| 1 |
SACRED HEART MISSION |
ALAND |
0 |
2009 |
|
SACRED HEART MISSION, ALAND:
Aland Mission was begun under the leadership of Fr. George Lobo on 20th April, 2009 and it was formally inaugurated on Sunday 21st June 2009. He made some initial contacts with people of Aland staying at the rented house of a Muslim. Sisters of the Holy Cross (Menzingen) joined the mission later part of the same year on 19th December, 2009 under the leadership of Sr. Mary George, Sr. Josephine and Sr. Mary Rita as community members and later they were replaced by Sr. Archana, Sr. Vijay Mary and Sr. Shalet Mary. The Sisters wanted to work among people in the remotest villages of Aland and they moved to VK Salagar village, which was 30k.m away from Aland and under the leadership of Sr Tina in 2013 the sisters took up systematic work among the most vulnerable groups : the dalits, women and children. Later in the year 2014 they moved to Kadeganchi village on Gulbarga – Aland road.
As no much progress was seen at Aland, the bishop requested the Carmelites of Karnataka Province to take up this mission. In August 2012 Fr. Elias Daniel and Fr. Joseph Pinto landed in Aland as pioneers of Carmelites in Aland taluka as per the decision of the Province Council. They stayed almost three years in the same house where Fr George stayed and started their work. They visited the families around and tried to build a rapport with people who belonged to the other faiths and there were no catholic families anywhere around. Fr Elias Daniel also purchased a property of 17 acres at Kadeganchi, on Gulbarga- Aland Road, close to the Central University as a place for all the future interventions of the Carmelites.
Mile stones:
04/6/2008 : Mission centre was opened in Aland Jane galli. Pioneer sisters were : Srs. Mary George, Arul Mary and Josephine
2/9/2009 : We moved from Aland to V.K. Salagar a village 35 kms away from Aland. Sr. Josephine began to work at the PHC at V.K. Salagar
2008 and 2009: One of the sisters worked with the Diocesan Social Service Society
March 2010 : Pioneer sister Mary George was transferred.
2010 : We began Health Promotion and Child to Child Action programs in 25 Government Primary Schools in Narona Block, Aland Taluka. Extension of this program was to the corresponding villages where we had taken up the school programs. Formation of Children’ Parliaments (15 villages), and facilitating the Children’ Grama Sabha in 5 Gram Panchayats, Child activism promoted in 5 Gram Panchayats. All Children’ Gram Sabhas were attended by several hundreds of children from Gram Panchayat areas
2011: Sr. Jospehine pioneer sister Josephine who worked with the PHC was transferred. May 2011 we stopped working with V.K.Salagar PHC.
2012 : Sr.Teena who was part of Aland mission by initiating and coordinating the activities in the Govt schools, joined the mission.
Mission Revived :
On 24th June 2017, the Sacred Heart Mission was once again revived with the Eucharistic Celebration by the Bishop offering the Mission into the hands of Fr Anil Joel Prasad. He started living in a Lingayat house and established good rapport with people and leaders of all communities. He also looked for a place for the Sisters of St Ann, Bangalore who came to the Mission on 21 September 2017.
SAB Sisters at Aland :
Thanks to the Provincial Superior Sr. Arul Mary who sent their sisters to Aland. St Ann Sisters from Bangalore joined the Aland Mission under the leadership of Sr Lourdu Mary with Sr Susheela and Sr Lalitha as community members. Sisters have already started working among the poor and in the slums taking up some tuition classes.
Holy Cross Sisters (Menzingen) also served in Aland :
Holy Cross Sisters wanted to move out of the traditional Health apostolate, away from the Institutions into the periphery, remote village of Karnataka. They responded to the Lord’s call and came to Aland Mission and the Bishop welcomed them warmly as their presence was considered a blessing for the newly started Aland Mission.
Sacred Heart Mission
Director : Fr. Anil Prasad – 9900956867
Raju Yelore Building
Revan Siddeshwar Colny
Aland 585302
Convent:
SISTERS OF ST. ANNS OF BANGALORE
Superior : Sr. Lourdu Mary, SAB 7406363260
Raju Yelore Building
Revan Siddeshwar Colony
Aland 585302 Kalaburagi
|
| 2 |
HOLY REDEEMER MISSION CENTRE |
BHALKI |
0 |
1983 |
|
Socio Territorial Ecclesial Context :
Bhalki Town is the capital of Bhalki Taluka which comes within the District of Bidar, and is situated in the northern part of Karnataka State in South India. Socially and economically it is a backward area. The greater part of the population consists of the Hindus. Dalits of several categories abound. Lingayats and Moslems are in considerable numbers.
