Diocese: Mysore
Pioneers: Sisters Alphonsa Fernandes, Asha Pannekar, Vanitha Teena D’Souza and Diana Rego
Mysore Province had to go a long way to claim a structure as its official administrative unit – Provincial House. Maria Niketan, Bogadi had efficiently shouldered the responsibilities of a Provincial house from 1998 until 2003 (1992-1997 it was Regional house). It has to be admitted that organizing activities such as administration and formation programmes of the Province, running a school and dispensary, and managing a religious community – all within a site of 6.38 acres of land can be sometimes taxing. Moreover, a growing institution like the Mysore Province demands a composed atmosphere, which facilitates governance with right discernment. In order to ensure that tranquillity, Maria Kripa was brought into being on April 5, 2003.
On November 8, 2001 the Province bought a readymade structure measuring 20“x 70“square feet at Puthali Park, Mysore. It was registered in the name of the President, Ursuline Franciscan Society, Mysore®, represented by Sr Jyothi Fernandes, the Provincial Superior. Fr Lawrence D’Mello OCD (Provincial Superior) was instrumental in finding the place. It was blessed on December 11, 2001 by Fr Edwin Colaco OFM Cap. Sisters Alphonsa Fernandes, Asha Pannekar, Vanitha Teena D’Souza and Diana Rego were the pioneers of this house.
On April 5, 2003 the house was erected as the Provincial House; it was named Maria Kripa. Sr Jyothi Fernandes inaugurated the house and Bishop Thomas Antony Vazhapilly blessed it. Sr Angeline Sequeira, the Councillor General for land and building read the Decree of Erection on behalf of the Superior General, Sr Edilburga Monteiro. The new Provincialate had its first meeting on April 6, 2003 headed by Sr Jyothi Fernandes along with the Provincial Team – Sisters Leena Mascarenhas, Lily Fernandes, Emily D’Souza and Apoline Cordeiro. The house was officially occupied by the Provincial team on May 1, 2003. Sisters Cressy D’Souza, Violet Pinto, Genevive Pinto and Vanitha Teena D’Souza formed part of the Maria Kripa community assisting the administration team. The succeeding Provincial teams have been residing in the house along with the assisting Sisters. Amazingly, during the period of 2003 and 2013 Maria Kripa has welcomed four Provincial Superiors!
As Maria Kripa is on the outskirts of the city of Mysore, the Sisters join the Apostolic Carmel Sisters for Eucharistic celebration at St Joseph Convent, Bannimantap. The Capuchin Friars and diocesan priests celebrate Eucharist in the chapel of Maria Kripa on weekly basis and on special occasions. No doubt, Maria Kripa is an administrative unit of the Province. However, the Sisters have not sidelined the charism of the Congregation. They catechize at St Jude Thaddeus parish, BM Shree Nagar, Mysore and Virgin of the Poor parish, Bannimantap, Mysore. The earnest prayer of all the Sisters is that all those who reside at Maria Kripa represent good governance to those within and be Christ bearers to those without with the aid of our Heavenly Mother.