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.