Media Release
Udupi, Nov 25: The journey of 150 years of Apostolic Carmel began with a single step because of the courage of a woman who in response to God’s call dared to take the first step.
It is a saga of the strange destiny the Lord had in store for its foundress, Mother Veronica. She began the mission in Bayonne, France on July 16, 1868 and in November 19, 1870 3 sisters arrived in Mangaluru- India to begin 'A Carmel for the mission'.
150 years of love and service was invested through education and other apostolic works, through the sisters, teachers, parents and students. To commemorate this joyous event, the campus staff of St Maria Goretti Kemmannu met together on Saturday November 21 to thank God for the gift of 150 years.
Sr Irene with the staff led the gathering into a prayer, recalling the good done by the sisters in Srilanka, Bahrain, Kuwait, Pakistan, India, Rome and Africa. The superior, Sr Nivedita welcomed, the guest speaker Dr Sr Jeswina, former principal of St Agnes College Mangaluru, the parish priest, Fr Victor D'Souza and the staff.
On this day, to enthuse their spirit, Sr Jeswina with her input session helped them to radiate themselves more fervently to this noble profession to which God called them. It was an eye-opener for all the staff members to listen and to admire the great work done by mother Aloysia. Sr Jeswina highlighted her administrative skills as Mother Aloysia stood at the pilot’s wheel for 18 years over a critical period. And yet looking back to that span, we find, it could be called the springtime of the Apolostic Carmel. The foundations were further strengthened, the constitutions revised, the Directory and Book of Customs compiled on new lines and in 1926 the constitutions were sent to Rome and Decree of Praise obtained. The Crown of Mother Aloysia’s educational work Saint Agnes First Grade Collage commenced which today has over 2000 young girls on its rolls. Sr Jeswina gave a glimpse of the labour of love and leadership taken up by 11 superior generals to lead the congregation for 150 years.
The sisters of Maria Goretti Convent enthusiastically worked out the plan to make this day a memorable one with games, songs and a family meal to cherish the 150 years of celebration.