We had the gathering of our neighbouring poor children to share the Christmas joy. 

December 20,2023 we had sharing of Christmas joy with our rickshaw brotheren. 

Fourteen postulants were initiated for novitiate formation.

Sr. M. Atansha Minz and Sr. M. Priti Kumari consecrated themselves to the Lord through their first profession.

Sr. Asha Arockia, Sr. Smita Xaxa and Sr. Sangita Hembrom made their perpetual profesion on November 30, 2023

Canonical visitation by the Superior General’s to the Province.

November 02- December 06, 2023

“Discovering future path for the Congregation according to the mind of God.”

From August 01-September 27, 2023

Feast of St. Tresa of Child Jesus, the Patron Saint of Novices.

The celebration began with a reflective prayer service organized on 29th at 6.pm evening by Sr. Pushpita. At  7. 45 pm the novices and the sisters gathered together to have a short cultural program. Sisters performed a cultural fusion with life touching message.

Sr. Susanna breathed her last on May 8, 2023 at 1.30 pm, in St. Thomas Hospital, Changanasseri, Kerala. Sr. Susanna, Varanasi province, was on home holidays in Kerala.

Jubilee celebration of our Sisters

We celebrated Christmas with leprosy patients   on 19th November in Sankatmochan. There were almost 120 patients

December 04, 2022 was another day of great importance in our province as six of our postulants. 

 Our three Novices made their first Commitment

Our three junior sisters Sr. Monica Hansda and Sr. Shobha Kindo of Varanasi Province and Sr. Jyoti Kerketta of Ranchi Province made their final commitment.  

Serve, Share and Celebrate.

In view of centenary celebration all  our Schools made a great effert to make known Christ and pay tribute to our Founder Fr. Bodewig.

The third group Charism Retreat was organised in St. Francis Convent, Francispur. Forty eight Sisters attended the Retreat.

Children who are picking up rags in the streets of Varanasi city are brought to St. Mary's Cantt School inthe evening hours daily and given them opportunities to study as well as play. under the leadership of Sr. Neha the superior of the house, Sr. Rosy Sr. Kiran and Ritu take care of their education and Discipline.

Centenary Special:-

We organized one day seminar for the catholic young girls on August 7, 2022.  171 young girls from five hostels participated in it. They were motivated and inspired through motivational talks and spiritual inputs. One hour was allotted for fun and Games. At 5.00 P.M. with the Holy Eucharist the day was concluded and returned home joyfully.

Elderly sisters gathering- July 25th and 26th all our sisters from the profession group 1951 to 1975 gathered at Sanjeevani. They were 34 sisters who participated. Fr.Subhash IMS was the resource person for the Seminar. They had enough time to share their life experiences in their own profession groups.

It was a great joy to share the God’s blessings on our congregation by reaching out to the rickshaw pullers of Varanasi city. July 17th Sunday at 11am rickshaw pullers of Nandeshwer, Cantt Station, Varunapul, Kachahari and Andrapul gathered in St. Mary’s School premise, they were 135 of them.

We the sisters of Varanasi province are very glad to recall the innumerable graces and blessings showered upon our congregation and very especially to our province. On 10th July the opening of the centenary year of our congregation. 

   July 2, 2022 dawned ringing the bells of jubilation. On this day with profound joy & gratitude to God, united with the entire Congregation we inaugurated the centenary year celebrations. The sentiments that knitted together all events of the celebration were the essence of magnificat. Because down these years we have experienced God’s compassionate love and abiding presence along with generous help from the people of good will, in all what we were and we are. We hope for the same in the coming years being ever grateful to God and our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Annual Eduucation meeting of the sisters engaged in education meeting are conducted in Sanjeevani, Bhusaula on May 3. 2022. The resourse person was Former Vice- Chancellor J.P. University Chapara Bihar Dr. Harikesh Singh on NEP, POCSO ACT, Effective teaching learning outcome. 

It was indeed a great moment rejoicing and gladness to celebrate the Golden years of our six angels of God Sr. M. Anupa Toppo, Sr. M. Ella, Sr. M. Grace, Sr. M. Majella. Sr. M. Margaret, Sr. M. Marita and Sr. Janet from Lucknow province joined the celebration. It was a time to remember the faithfulness of God and their response to Him for the last 50 years in Religious Life.

The Enlarge Council Meeting was held on January 24th & February 4-5, 2022. The Superior General Sr. Nanditha Pereira and the team and all the Provincials from seven provinces and mission coordinator from Africa were present for the meeting. The meeting focused on the evaluation of GC 2018 implementation and planning for the inaugural centenary celebration of the Congregation in July 2022 and the meticulous planning for the year of centenary celebration up to 2023.

On 25th December we had  Christmas Celebration with children, in our School Campus long with our Dear  Fr. Cyril  and sisters of St. Mary's Community who took keen interest in distrubing sweets.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news! (Is 52:7)

December 19th ,2021 sharing the christmas joy Leprosy patients

The sudden demise of Sr. M. Sunita SRA Varangalakudiyil has stunned the entire SRA family and many others who had known her as a zealous missionary sister.

