History:

In the year 2003, the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Province of Kolkata in understanding with the Bishop of Darjeeling, invited the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians of Kolkata Province, for collaboration in the Apostolate.

By a letter dated 1st March 1990,Rt.Rev.Eric Benjamin DD, the Bishop of Darjeeling Sikkim, had invited the Salesian of Don Bosco, to establish a religious community at Malbasey, for initiating pastoral and school apostolate in the district of West Sikkim. By the deed of lease made in the year 1990.The then Governor of Sikkim leased to the diocese a plot of land for 99 years for the purpose of establishing Salesian Society with this task and made it the legal successor to the Diocese in respect to said land, in conformity with article 391 of the code of Canon law. The School was begun in July 1998, at the same time the Parish also developed in Malbasey and around.

The boarding was managed by the Cluny Sisters for the past 14 years.  Due to various reasons the Cluny Sisters withdrew their services from Malbasey in December 2003. Hence the Salesian Provincial approached the MSMHC to take up the Boarding and the pastoral work in Malbasey.

Thus the agreement was made in the year 2004 between the Salesian Province of Kolkata Rev.Fr.John Berger S.D.B. {Provincial}, and the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians represented by Rev.Sr.Nancy Augustine M.S.M.H.C, Provincial Superior.

The M.S.M.H.C first center at Malbasey was established on the 16th January 2005. Sr.Amala George then superior of Auxilium Convent Siliguri accompanied the sisters and spent one night with them. The pioneers were Sr.Lissy Sebastian {the superior}, Sr.Salomi Guria, Sr.Sonamit Lepcha {shillong province} Sr.Sini Mathew {for a few days} and Sr.Aruna. They were warmly welcomed by Fr.K.V.Mathew the Rector and the Community. The sisters began their life at Malbassey with three sisters and two Bodo girls by name Miss.Donima and Miss. Anima Basumatary to help them in the domestic works. The sisters expressed their feelings of joy after reaching Malbassey, even though the journey was too long {3hrs} and the road was too scaring. Since the weather was too cold, the sisters were struggling to combat with it.

The main purpose of our presence at Malbasey is to take over the existing Boarding and Apostolate of the St.Joseph Cluny Sisters who have left after so many years of service in this area. The girls’ boarding has a separate building. Together with the girls from U.K.G.to XII, small boys up to Class III are kept and looked after by the sisters. After completing their studies up to Class III, the boys will automatically be admitted in the boys boarding looked after by the Salesians of Don Bosco.

In accordance with the annual planning done by the school and both the boardings, all internal administration of the girls except the admission of the students, is seen totally by the sisters. In case of any dismissal from the boarding, the final decision lies with the superior of the boarding. At present there are 81 girls and 22 boys. The activities of the sisters are meant primarily to prepare the students in the best way possible, for the Board Examinations. For an integral education and integrated growth, opportunities are provided for sports and games, cultural activities, personal and leadership training, public speaking, Value education, groups and movements and similar activities so as to enable them to be efficient in their life once they leave the Boarding home.

Although the boarding for girls has been handed over to the Congregation, for its day today running the property remains vested with the Salesian Province. However, the Congregation is responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. The sisters will see all maintenance of the building and other facilities in the boarding and the expenses incurred for the same. The land around the boarding house is used by the Sisters for cultivation.

As the main Charism of the Congregation is “Direct Evangelization”, two sisters are specially set apart for this purpose and for the parish activities as well in collaboration with the Parish Priest. They are fully involved in family visits, teaching Catechism, taking care of the sacristy, Organizing prayer groups, Youth animation, Krushbir, YAC and Mahila Samaj and attending sick call whenever needed.

The priests are very helpful and supportive in the work of evangelization and the people of the locality too are open, co-operative and responsive. In fact, the presence of the sisters is very much appreciated. The people need the sisters to visit them, to talk to them, to listen to their lives stories and family problems and much more to pray and intercede for and with them. The village apostolate and the other programme in the parish are going on well, and one sister is helping in the school occasionally. Sr. Nellie Kujur, who was sister in charge of the pastoral work had taken some steps as social activities for the development of women as employment program in the villages such as making Phenyl, Pickle, Chalk and Rosary so that  these women are able to live and save something for their life. Our presence at Malbasey is very much effective.

The people are very open to receive the Good news, enthusiastic to participate in any organized program out and within the parish level. The different activities of the sisters are going on well in spite of all the ups and downs of life. We thank the Lord for the gift of this mission to the Province.

Address:

FERRANDO CONVENT     
Malbasey P.O, West Sikkim - 731 121
96478919490/9733145584

Members:

Sr. Rose Khriam  
Sr. Saroj Barla   
Sr. Agnes Rai 
Sr. Monica Haokip