Diocese: Itanagar
Pioneers: Sisters Roshni K.V, Dotty D’Souza and Margaret Vanlaldiki
The entry of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters into the State of Arunachal Pradesh on May 28, 2005 has been an enviable achievement – missionary activities had been practically banned in the State by the Communist government that ruled the State for several years. One ought to wonder at the daring missionary ventures of the Jesuits – they were already present in the State for a while. At the invitation of the Jesuits, the Sisters Roshni K V, Dotty D’Souza and Margaret Vanlaldiki, reached Hulubro, a village tucked away among the hills of West Kameng district in Itanagar. It has no basic necessities such as roads, electricity or communication media. Having waited on the road for extra hours in order a mudslide to be cleared, the Sisters arrived at the place much later than they were expected. The warm welcome accorded to them by the people of the village made them forget the hassles of the journey.
As in several other new initiatives of the Congregation, here too the Sisters had no house of their own. Moreover, the existential situation of the place did not permit such a luxury to the Sisters. The government medical quarters served to be their shelter. They ventured into apostolic activities immediately. They visited houses, catechized people, offered medical assistance to the sick and educated people regarding health and hygiene. The Sisters also served in St Xavier School administered by the Jesuits.
On May 28, 2006 Assisi Bhavan was inaugurated. The dwelling represented the vision of the Sisters to reach out to the neediest. It ought to be noted that people reach out to the Sisters in their need in an equal manner. They extended remarkable support to the Sisters throughout the construction of Assisi Bhavan. It can be asserted that the Sisters’ Christian way of life drew people to God gradually: on November 5, 2006, they had the joy of witnessing the baptism of 17 Arunachalis! The village with no Catholics in 2006 has now 120 of them. Persevering efforts of the Jesuit Fathers and the Sisters are to be commended greatly in this achievement. The Sisters also strive to bring more people to God through their strenuous efforts in four substations of the church namely, Tenga Dam, Tenga Valley, Bomdila and Dirang.
Currently, two Sisters are involved in teaching apostolate. Not merely curricular, but also extra and co-curricular activities have been introduced in the school. The school has reached up to class V consisting of 170 pupils arriving from near and far of Hulubro. This is considered a tremendous achievement as the people had little appreciation for school education due to their existential situation. Two Sisters are involved in pastoral and health apostolate. They in particular and the rest of the Sisters in general are at the beck and call of people in various ways. They guide and direct unions such as Youth Group, Little Angel Group, Holy Childhood Group, Altar Servers Group, Women’s Group and Self-Help-Group (SHG). Most of these groups are assisted by means of personal visits. The Sisters visit families regularly; on Sundays they accompany the parish priest to distant villages for the Eucharistic celebration. On every Tuesday and Wednesday they accompany the ‘Little Angel Group’ and conscientize them regarding the evil effects of alcoholism and other malevolent habits of the kind. On 10th of every month the Sisters attend the SHG meetings; they also coach women for literacy. During their visit to villages, the Sisters instruct people on faith; they guide them on issues related to health and hygiene. One of the best ways to build a community is by ‘catching people young’ – the Sisters, with motherly affection care for young boys and girls ranging between 4 and 13 years, by accommodating them in a boarding house. They are 60 in number.
On every Friday and Sunday, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is being conducted for the boarders; people of the locality too join the prayer. On every Tuesday and Wednesday, the Sisters teach catechism in the school, making it a part of the school curriculum. On every Sunday, they teach catechism to children and elders. The Sisters prepare people to receive the sacraments. Being unmindful of their hardships and weariness, the Sisters strive with one mind and heart to build up the Kingdom of God in Arunachal Pradesh. They hope and pray that God help them to discern his will and venture into many more regions of the State where the message of Christ has not yet reached. In all that they do they are an inspiration for all the members of the Congregation towards a generous response to the call to be God’s messangers to the people.
Diocese: Kohima
Pioneers: Sisters Edilburga Monteiro, Pushpa, and Matilda Cardoza
As the mission of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters was growing steadily in North-East India, the Sisters felt deeply the need of a transit house for the Province. Accordingly, on August 4, 1986, Assisi Convent was inaugurated in Dimapur. The renowned characteristic of the apostolic activities of the Sisters in North-East India is that they do not remain within the Convent and wait for people to come to them. Instead, they move out in search of the least and the lost. On a par with the apostolic and social activities carried on in other places in general, in Dimapur too, the Sisters visited houses of Catholics, organized Rosary and prayers with the help of slides and translators. They catechized children and youth in their own families, while visiting families irrespective of religion. Once they acquired a bird’s-eye view of the requirements of people, they established the following:
Assisi Higher Secondary School (Morning Section): It was started in 1986. It caters to children of the neighbourhood; assists in providing a solid academic foundation. The school is owned and managed by the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of North-East Province.
Assisi Higher Secondary School (Evening Section): The Morning Section School caters to those who could procure expensive education. The Sisters were awakened to a reality of children dropped out of school, non-schooling children and poor children. Thus, the Evening Section School came into existence in the same structure. The school offers certificate courses up to class VIII.
Working Women Centre (WWC): The Working Women Centre provides professional training in tailoring, knitting, typing, embroidery and computer to young women and girls. The scheme aims at obtaining self-sufficiency to women and girls. Self-Help Hostel and Vocational Training Centre (VTC): A self-help hostel at the Assisi campus provides hostel facility to trainees of WWC. They support themselves economically by weaving Naga bags and shawls. With the help of these women, adult literacy is imparted to women of the locality.
New Path Society: From 1999 to 2013 Sisters have been working in collaboration with Civil Authorities and Church personnel of Dimapur for those who were in difficult circumstances particularly teenage and minor women who were forced into flesh trades. These were given training in life skills.
Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID): ACID is a registered body of the Province for an integrated development of women with special focus on their empowerment. Currently, the focus of action is women and child labourers; they are assisted through Self-Help-Groups (SHG).
The Centre collaborates also in the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM). While the head office NDWM is located at Mumbai, Dimapur is one of its offices at the State level. The Organization campaigns for rights, dignity, and empowerment of domestic workers and child labourers. The Sisters assist the Centre by way of creating awareness regarding human trafficking on the one hand and on the other by conscientizing them on safe migration, legislation and policy, legal aid, rescue operations, rehabilitation and reintegration. They also train them for leadership.
Hostel for School-going Girl Children: The hostel accommodates thirty girl children who are basically from rural areas and who aspire to pursue their education. Besides, the hostel strives to form faith of these girls, to build their character and to promote Christian values in them.
Candidacy: Assisi provides initial training for girls aspiring to choose religious life. Besides, Assisi Convent serves as a coordination point for various spiritual and formative activities of the Province. Since 2012 the Candidacy is shifted to the Provincialate Campus in Purana Bazar.