December 3, 2021 First profession of our Novices:

November 30, 2021 Final Profession of our Sisters

October 01, 2021  Feast of St. Tresa of Child Jesus, The Patron Saint of Novices.

September 12, 2021   Celebration of the Holy name of Mary:

  05.09.2021    One day with our Tertians

September 01, 2021   Birthday of our Provincial Sr. M. Shruti

August 27, 2021 distributing ration kites to the Rickshaw Pullers. 

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER

VARANASI PROVINCE

THEME : SRA MISSIONARIES - A HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

DATE :16-08-2021 TO 19-08-2021

 VENUE : Sanjeevani,Bhusaula 

On seeing the flood Situation adjacent to our campus, the low lying areas of the Varuna river. 

  July 18, 2021   Jubilee Bells

July 18, 2021 was a great day for us as the Lord blessed our two golden Jubilarians Sr. M. Felicia Puthiaveettil and Sr. M. Gladys Valiyankal to celebrate this day.

‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith’.  2 Timothy 4:7.

 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. (Roman 4:8)

The titular feast of the congregation was celebrated in a simple manner in prayerful preparation with the chain Rosary by the entire province.

Sr. Laetitia was admitted in Nityanand hospital on 4th May with Covid 19 symptoms.  On May 7th 2021 morning she received Holy Communion and since her health condition was deteriorating as the oxygen saturation level was going drastically low she was administered the sacrament of the sick at 11.30 a.m. by Bishop Eugene Joseph. In the afternoon, at 2.30 p.m. leaving everyone in a shock, she left for her Eternal Home in the presence of Dr. Sr. Bennett and community sisters. May her soul rest in peace.

SR. M. YVONNE SRA

After her retirement from 2010 she was teaching English for the IMS brothers at Theresapur for some time and then spent her time in prayer and helping in the house.

Sr. M. Manjusha Minj 

A week ago she was found with the symptoms of Covid and was admitted in Fatima Hospital, Mau. After two days she was discharged for home quarantine. She was recuperating and had no complaints. Last night as usual Sr. Amla served her supper and told her to call her in time of any need and she went to sleep. On May 2nd morning when Sr. Amla went with breakfast she found her motionless. It was indeed a shocking experience for the community and all of us.

‘God Loves a Cheerful Giver’ 2 Cor. 9:7

These words of St. Paul were so vivid in the life of our Sr. Serafina whom the Lord called on April 15, 2021 for her eternal reward in heaven together with all the angels and saints.  Fifty two years of her Religious life was an example of doing good to all the poor, orphans, needy and the visually disable.

February 15, 2021    Final Profession

We thank the almighty God for the blessings of our 4 sisters Sabina Murmu, Leena Kullu, Creepavati  Kujur and Tanuja Toppo for giving them the grace to say the final ‘Yes’ to the Lord by professing the vows forever.

February 02, 2021     Novena to our Blessed Mother in preparation for the feast of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Varanasi

Entry to Postulancy at Chaitanya Dhara, Ledhupur, Varanasi

 ‘Bless the Lord O my soul, bless all that is within me and bless his holy name Ps.103:1

January 17, 2021   Visit of the Superior General

Sr. M. Nanditha Pereira, our superior general made a short visit to Varanasi province.

A Day with the Rickshaw- Pullers

January 09, 2020      

It was indeed a day of joy and gladness that the Lord gave us to share our Christmas joy with the rickshaw- pullers of our locality, our brothers who are less noticed and acknowledged by the society.

   On 25th  December we had  Christmas celebration with children, In our School Campus along with our Dear most  Rev. Bishop Eugene Joseph, Fathers and sisters of  St. Mary's community who took keen interest in distrubing sweets for street children.  

Most Rev. Bishop Raphy Manjaly, the Bishop of Allahabad who was previously the bishop of Varanasi has been appointed as the Arch Bishop Agra Diocese. Who came for the short visit to Varanasi and add joy to our sisters.

December 12, 2020    Golden Jubilee of Sr. Benedicta

It was a day of thanksgiving to God for our dear Sr. Benedicta for the last 50 golden years of her life in our Congregation for the gift of her vocation and mission. The best way to thank God is to offer the Holy Eucharistic sacrifice as it the perfect thanksgiving offering, it is the moment of grace, blessing and transformation.

December 08, 2020   Feast of the Immaculate Conception

We feel proud of our founder Fr. Antonius Maria Bodewig who surrendered our Congregation into the hands of a Mother who is immaculate, full of Grace and the Mother of the only Saviour our Lord Jesus Christ. We feel proud of you Fr. Bodewig that we are your children, we praise God for you for your thoughtfulness to entrust the congregation you founded in the hands of Immaculate Conception who crushes the evil that takes root time to time in our midst.

