Diocese: Bombay Archdiocese
Pioneers: Sisters Shalini Lobo, Apoline Pais and Juliet Monteiro
The Holy Trinity Convent at Powai is located in the north eastern part of Mumbai. It is surrounded by Vikroli Hills and close to Powai artificial lake. Once a township, it has now grown to become a commercial and residential hub of Mumbai. Any developed as well as developing territory always leaves behind a section of people that grapples for survival; they are the marginalized of the region and therefore a challenge for mission. Powai itself, as part of Navi Mumbai, a drive at integrating suburbs of Mumbai into the centre and thereby making the suburbs appear as though a metropolitan city, is a challenge for mission.
St Xavier School consisting of classes from Nursery to Pre- University at Powai has been succour to those on the margins of a developing Powai. Fr Rudolph Andrades, parish priest of Holy Trinity church at Powai and Mr Pius D’Souza brother of Fr Gilbert D’Souza, Mangalore Diocese, invited the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters to Powai and to ‘make a difference’ in the School. The Sisters themselves had to have an experience of being in a state of marginality: their residence was a tiny house in a colony at Lakshmiudyognagar, Kanjurmarg, at their arrival in Powai on June 13, 2010. Prior to the arrival of the Sisters Bishop Bosco Penha of Mumbai Archdiocese, had blessed a house. Unfortunately that was not put at the disposal of the Sisters.
In order to make a difference at the School, it was required that the Sisters were equipped suitably. Hence two Sisters who had trained themselves in DEd were set apart for the mission. However, as DEd was not recognized by the Maharashtra Government, Sr Apoline Pais returned to Mangalore to pursue her BEd and later joined the school staff, while Sr Juliet Monteiro began teaching at kindergarten. Sr Shalini Lobo was appointed counsellor in the School. The School comprised a large number of teaching and non-teaching staff, namely, 150. Sr Sharal Lobo who joined the community later was appointed office secretary at the Holy Trinity parish.
The residential area of the Sisters at Kanjurmarg colony was unhygienic. Mr Raphael Sequeira, brother of late Sr Severine Sequeira came to their rescue. He urged the parish priest to offer them a place within the church premises. Consequently, an existing St Vincent de Paul Hall was renovated and offered to the Sisters. Mr Raphael Sequeira generously bore the expenses of the renovation; the Sisters are indebted to him. Their new residence named Holy Trinity Convent was blessed by Fr Vincent Dias; it was inaugurated by Sr Doreen D’Souza, Superior General on May 29, 2011.
The Sisters at Powai have not compromised with their pastoral charism. The Most Holy Trinity parish at Powai consists of 1,500 Catholic families with 4,000 Catholics. While 10% of believers go to the parish church for liturgical celebrations, ninety percent choose to go to the hall at St Xavier School, which is set apart for spiritual activities. This does not suggest any divide among members but rather viability. Sr Shalini Lobo, as a parish council member involved herself in various activities of the parish, such as animating the SVP, visiting families, distributing Communion to the sick, and participating in all liturgical activities. Sr Benny Fernandes, the animator of the community, continues to carry on the responsibilities of the parish since 2012. Catechizing children as well as First Communicants, conducting RCIA Programmes, helping in preparation of the Liturgy at various occasions, training lectors, serving as extraordinary Eucharistic ministers, visiting families, coaching the slow-learning and poor students, attending SCC meetings are regular socio-pastoral exercises of the Sisters at Powai.
The Sisters find that their existence at Powai is fruitful. The parish provides them with opportunities to update their spirituality and theology. Sisters Veena Monteiro and Juliet Monteiro have attended Catechism Training Course for teachers and Liturgy Course, both lasting one year. Currently Sisters Veena Monteiro, Laila Monteiro and Precilla Correa render their services to the parish. The Sisters hope to make the difference they are called in for at Powai.