encountering God in and through their inability and through people who serve them. Hence he appealed that the caregivers at the institute ought to be another Christ. Correlating this reflection with the first reading of the Eucharistic celebration he notified that the persuasive power of the Early Church did not come from the liturgy they celebrated but rather from a reality of care and concern they had for each other in each other’s need.
This was a surprising call for the Sisters and a better chance to extend their mission under the same management with known officials. God in his bountiful love had answered their prayers and so after much effort and toil to extend their mission, they were able to have this house as an added blessing for their presence in Europe. The reason they could rejoice was the appreciation the management had for all their services which resulted in giving them another house and chance to serve. During the visit to Germany of Sr Doreen D’Souza, the Superior General and Sr Leena Rodrigues, the Regional Superior, with her Council organized a meeting with the Officials of both the managements of Essen Überruhr and Essen Steele on September 29, 2010 to discuss and finalize the opening of two mission centres to render service for the senior citizens. It was such a heart-warming experience to hear from both the managements their appreciation of the committed service of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in the centres they were already serving.
A house with such material heritage and spiritual legacy was selected by the Sisters for rendering their service. Sisters Leena Rodrigues and Lydia Baretto arrived at Marienheim on Novemeber 1, 2010. Official inauguration of their residence, Klausur (Convent) an apartment on the ground floor of the institute with five rooms and a spacious hall and kitchen took place with a Eucharistic celebration on the same day. Besides the Sisters from three existing communities in Germany – St Josef Hattingen, Haus Elisabeth Ennepetal and Marien Convent Erftstadt, Directress of the institute Ms Eva-Maria Rexhausen and her associate Ms Svetlana Faber and others were present at the occasion. Ms Eva-Maria welcomed Sisters Leena and Lydia with words, “I feel great to welcome such enthusiastic religious Sisters in our house; I welcome also the Sisters who will join in subsequent years”. A friendly meal brought the day to a blissful ending.
The Sisters commenced their task the same day. As it was a familiar management, they could foresee less hassles and more benevolence in their place of service. Their experience has been as they expected. Besides providing medical care for the sick- aged, the Sisters accompany them in the final hours of life on earth. They accompany them every fortnight for the Eucharistic celebration in the chapel of the institute. Marian devotions and Rosary, holy hours, Communion service and devotion of the passion of Christ are held regularly at Marienheim. They assist in the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick which is held annually. They distribute Communion to the inmates, during which they offer them solace and encouragement. Sisters Prathima Kujur and Sandana Mary joined the staff in February 2011 and Anju Kuwari in June 2013. Sr Sandana Mary pursues her studies in order to get her Indian Nursing Certificate recognized. Sr Prathima commences her three year Training of Nursing the Elderly from October 1, 2013. Marienheim served as the Regional House from 2010 to 2013 as the Regional Superior, Sr Leena Rodrigues, resided here. During this period, the house shouldered the responsibility of organizing various programmes such as Regional Council meetings, Mission-oriented meetings, German Union meetings, Zonal Recollections....
God seems to have another plan for Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to extend their service within the same Diocese of Essen. The Regional Officials (Sr Leena Rodrigues, Regional Superior and Sisters Monthi Mary Martis and Roshni Monis) along with Sr Doreen D’Souza, the Superior General and Sr Susheela Sequeira, the Asst. Superior General officially visited the management at Essen Mitte on May 24, 2013 to make the final decision on beginning another mission centre in July 2014. God continues to bless the Congregation as the Sisters joyfully serve the elderly people who are greatly in need of the loving and healing touch of Jesus through them. The Sisters carry on their challenging mission joyfully hoping that through their service, God’s blessings come down upon them as well as on the Congregation.
