Address

Maria Villa Convent,
Laxmipara, Jubatara,
Lembuchera P.O. Agartala – 799 210,
Tripura West.

Address

FSM Sisters, Anbu Illam,
Holy Cross Church,
Keezha Manakudy,
Kanyakumari Dt., 629 602
Tamil Nadu

Address

FSM Sisters, Anbu Illam,
Holy Cross Church,
Keezha Manakudy,
Kanyakumari Dt., 629 602
Tamil Nadu

Assisi Nilaya

In May 1971, Mother Marie Marguerite, the then Regional Superior, began a new community in the archdiocese of Bangalore, in a rented house near NBCLC. The purpose of this new venture was to provide better opportunities for the spiritual, religious and academic formation of the young women joining the congregation. Thus, they would also give their services to the local church and society in accordance with their charism.

In October of the same year a property with a modest house named Assisi Nilaya located on 2, Palmgrove Road, Assisi Nilaya continues to be a house for the formation of the young sisters as much as a centre for the other Sisters. Besides it serves as:-

Study House for sisters doing various courses

Retreats, Seminars, Meetings

Health Centre for those needing advanced

Our Missionaries coming home for holidays

the sisters have rendered their services to St. Mary’s Orphanage of the diocese and also to the National Holy Childhood Office in the early years. At present our services continue in the following mission

Teaching Catechism in the Parish

Pastoral visits to the sick and aged in hospitals and their homes,

Ministering the Eucharist

Visits to the slums

Visits to the homes for the aged

A crèche for the poor domestic workers’

Our Mission and Charism as FSM is thus fulfilled in reaching out to the poor,those in need and making hospitality our watchword to all people.

No of Religious : 6

Services

Mother Marie Eugenie and Gabriel Marie left Krishnagiri and went to Farangipet – Mangalore in October 1946. They remained in Mangalore for six months with the intention of opening the novitiate. During this period, there were several vocations from Mangalore and Kerala. Mother Marie Eugenie undertook the formation of these young women. In May 1948, the first group of postulants received the holy habit and began their canonical year. In May 1950, the first Indian sisters. In 1949 Mother Marie Marguerite became the Novice Mistress and Mangalore remained the place of formation for 10 years.

Oh! January 7, 1990 was an exceptionally remarkable day for the Region and those who have been part of the exodus. It marked the blessing and inauguration of the new novitiate, ‘Nava Jeevan’ by Archbishop Alphonse Mathias and Madagascar Bishop Armand. On the same occasion nine novices made their first profession. Srs. Stephany, the animator, Annie the Novice Mistress, Monthi D’Souza and 19 novices began their new life.

The focus was not only on the spiritual aspects of the novices’ life but also on the proximity of the poor. At that time, the FSM undertook peoples’ involvement activities. The voiceless and the penniless were our greatest concern. Novices visited the villages, conducted exposure programs, involving themselves actively in the parish work at Kodathi. In 1992, with the presence of Sr. Elise Mary, a nurse and social worker, we were able to do much more for the people. Villagers were delighted by the Mobile Medical Camp, Immunization Camp, Health Education, Awareness Programs, Self Help Centres, Youth Clubs, Children’s Club, Organization for Women, etc. Prayer – Work – Charity – we endeavoured to live it fully. In 1994, Sr. Suchita became the Novice Mistress and she carried on this noble task until May 2003. She was followed by Sr. Rosary who shouldered the responsibility of heading the novitiate. At present, Sr. Rosy is the animator, Sr. Rosary, the Novice Mistress and Sr. Chanda from Varanasi Province assists in the task of formation of the young girls. There are 13 novices – 4 second years and 9 first years of two provinces.

No of Religious : 10

Services

Mahila Pragathi Kendra (M.P.K), the Social Service Centre is situated at Carmelaram, 25 kilometers away from Bangalore. Sister Elise Mary, a social worker catered to the needs of several villages of that area while residing at Carmelaram. Thus, the Social Service Centre at Carmelaram was constructed and blessed on the December 8, 1999 in response to this need for a Centre for helping the villages and for the integrated formation of the novices.

Srs. Elise Mary, and Rekha were the pioneers of the M.P.K community and after six months Sr. Marie Rose joined them. The services that the centre involved in are: women empowerment and development, organizing and monitoring and crèches for the domestic helpers’ children. The sisters are involved in the uplift of rural people, their health status, and eradication of illiteracy and promotion of non-formal education. Various income generating activities like tailoring, embroidery, agarbathi, rabbit rearing, etc are encouraged. The sisters collaborate with other Non-Governmental and Government Organisations and fulfil the objectives both in slum areas and in the villages.

At present there are 5 crèches in the slum area. Self Help Groups, a boon to the poor working women have been initiated. There is a proposal to begin training programmes in the use of automated sewing machines with help from the Government.