This area had been under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. But due to language barrier priests of the Archdiocese found it difficult to meet the needs of the people of Bidar and Bhalki. Therefore, in 1979 the Archbishop of Hyderabad proposed to the Bishop of Mangalore the idea of adopting this area.
Bishop Basil S D’Souza the Great :
So in 1982 the then Bishop of Mangalore Rt Rev. Basil S D’Souza took the bold step to adopt the whole Bidar District for evangelization. On 17 June 1982 Bishop Basil personally brought to Bidar the first batch of missionaries: Rev. Fr Robert Miranda, Br Ronald Serrao, and Br Francis Lewis. Bidar Mission was formally inaugurated on 18 June 1982.
Bhalki was chosen to be the next Taluka to have the second Centre of the Catholic Mission. Bishop Basil along with Fr Benjamin D’Souza, Br Peter D’Souza and Br Louis D’Sa came to Bhalki on 5 June 1983. Bhalki Mission was inaugurated on 7 June 1983. The Mission house was named YESU NILAYA. The Patron: The Most Holy Redeemer. Fr Benjamin was appointed the Director. In October 1983 the Mission Team was strengthened with three Sisters of three different congregations: Sr Edmund (SCCG), Sr Evangelista (BS), and Sr Rennie (SRA). The Sisters took up the medical ministry.
These pioneering missionaries inaugurated the New Mission in Bhalki in a small rented house of a Lingayat family – Gurunath Swamy and Sugulamma – near Basaveshwar Chowk. Thereafter, Fr Benjamin visited the people in the town and villages, and rapidly built very good rapport with all. After studying the place the Mission Team carefully made plans for the Evangelization of the people.
From the very beginning Bishop Basil took very keen interest in this Mission, and closely monitored every step and development. He put his heart and soul in it. He would often travel from Mangalore to visit this Mission. Whenever he came here, he would stay with the missionaries for sufficient number of days. While coming, he would bring fruit tree saplings and home-made food items for his mission collaborators who, he knew, would love to get some home delicacies occasionally! It was said that Bishop Basil had planned to reside in Bidar-Bhalki Mission after retirement. But the great soul was called up to the eternal abode too soon!
Fr Benjamine the Visionary :
Fr Benjamin& Team made a study of the socio-religious reality of the people of Bhalki and the surrounding area. The guidance of Fr Zeitler SVD of Ishvani Kendra, Pune, was sought to make a fruitful study. After three months of visits to different places, contacts with several resource persons, and study of some books, a Report was prepared. The following facts are some of the heads in the Report: » Basaveshwara and the socio-religious revolution in the 12th century in Basavaklyan, and its impact on the people of Bhalki. » The Lingayats at present. » The non-catholic Christian communities in Bhalki, namely: a) The Methodist Church. b) The New Apostolic Church. c) The Seventh Day Adventist Church. d) The Church of Christ. » The Catholic Church. » Observations and Recommendations. Copies of the Report were circulated among persons interested in this Mission, with a request to give their suggestions. The following are some of the 18 suggestions received:
Recruit and train Catechists.
Contact the neglected non-catholic Christians.
Identify responsive non-Christian groups and villages for evangelization.
Hold prayer services in common for the Christians of all denominations.
Have a mobile medical team visiting villages.
Work with the Government agencies for leprosy eradication.
Participate in the village celebrations.
Attend family celebrations.
Send dedicated missionaries with sufficient psychological preparation.
Give importance to the reading of the Bible.
Have an integrated approach with Education and Health care; let preaching the Word be primary.
Start Ecumenical movement.
Find time to read Missiology, Church History, etc, and be up-to-date and competent.
