Diocese: Bareilly
Pioneers: Sisters Jeraldine D’Souza, Irene Pais and Rosy Tellis
The foundation of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in the State of Uttar Pradesh was need-based; it was also people- oriented rather than institution-oriented. The people of Bareilly invited the Sisters through the diocesan authorities to uplift them socially, economically and psycho-spiritually. Immediately after their arrival at Bareilly on February 11, 1977, they engaged themselves in attending to the socio-medical needs of the people. Sr Jeraldine D’Souza, a nurse by profession, assumed the responsibility as a full-timer. Besides catering to people in the make-shift shed provided for them by the Capuchins, the Sisters extended their services to five neighbouring villages of Bareilly.
Over thirty-five years, the make-shift shed has grown to be a full-fledged hospital. An immensely contributive factor in this regard is the financial assistance received from people of goodwill. Bro Julian Crasto OFM Cap was instrumental in obtaining the required funds. Sr Edilburga Monteiro, the Superior General, inaugurated the hospital on November 13, 1999.
As a stepping stone towards the growth of the Health Centre, a doctor has been appointed since 1999. The number of patients has been increasing remarkably. An operation theatre and laboratory was installed in 2001. A lab technician has been appointed. These amenities facilitate attending to even complicated health cases, which otherwise were directed to the city hospital. Several medically equipped Sisters namely, Jeraldine D’Souza, Concepta Pinto, Gracilda Dias, Monthi Martis, Carmine D’Souza, Julia Noronha, Christine D’Souza, Lilly Monteiro, Sushma Ekka, Cecilia Geeta, Vidya Lopez, Victoria D’Souza, Sunita Roshni Minj and Reshma Fernandes have revealed the compassionate face of Christ to the sick at Bareilly through genuinely personal care.
Health ministry is not restricted to attending to the ailing people arriving at the hospital. The Sisters conduct outreach programmes such as MCH programme, Dai Programme for women, antenatal check-up, vaccination, Polio drop and DOT (Directly Observed Treatment). People are highly appreciative of the service of the Sisters. In 2004 ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwife) training programme was initiated. The first batch consisted of ten students. They are trained by doctors and nurses – they obtain practical knowledge regarding general medicine, hygiene, sanitation, health and nutrition. The Sisters conduct health programmes in seven villages through the assistance of ANM students. Those who complete the Course secure jobs in clinics and hospitals.
The Hartmann Health Centre has launched out concretely into rural areas of Bareilly through socio-political apostolate in 2002. Sisters Gracilda Dias and Christine D’Souza deserve a mention in this regard. They moved out to five neighbouring villages. They appointed health workers, who could also conduct adult education programme in villages. Self-help-groups began to take shape. As the apostolate was flourishing, the Sisters appointed animators and supervisors. The diocesan social work centre, Suchetana, collaborated to a large extent in the outreach programmes of the Bareilly community. Sr Maria Jyothi D’Cunha, a trained Social Worker (MSW), coordinated the socio- political apostolate. Awareness programmes are conducted through seminars and through the mediation of folk arts such as, puppet shows, Nukkad (Street Play) dramas etc. The SHGs formed in villages have become means of empowerment to women; women fight for their rights and obtain their due.
In 2002, the Sisters celebrated the silver jubilee of their presence in North India. As the founding house of the Province, Hartmann Community Centre was chosen for the occasion. Selfless good work of the Sisters rendered for twenty-five long years in the service of the marginalized at Bareilly and in surrounding areas was certainly a cause to celebrate.
The Sisters continue to serve the people with the same zeal and commitment. Currently, two Sisters are involved in teaching at St Fidelis School and four Sisters are actively involved in socio- medical apostolate. The Sisters involve themselves actively in the pastoral activities of the parish church as well. They catechize, prepare children for reception of the sacraments, regularly visit families, and involve themselves in youth ministry. Through these activities they facilitate the faith formation of people. The presence of the Sisters is felt strongly in the parish especially on occasions such as St Monica Day, Family Day, and Parish Day. Thirty-five years of selfless service of the Sisters in the place has not gone in vain. It is bearing fruit in abundance.