December 5, 2020           Entry to the Novitiate

December 05, 2020 was another day of great importance in our province as two of our postulants took a courageous step to go ahead in religious life. We are grateful to the Lord for these two Postulants who have willingly accepted to be formed in the SRA way of life, to be molded and shaped into his likeness and to be witnesses of his compassionate love in and through the congregation of the Queen of Apostles Society. We praise the Good Lord who has instilled in them the desire to follow him and be in his service.

December 03, 2020         First profession

It was a great day for the Varanasi Province of the Queen of the Apostles as our 4 novices Anju Susanna Ekka, Nirupama Dungdung, Pomita Kullu and Rupa Kumari made their first commitment along with 9 novices of Ranchi province and one novice of Lucknow province.  

The profession ceremony began at 7.00 a.m. with the procession of the 14 novices carrying objects that symbolizing their life, along with their novice mistress, the three provincials, the priests from Cathedral Parish and Bishop’s house and the main celebrant Rt. Rev. Eugene Joseph, the Bishop of Varanasi diocese.  The sisters and novices of St. Mary’s community, sisters of our formation houses Chaitanya Dhara and Vidya Niketan, Sanjeevani and the other two communities of our parish the adoration sisters and the Catechetical sisters were present to witness the profession ceremony and to pray for the newly professed members of our congregation.  It was a great day for us as we have celebrated the profession of the vows of our novices from three provinces together as one family in the mother province Varanasi. 

November 29, 2020            Renewal of Vows

The renewal of vows was commenced on Nov. 29th at 6.00 p.m. in Chaitanya Dhara in the presence of our provincial superior Sr. M. Shruti, vice-provincial Sr. M. Annvita, Sr. M. Shyamla, the house superior of St. Mary’s Convent and the sisters of Chaitanya Dhara during the Holy Eucharistic celebration.

Rev. Fr. Ranjit IMS celebrated the Holy Eucharist. Through his reflections he challenged and motivated the young hearts to understand the meaning of their call to religious life. Unless we are healed we cannot be healers. To proclaim the Word of God, at first one should be nourished by the Word of the God, listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and submit to God by following the constitutions.  This is possible only when we are united with God constantly through prayer like Mary our Blessed Mother and patroness who accompanied Jesus in his joyous moments, in the most crucial time of pain and suffering and she was with him even when everyone left him.

The Prem Jyoti magazine of Varanasi for the year 2020 was released on 22nd October. The booklet  gives the idea and theme about the vision and the dream of our founder Fr.Antonius Maria Bodewig to bring the Good News of the compassionate Love of God, and to bring about integrated development to the people of India; Liberating them from the bondages of poverty specially during this covid-19 pandemic. In this booklet the sisters have shared their individual thoughts, God experiences and the difficulties of people in the society and their dynamic involvment.

September 12, 2020    Holy Name of Mary

The Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a day on which the inexpressible love of the Mother of God for her Holy Child is recalled.

It was a day of celebration like every year for our novices but this time it was more of spiritual celebration than an external one. It was decided, as many are sick in the house and novitiate and there is sorrow all around we give more importance to spiritual celebration as well as to have some games and fun with the novices during the common meal in the evening with them.

Pastoral Ministry

“Our Vision is Christ centered of an integrated Human Society living in love, freedom, justice, peace and in Harmony with creation” (G.Ch.2012) Fr.Bodewig’s instruction to the 1st group of missionaries clearly shows that the Charism of S.R.A. is same as that of Jesus given to the Apostles ‘Go out into the whole world and fulfill the mandate of the resurrected Savior Do not remain seated in your houses in India but go out into the huts of the natives, into the streets and lanes and open your mouth to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all creation’ (The fall and rise of a grain of wheat Pg.46). I feel happy to see that most of our sisters are convinced of their call as evangelizers and are making every effort to make Jesus known.   

We celebrated the birthday of our Blessed Mother with great love, devotion and joy. This is one of the three birthdays in the Church Calendar — the Birth of Jesus (December 25), the Birth of John the Baptist (June 24) and the Birthday of Mary. All three were born without original sin, although Mary and Jesus were conceived without sin, and St. John was cleansed of original sin while in the womb at the Visitation of Mary.

It was a joyous day for the entire province to celebrate the birthday of our provincial superior Sr. M. Shruti on September 1, 2020.

August 24th, on the occasion of the anniversary of our Bishop’s Episcopal ordination, Rt. Rev. Eugene Joseph celebrated the Holy Eucharistic in St. Mary’s Chapel along with some priests from close by places.

July 01, 2020    Foundation Day

Founders' Day is traditionally a very important day in the life of a congregation where members of the religious family gather together in prayerful celebration to commemorate those who founded the institute with its specific Charism, Vision and Mission and who have bequeathed resources to its development.

We commenced the celebration on June 30th   evening with a well prepared prayer service was arranged by Sr. Shylaja and the youngsters of St. Mary’s community and the novitiate community also joined in all the celebration. It high-lighted their undaunted faith and trust in the Word of God, courage, Loyalty, faithfulness and the sacrifice our founder Fr. Bodewig and co-founders Fr. Paul Sontag, Mother Xaveria and pioneering brothers and sisters made to found, nurture and  develop our congregation and the moral and the spiritual support rendered by Cardinal Innitzer.