The First Crop: the Four Apostles :
There were in this area Christians who belonged to the New Apostolic Church (NAC). But they were disappointed with NAC, and so they expressed their desire to be received into the Catholic fold. Accordingly, Rev. Luke (Shepherd), Dasharat, Ganapati, and Galappa, (all Pastors), took the initiative to join the Catholic Church. They were duly examined about their motive, given an intensive training in the Catholic practice at DBCLC of Mangalore, and received into the Catholic fold at Codialbail Chapel, Mangalore on 29 May 1984. They were renamed as Luke, John Dasharat, Mathew Galappa, and Mark Ganapati, after the four Evangelists. They were called ‘the apostles’ of Bhalki Mission- the first catechist.
These four apostles accompanied the Team of YesuNilayaand went from village to village sowing the seed of the Catholic faith. Soon in the year 1985, the villages of Mural, Nagaral, Beeri-B, Hupla, Nideban, Honnalli, Gowndgao, Dadgi, and Kumar-Chincholi were brought under regular Faith Formation Programme. The Team contacted twenty other villages which included Ghor-Chincholi, Kotgera, Lada, Ghat-Boral, Siddeshwar, Hunaji, Othgi, Chalkapur, Hulsoor, Santpur, Jalasangvi, Halbarga, and Nittur.
In October 1985 the catechumens of Mural village were thefirst to be received. In 1986 the first chapel was built in Kumar-Chincholi. On 10 June 1990 Holy Redeemer Church of Bhalki was blessed and dedicated.
The Bicycle Missionary :
Mission iteneraries of Fr Benjamin on bicycle: In order to know the ground reality of the whole district of Bidar, Fr Benjamin had travelled by bicycle to all the five Talukas: Aurad, Basavakalyan, Humnabad and Bidar, starting from Bhalki. Besides, while Fr Benjamin and his teamof priests, sisters and catechistic regularly visited various villages, Catechist Emmanuel Hanumant of Ucchavisited the Marathi speaking villages like Lada, Halsi, Lakhangao, Shivni, Davargao, Christapura, etc.
Fr Benjamin and Interfaith Dialogue :
Right from the start, Fr Benjamin made a deep study of Basaveshwar and his ‘Work Is Worship’ and ‘All Humans Are Equal in a Casteless Society’ teachings. He also studied the essence of the teachings of each and every other Creed. In the meantime he went back to Mangalore and served in a few parishes. Again he came to Bhalki. This time he launchedthe Interfaith Peace Forum which became very fruitful in the subsequent years.Finally Fr Benjamin accepted retirement and was reached to Mangalore on 4 May 2017.
‘Daughters’ of Bhalki Centre :
Today’s Mission Centres in 1. Jalasangvi, 2. Santpur, 3. Muchalamba, 4. Hulsoor, 5. Halbarga (and 6. Nittur) are the daughters of the Mother-Centre of Bhalki.
Nittur, Mural, and Nagral were separated from Bhalki, and ‘Nittur Centre’ was formed in 2015, with Fr Wilbert Vinay Lobo as its Director. But in 2018 Nittur Centre ceased to be a Centre for lack of priests, and the three villages came back under Bhalki Centre.
Religious Sisters :
Bishop Basil invited the Congregation of Sisters of Charity (SCCG) to join the Bhalki Mission. On 9 June 1985 Arogya Maata Ashram was started. On 28 Dec 2002 theCommunity was bifurcated. While the Ashram Community is taking up Teaching and Pastoral ministries, the freshly formed Arogya MaataSevaKendra takes care of the Healing Ministry, and gives pastoral assistance as well.
The Sisters have been collaborating with the clergy in the pastoral and mission activities with cheer and a spirit of dedication. The Mission has an integrated two-pronged approach, namely, Faith drive and Social transformation. Sisters take very active part in visiting the villages, following up of people’s progress, teaching catechism, teaching in the school, conducting camps and celebrations, animating children’s and youth movements,women’s development activities, Small Christian Communities, Sponsorship programme, Church and Sacristy maintenance, Liturgy and singing. Fathers and Sisters work as one Team. Together they do the planning, the execution, and the evaluation.
Dr Sr Immaculate and Leprosy Eradication :
Dr Sr Immaculate Rodrigues
Dr Sr Immaculate Rodrigues (SCCG)
Leprosy was very rampant in Bidar-Bhalki area. At the request of Bishop Basil of Mangalore the Provincial Superior Very Rev Sr Raphael Gomes SCCG consented to open Arogya MaataSeva Kendra in Bhalki, and the Kendra was started on 9 June 1985. Dr Sr Immaculate Rodrigues (SCCG) who was holding the office of Hospital Administrator at Fr Muller’s, Mangalore, came, with two other Sisters,and opened a Dispensary for the sick in general as well as for the leprosy-infected in particular.