Ever since its inception, Assisi Convent has been functioning as a ‘Mother House’ of the Province; it has operated as a powerhouse to Sisters in their ministry of leading people to God. It had been also the Mission House, Regional House and Province House until the inauguration of Tabor Provincialate in 2009. As such it had for its distinguished occupants, Sr Edilburga Monteiro (Mission Superior), Sr Jeraldine D’Souza (Mission Superior/Provincial Superior) and Sr Mary C J the Provincial Superior. Sr Edilburga, the pioneer at Dimapur heads the list. As a person who could see farther into the future than many a Superior and claim a singular love for the marginalized and respect for the Sisters, she coordinated and animated the mission of the Sisters. By doing so, she enthused the already-committed Sisters towards a cheerful giving...
Assisi Convent had come to stay in view of meeting the need of a transit house for Sisters working in various States of the North-East India. While this need is met satisfactorily, the Convent can be called a hub of socio-spiritual activities in the service of the poor and marginalized. Thanks again are due to Sr Edilburga and her Sisters for their vision, their commitment and their fortitude amidst trials of all sorts. Great things are sure to happen in North-East India through the simple-hearted Sisters; all that would be ‘For the Love of God’.
Diocese: Aizawl
Pioneers: Sisters Carmelita Monteiro, Severine Carlo and Severine D’Souza
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters have spent thirty-seven fruitful years in the service of God’s people at Serchhip. A peek at these years would reveal the reasons for the Congregation to feel proud. The pioneers – Sisters Carmelita Monteiro, Severine Carlo, and Severine D’Souza have definitely a claim for laurels for venturing into an unfriendly climatic condition, deplorable transport system, a totally different culture and people than those experienced in Mangalore, and above all demands of a challenging mission. In view of pursuing their apostolic activity, they established the Little Flower Convent School immediately after their arrival in the place; the motto of the school, In Thy Light We See Light conveys the object of their mission. At its commencement, the number of children in the school was eighteen. The figures swelled up as a word about the witness value of the Sisters spread around. Besides, the Sisters walked the streets of Serchhip and visited each family in search of children, the neediest in particular.
After fourteen years, i.e., in 1990, the school has been partially financed by the government of Mizoram. Six teaching staff and two non-teaching staff have been remunerated in line with the government scale of payment. In the subsequent years, payment to teaching staff has increased to ten and payment of non-teaching staff has decreased by one. Number of pupils on record currently is 777. Students passed out of the school are excelling in their lives holding high ranking posts in governmental and non-governmental organizations and administration. Besides, moral life and spiritual life of the people in Serchhip and in surrounding villages has been enhanced. The Sisters rejoice that their labour of love has not been lost. The school provides holistic training for students. In 1991 the Cubs and Bulbul troops were initiated in the school. The school acquires benefits of the SSA (Sarva Sikhsha Abhiyan) in providing midday meal for children. Ecological concern has been introduced as part of school curriculum.
Serchhip, a hillock in structure, is known for incessant rains and therefore regular mud-slides. These necessitated construction of a new school building as the existing building was in a dilapidated condition. Fr S Michael laid its foundation on November 3, 1997. Sr Letitia D’Silva along with the Sisters of her Community laboured to erect the school as well as a convent. The inauguration of both was held on January 30, 2001. Sr Victoria Serrao, Assistant Superior General and Mr F Malsawma, Education Minister of Mizoram, inaugurated the buildings. Bishop Lumen Monteiro, the Episcopal Administrator of Aizawl blessed them. On the occasion the pioneers to Serchhip were felicitated. A hall was put up and inaugurated on February 18, 2006. In the same year the computer education was introduced in the school. Taking into account the financial condition of the families of children, the Sisters have to waive the school fees of some.
As a holistic growth of children is the concern of the Sisters, they focus on their spiritual growth as well. Religion and moral science classes have become part of the school syllabus. In 1992, an organization named Little Way Association has been formed with the objective of teaching and training children to take part in the mission of the Church. In 1999 the Little Way Association has been renamed as Holy Childhood Association (change of name has been directed by the Church) having the same objectives.
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters have been perceived as educators chiefly due to the impact they have been making in the lives of people at Serchhip and around. At the same time, they are also considered religious guides due to their wholehearted involvement in apostolic activities. Besides carrying out the church- related activities including the preparation of hosts and particles, the Sisters assist in the formation and guidance of the Parish Altar Boys Association (established in 2007) and animation of the YCS members. They visit regularly the families of school children and others; this feature keeps them bonded to people. The Sisters create awareness among Women Guilders regarding their responsibility towards motherhood. A unique feature of the pastoral apostolate is their participation in mission tours – accompanying the parish priest and the church leaders to villages several kilometres away from Serchhip. As these hilly villages have no roads, it is required that one walks the whole day to reach the houses of the people. The Sisters stay with the people, catechize them, teach prayers to children and prepare them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sisters also accompany the parish priest to substations of the parish. In a new mission started at Khawlailung in 1991, twenty- one members joined the Catholic Church; Sisters Philomena Correa and Benny Crasta have witnessed this exceptional event. The Sisters have also offered their services in the school started by the parish at Khawlailung in 1993.
In 1993 the parish started a High School in the same campus of Little Flower School; Sr Milly Fernandes served as its first head teacher. Eventually the High School was shifted to the new building in the church campus; one Sister renders her service in the High School as head teacher.
The social apostolate of the Sisters at Serchhip is also remarkable. Awareness programmes are being conducted in schools and in villages on drug addiction. The Sisters take part in funeral ceremonies of people and conduct condolence meetings. The well-furnished hall of the school building is offered for activities such as assembly elections, award giving programme on Chapchar Kut (festival of joy), conducting MESLC Exams, competitions at various levels, etc.
The Sisters acknowledge gratefully the constant support of the superiors, the work of the head teachers, the Sisters and the local staff who have toiled tirelessly for the welfare of the Kingdom of God through the Little Flower Convent. The services of the parish priests and assistant parish priests of Serchhip parish and timely guidance of the Major Superiors are also acknowledged gratefully. The present status of the Little Flower School alumni as well as their contribution to society in various fields is a confirmation to the Sisters at the Little Flower Convent that their labour has brought life, life in abundance.