It was an occasion for us to thank and praise the Lord for all His wonderful interventions in the life of our congregation through our founders and pioneers. At this event as a province and community Sr. M. Shruti inaugurated the prayer for the centenary celebration. The celebration culminated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Rt. Rev. Eugene

Joseph, the Bishop of Varanasi on 1st July 2020. At the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration Sr. Vivian presented a glimpse on the celebration; why do we commemorate this day Year after year. We just don’t celebrate for the sake of celebration but to praise the Almighty and honour the persons behind our existence here. Deuteronomy 32:7 says “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you; your elders and they will tell you”.  

The Developmental Ministry in Varanasi

Vision

We visualize a society based on the principles of Justice, Equality and Brotherhood

Mission
Achieving structural change and integral development by empowering Dalits, Children, Women, youths and Differently abled in the four districts of Varanasi Diocese through Awareness Building, People’s organization, micro enterprise development and networking

Goal :-To empower the powerless, the dalits, children, women disabled and all who are deprived of fuller life through integral development and structural change.

May 30, 2020      Feast of the Queen of Apostles

We celebrated the feast of the Queen of Apostles with great love and enthusiasm remembering the great event of Pentecost the Birthday of the church. This feast is so significant for us as Our Blessed Mother is the patron of our congregation, we just cannot be without her. If the apostles, the chosen ones of Jesus could not have Pentecost without Mary the Mother of God, how can we be without her, who is just frail beings?

Through the prayer service on the previous evening and through the Holy Mass offered by our Bishop we implored God’s Mercy upon us and beseeched the intercession and constant support of our Mother Mary Queen of Apostles on the entire congregation. We also had a fellowship meal in the evening with our fathers and sisters of the campus.

Renewal of Vows - April 29, 2020  

We thank God for our Five Sisters Sr. M. Creepavati Kujur, Leena Lakra, Reeta Masih, Tanuja Toppo and Sabina Murmu renewed their vows in different communities as they could not come together due to the lockdown related to coronavirus pandemic.

Education gives us a knowledge of the world around us and changes it into something better. It develops in us a perspective of looking at life. It helps us build opinions and have points of view on things in life. People debate over the subject of whether education is the only thing that gives knowledge. All our schools aim at an all round development of the whole person.

Relief work Covid-19

The Bishop, fathers, sisters & novices made thousands of bags with packets of food materials like rice, wheat flour, dhal, oil, soap, biscuits, potatoes, black gram, buns, masks etc. and distributed to the needy at different localities.

International Women’s Day in Ghazipur

Sr. Sadhana, the coordinator of the Women’s Organization of Varanasi diocese organized the International Women’s day celebration on March 08, 2020 at St. John’s School Ground Ghazipur, with the guidance and support of the director of diocesan social service centre, Varanasi. 

Women’s day Celebration district Jail

The women inmates also performed some cultural items to express and to demonstrate their worth as women and mothers. 

The Grotto of St. Mary’s Cathedral has been declared as the pilgrimage centre.

The diocese organized special programme of prayer and devotion to the blessed Mother For two days. People from all mission station gathered here for two days to express their great devotion to the Mother of our God.

 Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sr. M. Susanna & Sr. M. Sushila Kiro,

February 7th 2020

Sr. M. Susanna & Sr. M. Sushila Kiro celebrated their Golden Jubilee of religious life on February 07,2020 at 10.30 a.m. solemnized by Rt. Rev. Eugene Joseph, Bishop of Varanasi in the Cathedral. It was a Jubilation of God’s graciousness for the last 5o golden years of their religious life.

Prison Ministry

Purpose :- To share the love of God

It is a great privilege to be with our brethren who are behind the bars. Every Saturday  we    go to district jail to meet the inmates mainly the women barrack.  It gives immense joy to be their voice and to be a ray of hope to them to re-unite them to their families. We do have health camp for them for the general check-up specially diabetics and BP etc. We have some celebration with the Inmates in three jails District, central and Juvenile Home Republic, Independence day, Ghandi Jayanti, Mahila Divas, Christmas, Raksha bandhan etc. They are also given privilege in the jail for learning the stitching and teaching. Our regular visit to them make us feel our own they to have that sentiments that we belong to them. It has really build –up an bond of love and relationship with the inmates and the officers and working staff there.  Our for them has made an impact on them they themselves ask for prayers and in response they to  promise to help someone once they are released, this sincere promise of theirs make us feel that we are  carrying the message of Jesus. We Pray with them sna for them in the jail they to give their intentions to offer masses. We keep contact with them after their release and pay our visit to their home if possible. For our nourishment we too have monthly recollection, personal sharing of the experiences followed by meeting for all those who are involved in the prison ministry once in two months. It was really a great pleasure to be with them. 