Dr Immaculate was visiting all the villages sitting in the back seat of the bicycle ridden by a social worker. In the villages she would identify the leprosy infected persons, and begin an ongoing treatment in their own villages. She and her team had conducted an extensive survey of all the leprosy infected persons in more than 1,110 villages. After sustained and effective treatment the over 1500 ‘lepers’ were healed . But since the healed lepers would not be accepted into their own homes, Sr Immaculate arranged rehabilitation and occupations for them. For her yeoman’s service at reducing the leprosy rate from 9:1,000 to near zero, she was honouredwith several awards at the District and Taluka levels and other forums.
Later Sr Immaculate had to return to Mangalore on retirement. Today she is no more, but certainly her noble spirit is moving about in Bhalki. Now the Dispensary has evolved into a full-fledged Hospital where the Arogya Maata Seva Kendra Community of Sisters are effectively treating people infected with all kinds of skin and other ailments.The Hospital is popularly known as The Christian Hospital. At the end of the year 2018-19 the Hospital staff is as follows:Sr Alice Tauro, Administrator. Sr Dr Sumi, Medical Officer. Sr Gracy, Nurse. Sr MaryRaffeiro, Pharmacist.Mr NL Vinod,Para medico. MsPrabhavati, Counsellor.Ms Sangeeta, General Nurse. And Basavamma, Nursing Aid.
The new Hospital wasinauguratedon 10 Nov 2002. Its Leprosy eradication project was funded by AMICI of Italy who also donated the land and provided funds for the Hospital construction. The old Dispensary building was handed over to the Arogya Maata Ashram Community.
The Seva Kendra Sisters also worked at CBR (Community-based Rehabilitation), for the physically challenged providing artificial limbs, wheel chairs, bicycles, medical care, and job facilities from the Government quota to the handicapped and those healed from leprosy. Some of them were trained to become cobblers, tailors, craftsmen, carpenters, etc.
Seva Kendra Sisters also conducted, from January 2011 till December 2013, ‘Ashodaya’ Community-based De-addiction and Rehabilitation Project. Some of the aims were the following:
To reduce and eradicate alcohol addiction among the sponsored children’s parents, elder siblings, relatives, village youth, etc.
To promote family integrity and neighbourhood solidarity.
To reduce early deaths among chronic addicts, and early widowhood of their wives.
To have quality education to children promoted by healthy and happy parents. Etc
Seva Kendra also ran Grihini (Home Sciences) Classes for the backward and less educated girls of the villages to help them stand on their own. They were taught crafts, tailoring, cooking, gardening, hygene and cleanliness. At the completion of the cource each girl was awarded Certificate and a sewing machine. This project has now expired.
Seva Kendra runs a Children’s Home for girls. There are 50 inmates in 2018-19. They go to attend Divya Jyoti School. These children also work as members of the MCA (Missionary Childhood Association).
ORBIT (Organization for Bidar Integral Transformation) :
Fr Victor Machado, while serving at Bhalki Centre as the Director, launched the ORBIT for social transformation works among the people; he is the pioneer of social development works. ORBIT is a Registered Trust. It was initially supported and guided by CODP, Mangalore. ORBIT has been serving all people irrespective of caste and creed. It took up Women’s Development, Asha Kiran for the alcohol addicts, Vidya Vikas for the Government school students, CBR (Community Based Rehabilitation for the Differently Abled, etc.
Fr Santhosh Dias succeeded Fr Victor machado as the Director. In 2003 ORBIT Office was shifted from Bhalki to its own newly constructed building in Humnabad. But its sub-office continues to function in Bhalki. Fr Santosh Bapu took over from Fr Dias. Fr Anil Crasta, assisted by Fr Lawrence Arun, is the Director since June 2018.
