Diocese: Nellore
Pioneers: Sisters Precilla D’Souza, Amitha Zacharias and Nakshatra (Candidate)
The name Udayagiri meaning ‘eastern hill’ or ‘hill of sunrise’6 signifies newness. It is located 96 kms from Nellore. Udayagiri Fort commanding a height of 3079 feet boasts of great natural beauty. The hill side has lush vegetation and beautiful waterfalls. The ruined fort is attracting the tourists in a big way. However, the access is only by steps and there is no road to the Fort. During the rule of the Gajapathis and the Vijayanagar Rulers, this town grew to great splendour. Udayagiri is certainly a new beginning in the Diocese of Nellore even though this is the second house of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Two non-tantalizing factors in the mission (especially at Nellore) – scorching heat and a scanty Catholic population in the area dissuade a missionary; however, such marginalizing factors have been always fascinating the Ursuline Fransiscan Sisters in their mission for the Kingdom of God.
The Sisters received an invitation to Udayagiri from Bishop DM Prakasam of Nellore Diocese, through the mediation of Fr Denis D’Souza, the parish priest of Udayagiri. Sr Olinda Sequeira, Provincial Superior, attended efficiently to all the required transactions. The opening of Udayagiri Convent on May 29, 2009 facilitated the dream of the Mysore Province to form a separate zone – ‘Chennai Zone’ in view of facilitating better administration to establishments located away from the administration unit in Mysore.
After studying the situation, the Sisters agreed to render their services for a year on experimental basis. The pioneers, Sisters Precilla D’Souza and Amitha accompanied by Sr Juliana Pinto, Provincial Councillor, received a warm welcome at their arrival at Nellore. In a programme organized at the diocesan level, presided over by the Bishop and participated in by Sr Olinda Sequeira, the Provincial Superior and Sr Juliana Pinto, the Provincial Councillor, the Sisters were welcomed and assured of assistance in all possible ways.
At Present, Sr Hilda Goveas as the head teacher, Sisters Voilet Rodrigues and Veena as teachers, render their service in the diocesan school; Sisters Shanthi D’Souza and Maria Fernandes assisted the Sisters in the school, in the parish church and in activities of the community for three months. Besides their teaching apostolate, the Sisters are involved in pastoral and social apostolate. They visit families and pray with them; they also visit the sick. They take active part in the liturgical services in the parish. They also are in search of a piece of land in order to put up a convent building for their residence. Bishop DM Prakasam of Nellore Diocese has promised to give a piece of land to build a convent.