The Sisters of
St Charles of Borromeo
Faith, Toil, Progress
St.Charles Generalate
Kamba village,
Varap post, shahad
Kalyan west,Thane Dist
Maharashtra state – 421 103
Ph: 8976587778
The Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo
Kamba village, Varap post, shahad, Kalyan west,Thane Dist, Maharashtra, India - 421103
From seventies i.e. since the year the house in Madurai was established, Ramanathapuram district was a place of annual vocation tour for Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo. These visits have fruitioned in producing 20 sisters who are finally professed without counting those under formation. It was the desire for long years to start a community in the newly founded diocese so as to knit more of the people in this region with the Congregation. The appropriate time arrived and Rt. Rev. Dr. Susaimanickam, Bishop of Sivagangai, invited the Eastern Province of the Sisters of St. Charles to the diocese. The proposal to start the house at Rochma Nagar was alternated with the need for the Presence of a religious community at Periyakottai. The second one gained the approval after several deliberations.
The constant calls from one Mr. Vallal Sebastian, a resident of Madurai who geared the good works in his village and dreamt of restoring the past glory of his native place through installing basically a dynamic religious community gave leverage to the decision.
‘Education is fundamental for all developments’ being an established truth the initiative taken by Mr. Vallal Sebastian to begin an English Medium school was consented to. The promised monetary help of Rs.500, 000/- received from him was utilized for the modification and extension of the little shed that stood along the eastern side of the Church campus. A small out house adjacent to it was modified into a kitchen. The spacious room above the sacristy at the rear of the church was vacated by the Parish Priest of Michael pattinam, Rev. Fr. Bastin, to make it the residence for the sisters. Everything was set for the starting in the same manner in which all the new communities of the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo had been started, the pioneers, Srs. Magdalene Francis, Catherine Christina and Helen reached the village. The three energetic and enthusiastic sisters got into action losing no time in preparing for the inauguration. June 3, 2009 was fixed to seek the Almighty’s blessings upon this new beginning.
The priests who hailed from Periyakottai, the elders and local administrators and the Sisters from various nearby communities gathered to participate in the grand Eucharistic Celebration presided by the Bishop of Sivagangai. A grand felicitation ceremony followed the Holy Mass. A fellowship meal was shared by all who were present. All who hail from Periyakottai left the place with the satisfaction of having seen their dream come true, thanking St. Sebastian for hearing their prayers and singing the psalmody , ‘This is the day that was made by the Lord, we will rejoice and be glad.’ (Ps: 118:24)
Sisters enlivened the church campus. The light at the tabernacle started burning bright as new and trimmed the lamps’ wick. The Sun rays streamed into the church brightening all its corners for all its windows were left open. The church bells chimed in a new rhythm at the presence of the devoted hearts that thumped in prayer with its sound. Little children led by their parents poured into the campus to begin their schooling. The kindergarten started functioning from June 4, 2009 with 40 boys and 20 girls. They hadn’t to travel 14 Kms., anymore to reach their school. Kindergarten has grown into High School today. Growth brings needs or vice-versa? Vehicle plies around to collect the children from the villages. The performance of the children is amazingly excellent.
The land about 40 cents gifted by the custodians of the church property is legally registered in the name of the convent. They are two separate pieces of land. One strip is outside the campus and along the north wall of the church. The other part is the simple construction with four rooms.
In view of opening new vistas for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, entrepreneurs and inventors the sisters have delved into plans for giving standard education through the curriculum which will match the context. 7.5 acres of land was purchased and registered on March 29, 2010. The mission is prospective of growing into a Centre for holistic education for the children of ‘Ezhoor’ and make come true the objective of education, ‘Human Formation’.
The school is upgraded into High School and already 2 batches of students have passed out of SSLC with flying colours. The Sisters have learnt the art of relating with people through their simple approach. Their visits to the people have earned them the confidence of the village folk.
To our loving saint Little Therese, we commend the little children and this little mission to expedite its growth and ensure its purpose. “All things work unto good to those who love God”. (Rom. 8:28)
Actual Description of the mission going on:
A Matriculation High School, to facilitate English medium for the Education of the village children has been actualized. The slow and steady growth of the School is something that we ought to be contented with in the present and base our strength in bringing up the standard.
Another focus of the mission
People in the village have minimum occupation because of the monsoon failure. The town has tropical wet and dry climate. It gets rainfall during the N.E monsoon period .The vast majority of the work force is dependent on agriculture; most of them are coolie workers and only occasionally. The village of Periyakottai consists of different castes of people. There are about 250 families belonging to SC and 250 belonging to BC.
We have started a small job opportunity program for the women of the village a small scale which we hope will grow in to big development: Herbal bath powder and natural face wash powder are prepared in bulk and packed at home that enables women to be occupied to make an earning from home. A Socio Educational program center to promote the economy of the families in this village is in our vision.
Argentina Region