Charity Sisters (SCCG) who served Bhalki Missionfrom 1983 till 2019 (for one year or more):
As Superiors (In alphabetical order)
1. Sr Alice Tauro 2.Sr Angela Mendonca 3.Sr Angeline Pink
4. Sr Emily Lobo 5. Sr Dr Immaculate Rodrigues 6. Sr Lucy Thundiyil
7. Sr Marian Varghese 8. Sr Nirmala D’Silva
b) The sisters who served at Bhalki Mission
1. Sr Alphonsa P 2. Sr Amala Mary 3.Sr Danny D’Souza
4. Sr Edmund D’Souza 5. Sr Dr Felly Gomes 6. Sr Genevieve
7. Sr Genevieve Mariappa 8. Sr Gloria Dias 9. Sr Gracy Thomas
10. Sr Irene D’Souza 11. Sr Irene Noronha 12. Sr Jaqueline D’Souza
13. Sr Janet Pinto 14. Sr Jnanamariamma 15. Sr Jnanasundaramma
16. Sr Josepha 17. Sr Jose Mary Joseph 18. Sr Josephine Xavier
19. Sr Juliana D’Souza 20. Sr Juliana Machado 21. Sr Kanti Carvalho
22. Sr Laura 23. Sr Laveena Fernandes 24. Sr LavinaKomar
25. Sr Lily Fernandes 26. Sr Lolita Fernandes 27. Sr Mabel
28. Sr Maria A Thomas 29. Sr Mariette 30. Sr Mary Raffeiro
31. Sr Mary Varghese 32. Sr Nancy 33. Sr Olivia
34. Sr Pauline Andrade 35. Sr Pratima D’Silva 36. Sr Reena Monis
37. Sr Regi John 38. Sr Shanti D’Souza 39. Sr Dr Sumi Sorkar
40. Sr Veena Monteiro 41. Sr Victoria D’Souza 42. Sr Vineeta Rodrigues
43. Sr Zenith Noronha
Four other Sisters who served the Mission:
1. Sr Evangelista BS 2. Sr Rennie SRA 3. Sr Adelcia AC 4. SrLinet SJC
The DSS Sisters of Halbarga are coming to Bhalki and conducting Women’s meetings.
Infant Jesus Shrine :
Infant Jesus Shrine
Infant Jesus Shrine
It was inaugurated in November 2000 with the Bishop of Mangalore Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza blessing it. Infant Jesus, as depicted in Lk 2:39-52, is set as the role model for the students. People visit the Shrine with fervor and pray with faith. People from near and far undertake Paada Yatra (Pilgrimage Walk) to the Shrine. Parents bring their babies for Jawala (the first shearing of hair) ceremony. Every Thursday special Mass and Novena prayer service is conducted.DIVYA JYOTI Primary & High School
Divya Jyothi School
Divya Jyothi School
The Primary School was inaugurated on 16 June 2003; it was blessed by Msgr Robert Miranda, Episcopal Vicar (now Bishop). In 2018-19 it entirely became English medium School. Fr Clary D’Souza as the Manager is taking very keen interest in the effective running of the Institute. Fr Praveen Joseph as the Headmaster is steering the School, the Staff, and the Hostel in highly skilled styles. The teaching faculty is15 members-strong against the student strength of 342.
Kindergarten :
Arogya Maata Ashram Sisters are running LKG, UKG and Nursary classes since 2003. The student strength in 2019-19 is 60.
YesuBaalaSadana :
In 2018-19 there are 70 boys from various places staying at this Hostel and attending Divya Jyoti School. Three lady teachers are supervising the hostel affairs.
Annual Jatra Utsav – The Mission Festival :
It is organized and implemented by the entire Diocesan Team, with the Bhalki Team playing the host. The three-day Jatra festival is celebrated in the 2nd week of November. It is a public manifestation of people’s faith and fervor, irrespective of denominational plurality. The Jatra festival comprises preaching, Eucharist, confessions, adoration, healing prayer, Bhajan singing competition, cultural programmes, and a civic function. The Jatra begins with a public religious procession through the streets of the Town, and is concluded on the third day with the lowering of the Jatra Flag hoisted earlier on the first day of the Novena preceding the Jatra. The three-day event is a well planned and keenly worked out diocesan joint venture of the Bishop, Priests, Nuns and the Faithful.