Diocese: Imphal
Pioneers: Sr Cleeta D’Almeida, and Candidate Nancy Ngovolu D Vadeo
Sr Cleeta D’Almeida, and Candidate Nancy Ngovolu D Vadeo along with Sr Mary CJ, Provincial Superior arrived at Liyai7 on February 1, 2009. With their arrival one could see the realization of the dream of the Province to establish a second house in the diocese of Imphal. Fr Boniface SJ, the parish priest of Christ the King parish and Principal of Loyola School, and catechist Mr Jacob and a few Catholic leaders welcomed the Sisters at the parish house. The same evening, the parish community met together to accord a cordial welcome to the Sisters. As in several other places, the Sisters had to put up with a lot of inconveniences during their initial days in Liyai. They resided in a temporary building that consisted of two rooms. They had to put up with irregular supply of electricity and they had to fetch water from a water source half a kilometre away from their residence. Being the beginning of February, it was still winter season in Manipur. These hassles did not deter the Sisters from carrying on with their mission.
On February 2, 2009, the Sisters commenced their work in the school. Sr Mary Lakra joined the community as a teaching Sister in April 2009. The Loyola School at Liyai has reached up to class VI. The Sisters have made an impact in the field of education. Besides involvement in educational apostolate, the Sisters concentrate on pastoral, medical and social apostolates. Catechising, sacristy work, accompanying the priest to villages for spiritual needs of the people, preparing children and youth for reception of sacraments, assisting couples in rectifying their issues related to marriage, counselling the youth etc. are regular activities of the Sisters. The Sisters visit families irrespective of caste and creed. Families of the bereaved and the sick are accorded extra attention. The Sisters join the people in celebrating their festivals and other religious and social programmes.
In subsequent years, the number of Sisters has increased to three. This makes it possible to offer medical care to people; Sr Irene Cherthangpuii has been giving her best since 2010. Initially, she operated from a house in a village, which she utilized as a dispensary. A health centre is being constructed in a village with financial assistance of the Jesuits; it is hoped that the centre will go a long way in helping provide health care for the people – women and children in particular. The medical personnel, besides attending to ailing people in the dispensary, visit the sick in villages, and create awareness in them regarding health and hygiene. The Sisters admit that there is more ‘to be’ and ‘to do’ in the given context.
Diocese: Kohima
Pioneers: Sisters Anita Pereira and Juliana Veigas
In June 1986, at the invitation of the Jesuits who had been working already in the place, Sisters Anita Pereira and Juliana Veigas ventured into Pfutsero, coldest region in Nagaland, which is sixty kilometres south of Kohima, the capital city of the State.
Simple and warm-hearted people welcomed the Sisters amidst them as they visited their families, catechized them and catered to their minor health complaints, in particular to issues related to the health of their children. The Sisters catered to people’s health requirements particularly through a full-fledged dispensary which was opened in June 2004. Sr Roshni KV, a trained nurse, attended to health needs both in the dispensary and in villages. Unfortunately the dispensary had to be closed down in 2009, as a civil hospital started catering to the health needs of the people.
Besides the medical aid to the people, the Sisters assist them through the Diocesan Pastoral Training Centre. One Sister renders her services as Assistant Director in the Centre. The Centre conducts regular meetings for catechists, organizes camps for children and seminars for youth and women. These contribute to the deepening of the faith of the Christians. The Centre conducts also camps on career guidance; these have proved to be a boon in providing jobs for people. Ever since 2005, the Centre has been conducting a course on ‘Church Leadership’ to Catholic youth who have dropped out of school. This residential course held for duration of ten months has generated exceptional results – 136 youth from various dioceses in North-East have been trained up to now. The training helps them in knowing and understanding their faith better; it also enhances the faith of their brethren in their respective local churches.
Imparting education has been an important ministry at Pfutsero. The School has reached up to class X with a number of 1578 students. The number of Catholic students in the School is two hundred; most of these students are converts to Christianity. This aspect brings deep joy to the Sisters because it vindicates the fact that they have been taking seriously their mandate to evangelize. The success story of Pfutsero along with its adversities beckons the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to stand tall and continue to serve God and humanity wholeheartedly.
Diocese: Bongaigaon
Pioneers: Sisters Felicita D’Souza and Shanthi D’Souza
Nympha Nilaya at Simlaguri, a town of Bongaigaon in Assam, is a breakthrough when seen from the perspective of the apostolic activities of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in North- East India. An undeniable fact is that the lush green valley of Bongaigaon, which each Sister travelling to the North-East ought to pass through, beckons to halt for a while and savour its natural magnificence. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters have halted at Bongaigaon with a specific reason of catering to the ‘little ones’, a phrase referred to ‘children’ in the gospels. The ‘children at risk’ – street children and rag pickers – are the focus of attention of the Sisters at Bongaigaon. Compared to the established ministries of the Sisters in other places, the ministry at Bongaigaon is unquestionably a breakthrough.
Sisters Felicita and Shanthi were pioneers at Nympha Nilaya. At their arrival at Bongaigaon on August 10, 2009, they were to stay in a temporary residence provided by the Province. The house was inaugurated by Sr Mary CJ, Provincial Superior and blessed by Bishop Thomas Pulloppillill of Bongaigaon Diocese. However, as the construction was incomplete, the Sisters sought shelter at Bhawlaguri Home Science Centre of the Congregation of Sisters of Nazareth (SCN). Sr Felicita supervised the construction of the building commuting to and from Bongaigaon on a daily basis. Sr Justin Miranda, a member of St Angela Convent, Gauripur, assisted a great deal in supervising the construction work at Simlaguri. At its completion, Sisters Felicita D’Souza and Shanthi D’Souza began residing at Nimpha Nilaya on October 11, 2009. Fr Varghese Prakuzhy MSFS, the parish priest and the assistant parish priest Fr Anselam Lakra of Bhawlaguri St Albert church, celebrated the first Eucharist at Nympha Nilaya to mark the occasion. In subsequent years, the Sisters have further equipped the four- roomed structure with an additional room, kitchen and toilet. A new construction has been initiated in a six bigha (four bigha is equal to one acre) plot which includes the road, offered by the diocese to the Sisters in view of carrying out their ministry.
Amazingly the Sisters carry on a different sort of ministry at Bongaigaon, which the name of the Convent – Nympha Nilaya elucidates. Nympha Nilaya, is a reference to the first Superior of the Congregation, Mother Nympha Fernandez. As if by coincidence, the apostolate chosen by the Sisters of Nympha Nilaya – catering to ‘children at risk’ – is linked closely to the work Mother Nympha had carried on at the inception of the Congregation. The ‘Second Book of Proceedings’, the earliest available historical document of the Congregation, records vividly her work among the ‘little ones’. In view of drawing inspiration from the content of the text, it seems useful to note it down in detail. It elucidates: “In the beginning of March our Superioress, Rev. Mother Nympha undertook a very beautiful and at the same time a painful task of catechising small children at the Bunder; she goes there several times a week in the evening. It is difficult to gather them; so Mother now and then takes some eatables to coax them and come. They are gathered in the home of a very pious person Alex Lobo by name, some near relation of our Mother”. While this text reports a unique mission of a founding member of the Congregation, it also recounts the means employed in order to achieve a desired task.