Domestic Workers welfare Home , Bangalore

Address

Virginie Nivas No. 106,
1st Cross Shushruthi Layout,
Basapura, Electronic City P O 560 100,
Bangalore.

Tel: (080) 25743464,
Mob: 9448244398.

No of Religious : 2

Services

VIRGINIE NIVAS
FULFILLING SMALL DREAMS

Imbibing the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, namely, to re-discover the raison-detre of the Congregation of the Franciscan Servants of Mary, Sr. Nisha felt called to work for the welfare of the domestic workers in Karnataka, as intended originally by our Foundress. this inner call was reverberated by the concrete request by then Provincial, Sr. Paula, who not only encourged her, but also left her free for this special social involvement with the movement of the Domestic Workers, which was gracefully supported by Sr. Jeanne Devos I.C.M.

In this sense, 2002 marks an important turning-point in Sr. Nisha’s life. It was in September that year that she started coordinating the work of the movement in the state of Karnataka. The Karnataka Domestic Workers Movement (KDWM) began in 2002 with Sr. Nisha as its State Coordinator with the charism spirit of the Franciscan Servants of Mary. It began as an extension of the works of the National Domestic Workers Movement which is engaged in advocacy programs in other States of India. Now in Karnataka it is spread to other districts other than Bangalore, like Kolar, Mysore, Mandya, Shimoga, and Chikmangalore. Presently it is functioning under the care of this community with the following objectives:

Educate domestic workers about their rights and duties as workers
Empower domestic workers to fight for their recognition, identify their common, work- related issues and seek solutions through various groups.
Provide medical and legal aid for domestic workers
Advocate for the acknowledgement of domestic work as a respectable occupation by the public, employers and the Government.
Campaign and lobby with the Government to enact laws for the protection of the rights of domestic workers including better treatment, wages, benefits and social security schemes.
Facilitate proper work contracts for domestic workers to ensure fairness from their employers.
Restore rights of children in domestic work and provide them with opportunities to create a positive future through residential care and education.

No of Religious :15

Services

The invitation of Fr. Urbain “come to Mangalore” materialized with Mother St. Césaire and two sisters coming to Mangalore. They were given hospitality at the Great Carmel and visited Most Rev. Victor Fernandes, the then Bishop of Mangalore. Nazareth home and Miss Martha Coelho, the directress who introduced the maids to the sisters and explained their work to them. The sisters decided to come to Mangalore and take care of the maids and their apostolate.

In January 1947 they changed their domicile to Nazareth Home as advised by the Bishop and shared the work of the maids and visiting the hospitals and ministering Holy Communion. Damian Leper Home was also part of their ministry along with sweets preparations and washing linen of the seminarians to eke out their living.

A group of ladies of Mangalore had started a school of Applied Home Science and wished to hand it over to an Institute. Hence, we accepted to continue this work along with the ladies and other well wishers who helped us. A hall was added to the existing house to run the school.

God answers prayers in his own time. Young girls who knocked at our door were received on 22nd August – feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It was a day of great joy for all. The language problem was solved by learning English; hence the postulancy began on 21st November. Rev. Fr. Charles Sequeira and Fr. Cyril ofm. Cap. instructed them daily on their religious life.

A hostel was opened at the request of the Home Science as also college students in 1951. In September 1953 the first Kindergarten of Mangalore was opened – the need and urgency of the request led us to accept it. At present we have more than 400 students from Pre-K.G. to U.K.G.

In October 1967 a new building was erected to house the growing number of children of K.G.The sisters also take active part in the parish, ministering communion at several Masses, attending the S.C.C. gathering, visiting families, the sick and the aged. The spirit of St. Francis and Marie Virginie are fostered thereby witnessing the Gospel values of welcoming and sharing, hospitality too.

In 2003 the Domestic Workers’ Movement was started – a continuation of Marie Virginie’s work and at present it has 38 SHGs. Regular visits to these peoples’ homes, a meeting every month to educate them on their rights and duties help us to reach out to the poorest.

No of Religious : 15

Services

The Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, Rt. Rev. Doctor Basil D’Souza, invited the FSM to Vittal to launch out into the deep. It was on May 31, 1964 that the sisters landed in Vittal and stayed in a rented house. Sr. Alphonsa, Sr. Agnes Mary and Sr. Coletta pitched their tent and with enthusiasm began the work of education. They also helped the parish in faith formation attending SCC meetings and other activities. At present two sisters are working in the aided school and one sister is rendering her service in the unaided school.

The convent was built in 1965 on the land, donated by the Bishop, close to the school. In 1967 the tailoring school was started on the verandah of the convent. The project of the Centre was sponsored by Mr. John Delattre, a benefactor from France. Other subjects like craft and embroidery were also taught so that the young girls were equipped with skills for their future life.

It is mostly the middle class and the poor that were served after the example of Marie Virginie. At present the Muslim population is the largest community and they benefit from our services, especially education and skills development such as tailoring.