Priests who served Bhalki Mission from 1983 till 2019
As Directors
1. Fr Benjamin D’Souza 2.Fr Clifford D’Souza 3.Fr Robert Miranda
4. Fr Faustine Lobo 5.Fr Baptist Menezes 6.Fr Victor Machado
7. Fr Leo Veigas 8.Fr John Vas 9.Fr Fredrick D’Souza
10. Fr Antony Lasrado 11.Fr Ronald Lobo 12.Fr Joseph Rodrigues
13.Fr StanyGoveas 14.Fr Stany Lobo 15.Fr Clary D’Souza
As Members of the Mission Team
1. Fr RonaldCutinha 2. Fr Francis Lewis 3. Fr Louis D’Sa
4. Fr Peter D’Souza 5. Fr Gregory D’Souza 6. Fr ApolinarisCrasta
7. Fr Maxim Noronha 8. Fr Felix Monteiro 9. Fr Nelson Olivera
10. Fr Henry Mascarenhas 11. Fr Joseph Martis 12. Fr Peter Aranha
13. Fr Herald Pereira 14. Fr Michael D’Silva 15. Fr Mathias Pereira
16. Fr Stany Pereira 17. Fr Stany Monteiro 18. Fr Santhosh Dias
19. Fr Antony Pinto 20. Fr Edwin D’Souza 21.Fr Blaise Rodrigues OFM
22.Fr Santosh D’Souza 23.Fr Stephen Veigas 24.Fr Vincent Coelho
25.Fr Anil Joel Prasad 26.Fr Cyril Lobo 27.Fr Anil Crasta
28.Fr Wilson Fernandes 29.Fr Alban D’Silva 30.Fr Wilbert V Lobo
31.Fr Sunil Mankare 32.Fr Mathias MSFS 33.Fr Aneesh MSFS
34.Fr David 35.Fr Clevon Gomes 36.Fr Joseph Praveen
37.Fr Thomas D’Souza 38.Fr Lawrence Arun 39.Fr Deepak Furtado 40. Fr Roshan D’Souza
Also, several Regent Seminarians have served at Bhalki.
Six Lay Catechists have rendered their service. They are: Albert Crasta (later on ordained Priest), Prabhudas, Peter, Maruti Hupla, Maruti Mural, and Emmanuel Hanumanth.
Several lay leaders have assisted and are supporting the Mission Team during the times of need and special events. The present Vice President (MrTanaji) and Secretary (MrsSukeertaReshme) are cooperating well.
Todate, Fr Clary D’Souza is the Director of Bhalki Mission. Fr Joseph Praveen works as the Headmaster of the School. Fr Deepak Furtado bears the responsibilities of the House Minister. And Fr Thomas D’Souza takes care of the Shrine and the pilgrims. Besides, each and all of them are involving themselves in the different fields of the Mission, like Worship, Preaching, Teaching, Pastoral care, and Office work, in tune with the wise guidance of the Director.
Institutions:
1.Divya Jyothi Primary School, Bhalki
H.M.: Fr. Rocky D’Souza
2. Divya Jyothi High School, Bhalki
3. Yesu Bala Sadan Boy’s Home
Convents : Sisters of Charity
1. Arogya Matha Convent (1983)
Nilanga Road, Bhalki, Bidar –585328
Superior: Sr. Celestine Pinto SCCG
Institution :
Arogya Matha Kinder Garten (2004)
In-charge: Fr Rocky D’Souza
2. Arogya Matha Seva Kendra
Dongapur Road, Bhalki, Bidar –585328
Superior: Sr. Celestne Pinto SCCG
Institutions:
1. Arogya Matha Seva Kendra Hospital, Bhalki
Sister in-charge: Sr. Celestine Pinto SCCG 8861115109
Doctor: Sr. Dr. Sumi Sarkar 9318391401
2. Arogya Matha Girls Home
Sister in-charge: Sr. Celestine Pinto SCCG 8861115109
FR. ROCKY D’SOUZA
Director
BHALKI PARISH
|
| 3 |
St. Joseph Church |
Bidar |
0 |
1982 |
|
BIDAR MISSION (1982)
Nostalgic Memories of the beginning of Bidar mission :
Rt Rev Dr Basil S D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore was celebrating Holy Eucharist at Bishop’s Chapel, Kodialbail at 5.30 a.m along with his Vicar General Very Rev Msgr A. F. D’Souza and Fr Robert Miranda, Bro. Rony and Bro. Francis whom he had prepared for a mission. While he invoked God’s Blessing on the new mission, the Lord strengthened them all with His own self-gift, the Eucharist those on mission were very well encouraged by the assurance of the Bishop would accompany them to Bidar. With much love and foresight he had personally arranged for all the basic needs of the mission which included some warm clothing, kitchen vessels, mats, etc. It was raining cats and dogs. Driver Jossy was ready with the car. Taking a light breakfast after the Mass, the Bishop, the Vicar General, and the young missionaries boarded the car. The mission left the Bishop’s House, Mangalore at 6.45 a.m. sharp and moved fast northwards to Bidar. A new epoch in the history of the diocese of Mangalore had dawned.