Bearing in mind the task lying ahead of them – catering to ‘children at risk’ – the Sisters started visiting railway stations and slums in and around Bongaigoan. They detected beneficiaries of their good work. They also made connections with railway authorities, railway police and local leaders whose assistance is a precondition to their ministry. In 2011, with the help of the Railway Employees’ Union they obtained a room – a railway godown in fact – opposite to the Railway Station. Signifying the objective of the project, the room has been named ‘Gyana Jyothi Drop-in Centre’. ‘Children at risk’ ranging between the age group of four and fourteen, benefit from the Centre to read, to write, to sing, to dance... Recreational and counselling opportunities along with literacy provided enable them to reclaim their dignity as Children of God. The Centre has been linked to Snehalaya of Guwahati, a centre for children at risk; it is organized by the Salesian Fathers. The Salesians support the venture of the Sisters a great deal.
Besides catering to children at risk, the Sisters visit families. Majority of the people belong to Rajbangshi tribe; they are non- Christians. The Sisters also coach slow-learners. A challenging and apparently abysmal ministry, yet noble and beautiful in the eyes of God.
Diocese: Kohima
Pioneers: Sisters Mary Mendonca and Gracilda Dias
As at Meluri, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters were invited by the Jesuits to collaborate with them in apostolic activities at Chizami, which lies 80 kilometres north of Kohima. The parish church, erected in 1974 was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and consisted of 90 villages was beginning to take shape under a band of untiring and committed Jesuits. Only five of ninety villages consisted of a few Catholic families. The mandate to proclaim the Good News had to be accomplished. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters joined the Jesuits in the task. Sisters Mary Mendonca and Gracilda Dias arrived at Chizami on January 1, 1976 as pioneers.
A missionary is one who has stripped himself or herself of possessions. Accordingly the Sisters lived in a single room made of bamboo walls and roof. Two more Sisters joined them in May 1976 to make it a full-fledged community. Their apostolate could be spelt out as visiting villages and families, catechizing catechumens and instructing Catholics, education, medical work and social service. As the Sisters began their apostolate by visiting families, they made sure that one of them was a trained nurse. As per need, they remained in villages eating whatever was set before them and taking in stride trouble and hardships; they even gave up their rest of night. In ten years, they managed to reach thirteen villages. Their labour of love was evident in its fruitfulness: the number of Catholics increased from 300 to 1700.
Besides carrying out the mandate of proclaiming Christ, the Sisters served as teachers in the diocesan school. They also offered their services in the children’s boarding house. The Sisters used expertise of the boarding children in catechizing children, first communicants and catechumens. The boarders served as excellent translators to the Sisters.
The service of the Sisters in the school has had a salutary effect. Chizami consists of dedicated faithful and responsible citizens. The Sisters have enhanced their pastoral apostolate: they use communication media to implant faith in pupils as well as in people during their visit to villages. Along with building the faith of people, the Sisters strive for their holistic growth. With this in view, a Health Workers’ Centre and a Tailoring and Knitting Centre were inaugurated on August 20, 2003 at Chizami. On the occasion, the civil S.D.O of Chizami, in the presence of civil leaders, officials, Sisters of the Congregation and the trainees of the newly started Centre, hailed the work of the Sisters in the service of the least.
Sacred Heart Convent has witnessed celebration of 25 years of religious life of the Sisters who have toiled tirelessly in the service of God and neighbour. They are Sr Rosy Dias (2007), Sr Matilda Cutinha (2009) and Juliana Veigas (2009).
Diocese: Aizawl
Pioneers: Sisters Victoria Serrao, Veronica Gomes and Veera D’Costa
At their visit to Chingchhip and Serchhip in 1976, Sisters Margaret D’Souza and Bernarda D’Souza, the Councillors General were informed that the people of Lunglei (one hundred kilometres south of Serchhip) are eagerly waiting for the Jesuits of Kerala Province to begin their mission specifically in the field of education. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters were to assist the Jesuits in their apostolate; however, the inability of the Sisters to meet this need made the Bethany Sisters to take over the mission until the arrival of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters on December 1, 1978. Sisters Victoria Serrao, Veronica Gomes and Veera D’Costa were pioneers to the mission. Sr Severine D’Souza replaced Sr Victoria Serrao, on December 29, 1978; Sr Margaret D’Souza was appointed first Superior at Lunglei in February 1979. As is the case elsewhere, here too, the Sisters did not own a residence; they had to reside in a hostel building which was run by the government for working girls and women.
The Sisters contributed to the education by being effective and ideal instructors in the school. Alongside, they toiled to build the life of faith of the students. This was easier since a large number of populace in Mizoram is Christian even though not Roman Catholic. The Catholic families in Lunglei numbered only five. The Sisters reached out to people irrespective of religion or belief systems. They also contributed to the spiritual and psychological well-being of the people.
After fifteen years of their arrival at Lunglei, the Sisters were able to reside in a convent building of their own. The Sacred Heart Convent was blessed by Bishop Denzil D’Souza and inaugurated by Sr Jeraldine D’Souza, Provincial Superior on April 17, 1996. A hostel for girl students was started in the ground floor of the convent building on January 14, 1997. On August 1, 2009 the existing convent building was raised to a second floor, which is being used now as a hostel.
On July 16, 1999 the community members at Sacred Heart had to awake to a shock and sorrow of an untimely death of Sr Winnie D’Souza from Kulur. Her mortal remains were laid to rest at the premises of St Peter Convent, Chhingchhip, on July 18, 1999.
Diocese: Bongaigaon
Pioneers: Sisters Reshma KA and Prisca Tirkey
The Sisters of North-East Province did not decline an offer of Bishop Thomas Pullopillil of Bongaigaon Diocese when he requested them to open a house at Gauripur, which is in lower Assam under Dhubri district. Gauripur lies under the jurisdiction of Bongaigaon Diocese; it lies 290 kilometres south of the city of Guwahati. Sisters Reshma KA and Prisca Tirkey landed on January 11, 2006 at Gauripur, a newly erected parish; as they did not have a house of their own, they resided in the parish house for a year.
The Sisters started rendering their services in the diocesan school. However, their focus was evangelization and faith formation. It was impossible for the two Sisters to visit the fourteen villages the parish consisted of. Sisters Felcita D’Souza and Leoni Jojo who joined the community in June the same year commenced their pastoral apostolate in the same month. They visited villages inhabited chiefly by the Garos, most of who are illiterate. In view of responding to their need of literacy, the diocese established a hostel for girls on July 15, 2007. The poorest of the poor girl children are beneficiaries of the project. The Sisters manage the boarding house. They also occupy the ground floor of the hostel for their residence.