 Sr. M. Shruti, the provincial superior declared Sr. M. Shiji Augustine as the Novice Mistress appointed by the Superior General and the team.  She also thanked Sr. M. Shobita for the last one year of Service as the novice Mistress and thanked her for the effort, the hard work and great sacrifice she made in molding and forming the future members of the congregation. Sr. Shiji was called at the altar and formally entrusted her with the responsibility of taking care of the novices.

We are grateful to the Lord of the harvest who has sent 16 Postulants into the field of the Queen of the Apostles to be molded and shaped into his likeness to be witnesses of his compassionate love. We praise the Good Lord who has instilled in them with the desire to follow him and be in his service. On December 04, 2019 at 6.00 p.m. Sr. M. Shruti the Provincial Superior, the Novice Mistresses and the sisters of both St. Mary’s and Chaitanya Dhara communities and the novices gathered in St. Mary’s Chapel to welcome and initiate the postulants into the novitiate.

December 3rd was an auspicious day for the Queen of the Apostles, Varanasi Province as three of our second year Novices Sr. Alma Ekka, Sr. Promila Tirkey and Sr. Ruby Kumari resolved to commit themselves in the service of the Lord by taking the vow of Chastity, Poverty and obedience for one year. The profession ceremony commenced during the Holy Eucharistic celebration at 7.00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Convent Chapel, Varanasi Cantt. Rt. Rev. Eugene Joseph, the Bishop of Varanasi diocese was the main celebrant. A good number of priests from close by parishes, fathers and sisters from formation houses, the parents, relatives and well wishers of the sisters and our sisters from all our communities joined the ceremony to support them with their prayers and blessings to persevere in their vocation and the promises made to the Lord.

It was indeed a day of joy and thanksgiving to the Lord as Varanasi province of the Queen of Apostles society was privileged to celebrate the Final profession ceremony of our two junior sisters Sr. Sonia Selesta Kiro and Sr. Tara Kumari who resolved to commit themselves to the Lord. They discerned and decided through a period of prayer and intensive preparation to commit themselves to the Lord forever.

We thank God for our sixteen junior sisters who took a courageous step in their committed life by renewing their religious vows to the Lord. They have decided to serve the Lord by renewing their religious commitment and to remain faithful to the call the Lord has given to them.

1.    Sr. M.  Raj Kiran Minj               5.    Sr. M.  Anjali Sikunda Dungdung                  

2     Sr. M.  Emma Rani Tete            6.    Sr. M.  Ranjana Ekka               

3.    Sr. M.  Monica Lakra                 7.    Sr. M.  Punam Lakra                          

4.    Sr. M.  Mary Premika                8.    Sr. M.  Prisca Lakra                                                           

Renewal for 2 years

9     Sr. M.  Shilpa Garasiya              12.  Sr. M. Cecilia Bilung                          

10.  Sr. M.  Smitha Xalxo                 13. Sr. M.  Anu Rajat Toppo                    

11.  Sr. M.  Rosina Hemrom  

(5 Years Professed) For I year 

14.  Sr. M.  Kumudini Beck                                            

15.  Sr. M.  Poonam Tigga                                              

16.  Sr. M. Sr. Pradeepa Besra

The Srs. Raj Kiran Minj, Prisca & Mary Premika renewed their vows at their places of study.                                               

They had three days of preparation in Sanjeevani. Rev. Fr. Ranjit IMS guided them with his inspiring reflections, helped them to make right decision and to live a life worthy of it. Thirteen junior sisters renewed their vows in Sanjeevani during the Holy Eucharist at 6.30 a.m. offered by Fr. Ranjit IMS.   

NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION

JEEVAN JYOTI ASHRAM, BURARI , NEW DELHI

26-29 OCTOBER 2019

As it is the tradition of Youth Commission every third year the Youth Convention is conducted. This year too, the CCBI Commission for youth and the new emerging group of youth Youth for Christ together conducted the National Youth Convention at Jeevan Jyoti Ashram, Burari, and New Delhi. Ten youth (Boys and Girls) participated in the National Convention with the Diocesan Lady Animator Rev. Sr. Alphonsa Gratian SRA. It was again an eye opening and very motivating for the youth of our diocese. They had a good experience which was shared by them in the Bimonthly Satya Sakshi of our diocese. They have grown in their spiritual life after this convention.

 YOUTH COMMISSION CCBI

ICYM NATIONAL CONFERENCE, CHAI, SECUNDERABAD

13-17 OCTOBER 2019

ICYM Commission for the Youth, CCBI, conducted the National Conference at Chai, Secunderabad hosted by the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. Our diocese was represented by Rev. Alphonsa SRA (DYLA), 4 boys and 4 Girls. Frs. Kripal and Shajan and Sr. Vandana FSM were specially invited because they were the participants of the ACT programme held at NBCLC, Bangalore. It was an enriching programme where the whole nation was gathered under one umbrella of ICYM. The regional culture was presented by different regions of the nation through dances, singing and other cultural items. The youth were able to interact with the other youths of the different regions and culture.

