The Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo
Kamba village, Varap post, shahad, Kalyan west,Thane Dist, Maharashtra, India - 421103
HISTORY OF NIDDODI COMMUNITY
Niddodi is situated at a distance of 40km from Mangalore and 15kms from Moodabidri and is surrounded by the Kinnigoly, Sampige, Neerude and Kateel Parishes. Hillocks, forests and fields surround the village.
It was once a part of Kirem. Fr. Emmanuel M. Rebello, the parish priest of Kirem, had his personal property at Niddodi where he built a chapel dedicated to St. Theresa of the infant Jesus. It was inaugurated on October 1, 1925. Bishop Victor Fernandes separated Niddodi from Kirem and erected it into a parish church on May 13, 1937 with Agre, Niddodi and later a part of Elinje.
The Commencement
The idea of starting a mission at Niddodi, Mangalore was welcomed since the congregation had just one community at Omzoor in Mangalore. In 1980 the catholic population was keen to have a convent in the parish of Little Flower Church, Niddodi. The late Bishop, Most Rev. Basil D’souza of Mangalore and the pastor, Rev. Fr. Norbert Lobo placed their request before the then Provincial superior Sr. Lydia Braggs. This was readily accepted as the congregation felt that another as a students’ house for the candidates hailing from distant villages. Besides the sisters could get involved in non-formal education and take up the pastoral care of the simple inhabitants of the place. The parish gifted two acres of dry land another half acre was acquired from the government.
The Lord’s Labourers
The provincial Superior Shr. Lydia introduced Sr. Felcy and Sr. Magdalene to parish priest Rev. Fr. Norbert Lobo and the parishioners of Little flower Church Niddodi. Sr. Felcy the first superior and Sr. Magdalene were offered a rented house to begin their mission. The parish priest blessed the rented house and the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Mark D’silva, a son of the soil, who was then a missionary in the Diocese of Jhansi. Though the sisters arrived on June 2, 1986 the official blessing and inauguration was only on August 15, 1986. The late Bishop Basil D’souza had the privilege of officiating at the inaugural ceremony with Fr. Norbert Lobo.
The Initial Efforts
On July 6, 1986, four candidates were enrolled as students at the Pompeii PUC College in Kirem. The sisters and candidates were actively engaged in the liturgical animation and family apostolate. People welcomed them and co-operated in the activities. A year later on August 15, 1987, the new parish priest, Rev. Fr. Denis D’souza blessed the foundation- stone for a craft centre. Sr. Felcy, Sr. Alex and Sr. Zita lent good support to the mission they left no stone unturned to accomplish the purpose of the mission. The convent building was ready and was blessed on May3, 1988 by Bishop Basil D’souza. Rev. Mother Andrea D’souza the Superior General and the Provincial Superiors of the Eastern and Western Provinces were present on the great occasion.
The Expansion
In 1988, the number of candidates almost doubled – eight more were added. With the admission of sisters to the college, the number in the community too increased. The community under the leadership of Sr. Zita D’souza moved forward with vigor and zeal. The involvement in the parish activities grew day by day.
The pastoral Care
The children were prepared for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation. Coaching classes were conducted for the poor children. A Balwadi was introduced on August 1, 1989, it was later closed down as the educational and economic status of the village had improved. The new house for the candidates was blessed on May 25, 1989. Sr. Louisa Rasquinha will always be remembered for her service and support to this community.
The Ground for Vocations
This field is the seedbed for several vocations to our congregation. We already have twelve sisters from this place. The parishioners have contributed many vocations to the priesthood for the diocese and the missions in the North of India and even abroad.
The Apostolate
The present apostolate is faith formation of the children of the parish, active participation in Basic Christian Communities (B.C.C) meetings, Marian Sodality and animating the Young Christian Students (Y.C.S) children.
Sisters
After Sr. Zita Dosuza, Sr. Agnes Dousuza, Sr Letitia walder, Sr. Theres Dcosta, Sr. Juliana Pinto, Sr. Pauline Lobo, Sr. Theres Madtha, Sr. Mabel Dsilva, and Sr. Sevrene Fernandes served as animatore in Niddodi.
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