Assisi Nivas , Nainadu – South Kanara

Address

Assisi Nivas,
Nainadu P.O. – 574 233,
Via Punjalkatte,
S. Kanara,

Telephone: (08256) 204384,
Mobile: (0) 9449954581.

No of Religious : 3

Services

Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Basil D’Souza invited the sisters of Franciscan Servants of Mary to render their service in St. Joseph’s Higher Primary school- Nainadu. The total number of students in the school then was around 400.

The Franciscan Brothers were kind enough to accommodate them in an already existing house in their campus.

The pioneers with Sr. Lawrentia as superior, Srs. Flavia and Fathima occupied their abode on June 16, 1993 and started their missionary work. It was difficult to manage the existing school which was understaffed having only 3 teachers for 7 classes. Trusting in God’s Providence the sisters began to teach in the school. Later, Sr. Helen D’Souza was transferred from Vittal to Nainadu to shoulder the responsibility of Headmistress. The Sisters involved themselves more relevantly for the all round development of the school and children.

The long awaited dream came true on April 16, 1995. The foundation stone was laid for the convent building. By the grace of the Almighty and the good will of donors’ the construction work was soon completed.

On May 16th, 1996, the new convent was blessed by the late Rev. Dr. Basil D’Souza.

Besides the school work, the sisters try to live Christ’s message of love, compassion, and truth through their apostolate. They actively participate in the catechetical and pastoral ministry of the area. Thus the mission at Nainadu is gradually flourishing in the midst of certain inconveniences like transport and lack of electricity.

No of Religious : 4

Services

The community of Karunalaya was started on June 6, 1978 at Gokarn in the parish of Our Lady of the Sea. The mission assigned to the sisters was parish ministry, faith formation, visits to families, health ministry, social work specially geared towards the poor young girls of the surrounding villages, to train them in home science and for self employment through small scale industry.

The Grihini School, mainly for drop outs prepared the girls for their future role as mothers and also gave them skills in rearing poultry, rabbits, gardening, that they could use as income generating projects along with their role as home makers. The number of girls attending it however lessened gradually as the need for education and domestic work increased.

The dispensary with Sr. Loreta, a qualified doctor and later assisted by a lay doctor was the need of the hour for all the neighbouring villagers, who until then had to go to Ankola for treatment. Having six beds, the doctors conducted deliveries with follow-ups for pregnant women. Many people have experienced the compassion and the healing touch of Christ through the FSM.
Under the able guidance of Sr. Anthonia, the first animator, the enthusiastic group of five sisters lived poor among the poor and reached out to those who were in need.

Thus, Karunalaya became a people’s home, an abode of Love and Karune- mercy. Several sisters have given their services generously thus building the people in various ways. Each one strives to be faithful to the charism and mission of the congregation.

In 1986, the aspirantate was shifted from Mangalore to Gokarn. This gave a spiritual boost and a youthful presence all around especially at the Parish. It is an opportunity for the young aspirants to grow in love and freedom at their own pace, in an atmosphere close to beautiful mother nature and in the vicinity of the poor. In 2009, we shifted our postulancy to Gokarn and the aspirantate to Assisi Nilaya.

St. Joseph’s Convent , Karwar

Address

St. Joseph’s Convent,
Kajubagh,
Karwar – 581 301,
North Kanara,

Telephone: (08382) 226519 ,
Mobile : (0) 9859985363.

No of Religious : 6

Services

It was to this town in North Kanara – locally known as Uttara Kannada, that we were invited to set up a house by the most Rev. William L. D’Mello, the first Bishop of the newly carved diocese from the Diocese of Gulbarga and erected as Diocese by the Pope Paul VI in January 1976.

In answer to the request of the Bishop, late Mother Marie Marguerite, the then Regional Superior opened the fraternity in September 1979. Sr. Loretta, the animator and doctor cared for the patients coming to the clinic while Sr. Elise Mary; Staff nurse attended on the patients and also coordinated the Mother and Child health programme. Sr. Marie Rose gave her services to the Family Service Centre as Secretary and also to the Youth group in the parish. Sr. Jessy, a teacher rendered her services in the parish and community. Sr. Paula was appointed as the Project Officer of the diocesan Social Service Centre.

The presence of the sisters in the Kajubagh parish, their service in the church and school, the family visits, gave new life to the local people. The number of students in the school increased steadily and the quality of faith and family life improved along with a greater awareness of their rights and duties.
Our apostolate is now centered in the diocesan school which has classes from the Kindergarten to Higher Primary. Our presence is recognized for building the future generations in the Parish, especially in faith formation, animating adult groups as CWC, etc.

No of Religious : 14

Services

It was on November 28, 1934 that the missionaries set foot on Indian soil and on Nov. 29th they reached Krishnagiri. The Bishop of Salem gave them a plot of land and a house as living quarters as well as the small dispensary and a primary school which were catering mainly to the needs of the poor to start their activities. The school was maintained by public donations and contributions from Parents.

