Diocese: Bareilly

Pioneers: Sisters Susheela Remy, Seema Lobo and Jacintha S

The Second Vatican Council invites the consecrated religious to reach out to the disadvantaged. Education is certainly one of the most effective ways in this regard. The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of the North Province have consciously chosen to extend their services in interior areas of the State of Uttar Pradesh through the ministry of education.

Nawabganj, an underdeveloped village is twenty kilometres north of the Hartmann Health Centre at Bareilly. This densely  populated rural area is characterized by unemployment, illiteracy and therefore poverty. Bishop Anthony Fernandes of the Diocese of Bareilly envisioning the development of this hamlet had started a school in 1996. However, he had not succeeded in obtaining committed teaching and administrative personnel to the school. In this context, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters arrived at Nawabganj on June 30, 2010 at the request of Bishop Anthony.

The newly elected administrative team of the fourth Province Chapter (January 3-5, 2010), after a careful study of the opportunities for mission in the area, sent Sisters Susheela Remy, Seema Lobo and Jacintha S as pioneers to the place. As the residence of the Sisters was not yet ready to inhabit, they resided at the Hartmann Health Centre at Bareilly until June 28, 2010 and attended to the administration of the school and the renovation of the convent. On June 30, 2010 Sr Alice Pinto, the Provincial Superior, inaugurated and Bishop Anthony Fernandes blessed the renovated house.

Currently, three Sisters, namely, Susheela Remy, Roshni Tirkey and Margaret Sanhotra render their service in the School. Besides, they coach the slow-learning children of the neighbourhood. The presence of the Sisters has brought about a qualitative change in the School. The children, staff members, administrator of the diocese and the local people were pleased both with the services and presence of the Sisters. Just as there is an ample opportunity to extend the services of the Sisters to reach out to the marginalized through the apostolate of education, there is also prospect to touch them through socio- medical apostolate. The prospect is a challenge as well. The Sisters will certainly reach out to the people at Nawabganj in assisting them to realize their dignity as children of God.