The Sisters have undertaken pastoral and social apostolate in a big way. Two Sisters are engaged in ‘Touring Ministry’ which involves organizing BCC and SCC prayers, conducting retreats, seminars, catechizing, and preparing children and youth for reception of the sacraments. They also visit the sick regularly. The Sisters put in their best in the service of God and neighbour. However, they consider that more ought to be done in the service of more people specifically in the spiritual area.
Diocese: Aizawl
Pioneers: Sr Annie D’Souza, Sr Celine Lobo and candidate Esther Tirki
A categorical statement that the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters serving in the State of Mizoram since 1976 have been treasuring a secret wish to own a house for the Province at Silchar would not be considered an exaggeration. The yearning was caused by factors such as six days’ travel to arrive at Silchar from Mangalore (the number of days could increase if one is caught in a mudslide, deluge or rail derailment which was frequent), a single bus commuting from Silchar to Aizawl and a single bus from Aizawl to Serchhip/Chhingchhip/Lunglei only at early hours of a day.... In such circumstances, the Sisters were compelled to seek shelter either at the Bishop’s House or at the convent of the Bethany Sisters at Silchar.
As the number of Sisters in Mizoram as well as their trips to and from Mizoram related to administration increased gradually, it was reasonable that the Sisters managed their own business. Hence St Angela Convent at Silchar came into being on May 23, 2001. Bishop Lumen Monteiro CSC, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Aizawl, inaugurated and blessed the Convent on May 23, 2001. The main purpose of the Convent has been to be a transit house; however, it has not been restricted to transit alone.
The Sisters placed the house at the service of the neediest. A part of the house was made available to Catholic girls desiring to pursue their graduation studies; they hailed from rural areas. As a person of tremendous concern for the marginalized, Bishop Denzil had dreamt of such an apostolate and had even suggested to the Ursuline Franciscan Provincial Superior of the North-East to take up the venture, during a discussion of the latter with the Bishop regarding their plan to open a convent in Silchar. In the subsequent years, two more floors have been added to the building. Currently it serves as a Regional House, transit house, place for conducting juniorate programme, study house for Sisters and candidates who can obtain access to Silchar Government College and a hostel for girls.
The Sisters are involved in more apostolic activities. Family visits and family prayer, preparing children to receive the sacraments, catechizing, conducting prayer services and praying with people are regular pastoral exercises of the Sisters. Regular family visit has helped in building rapport with people. One Sister is involved in social development apostolate through the Seva Kendra at Silchar, of the Diocese of Aizawl and another Sister renders her service as a teacher in Holy Cross School, Silchar. The presence of the Sisters in St Angela Convent Silchar is a boon to Sisters of other congregations serving in the State of Mizoram. They generously make their services available in booking tickets, making inner-line permits, purchasing materials for construction and accommodating them on their transit.
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.
Diocese: Aizawl
Pioneers: Sisters Mary Rego and Veera D’Costa
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters have been serving in three interior regions of Mizoram, namely, Serchhip, Chhingchhip and Lunglei for twenty years. Matters related to school administration, necessitated that they visit Aizawl frequently. During those visits, for their stay, they had to resort to other religious houses or the parish house. Hence, the need for a house of the Congregation was felt acutely. Providence worked for them unexpectedly. In 1995, Bishop Denzil D’Souza of Silchar Diocese invited the Sisters to open a convent in St Mary parish, Aizawl in view of assisting in the newly established diocesan school as well as facilitating pastoral work of the parish.
Sr Florine Pinto from Dimapur community arrived at Aizawl and administered the school for a month until Sisters Mary Rego and Veera D’Costa arrived at the place as community members on June 5, 1995. The Sisters did not have a residence of their own at their arrival; they were put up with the Bethany Sisters at Mary Mount School, Tlangnum. Up to date the Sisters have not found a place of their own! Currently, they reside in the ground floor of the school building. The inconveniences they endure seem worthwhile when weighed with the transit the residence provides not merely for the Sisters of the Congregation, but also for the religious of other congregations.
Hectic life of the city of Aizawl makes it impossible for people to gather as a community for faith-related programmes and activities. In such circumstances, the Sisters resort to house visiting, this has enabled them to bring children together for the spiritual exercises such as leading the liturgy on Saturday during the Eucharistic Celebration for children. Children are initiated to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and to visit the Blessed Sacrament before and after their class. The Catholic children accompany the Sisters for spiritual exercises such as Rosary and prayers in families, visits to the sick in houses and hospitals, and prayer with various groups in the church like youth, women, and children. They also take part in gatherings and meetings of Women’s Guild.
The Sisters attempt to impart quality education to students along with imparting values of the Gospel. By way of visits to families of children, the Sisters obtain first-hand information regarding the existential situation of their families; they correspond to their academic, spiritual and material needs accordingly. During their visits to families, the Sisters address issues related to substance abuse, alcoholism, health and hygiene. Since 2006, the Sisters have involved themselves in prison ministry. One Sister, along with the diocesan team of prison ministry works for the welfare of prisoners.
Diocese: Aizawl
Pioneers: Sisters Innocence D’Souza and Philomena Correa
The first batch of Sisters to Mizoram – Sr Innocence D’Souza, Sr Carmelita Monteiro, Sr Severine Carlo, Sr Severine D’Souza and Sr Philomena Correa arrived at Chhingchhip on January 10, 1976 at the invitation of Bishop Denzil D’Souza of Silchar Diocese. The diocese then comprised three States, namely, Tripura, Assam, Mizoram. At the departure of Sisters Carmelita, Severine Carlo and Severine D’Souza to Serchhip on January 24, 1976, Sisters Innocence and Philomena were community members of St Peter Convent at Chhingchhip. Sisters Marylite Souza and Trecilla Dias joined them in June 1976.
Initially, their apostolate was limited to teaching in the English Medium High School administered by the Montfort Brothers and the Higher Primary School administered by the Diocese of Silchar; medium of instruction of the latter was Mizo. They did not restrict themselves to institutions; they began visiting families with the assistance of school children. Their Franciscan simplicity made it easier for them to identify with people and in return people accepted them as members of their own family.
During their visit to villages, the Sisters learnt of the people’s dire need of health facility. Beginning from 1979, Sr Rosa Dias, Sr Jeraldine D’Souza and Sr Philomena T V have served people medically especially by visiting the sick in remote villages. In 1995, a dispensary was put up. A nurse Sister rendered service to the sick in the dispensary. Besides, she conducted programmes on health and hygiene and herbal cure. She visited sick people in distant villages and conducted awareness programmes; during those days, she resided with people in villages. In this scenario of lack of medical facilities and pitiable conveyance, the work of the Sisters had truly redeeming effects. The Sisters had identified themselves to such an extent that they had discounted their own conveniences: their house was ready only in 1993 after their having resided for the duration of seventeen years in an old hostel made available to them by the parish.