Mother Marie François, a stalwart in the development of St. Clare’s School began her mission by going round the streets of Krishnagiri and into the homes of people in search of students. She would come back everyday with a small group of children holding each others’ hands. Krishnagiri was backward in the field of education and this initiative slowly but surely enlightened the parents and the number of children increased gradually.

Up to 1982 the Community was together and it was bifurcated on 30th Nov 1982 to facilitate better functioning according to the apostolate. Thus our Community was formed as St. Clare’s School Community. Today, the campus of St. Clare’s is like a bee-hive with the students of 3 different schools namely: The Primary School and the Higher Secondary in the vernacular medium and another Primary school with English as the medium of instruction. Through our apostolate of education we train the young to meet the challenges of life, to create the family spirit and sensitivity to the poor, compassion for the weak and empathy for the disadvantaged. Children in the age group of 3 to 18 are educated. The poor and the less privileged have always found a place in our schools.

In the parish, the FSM share the joy of the parish team in proclaiming the Good News through faith formation, services at the sub-stations and other parish activities. A few economically weak students are given free education to enable them to become in turn skilled bread winners of their families. Domestic workers are also helped in their difficulties. Thus, the charism of our Mother Foundress and the congregation keep the lamp lit by our first sisters burning over the last 75 years.

No of Religious : 17

Services

On November 29, 1934 the pioneers set foot on the holy soil of Krishnagiri. Along with the parishioners, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Harou M.E.P, of revered memory, welcomed the Sisters whole heartedly. The innocent children, the young and aged men and women, poor and marginalized gathered together to welcome the sisters with a glow in their eyes, longing in their hearts, expressed their love and respect

Sensing the needs of the local people, Mother St.Cesaire and Sr. Antonie Marie started the dispensary in a small separate building with bare minimum infrastructure and facilities in 1935. Yes, with their eyes speaking the language of love, their hands extended with a healing touch, their feet walking to the remote villages treating all types of diseases and dressing the wounds of the leprosy patients their routine was broken only by the need for prayer. Further Sr. Madeleine Paris, Sr. Marie Agnes and Sr. Therese Marie continued this noble work with much fervour, visiting the villages on foot or by bicycle.

Today this small town of Krishnagiri has become a district of Tamil Nadu and belongs to the diocese of Dharmapuri. And this little dispensary has become a 100 bedded, multi speciality hospital, one of the biggest hospitals of the locality where rich and poor alike are treated, well cared and respected equally. The hospital has 2 operation theatres, well equipped laboratory, X-ray department, Pharmacy, Scan facilities, etc…
Along with the sisters there are 53 Staff, 5 residential doctors and 6 consultants working here. The entire community works together to bring healing to the society.

• Apart from the hospital mission they do have an extension programme of reaching out to the remote villages every week in a mobile clinic with the doctors and staff along with the N.G.Os.

• Once in two months they do participate actively in the D.S.S. Medical camp conducted by the CHAD.

• Every Saturday they visit the women’s sub jail and interact with them, offer some moral and health education, and conduct games thus giving meaning to their lives. On special occasions we distribute gifts, food and conduct games and encourage them by giving prizes.

• Our sisters take active part in the parish activities like teaching catechism, singing, etc…We educate 12 poor students both boys and girls from LKG to 12th Std.

No of Religious : 13

Services

Rev. Fr. Jusseau, M.E.P, was one of the stalwarts whose inspiration became action in building the little village of Elathagiri. At his invitation, the sisters from Krishnagiri – just 9 kilometres away – began to run a dispensary every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The paternal concern of Fr. Jusseau was shown when he offered us a room to run the dispensary and also provided meals for the day.

Fr. Jusseau’s ambitions were many. He built the convent – a souvenir of his Silver Jubilee. The convent was blessed on July 16, 1953 and placed under the protection of St. Francis. He went a step further in responding to the request of the parents to build a boarding house for the children thereby contributing to helping raise the educational standard of the school children. At the beginning, the sisters’ refectory served as a boarding house. Later a new building was erected for girls and then for the boys. At present there are 130 young girls in the hostel and 170 in the boarding house who enjoy the comforts provided along with the guidance, care and discipline offered by the sisters.

Two sisters were appointed as teachers in the parish school. A separate section was made for the girls, and the sisters were placed in-charge of it. Education provides a great opportunity to mould the children and the sisters continue the Mission of educating the young and sharing in the pastoral activities of the parish.

God’s healing mission continues through the 13-bedded dispensary built in the campus. A new dispensary has taken the place of the old, smaller one with a resident doctor. Many are the people who have experienced the compassion and devotedness of our sister nurses, night and day.

