Diocese: Bhopal
Pioneers: Sisters Fatima Dias, Renuka and Roma
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of the North Province have been serving God’s people chiefly in the State of Uttar Pradesh over a period of thirty-six years. Certainly there is more to carry out and in more regions of the State. Extending their services to other States of North India has been a frequent subject matter of the Province Chapters. The fifth Provincial Chapter held in November 2012 had mandated that the Province should open a house outside the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Association of Franciscan Family in India (AFFI) Meeting, 2013 turned out to be an opportune moment for realizing the wish as well as the mandate.
Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal Diocese, main celebrant of the inaugural day’s Eucharist, requested to extend the services of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in his archdiocese with Sr Doreen D’Souza, the Superior General. Then the issue was discussed along with Sr Alice Pinto the Provincial Superior at the Regional Pastoral Centre, Bhopal. Sr Lenita D’Souza, the Provincial Superior of Mangalore and Sr Alice Pinto visited the place on the same day and a positive feeling regarding the mission began to vibrate. The matter was finalized on February 21, 2013 after a meeting of the officials of the North Province along with Superior General who was present at Jeevandhara, Lucknow on account of the canonical visitation. On April 9, 2013 Sr Alice Pinto and Sr Shanti D’Souza, Provincial Councillor, visited the Archbishop and notified the decision of the Congregation to serve at New Lambakheda. To this effect, an agreement was signed by the two parties.
Sisters Fatima Dias, Renuka and Roma arrived at New Lambhakheda2 on June 28, 2013. As a less developed area, New Lambakheda has claimed their attention in the direction of educational ministry, one of the right means towards development as well as empowerment. They teach in the diocesan English Medium School, which has reached up to class VIII. The Sisters reside in a convent building provided by the diocese; the building is within the school premises. Pastoral and social collaboration will be subsequent tasks of the Sisters. Would- be beneficiaries of their pastoral apostolate are locals as well as migrants from the southern States of India. Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate, another Congregation working in the area have set a trend for social apostolate by opening a school for differently abled children.
Compared to most new establishments of the Congregation, New Lambhakheda offers the Sisters a platter full of facilities as well as avenues. While conveniences stimulate them towards a fruitful mission, avenues beckon them to launch into untrodden paths. Without doubt the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters will see them already as veterans in the next volume of the History of the Congregation.