Pastoral activities begun by the Sisters at Chhingchhip several years ago continue. The Sisters catechize children, youth, adults and catechumens. They conduct youth conventions, seminars and retreats to youth. They accompany the parish priest to substations, conduct prayer services, funeral services etc. Social apostolate has been an integral part of St Peter Convent even though it was not christened by a specific name. In 2005, a Social Action Centre has been established in order to carry out their social apostolate in a more systematized and effective manner. The Centre has been utilized also for conducting seminars and courses.
Certain events in the life of St Peter Convent must be mentioned: Silver Jubilee celebration of Sr Severine Carlo (1999) and Sr Philomena Correa (2001); burial of Sr Winnie D’Souza who had succumbed to an untimely death at Lunglei (1999); perpetual profession of three Mizo Sisters – Sisters Theresi Vanlalhruaii, Jacinta Vanlalruathi and Irene Cherthangpuii (2000); erection of Mizoram Region with its headquarters at Chhingchhip (15 June 2002). Sr Jyothsna was appointed Regional Superior and Sr Jacintha D’Cunha and Sr Juliana Pereira Regional Councillors. On September 12, 2002, the first Regional Chapter was held at Chhingchhip; it was moderated by Sr Jeraldine, Provincial Superior of North-East Province.
Hardships are part and parcel of the existence of the Sisters working in the North-East Mission. They are related to topography, culture, transport, communications etc; for instance, the Sisters could procure a telephone connection only in 2000. However, a joyful melody is heard constantly from the Sisters that they are contented and that their contentment is a result of their commitment in the service of the less privileged. Their apostolic contentment has been experienced by visitors to the Mission; they vouch for the hospitality of the Sisters. In order to respond to the signs of the times, the Sisters equip themselves in various fields through training programmes. They engage themselves in spiritual, pastoral, educational, catechetical, social, medical, and vocational activities. They learn with great zeal the language of the State, Mizo/Lushai.
Diocese: Kohima
Pioneers: Sister Lucy D‘Souza, Salomi Rongmei and Apoline Pinto
The district of Dimapur in Nagaland is exceptional as the doorway of Assam into Nagaland, as a business centre for people of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam and as a hub of tribal culture and customs. Dimapur is special to the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters due to the fact of the geographical extension the district has awarded them. Besides Assisi Convent at Dimapur and the institutions attached to it, Dimapur accommodates the novices of North-East Province. St Ursula Novitiate is situated at Kuda ‘A’ village (Nagarjan), a suburb of Dimapur; it lies two kilometres south of the town of Dimapur. Sr Edilburga Monteiro had dreamed of establishing the novitiate of the Province in the Province itself in order to contextualize the novitiate formation; Sr Jeraldine D’Souza, the first Provincial Superior and her team realized the dream on January 6, 2003 when an existing house was renovated and erected as the novitiate house.
As mentioned above, the house existed already. A piece of land measuring one and a half acres was purchased and a study house was constructed in it; it was inaugurated on July 31, 2000 and named St Ursula Study House. Sisters Lucy D’Souza, Salomi Rongmei and Apoline Pinto were the first batch of students at St Ursula. The house catered to students of all the four provinces of the Congregation specifically to obtain their B. Education degree. Sr Lavina Lobo rendered her selfless services at the Study House from May to December 2002 until her untimely death due to cardiac arrest on November 16, 2003.
Prior to shifting the novitiate programme to St Ursula Study House, it was being held at Assisi Convent from June 2002. On January 2, 2003 the programme was shifted to St Ursula Study House. Twelve novices and Sr Gretta Sanjeevini D’Souza occupied the Study House until the construction of the novitiate building was complete. The House was blessed on January 6, 2003 by Fr Mathew Keemattam, Vicar General of Kohima Diocese. It was inaugurated solemnly on May 9, 2003 by Sr Edilburga, Superior General. Bishop Jose Mukala of Kohima Diocese blessed it. The day was solemnized by the enacting of the history of the Congregation through a light-and-sound programme. The same was enacted at St Ursula, Bolar, at the Congregational level in December 2002.
Novices make the best use of their programme of two years at St Ursula. Along with spiritual exercises, they involve themselves in apostolic and social exercises. The second year novices visit the central jail, listen to the woes of the inmates, pray with them and entertain them with cultural programme. They reside with people in villages for a month as part of the exposure programme. On Sundays they visit families, orphanages and the sick in hospitals. The student Sisters of the Province studying for graduation and B.Ed in Salesian College run by the Salesians of Dimapur Province are accommodated here.
A good number of novices have passed the portals of St Ursula under the guidance of Sisters Gretta Sanjeevini D’Souza (2002-2004) Dominica Lopez (2004-2009) and Jyothsna D’Souza (2009- ). In view of addressing the signs of the times beckoning them constantly, the Church is in need of zealous missionaries. St Ursula Novitiate helps in its realization.
Diocese: Itanagar
Pioneers: Sisters Salomi Rongmei and Catherine Neiketuonuo Thakro
In recounting the history of Assisi Bhavan, the first house of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in the State of Arunachal Pradesh, they had wished that God would help them to discern his will and venture into many more regions of the State where the message of Christ has not yet been brought. An opportunity arrived at their doorway when the Jesuits invited them to extend their services at Balukpong under Palizi parish. The Sisters had been already collaborating with the Jesuits in several parts of North-East India namely, Meluri, Chizami, Pfutsero in Nagaland, Liyai in Manipur, Hulubro in Arunachal Pradesh. The Sisters took this as a great blessing in the year of the Post-Centenary Silver Jubilee of the foundation of the Congregation and a token of love to our Founder Fr Urban Stein who was indeed missionary at heart and in his deeds. A second house in Arunachal Pradesh is certainly a source of a moral support to Sisters working at Hulubro, one hundred kilometres
to the south of Balukpong. The pioneers arrived at Balukpong on June19, 2012 along with Sr Milly Fernandes, Provincial Superior, and Sisters Jyothsna D’Souza, Rosin Noronha and Juliana Pereira, Provincial Councillors. The mission took birth on June 20, when Rev Fr Hector D’Souza SJ, blessed the temporary house and celebrated the Eucharist along with three other fellow Jesuits and the two Sisters of Hulubro community, Sr Florence and Sr Martha Kunkal.
Balukpong is an entry point to East Arunachal Pradesh. It has a small group of Catholic population. From Balukpong, the Sisters envision reaching out to various tribes like Monpas, Mijis, Sherdukpens and Akas. The Jesuits have purchased a piece of land in Balukpong with a view to starting a school; they have purchased a house at Tippi for the purpose of transit which is five kilometres south of Balukpong. Sisters Salomi Rongmei and Catherine Neiketuonuo Thakro have been given this house for residence on temporary basis.