Our Lady’s Convent , Mathagondapalli -Krishnagiri

Address

Our Lady’s Convent,
Mathagondapalli P.O. – 635 114,
Krishnagiri Dt.,
Tamil Nadu,

Telephone: (04347) 237201, 237136
Mob:(0) 9047570726 ,
Hospital: 237155,
E-mail: olcmadagondapalli@yahoo.com.

No of Religious : 14

Services

In 1937, in response to the invitation of Most Rev. Henry Prunier, the then Bishop of Salem. The three pioneers were sent to Mathagondapalli Namely Sister Antoine Marie, Sister St. Paul and Sister Marie Joseph.

At that time hygiene and health care, literacy rate as also the faith of the people was very low. There was a huge task ahead but nothing daunted the spirit of our sisters. They walked miles and miles distributing medicine to the sick, picking up unwanted children thrown on the wayside and caring for them. The first child they admitted was named Angeline and thus started the orphanage on August 14, 1937. A small dispensary was started on August 5, 1937. In 1960, they extended their service to Mathigiri once a week. Visualizing the need of establishing a small hospital, Bishop Selvanather offered the land while Misereor constructed the present Lourdes Hospital opened on February 11, 1971 with 25 beds, better equipped for a greater service. Today, this healing ministry is carried out by the sisters along with a resident doctor and other lay staff, both professionally and technically qualified.

Sr. Jacintha began a non-formal school to fight illiteracy by sitting under a tree, ringing the bell and offering sweets to attract the children grazing cattle nearby, her perseverance and endurance triumphed. Two schools with Tamil and Telugu as the medium of instruction were opened on November 30, 1957. Today there is a Primary School with 600 children and a High School which was upgraded in 1987 with 760 children. With her indomitable will power and courage and big strides Sr. Eugène Marie walked miles and miles each day to collect grains to feed the destitute children. Today, the Indira Gandhi Home – the Home for Children shelters 126 children under the able guidance and selfless service of Sr. Marie Benoit who not only cares for the children but also ensures their education through sponsorship programmes.

In 1984, Sr. Elise Mary initiated the Community Health Program, a Mobile Clinic and an Awareness Program. Self-employment schemes were introduced along with M.C.H and vaccination programme. Food from Caritas was distributed besides classes for mothers to educate them in child care and child welfare. The sisters assist the parish team in faith formation, through catechism classes, associations, family visits and conducting prayer services.
There is also an effort made to reach out to the young girls through the tailoring classes. They are helped to buy sewing machines at a discounted price.

St. Joseph’s Convent , Tiruchengode-Namakkal

Address

St. Joseph’s Convent,
Tiruchengode,
Namakkal Dt. – 637 211,
Tamil Nadu,

Telephone: (04288) 284600,
School: 283600,
Mobile (0)9976562662.

No of Religious : 11

Services

In response to the request of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. S. Arokia Samy, and the people of Tiruchengode, three Sisters of the FSM: Srs. Paula, Therese Francis and Mathilda arrived in this town on June 1, 1974. In the same year, Holy Angels’ School was started to cater to the education of the surrounding areas. This school, established primarily for the education of the Catholic students, welcomes students of all other religions too, imparting holistic education to the children its care. Up to 1994 it was only till VIIth standard and in the year 1996 upgraded to high school and high school was shifted to Neikarapatti in 1997. In 2006 again upgraded to Higher Secondary school. Today this school renders its service to 2332 students both boys and girls.

At present there are eleven sisters in the community. They have taken up parochial works such as teaching catechism, visiting families, sacristy work, leading and guiding the Legion of Mary and Anbiams (Basic Christian Community), attending parish council meetings, helping the sick, the poor and needy and taking free tuitions for the poor children.

Apart from the parish work the Sisters also go to the sub-stations which include: Kumaramangalam, Karuveppampatti, Hemapalli, Animoor, Chinnathambipalayam, Moorur, Vattur and Karattupalayam.
Sisters visit families; motivate them to participate in the Eucharistic celebrations and help the sick, the poor and the needy. They also teach catechism to the children and prepare them for the first Holy Communion and Confirmation.
There are several Catholic children in the school and to encourage them to study well almost all of them are given a fee concession. Other poor children are also given, free education, books, uniforms etc.

No of Religious : 4

Services

It is in this mountainous region that the Lord was beckoning the FSM ever since we set foot at Salem. It was a fertile vineyard to work for the poor coolies of the coffee estates. In 1969 an invitation to take up the ESI hospital at Craigmore was welcomed and Srs. Mary Helena, Philomena and Prabha gave their services at the initial stage. The hospital was run as per the directions of the estate managers.

When the novitiate was in Salem, the novices had the grace of living for a month with the coolies in 1972 and 1973. Thanks to the goodness of Rev. Fr. Solomon, the manager of the Pondicherry estate, a bungalow was placed at our disposal and the exposure program was organized with the novices.

