The Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo
Kamba village, Varap post, shahad, Kalyan west,Thane Dist, Maharashtra, India - 421103
In 1965, Mother Christiane Tonneau, provincial Superior responded to the invitation of the Arch Diocese of Bombay, Cardinal Valerian Gracias. Rev. Fr.Alfred Augiar, the Manager and Principal of St.Anthony’s High School, Vakola, Santacruz East wanted a congregation of Sisters to take care of the girls studying at St.Anthony’s High School. So the Cardinal introduced the Sisters to Fr.Augiar
The Pioneers and the Beginnings
Sr. Hyacinth Lewis, Sr. Gertrude D, Sr. Julia and Sr.Gemma Chavara reached Bombay on June 8, 1965. Sr.Regina Rodrigues joined them on October 27th, 1965. On December 29th, Fr. Augiar blessed the foundation stone of the convent building, which at present used by the Kindergarten section.
In May 1966, Sr. Victoria Braganza was added to the number. June 16, 1966 was a memorable day to be remembered; the birth of Kindergarten conducted in the present sacristy of St. Anthony’s Church, with Sr. Gertrude and Sr. Victoria the first teachers of the infant school. November 20, 1966 was a great day for the Sisters of St.Charles Borromeo and the parishioners’ of Vakola, when Cardinal Valerian Gracias blessed the convent building. Thus came into existence a Charlian Bee- Hive in the Archdiocese of Bombay.
MISSION AT GLANCE
ST.CHARLES HIGH SCHOOL, VAKOLA
On June 30, 1967, the Primary section of St. Charles High School was opened with Sr. Gertrude, Sr. Baptista and Sr.Paul on the teaching staff. The first Principal and Manager was Mother Andrew followed by Mother Patricia Thomas as the Manager from December 1967. Mrs. Celine Pinto was the first teacher to join the staff in 1968. Two years later Standards I-IV was recognised by the Municipal Corporation.
In 1970, during the tenure of Mother Benedicta Lobo as the Manager the foundation stone of the School building was blessed by Rev. Fr. Nelson Mascarenhas, The Parish Priest. In January 1972, the Director of Education gave permission to upgrade the school and standards V, VI, VII, and VIII were opened simultaneously. Thereafter Secondary School started to enjoy the benefits of Grant-in-aid. Sr.Gemma was the Principal of the growing school from 1968-1975. The first batch of SSC students were sent for the Secondary School Certificate Examination in 1975.
Today the school has about 3000 students on roll of all castes, creeds and communities in all comfort. During these years of span many zealous sisters have worked tirelessly hand in hand with ever willing staff and steered the institution to reputed glory.
ST.LOURDES CLINIC
St.Lourdes clinic and free dispensary was started in 1968, attending to the needs of the poor of the locality. It was closed in 1992.
PASTORAL CARE
Sisters worked relentlessly to build Christian communities in the parish. In 1978 the first B.C.C was introduced by Fr. Alwyn D’silva was the pioneer in starting the community he was assisted by Sr.Louisa Rasquinha . The mission of Small Christian Communities continues to this day by the Sisters of the Community.
Apart from being engaged in the education ministry, the sisters were actively involved with the preparation of the Sunday liturgy, Sunday school catechism, Sacrament of Initiation and youth organization.
Tailoring classes for school drop-outs and mid-day meal for the poor children of the locality was started.
It’s worth mentioning that Vakola community extends warm welcome to all the sisters, especially those who are over-seas. It recounts the tale of twinning the night into day at the airport for takeoffs and landings.
Argentina Region
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