The Sisters showed that they meant business right from the day of their arrival at Balukpong. They engaged themselves in family visits, catechising, praying with people and coaching children. Their ministry has been bearing fruit rapidly. People have been positively responding to the great efforts put in by the Sisters. Spiritual exercises such as participation in Sunday Eucharist, regular reception of the sacraments and family prayer are becoming an integral part of their life of faith.
The two young missionaries at the place are full of zeal for God and God’s people. This aspect guarantees hope for a vibrant Church in the eastern-most part of Arunachal Pradesh.
Diocese: Imphal
Pioneers: Sisters Irene Goveas and Anita Pereira
In response to the invitation of Bishop Joseph Mittathany of Imphal Diocese, Sisters Irene Goveas, and Anita Pereira arrived at Makhan on January 21, 1993. Incidentally, the Sisters were moving out to a third State in the North-East India after eighteen years of their existence only in the States of Nagaland and Mizoram. The first house of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in the Archdiocese of Imphal was officially inaugurated on March 21, 1993.
St Xavier parish, Makhan, consisting of a Catholic population of 1600 and spread out in six villages was blessed and inaugurated only in 1990. Evangelical and catechetical work was the need of the hour in the newly erected parish. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters have been meeting the need in a challenging manner. They visit families regularly and catechize them. In order to prepare people for reception of the sacraments, they reside in villages during weekends. They lead prayer services in the church and catechize first communicants. They visit the sick, assist poor children in their studies by coaching them during holidays.
Besides apostolic activities, the Sisters render their services in the school. Quality education, with special consideration to slow-learning and economically weak children offered in the school draws children from near and far; currently the number of students in the school is 700, which was 300 in 1993. The High School has obtained the full-fledged status. A well-equipped computer lab of the school makes pupils think that they are not left behind in a fast-growing technological world. For these and other reasons, the School is considered one of the best in the district of Makhan.
The Sisters are involved actively in social apostolate. They create awareness regarding health and hygiene; they provide quality care for mothers and infants through MCH programmes. A vocational training centre for tailoring and knitting, started in October 2002, enables village girls to earn their livelihood. For ten years, the Sisters have been supervising studies of girl children residing in the boarding house of the parish. On August 3, 2003, a new hostel for girl children was inaugurated. Since 2005 the Sisters have taken total responsibility of administering the boarding house. It caters to sixty-five girl children.
Certain significant events of the Convent must be mentioned: Sr Anita Pereira celebrated the silver jubilee of her religious profession on August 1, 1993 and Sr Irene Goveas celebrated hers on August 3, 2003. The Sisters have been privileged to reside in a new convent since December 7, 1996; Archbishop Joseph Mittathany blessed and inaugurated it. The good work begun by the pioneering Sisters has been carried forward and even improved upon by the Sisters who succeeded them. The Sisters aspire for and pray that God is made known and loved through them in their service to humanity.
Diocese: Kohima
Pioneers: Sisters Innocence D’Souza, Anita Pereira, Jerosa Pereira, Mary Mendonca and Irene Veigas
A 16,579 square kilometres of land in the Brahmaputra valley of the State of Assam was taken apart and formed into a separate State named Nagaland on December 1, 1963. The Nagas, people of the land, originate from the Tibeto-Burma- Mongolian races; they are divided into twelve major tribes, each possessing its own territory, language and tradition; they are affiliated to many Christian denominations. This diversity as well blend entailed in their very existence, facilitated their acceptance of faith in the Catholic Church. The Jesuits of Karnataka Province have been working in the State since 1970. Fr Ambrose D’Mello SJ, Provincial of Karnataka Province, extended an invitation to the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to join hands with the Jesuits in striving for an all-round empowerment of people in Nagaland. Sr Ernestine D’Almeida, Superior General along with her team accepted the invitation; thus the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation ventured into a missionary terrain in its true sense.
Sisters Innocence D’Souza, Anita Pereira, Jerosa Pereira, Mary Mendonca and Irene Veigas arrived at Meluri on June 27, 1975. They embarked upon pastoral, educational and medical ministries, all in their infancy stage. Catholic population at Meluri has increased from three in 1975 to 2300 in 2013. The Number of children at Meluri School has increased from 48 in 1975 to 2026 in 2013. St Xavier parish at Meluri has grown enough to be declared a full-pledged parish; the Jesuits have handed it over to the diocese in 1985.
Subsequent to handing over the parish to the diocese, the foundation was laid to a new parish in Phor village in 1992, which is 80 kilometres to the south of Meluri. The village consisted of seven ‘converted’ Catholic families. The Sisters guided their faith formation through constant visits to their families. In the same year, a Catholic Mission was established in Washalo village. In 2000, a few people of Akhegwo village, 30 kilometres south of Meluri, expressed their desire to embrace Catholic faith; they were baptized and received into the fold of the Church. At this, they had to face dismissal from their native village. The bond of the Holy Spirit is more powerful than the bond of blood: the families moved to a new place and began living in make-shift houses, which turned out to be a Catholic village. The Sisters have been taking an active interest in visiting and instructing people of the village. A Catholic School in a Catholic Village has been put up to educate children of the village. Currently the School has been upgraded to class V.
In 2004 another new mission was started in New Thewahati village and this village has 19 Catholic families. It is situated at the Indo-Burma border and 150 kilometres south of Meluri parish. Old Thewahati village consists of 24 Catholic families. As the term ‘border’ rightly suggests ‘edge’ or ‘periphery’, people at New Thewahati are victims of several hassles. The Sisters visit the village every month and instruct people; they also provide them with medical facility. Lack of transportation forces them to reach the village on foot.
While a few villages of Nagaland have been flourishing, several villages have been trailing in inhuman living conditions. In order to cater to girl children of such villages, the Sisters have opened a vocational training centre. It trains them in tailoring, knitting and embroidery. The Centre was inaugurated at Meluri in 2002 by Chukkusie, the physician of Meluri Civil Hospital; Fr Jose Sebastian, parish priest of Meluri blessed it.
The first ever convent of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to have been started in the North- East India is symbolically named after the zealous missionary to India, St Francis Xavier. He has proclaimed Christ far and wide under constant demanding circumstances. The Sisters striving pastorally, educationally and medically at Meluri and its suburbs are doubtlessly on track.
Diocese: Aizawl
Pioneers: Sisters Helen Malsawmi and Prisca Tirkey
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters have opened their second house at Aizawl at the request of the Montfort Brothers to assist them in their school at Melriat. The township lies 10 kilometres south of the city of Aizawl. The Brothers have provided a house for their residence, Bishop Stephen Rotluanga of Aizwal Diocese has inaugurated it on July 8, 2005. Currently a convent building is being constructed.