The contract with the diocese was for a period of five years at the end of which due to some inevitable reasons terminated in 1974

Later, the need of an implantation in Yercaud was felt and it was Most Rev. Bishop Singaroyan who accepted our desire to work there. On August 7, 2004, Srs. Mary Helena, Anthony Cruz, and Amalorpava Mary reached their new house and started the new mission. A little bungalow with a piece of land around it was bought and situated as it is on the top of the hill was named ‘Alverna’. At present, this house is shared by the sisters and 13 tribal children who go to a nearby school. The children are happy to find shelter, food and clothing with the loving care of the sisters..

Tribal women are taught tailoring and also participate in awareness programs. One of the sisters gives her services to the parish, in faith formation and other activities while one of them is employed as a warden in the hostel run by the Montfort Brothers.

The refrain of St. Francis: “Praise God for Sister Nature.” His spirit and the charism of Mother Foundress whose heart went out in compassion to the poor is a grace that is being lived at Alverna, meeting the challenges faced here.

Address

Vimala Nilaya,
Door No: 10A,
Plot No: 72,
Vinayaka Koil Street,
Teachers’ Colony,
Chennai – 600 118,

Telephone: (044) 25520381,
Mobile: (0),09789031870,
E-mail: fsmchennai@rediffmail.com.

No of Religious : 7

Services

In 1978, the FSM was invited by the ‘Swallows of India’ through the good offices of Rev. Fr. Alex Tuscano, ofm, for a term of three years. In 1962 this project began to work for the slum dwellers in various fields: education of children, adults, medical care, craft centre, faith formation and also day care centre for the little children. Having no domicile nearby, the sisters, Mary of the Child Jesus, Anna Maria and Virginie pitched a tent near Stella Maris College. All the schemes where the sisters worked were sponsored and they gave themselves whole-heartedly to their mission.

Fr. K. P Joseph put up a building at the disposal of the sisters for their use and they were given full charge of the Kindergarten and also the Good Samaritan school. The convent building was erected on December 31, 1992 and blessed by the then Archbishop Casmir Gnanadicam on December 28, 1993. There was a small celebration with priests and sisters along with the FSM from the whole province.

Life at Vimala Nilaya continues with more and more children knocking at their door. The sisters endeavour to witness the charism of St. Francis and our Foundress to the children, parents and all those they encounter by sharing God’s life of love and compassion.

Arul Illam , Surandai -Tirunelveli

Address

Arul Illam,
Surandai – 627 859,
Tirunelveli Dt
Tamil Nadu,
Telephone: (04633) 261032,
Mobile (0) 9442880461.

No of Religious : 4

Services

On 6th June 1989, Sr. Mary Pauline, the then Regional Superior along with two councillors and three pioneers started for Surandai via Salem. When they reached Surandai at 5p.m., Most Rev. Irudayaraj, along with religious and people welcomed them and celebrated the Eucharist for them.

They then proceeded to a rented house where they lived for a year. On the following day Srs. Bernarda and Theresita went to the school while Sr. Philomena Amala began her social work.

Being a substation of Senthamaram parish, they were able to attend Eucharistic celebrations only twice a week. Some pious Associations were formed to deepen the spiritual life of the people. This resulted in the spiritual growth of the people, especially the students of all ages- thanks to God and the tireless efforts of the sisters. Two of our sisters are appointed in the diocesan school where they give themselves selflessly to give holistic education

On October 1, 1991, the Most Rev. Dr. S. Irudayaraj blessed the new convent and named it ‘Arul Illam.’ The sisters continue to live the charism of the Foundress in the pastoral, cultural, educational, social and economic uplift of the people who have appreciated their work and benefitted by it.

ShanthiNilayam , Kattur -Ramanathapuram

Address

ShanthiNilayam,
Ramanathapuram,
Kattur P.O. – 621 706,
Via Poovalur, Lalgudi Tk.,
Trichy Dt., Tamil Nadu,

Telephone: (0431) 2912316 ,
Mobile: (0) 9843534587.

No of Religious : 3

Services

Address

Assisi Bhavan,

Thalakottukara P.O. – 680 501,

Via Kecherry,

Thrissur Dt., Kerala

Telephone:(04885) 242249,

School: 243148, Mobile (0) 9744490632

Deleted:No of Religious : 7

Services

The Bishop of Trichur, Mar Joseph Kundukulam invited us to open a house at Thalakkottukara which is in a small village, a little away from Trichur. Sr. Mary Pauline, the then Regional Superior accepted the invitation and ventured to begin the first house in Kerala. On April 22, 1983, the first group of Sisters, Sr. Martha, as superior, Rose Mary and Lilly made their way to the place and were lodged in the dispensary building constructed by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, in the parish premises. In the beginning, this building served both as the residence and dispensary reaching out to the sick and caring for them.