Diocese: Cologne
Pioneers: Sisters Monthi Mary Martis, Candida Noronha and Shobha D’Souza
Marien Convent at Liblar-Erftstadt is located twenty kilometres south-west of Cologne in the Rhein-Erft Kreis1. A young town created in 1969, Erftstadt consists of 14 zones. As a bicycle-friendly city, with its exceptional road and rail transport, Erftstadt provides excellent traffic connection for all its surrounding towns and for the Federal High Way. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters landed at Erftstadt on October 1, 1995 through the instrumentality of late Ms Margaret Berkel, a lover of Indians and a benefactress of the Congregation. She had also played an important role earlier in making the Ursuline Franciscan presence a reality in Germany through the first house at Hattingen. At that time Munch Stift was in crisis, in need of religious women to look after the spiritual need of the sick and the aged. It was also a plan of Munch family who donated this land to the Commune to look after the disabled. Mrs Margaret Berkel’s proposal to take up service at Munch Stift at Liblar was due to this need of religious women in the Institute.
Ms Margaret approached Fr Wilhelm Hosen, parish priest of Liblar; he opened avenues for access of the Sisters in Liblar- Erftstadt. Sr Edilburga, Superior General followed up the matter with Archbishop Joachim Kardinal Meisuer of Köln Archdiocese as well as with Fr Wilhelm Hosen and Dr Franz-George Rips the President of Munch Stift. Sr Monthi Mary Martis pioneered to the place all alone. It ought to be noted that she was involved actively in this new establishment. She explored possibility of finding a second establishment of the Congregation in Germany. Sr Monthi requires to be remembered not just for her active involvement in procuring an establishment at Cologne, the birthplace of Fr Urban Stein, founder of the Congregation, but also for her determined fortitude to deal with hassles related to her work and stay, all alone until Sisters Candida Noronha and Shobha D’Souza joined her on January 6, 1996.
On October 9, 1996 Marien Convent was inaugurated after its renovation. The house consisting of seven rooms, a hall and a kitchen is indeed luxurious if seen from the European standards. Earlier Vincentiner Sisters, (a German-born Congregation) occupied the house; a part of it was occupied by the sick. Fr Wilhelm Hosen and Fr Jeffery Monis presided over the inaugural Eucharistic celebration. Claristen Capuchin Sisters (German-born Congregation serving at Hattingen), Ms Margaret Berkel & family and well-wishers were present at the occasion.
The fully formed community along with Sr Monthi carried on their demanding schedule, both in the institute and at home with determination and generous inner disposition. In the succeeding years, there have been new arrivals either to replace or to add to the number of community members. Sr Leena Rodrigues replaced Monthi Martis as animator as the former was transferred to Hattingen in July 2006. In September 2007 Sr Leena Rodrigues was appointed Regional Superior, which made Marien Convent the Regional House. She continued the twin responsibility until she moved to a new establishment, Essen Überruhr in 2010 and Sr Lucy Lobo was appointed animator of the community.
Service to the elderly and sick is the fundamental apostolic activity of the Sisters at Erftstadt. The Sisters strive to find meaning in their apostolate by seeing in and through the elderly, the suffering Christ. In view of this, they place prayer in the first place both individually and communally. Keeping aside all inconveniences, especially those related to their work schedule, they join together for prayer and spiritual exercises. Holy hour, monthly adoration, zonal recollection, gospel sharing, Mauna, retreat etc are observed with utmost care. The Claristen Sisters (cloistered) chapel at a distance of one and half kilometres from Marien Convent has been a blessing; the Sisters walk the distance daily on weekdays to celebrate Eucharist there. Lately, Fr Wilhelm Hosen has been more available to the Sisters for spiritual needs as he resides in the vicinity of Marien Convent.
The noble work of the Sisters has been bearing fruit. Inmates of Marien Home for the Aged and patients at Marien Hospital (Sisters Lucy Lobo and Precilla Pereira render their service in the hospital as nursing staff) appreciate gratefully services of the Sisters. The sick and the aged wait in queue in order to obtain admission into these institutions; according to statistics, the number of patients in the hospital has increased threefold. The Sisters attend to the spiritual needs of the inmates. Conducting Communion service and praying Rosary every fortnight has been a regular spiritual activity. Accompanying the dying, attending their funeral ceremonies, visiting the sick and praying with them and for them are customary. The Sisters go out of their way in bringing a ray of hope in the life of the inmates. Apart from this, they participate in cultural programmes around Christmas season, in carnival, summer feasts, and in Tag der offenen Tür literally means ‘day of open doors’. The Sisters of Marien Convent express their sincere gratitude towards Sisters and officials of the Congregation for supporting them through prayer, and through care and encouragement.