It was indeed a shocking experience for Sr. Shruti our provincial superior and all the sisters of Varanasi Province to hear about Sr. M. Ludumila, a second death within a span of three days. God’s ways are not ours; we can only humbly accept His Will.

Sr. Shobhana Fernandes then known as

(LORETTA MARIA FERNANDEZ) left for her heavenly reward on Sept. 13, 2019 at 9.30 a.m. in Nityanand hospital.   From 1991 she was diagnosed as a Schizophrenic patient and later on Parkinson’s disease and was on treatment from various hospitals and doctors. From June 2019 she was admitted in Nityanand hospital under the care of our Sr. Dr. Bennet and other sisters of Nityanand community. She died of a Massive heart attack in the presence of Sr. Bennet, Sr. Lisia, Sr. Imelda and other sisters.

In Sirach chapter 38 claims a divine origin for medical profession. In Mark 5:26 we see Jesus is the healer of body and soul. In our medical profession we experience Jesus Christ as the transcendent source of healing. That fascinates and rejuvenates us even in pandemic, epidemic and sporadic.

Along with the doctors and with nursing aids we five sisters carry out the treatment round the clock. It is amazing to see the patient who are carried and brought by the guardians, walk out by themselves after the treatment. We are enthusiastic  and energetic to take care our sisters who are terminally ill, who are recovering, those who are helpless due to geriatric problems and those who come for surgery and treatment.

Every day we start our work in the Hospital with prayer and inspirations from the word of God. We have intercessory prayer during adoration and special   prayer s for those who are affected by COVID 19. We include patients, their guardians, and all the staffs in prayer that is conducted in the hospital every day.

In 2019 July to 2020 June we treated 18724  patients with various diseases such as gynecological, maternity and infertility problems, water born diseases  and  skin infection. Sr. Dr. Bennet   is proficient to treat and cure these patients along with Dr. Neha.  Dr. Neha realized that Dr. Bennet   is charged by the power of prayer and has the utmost skill   in treatment. She has confident in Sr. Dr. Bennet. Sr. Bennet is fascinated to treat the pediatric, geriatric and the poorest of the poor.

Life skill training programme conduted by Sr.Tessie at Busaula and Hartmanpur

Canonical visitation enables the Superior General or Provincial Superior to foster contact and dialogue with all the sisters, get a clearer view of the individual houses & its mission. Mandated by the Constitution, I began my visitation on August 15, 2019. During my visitation the emphasis was given on To Build a Praying & Joyful Community, that is passionate in proclaiming the Gospel of Compassion to all, especially the poor & the women in distress.To deepen the awareness of living a joyful community, that can primarily come from an encounter with the Lord in prayer. 

National Youth/ Vocation Sunday

4, 8 and 11 August 2019

Vocation Sunday is celebrated in order to motivate the youth to join the religious life. Keeping the theme of the year LAUNCH INTO THE DEEP we the members of the committee of ICYM Varanasi decided to have this celebration at deanery level. It was a great success. Many participants took part in it. Varanasi deanery 150 participants, Ghazipur deanery 180 participants and Ballia deanery around 300 participantsThe participants were welcomed by the Dexco team and three sessions were conducted to motivate the youth.. Various competitions like, Bible Quiz, Drawing, Singing and Dance were held to boost the participants. Thereafter various competitions like, Bible Quiz, Drawing, Singing and Dance were held to boost the participants.

On June 15th, 2019 at 6:30 am Rt. Rev. Eugene Joseph Bishop of Varanasi diocese blessed the chapel and prayed for God's blessings on the community and it's mission.

"Jesus waits for us in this Sacrament of Love."

The parish priest of Benipur  Fr. Ranjit IMS and 3 other priests, Sr. Shruti the provincial superior and the community of St. Mary's and Sanjeevani was present. May the community of Jeevandhara be place of  Love, Unity and of Service.

III Animators and Chaplains Training Programme

2-12 June 2019

NBCLC Bangalore

National Youth Commission CCBI organized a ten day programme from 2nd of June to 12th of June 2019 at National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre, Bangalore for the Animators and Chaplains. Frs. Ajit, Kripal, Brian and Shajan; Srs. Sanjita SRA, Poonam SRA and Vandana FSM participated in the Programme and benefitted a lot. Lot of topics was dealt with, regarding youthlike: life skills, Vocation and career, youth psychology, dynamics etc.