Medicare was not the only need of the place. A school was their long cherished dream as the children had to go very far for their education. The FSM with their thrust on the education of young girls availed themselves of this golden opportunity. The school began with an initial enrolment of 35 students. Added:

A piece of land was purchased, close to the Church and a modest building was erected for the convent. On May 29, 1985, we shifted to the new premises. The number of children increased gradually and in 1997 the school obtained recognition from the government for the Upper Primary section and for the High school in 2005. Today, the number of students is 970. Our struggle continues as we still do not have the recognition for the Lower Primary section.

Deleted:The sisters also take an active part in the Parish ministry, such as faith formation, guiding the various Associations of the Parish, visiting the sick and the aged. We are very actively involved in ‘Unit Prayer’ in families which is very regular practice and is dynamic in the parish. The good rapport between sisters, teachers and parents is an effective means of learning and teaching them how each one can contribute to the growth of the person and the country and reach out to a large section of the people. God has been gracious and generous to us in bestowing blessings after blessings. May the presence of the FSM be a blessing to the people as they experience our service here.

Address

Virginie Villa,
FSM Sisters,
Vadanappally P.O. – 680 814,
Thrissur Dt., Kerala

Telephone: (0487) 2607151,
Mob : (0) 8281876715.

No of Religious : 5

Services

FSM responded to the invitation of Rev. Fr. Lijo Chittilapilly, the then parish priest of Vadanapally. Srs. Rose Mary, the animator, Rosily and Reena Francis, the first members of this new community started this mission.

The convent was opened by Rev. Fr. Paul Alapatt, the Chancellor of Trichur Diocese and the then Provincial Sr. Paula, on 6th May 2006. A rented house became a temporary home while the foundation for the new convent and the nursery school was laid on November 20, 2006.

On May 28, 2007 the convent named ‘Virginie Villa’ was blessed and inaugurated by Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath. Sr. Miriam, the Provincial Superior graced the occasion.

At present two sisters work in the Kindergarten while one of them commits her day in the Home Science Centre where underprivileged women and young girls learn to be the future home makers. There is a full time vocation promoter while another sister is engaged in developmental programmes for women of the coastal area.

The charism of Mother Foundress to reach out to the poor especially young women is thus realized as we witness and rejoice in the growth of the children and women.

Jeevan Jyothi , Thalayolaparambu -Kottayam

Address

Jeevan Jyothi, Pothy,
Thalayolaparambu P.O. – 686 605,
Kottayam Dt., Kerala

Telephone: (04829) 239212 ,
Mobile (0) 8547209312,
E-mail :  jeevanjyothipothy@gmail.com.

No of Religious : 3

Services

Jeevan Jyothi began on April 9, 1988 in the village of Pothy, which belongs to Vijayapuram Diocese of the Latin Rite, in Kottayam District, Kerala. The main purpose of opening this house was to work for the spiritual growth of the people who belong to Dalit groups. The parish at Pothy is surrounded by different dioceses like Ernakulam, Palai and Kottayam belonging to the Syro-Malabar Rite, having their own religious congregations whereas the parish of Pothy was without any. With the arrival of the FSM the people were very happy and could rightly say “At last now we have our own Sisters!”

In the beginning the sisters were given a rented house to live in. The community comprised three sisters namely Sr. Priya, the Animator, Sr. Mary Fidelis and Sr. Mercy Mathew. The Parish Priest trained the sisters for parish work, home visits and introduced them to the special culture and ethos of the place. Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Thuruthikonam, the then Bishop, appointed two sisters as teachers in the diocesan school. Six months later the present house was built by the Bishop and handed over to the sisters and the blessing took place on October 20, 1988. With the help of the VSSS (Vijayapuram Social Service Society) a building for the Nursery school was also constructed and handed over to the sisters. This school has now become the forerunner of the Primary School as many of the tiny tots continue their schooling in the Primary school run by the diocese. The sisters’ presence in the school has brought about lot of changes in the administration, coaching, and in the strength of the students.

In keeping with the ideals of Marie Virginie, the sisters are active in the parish where they teach catechism, assisting the different pious associations of the parish, visiting families and conducting prayers in the homes.

Sneha Jyothi , Ranny- Edamon-Pathanamthitta

Address

SnehaJyothi,
Ranny- Edamon P.O. – 689 681,
Pathanamthitta,
Kerala,

Telephone: (04735) 260340,
Mob : (0)9562685240,
E-mail: fsmsjedamon@gmail.com.

No of Religious : 3

Services

May 4, 1995 was an auspicious day for the parish of Edamon and a remarkable day for the congregation of the Franciscan Servants of Mary. It was the day that the little flock of FSM comprising of Srs. Mathilda, Mary of the Child Jesus, Mercy Mathew and novice Tessy Philip, landed in Edamon, a small village surrounded by rubber estates.