Diocese: Arezzo
Pioneers: Sisters Cecilia Pinto and Apoline Rodrigues
Santa Maria Maddalena [Convent] is situated 22 kilometres east of Arezzo city in the diocese of Arezzo. The Convent, a compact house with seven rooms, a hall and a spacious chapel is indeed a blessing to the Sisters serving in Santa Maria Maddalena Home for the Aged at Monte San Savino. The house symbolizes the vision of Fr Silvano Nanni of Arezzo Diocese and a native of Monte San Savino. He had constructed it in 1966 as a summer house (colony) for youth. He welcomed the youth there who spent time together in games, prayer, and leisure, which was intended to form them into good Christians and good citizens. This noble outlook of Fr Silvano, should we say renders the Sisters doubly fortunate, not merely to own an appropriate house but also to reclaim such a mission at Monte San Savino.
The Sisters of Charity of Santa Giovanna Antida of Ferrara (Suore di Carità di Santa Giovanna Antida di Ferrara) had occupied the house for 33 years while serving at Santa Maria Maddalena, Home for the Aged, right from its inception in 1973. Fr Silvano let them occupy the house as they attended to the spiritual and physical well-being of the elderly at the institute. He handed over the house to Arezzo Diocese as he was advancing in age. As a common phenomenon of the European countries, the members of the Sisters of Charity Congregation have been also advancing in age; they were unable to perform their responsibility at the institute. Hence, the administration was on the lookout for a religious congregation that could take over.
In this milieu, the institute, through network/internet traced the existence of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters at Serravalle. Fr Gualtiero Mazzeschi, the President of Santa Maria Maddalena visited the Sisters at Serravalle; with due procedure matters were finalized with the approval from the Superior General and Council and on January 1, 2006 Sr Cecilia Pinto arrived at Santa Maria Maddalena as a member of medical personnel. She resided with the Sisters of Charity; Sr Apoline Rodrigues, after her nursing course joined the Institute in February 2006. The Sisters of Charity departed from Monte San Savino in May 2006. Franciscan Sisters assisted Sisters Cicilia and Apoline until Sisters Saroja Mary and Mary Mathew joined the community on June 10, 2006 and Sr Lilly Gonsalves on June 13, 2006. Santa Maria Maddalena Convent was erected on July 8, 2006 on the feast of St Mary Magdalene. Sr Cecilia Pinto was appointed animator of the community. Sr Irene Ralte joined the community in August 2006 in view of pursuing her Bachelor in Theology studies at Arezzo. Further, Sr Leena Kishori joined the community in September 2006, Sr Precilla D’Souza in October 2006, Sr Robertine Rodrigues in March 2009 and Sr Christina Mary in October 2009.
Santa Maria Maddalena consists of 76 sick-aged persons. Seven of these are the diocesan (Arezzo) priests. The Sisters serve them with loving care. They accompany them for spiritual exercises such as Eucharist and Rosary; they also conduct Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for the inmates. When an inmate passes away, which is a frequent feature at the institute, the Sisters arrange the funeral service, pray Rosary and Vespers along with the family members of the diseased and participate in the funeral Mass. The Sisters visit families of inmates and thereby maintain a cordial bond with them. In brief, the Sisters do their utmost at the institute and they do it with a spirit of love and commitment.
The Institute offers opportunities to Sisters to upgrade their knowledge and skills by way of training programmes and short- term courses. Thus, Sisters Saroja Mary and Robertine have been able to complete their Basic Nursing Course and Sr Irene Ralte her BTh course. Five of the Sisters have completed their motor vehicle driving course. It is the ardent wish of the Congregation that the Sisters make their lives fruitful in the service of the marginalized at Santa Maria Maddalena.
