One who plants a tree, harvests food
The Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo
Kamba village, Varap post, shahad, Kalyan west,Thane Dist, Maharashtra, India - 421103
Beginnings of Shimoga community
Yes, the miracle of God is been manifested in the deeds of our sisters of St.Charles Borromeo, Shimoga. From the beginning of the establishment till to this day, the Lord’s name is been praised, His miracles has been seen. For great is the name of the Lord.
After 245 years of the foundation of the Congregation there came to a new call “Go and teach all nations, baptizing them”. Adding to the voice of God the spirit lead them to India(Ranipet).
One who sows wheat, harvests bread,
One who sows joy, reaps happiness,
One who sows life, harvests miracles.
Spirit’s call: The voice of God came through Msgr.Departure ,who desired the aroma of the sisters of St.Charles in his diocese of Shimoga too.So on Feb 10,1933 three sisters left the hive of the Congregation of our Indian missions at Ranipet, to answer the invitation of Msgr.Departure.They were:-
- Mother St.John Kennedy
- Mother Clemence Van den Broecke
- Mother Virginie Amand
They arrived at the Bishop’s house in Bangalore on Feb 11.Next day they reached Shimoga.Msgr.Despature welcomed them with fatherly kindness along with the parish priest Rev.Fr.J.D.D’souza.
Solid foundation: The new foundation was put under the protection of our Blessed Mother and was named “Mary Immaculate Convent“. On the property belonging to the mission Msgr.Despature had a specious house built for the sisters. Rev.Fr.D’souza helped in preparing the foundation of this mission and provided them Rs.12, 000 from his personal savings.
The official inauguration was on Feb.15, 1933, the whole of Shimoga had a festive look. The church, the convent were beautifully decorated. The impressive procession from the presbytery to the church was composed by the Maharajah’s guards, accompanied by the military band, a grand and a rare privilege.
After the Pontifical High mass, the sisters were brought in procession to the new house by Msgr. Despatures, Fr.D’souza and five other priests. Mother Virginie became the first superior of the house. The superior then confided the convent to Mary Immaculate, whose statue was installed on the little altar in the corner of the front verandah.
Beginnings: Feb.17 was a memorable day because the Divine Guest became Master of the house. First Eucharist was celebrated in the chapel by Bishop and assisted by Fr.Joseph D’souza. On that day along with other gifts His Lordship presented the Ciborium, the altar canons and the way of the cross.
Rev. Fr.Faisandier, who was earlier the procurator, left in his will his precious Chalice and other generous legacies for the sisters. During mass the sisters renewed whole heartedly their missionary consecration.
Mission of compassion: As they settled down they stared the study of Regional language. Rev.Fr.J.D’souza himself was their teacher.
- Later in April dispensary was opened under the patronage of St.Joseph.
- On April 17, they went to Yercaud for a month’s rest as the heat was unbearable for the Europeans.
- As their mission continued they planned to continue the mission with education for the lesser privileged classes especially for girls.
- As the spirit inspired they involved themselves in the field of education, social work, medical and pastoral work.
In all their work the Lord’s presence was strongly felt and the present mission of compassion that is been carried on in Shimoga and the good words of appreciation that the sisters receive from the people all credit goes to these heroines who started with bit and which has reached its best. Thanks to God and to our pioneers.
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