Youth Career and Faith

(Life Orientation Programme)

St. John’s School, Tulsipur, Ghazipur

26-30 May 2019

One of the major programme’s for the youth of the diocese conducted by the Youth Commission is the Life Orientation Programme. This is the source and platform for the youth to join the religious life and to the priesthood. This year too we conducted this programme for five days. It was the joint venture with the Bible Commission of the Diocese headed by Rev. Fr. Sebastian V. and the Youth Commission.  The resources persons were Rev. Fr. C. Thomas, Personality Enhancement, Rev. Fr. AshiwinMacwan SDB Gujarat Province, Rev. Fr. Ashok SDB, Director Youth Commission, Ranchi, Rev. Fr. Puneet SDB, Don BoscoTechnichal School, Lucknow for the career guidance and Personality Development. For the Spiritual Guidance we had a great soul Rev. Fr. Anildev IMS, the Acharya of Matridham Ashram, Mr. Ram Bhai, Nagpur, Mr. Sandeep, Kathgodam, and four Youths from the ashram. It was a great experience for the youth.

"My Soul Magnifies The Lord."

On May 4th 2019 we celebrated the silver Jubilee of religious profession of our sisters Sr.Shruti,Sr. Sheela, Sr. Abhaya, Sr.Veena and Sr. Saumya with their companions from other provinces. A deep sense of gratitude and joy pervaded the entire day. 

" How immeasureably rich He is in Grace"

Dear Sisters we thank you, love you, rejoice with you. We carry you in our hearts. God bless your future mission. May this silver jubilee celeration turn to gold at the service of teh Lord.

The Animation of General Chapter 2018 was organized in five batches in order to impart its spirit,  to motivate and empower every member to continue to live our life and mission with great enthusiasm and commitment. The sisters were very optimistic and open to the practice of spiritual conversation, focus on the core value of the Charism of compassion and Joy, common search for newer ways to fulfill our mission, emphasis on moving out into the peripheries and above all the desire to be rooted in Jesus through prayer, conversion of Heart and discern God's will at any cost.  

February 2nd 2019  five of our Sisters (Sr.Emma, Sr.Esther, Sr.Louisa, Sr.Petronilla and Sr. Serafina) celebrated 50 yers of their Religious life.

On January 30th 2019 our new House at Francispur was blessed By Most Rev.Bp. Eugene Joseph in the presence  of Sr.M. Nanditha Pereira our Suprior General Sr.M.Annie D'Souza the General Counsellor and Sr.M. Shruti newly appointed Provincial Superior. And many Priests, Religious boarders and parishners witnessed this event.

"I have called you by name and you are Mine"

January 28th 2019 was a joyful event in our congregation as our 15 candidates entred into Postulancy in the presence of Sr.Shruti newly appointed Provincial and her team.

Handing over by the outgoing Provincial Team to the newly Appointed Team

YUVA MILAN SAMAROH

ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL TULSIPUR, GHAZIPUR

12-13 January 2019

A two day programme was organized by the Youth Commission and ICYM Committee Varanasi titled Yuva Milan Samaroh. The theme of this Milan samaroh was the Theme of the year LAUNCH INTO THE DEEP. Almost 180 participamnts from various parishes of the diocese took part in it. Many sessions were held. The Regional Team (REXCO) were the resource persons under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Dominic George and Lady Animator Rev. Sr. Darshana FSLG. The highlight of the programme was the Panel Discussion moderated by the Regional Director. The panel members were Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Chandrakant Kumar, Rev. Ranjita SRA, Parents represented by Two of our teachers (husband and wife) and The Regional Youth President.

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto Me.

How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place O Lord

He Looked at them and Loved them

To Proclaim the Compassionate Love of God

Joyful Missionaries of the Gospel                                   

Training of the Trainers

Gyandeep Bhawan, Diocesan Pastoral Centre,

Bishop’s House Ghat Gate, Jaipur

21- 23 November 2018

The Regional Team Conducts every year at least one TOT programme. The theme of the TOT was LAUNCH INTO THE DEEP. The resource person for this TOT was Rev. Fr. Deepak Thomas OCD the present National Director for the Youth Commission CBCI. In this programme only the DEXCO (Diocesan Executive Office) members take part in order to equip themselves for the betterment of the youth groups in their respective dioceses. Thereafter, on the last say there is a council meeting held to look back and prepare strategies for the future and also discussion is done on the forthcoming programmes. Along with the Youth director and Lady Animator of the diocese six members from our diocese took part in it.

Fifty Golden Years of Religious Profession celebrated with a Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist. The main celebrant was Fr. Vijay Shantiraj the parish priest of St. Mary's Cathedral and seven more priests con-celebrated with him. The presence of her two sisters (Sr. Christprabha SRA from Kerela Province and her younger sister Alice) added joy to the celebration. The sisters of our communities participated in this solemn gathering.

Entry to Postulancy on Feb. 2, 2018 at Chaitanya Dhara

Thirteen Candidates came to Varanasi on Jan 16, 2018 after completing the Orientation Programme at Igathpuri. They had three days of spiritual preparation guided by Sr. Nirmala. On Feb. 2, 2018 in the evening prayer Sr. Shiji initiated them to enter into Postulancy making them aware of their vocation and their desire to follow Jesus. Sr. M. Annie the Province Animator and Sr. Bridget were present for the prayer meeting assuring them their prayerful support. It is good group of thirteen postulants. We wish them a happy stay in Chaitanya Dhara.

