12. FERRANDO CONVENT, AMBARI

History:

The MSMHC was invited to start a Convent at Ambari in the Diocese of Bagdogra. To this effect we have a written invitation from the Bishop of Bagdogra, dated 18th Nov.2007 to open a house of the MSMHC at Ambari in the parish of mailanijote, Darjeeling District, West Bengal. 

The apostolate that Bishop Thomas D’Souza wanted the Sisters to undertake is given below.
The principal purpose of this Foundation is to enrich the local Church by living and sharing our spiritual and apostolic Charism –proclamation and spread of the Gospel through the following manner.

  • To teach in St. Joseph’s School that will newly start in April 2007.
  • The Sisters will visit the Catholic and non-Christian houses in the parish and teach catechism to Catholic children and adults.
  • One sister will be assigned to be in-charge of the Primary Section of Raphael School, Mailanijote when Sisters are available.
  • The Sisters will open a dispensary in  course of time to be run a by a qualified Sister.
  • The Sisters will conduct a boarding for primary school boys and girls. The management of the boarding will be the responsibility of the Sisters.
  • The Sisters may conduct other activities proper to their Institute according to the need of the place and of the time with prior permission of the Bishop.

Till the construction of the Convent the Sisters will occupy the ground floor of the school building. The second floor of the building is occupied by the Seminarians of Bagdogra diocese. We feel very fortunate to have the Holy Eucharist every day. As the school is just starting with Nursery classes the parents are happy and the sisters get sufficient chance to get in touch with the people around.
 
Accordingly on 3rd of March onwards, the Sisters Jyothi Chinthamala and Christina Ekka, the two pioneer sisters began to visit Ambari and distributed the admission forms to the parents. It went on for three weeks, and finally on the 25th March 2008, the Red Letter day in the annals of the MSMHC Province of Kolkata was dawned. In the morning of 25th March, Sr.Elizabeth Packumala the Provincial Superior, Sr.Merlyn Jacob the local Superior, Sr.Jyoti Chinthamalla and Sr. Christina Ekka, the pioneer sisters arrived in Ambari to prepare for the blessing of the school. 

At 3.p.m. Bishop Thomas D’Souza blessed the school building and it was a joy to see number of priests and religious present for the same. At the outset, Bishop welcomed Sr. Provincial and the pioneer sisters and all those present there. Bishop Thomas explained to the assembly a brief history of our Congregation followed by the cutting of the ribbon by Sr.Elizabeth Packumala and Sr.Merlyn, the Superior of the Convent. This was followed by the celebration of the Solemn Holy Eucharist. Before the Holy Mass, the seminarians performed the traditional custom of the locality by washing the hands of the sisters.
 
Members from every parish in the diocese and religious community were present for the blessing. Bishop Thomas D’Souza presided over the Eucharistic celebration and 26 priests concelebrated it. We acknowledged great collaboration from the laity. During the homily, Bishop Thomas highlighted the role of our Blessed Mother who inspired the Church,  and he said she will continue to  help the sisters to carry out their mission through education and family visit. After the Holy Mass, there was short cultural program prepared by the novices of Siliguri (M.S.M.H.C.) and the seminarians of the Bagdogra diocese. Bishop Thomas expressed his gratitude to the provincial and to the pioneer sisters. Soon afterwards, Rev. Fr. Felix Pinto called upon Sr.Elizabeth Packumala, to deliver her message. She expressed sentiments of gratitude to God for the marvels He has done for the M.S.M.H.C. at all times through various persons. She also thanked Bishop Thomas D’Souza for having made possible our presence over there. She thanked each and everyone present for their support and cooperation.

Mr. Prakash Lakra, the Panchayat president expressed his happiness of having the sisters to develop the society through English Medium School. He also assured his cooperation at any time. The agreement was signed on 25th March 2008 between the diocese of Bagdogra represented by Bishop Thomas D’Souza, and Sr.Elizabeth Packumala the Provincial Superior of Kolkata. Fr. Felix Pinto and Fr. Arul Das put their signature for the Diocese as witnesses and Sr. Merlyn Jacob and Sr. Maria Chacko for the MSMHC Province. We started with the Nursery, L.K.G. and U.K.G. The school will be upgraded as the years go by. 

29th March 2008 was a red-letter day for St. Joseph School Ambari as the admission began. On the first day itself, we had 72 admissions. At present the total strength is 101. The new scholastic year began on 15th April 2008. Bishop Thomas also was present on the opening day of the school. He enjoyed with the children. Sisters receive full cooperation from the parents. In the evening hours, they go for family visits. Their presence is very much appreciated by everyone. 
 

Address:

FERRANDO CONVENT    
Ambari, Ghosh Pukur
P.O Kamala - 734 426
Dt. Darjeeling
West Bengal 
0353-2005250/ 8670508723

Members:

Sr. Maria Chacko 
Sr.Ancy Joseph 
Sr. Philisita Jyrwa 
Sr. Binola Xess 

 

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