The Bishop of Vijayapuram Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Thuruthikonam who was pleased with our mission work in Pothy requested us to start a new mission in Edamon. We were invited to this remote place in order to rejuvenate the Lower Primary School which was threatened with closure on account of decreasing number of students. An orphanage, sponsored by the Diocese to raise the number of students and children of the age group between 5 and 10, was looked after by the Sisters. A nursery was also started with the same purpose as well as for the better care of the inmates. It is true that life in this mission station was challenging but the fruit of the hard work of our Sisters is seen today both in its quality and quantity. The strength of the school has risen from 47 to 300!

The sisters are also involved in the parish which has three sub-stations and sisters go to two of them to teach catechism and help in the Church

To begin with, the Sisters as well as the children from the orphanage were accommodated in the parish presbytery and the Sisters lived there almost for 8 years. Within a few months, a modest dining cum study hall and two dormitories were built by the Bishop for the children. The Sisters felt the need of having the Blessed Sacrament under their roof. The house also needed to be renovated as it was in a dilapidated state and because of the limited space for the growing community. It was in January 2004 that the old house was demolished and the foundation stone for the new house was blessed by His Lordship the Rt. Rev. Peter Thuruthikonam. The newly built house was blessed on May 26, 2004. The sisters are happy to continue their mission in this remote village giving themselves to the poor and the least of the society.

No of Religious : 3

Services

The Provincial of the Claretian Fathers, Rev. Fr. Xavier Manavath was looking for a Congregation who would take charge of the girls’ section of MUKTI, a hostel run only for the Yanadi tribal children. Thus, with the consent of the Provincial Council, and the Bishop of Guntur Rt. Rev. Dr. Gali Bali the FSM accepted to work in his diocese at Angalakuduru village and in Chavarapalayam parish.

The Yanadis are the third largest group of tribals in A.P. numbering 15 lakhs. Originally they were fishermen and hunters having very little contact with society, uneducated and deprived even of basics, they eke out a living by catching rats, washing dishes and cleaning waste from houses, sweeping the streets and all kinds of menial jobs. Their literacy rate is 5%. Those who go to school are misfits, discriminated and punished by their teachers and ostracized by other children; hence there are many drop outs.

Working in collaboration with the Claretian Fathers, we care for 100 Yanadi girl children, educating and teaching them values and dignity of human life and their rights, in order to make them well-endowed citizens, the future of tomorrow’s India.

Bishop Gali Bali blessed our house on August 15, 2008. Several priests and sisters from neighbouring parishes and a large number of our sisters from various communities were also present during the blessing.

Sr. Dominic is the animator of the community, rendering Medicare to the children and people around while Sr. Jane Mary is the Warden of the boarding, attentive to the needs of the boarders. Srs. Jyothi, a student and Packia Nirmala render their services at the boarding as also to the community. We thank God for having led us to serve the economically poor of society but rich in many other ways. They have plenty to give us if only we are open to receive!

Virginie Nilaya , Bongaigaon -Assam

Address

VirginieNilaya,
Franciscan servants of Mary ,
Salbari,KhagarpurP.O.
Bongaigaon Dt.,
Assam – 783383

Mobile (0) 9577851448
E-mail: virginienilaya@gmail.com

No of Religious : 5

Services

“Life is beautiful when lived

Call is meaningful when responded.

Mission is completed when Jesus is proclaimed.”

The FSM responded to an invitation of OFM Fathers during the Platinum Jubilee of Indian Mission. The province of Bnaglore took courage to answer the call. The Assam mission is placed in the hands of four of our sisters – Srs. Andrea, the anomator, Helen D’Souza, Priyadharshini and Ruth Dias. There was Special Mass and prayer service to mark their departure to the new mission. Sr. Miriam (Provincial) gave them a missionary cross and the letter of obedience. The sisters from all our communities expressed their oneness and solidarity and concern for them. Everything reminded them how they need to bring light to the hearts of the people by the acts of compassion.

They travelled by train on 13th September 2009 from Bangalore to Chennai. After a halt at Chennai on 14th, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, they continued their journey to Assam. On 17th morning, on the Feast of Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi, they landed in Assam – Bongaigaon. our OFM Fathers and Brothers were at station to welcome them and to reach them home. They were happy and contented to begin their mission in a rented house.

The parishioners, school children and boarding children welcomed them in a traditional way with CUMCHA – (Towel) followed by a cultural programme.

Rev. Bishop Thomas Pullopillil welcomed them to his diocese and gave them few instructions to be in the mission. After the welcome and short visits to the people and place, they arranged their home as Marie Virginie did in her first attic. Generally, Assamese are very friendly to live with and they show respect to missionaries. There are different types of tribes and each has their own uniqueness in language and life style.
At present sisters are in educational, medical and pastoral field with the Franciscan Fathers.

MariaNikethan Convent , Angadikadavu -Iritty

Address

MariaNikethan Convent,
Angadikadavu P.O. -670 706,
Iritty, Kannur Dt. ,
Kerala ,

Mobile: (0)9048925381.

No of Religious : 3

Services