The loss of Sr. Naveena was a great pain. For Sr. Naveena Varanasi was her home town. She came to spend her holidays with us. We were deeply sorry that we were unable to attend her funeral and wanted to pay our tribute to her and so we celebrated Month’s Mind Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Convent, Varanasi. We invited Francispur, Balbhawan children, who now are married and settled, a few priest and the sisters of neighbouring communities to offer prayers and thank God for Sr. Naveena. It was indeed a memorable day.

“Praise God’s name in song and glorify with Thanksgiving” (Ps. 69:10)

Golden Years of Religious Life of Sr. M. Irene, Sr. M. Laetitia and  Sr. M. Ludumila was celebrated on Jan. 26, 2018. Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist was solemnized by Rt. Rev. Eugene Joseph the Bishop of Varanasi and sixty five priests. The sisters from our communities and other congregation, relatives and friends joined our sisters to thank God. With a hymn of praise the jubilarians were lead by our Jeevan Jyoti students in dance procession to the altar. We joined our sisters to celebrate their love, fidelity, service, and gratitude to the Lord. A short felicitation and a friendly gathering exchanged our hearts gratitude to our sisters.

                                Hearty Congratulations to Sr. M. Irene, Sr. M. Laetitia and Sr. M. Ludumila.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Cor. 3:11

On Jan 20, 2018 we laid the foundation stone construct the convent at Francispur. I thank Sr. Nanditha and her Team for giving us the permission to build a new convent. May your prayers support us to complete our work successfully.

With great enthusiasm fourteen postulants took a courageous step to enter into novitiate on Dec. 8, 2017. The community of St. Mary's welcomed them and they were initiated into the religious life with a prayer service.

The feast of Mary Immaculate Conception marked as the Society Day was celebrated with the school staff and the children.

The long awaited day arrived for our novices Mary Premika Tete and Prisca Lakra. With joy they march ahead to say their first 'Yes' with a theme the Compassion of God impels me...

The Final Profession of Sr. Renuka Kerketta and Sr. Rosy Savrinathan on Nov 30, 2017. The theme selected by them, "From the world for the world" is challenging to live a life of witness.

The annual retreat for the sisters in the province was held in three groups. The retreat was conducted in St. Mary's  Convent, Cantt and Chaitanya Dhara, Ledhupur. The retreat was preached by Fr. John Kusumalayam OP. Through his inspiring talks he invited the retreatants to read their story in the light of the bible story. The reflections on consecrated life were apt and pratical to understand and reflect deeper into its demands of following Jesus Christ and be his witnesses of hope, faith and love.

Animation seminar in preparation of the Tenth Ordinary Chapter for all the sisters conducted in two zones: Varanasi and Balia for six groups by Sr. Annie, Sr. Bridget, Sr. Mabel, Sr. Sadhana, Sr. Uttama, Sr. Vivian and Sr. Shruti. 

Process of Preparation in Provinces

The Animators Meet was conducted to introduce the Plans and Preparation of GC 2018. With great enthusiasm the animators participated in this significant event. They were given a study kit and explained the steps to process the preparation. The Innaugural ceremony began with the Holy Eucharist. Every member of the community were offered during the offetory. The study kit was blessed and distributed to the animators.

The provincial Chapter 2018 held from Feb. 19 to 28, 2018 in St. Mary's Convent, Varanasi Cantt. There were 50 participants for the Chapter. Fr. Francis Chittuparambil OCD was our facilitator.

Chapter is the time to come together in the name of Jesus. It is the vocation within the vocation. Jesus says I chose you. God has definite purpose of his selection. Every selected person has a leading task, a special task and a noble task in the chapter. Let our participation be with the disposition of inner freedom: free from all prejudices, personal agendas, personal preference, groupism,  my attachment and from others.  It is the time for unity and oneness of the province in the practice of Charism and Spirituality of the congregation.

Golden and Silver Bells ring the significant years lived in the mission of the Lord. We wish Hearty Congratulations to you dear Sr. Beatrice Aind, Sr. Alexandra Vadasseril,  Sr. Basilla Xalxo, Sr. Mabel,  Sr. Sadhana, Sr. Treasa,    Sr. Mercia, Sr. Helen, Sr. Shylaja, Sr. Bandana,  Sr. Shobita, Sr. Rosmine & Sr. Neelmani.

The Provincial Chapter conducted from April 10 – April 15, 2015 held in St. Mary’s Convent, Varanasi Cantt. The theme of the chapter ‘Deepening of the Consecrated life and Vocation’

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 Bishop Patrick Paul D' Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Diocese of Varanasi passed away on Thursday October 16, 2014 at 9.45 a.m.

The retreat on ‘Inner Healing and Wholeness’ was conducted for all the animators of Varanasi Province
from July 22 - July 28, 2014 by Rev.  Fr. Jose Prakash at the Shrine of Infant Jesus, Mughalsarai. 

Arrival of S.R.A. missionaries at Gogunda In Udaipur Diocese