Sisters Helen Malsawmi and Prisca Tirkey, pioneers at Melriat, commenced their mission immediately after the inauguration of the house. Sr Helen served as the Superior of the community as well as Sister in charge of the Montfort School. On January 25, 2006, Sr Zita D’Souza arrived at Melriat having been transferred from Sacred Heart Convent, Lunglei. She took charge as animator of the convent as well as head teacher of the school. In 2009, the LKG and UKG sections were shifted to a new building in Montfort Academy campus.
In their striving to serve God through the people in Melriat, the Sisters had to put up with a lot of hassles in the initial years. Transport facilities were pitiable; dusty (during summer) and slushy (during rainy season) roads almost kept them inside the house from carrying on their apostolate. Since 2008 the situation has changed to a large extent due to the repair of roads. Besides the hassles of transport, the problem of lack of water caused immense inconveniences to the Sisters. They had to fetch water from a deep valley at a distance. Currently, the problem has been settled after boring a well within the campus.
Stein Convent is situated half a kilometre away from the region where the Catholic community resides. Unmindful of this fact, the Sisters join people in their functions such as funerals, marriages, festivals, and condolence meetings. They visit families regularly. Due to economic constraints several children discontinue their schooling and engage themselves in activities related to agriculture. The Sisters coax them to rejoin school; they provide them with education at concession rates. The School is known for academic excellence and discipline; as a result children of surrounding regions seek admission in the school.
The committed service of the Sisters has begun bearing fruit to a large extent – people have begun questioning their superstitious beliefs and preconceived ideas concerning several aspects including God and religion.
Diocese: Mangalore
Pioneers: Sisters Benny Fernandes, Philomena Correa, Tresiamma Shilja and Rose Rhozusa
A need-based aspiration of the Sisters working in North- East India, namely, a transit house of their own for Sisters both during family visits and while in search of medical and educational facilities in Mangalore became a reality on August 7, 2008. This was a fruit of the generosity and relentless pursuit on the part of the Generalate team. The Province was offered an acre of land from the ‘farm house’, now called Shanthi Nilaya at Panir. Its foundation stone was laid on April 27, 2007 by Sr Doreen D’Souza, Superior General. Sr Jeraldine D’Souza, the Councillor General, assisted by Sr Benny Fernandes, supervised the construction work efficiently. Subodhini, a house dedicated to the Mother of Good Counsel, was ready on August 7, 2008. It was inaugurated by Sr Doreen and blessed by Fr Victor D’Souza, parish priest of Our Lady of Mercy church, Panir.
Sr Benny Fernandes, Superior and Warden, Sr Philomena Correa, Sr Rose Rozusa, Sr Shilja Joseph and twenty one hostellers moved into Subodhini on August 28, 2008. All of these were housed at the Generalate for a period of three weeks until Subodhini was interiorly furnished. Hostel facility at Subodhini is primarily in view of obtaining financial self-sufficiency for the house. The hostel can accommodate 48 girls. Sr Helen D’Souza took charge of the Subodhini Community as Superior and Warden of the Hostel in May 2009 when Sr Benny Fernandes was transferred to Dimapur. The young girls who are given hostel facilities are time to time instructed and guided by the hostel warden. All opportunities for the practice of Catholic faith are provided to the Catholic girls in the hostel.
As intended and looked forward to, besides providing a transit house and catering to the socio-medical and academic needs of the Sisters of the Province, the place accommodates student Sisters of other Provinces as well. One batch of the student candidates of the Province ventured for the first time to study their pre-university course at the St Sebastian Composite PU College at Permannur. Their presence at the college as well as at Subodhini truly made a difference!
The Sisters involve actively in pastoral activities such as teaching catechism, participating in SCC prayer meetings and liturgical services, accompanying the parishioners to pray the Rosary in families, visiting the sick and visiting people in families. Sr Philomena Correa has ventured to take forward her unfinished task started in Mizoram, namely, coaching children of neighbourhood who are slow-learners and who belong to economically poor background. She attempts to fulfil concretely the wish of the Sisters at Subodhini that they be a blessing to society just as Subodhini has been a blessing to them.
Diocese: Kohima
Pioneers: Sisters Letitia D’Silva, Rosy Dias, Roseline Chani and Prafulit Ekka
The North-East Province of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation has been emerging tall with an impressive growth both in number and achievements: local vocations have been on the increase and the Sisters have moved out to seven States of India. The growth rate necessitates additional facilities. This factor compelled the Province to shift the Provincial administrative base to a more accessible location. The Assisi Convent at Dimapur where the administration of the Province had rested thus far found itself now wedged increasingly due to innumerable, yet need-based, developmental activities of various sort. Subsequently, a plot of land was purchased at Purana Bazar, Dimapur in 2007. The site enclosed a house. When renovated it was blessed by Bishop Jose Mukala of Kohima Diocese on March 10, 2008. Sisters Letitia D’Silva, Rosy Dias, Roseline Chani and Prafulit Ekka formed the Community. Sr Gretta Sanjivini joined them in June 2008.
A long-standing dream of a new Provincial House for the Province found its realization on September 22, 2009. Sr Doreen D’Souza, Superior General, inaugurated it and Bishop Jose Mukala blessed it. On the same day, Sr Mary CJ, Provincial Superior, along with her Team, entered the new administration unit: Tabor-UFC Provincialate. Ever since 2009, several programmes of the Province have been held at the Provincialate. They include meeting of Provincial Council, Superiors, Formators, Advisory Commissions, vocation promoters, finance committee and Ursuline Franciscan Society Meeting. Formation activities such as renewal programme for Sisters and formees at various stages of formation, retreats for Sisters and various evaluation programmes are also being held there. In 2010, in the fifth Provincial Chapter, Sr Milly Fernandes was elected Provincial Superior of North-East Province. In order to facilitate various programmes of the Province, she extended the administration block in 2011 with a floor which consists of a well-equipped conference hall. In 2012 formation programme of candidates was shifted from Assisi Convent, Dimapur, to the Tabor campus. The building used initially as the Provincial House has been converted into the House of Candidates.
Besides administrative activities of the Province, the Provicialate hosts a number of programmes annually, monthly and weekly. The house also caters to Sisters/formees on transit and to ailing members of the Province. The Sisters make time to visit families, which in a way keeps them rooted in reality. The biblical name ‘Tabor’ alludes to a call to encounter God on the ‘top of a mountain’, to experience transformation there, and implement the mission received at the encounter. It is an ardent desire of the Sisters that Tabor becomes such a place for every member of the North-East Province.