17th June, 1982.
After a long journey of over a thousand k.m. by road, the missionaries entered the frontiers of Bidar at around 5.00 p.m. interestingly a drizzle from the heavens welcomed the missionaries. A welcome sign indeed! A Shower of Blessings from above! The missionaries along with the Bishop alighted at the inspection Bungalow near the Ambedkar Chowk in Bidar city, and a few of Catholics welcomed them warmly. A little later, the Archbishop of Hyderabad – Most Rev Arulappa arrived there along with Fr Marianna and Fr Rayappa. In the informal meeting that followed, Rt Rev Dr Basil S D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore, accepted Bidar district for Evangelization from the hands of Most Rev S Arulappa, the Archbishop of Hyderabad to whom the district belonged juridically. “Pray to St Joseph. He will do everything for you” said the Archbishop to Bishop Basil smilingly and in good faith. Trusting in the powerful intercession of St Joseph, Bishop Basil did not have a second thought. He simply agreed and accepted the mission taking St Joseph as the patron of the new mission – THE BIDAR MISSION,
Even though a good room was arranged for the overnight’s stay, at the IB itself Bishop Basil preferred to stay with the young missionaries in a little room on the outskirts of the city. ( near Fateh Darwaza). Mr Prem Kumar of Shoba Nivas, a Methodist Christian, had offered a room for the stay of catholic missionaries. Ex Flt Lt Samuel SS, a Mangolorean by birth who stayed nearby, offered them food. The Bishop stayed in this little room with the driver and the missionaries for the next three days. This single room served all purposes – of prayer, rest, recreation and cooking. all in one! The Bishop slept on a simple mat on the floor, sat on the floor to pray, also to eat and to chat. The young missionaries, who stayed in this room for the next 4 months, would recall later the days they stayed in this room and were the happiest days in the mission life.
18th June, 1982.
Around 4.00 p.m., the little flock of Catholic believers, around 40 in number, had assembled in a primary school class room belonging to the Railways. Among them were Naden, M.D Shah, Samuell SS, M.V Augustine, Stopno, Leon Charles and thier family members. There were also a few Air Force employees. They had prepared themselves joyously for the celebration of the Eucharist that day, as it would be a historic day in the history of the Catholic Church at Bidar. Even though a small community, they were very happy and excited that the Catholic Church at last had come! On this blessed day, a Sunday and the Feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rt Rev Dr. Basil S D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, celebrating the Holy Eucharist along with the guest priests declared the catholic mission formally opened. BIDAR MISSION WAS BORN’
Two days after the Inauguration, the Bishop took us by car to Hyderabad to show us the Archbishop’s House. After introducing us to the place and people over there, he had to leave us and proceed to Mangalore. He reached us to the APSRTC Bus stand at Afzalgunj. We were touched as we saw tears rolling down from’ the eyes of Bishop Basil and driver Jossi as they said, “Good bye” and “God Bless You”. And they left us, we came back to Bidar.
Early Days :
“Faith is a leap in the dark” said Kierkegaard. It was a leap, yes! but a leap with firm faith in the Lord who said, “Behold, I am with you always”. He’ never failed. Our Faith and Hope, Prayers and words of encouragement from our near and dear ones sustained us in those difficult days of our mission life. As we were entirely new to this place, our first task was to know Bidar – the people, society, religious belief and practices andculture, geography, socio economic situation and weather. Wasting no time, we moved out of our little room which we named as ‘Joseph Nilaya’ and make acquaintance with people. We had purchased a bicycle for us for our travel. Brothers were so good and concerned about me and my broken leg that they often took me on their cycle and did not allow me to cycle. When we were cycling, often the wind against us, we remembered the Apostles who were asked by Jesus to take a boat and go ahead and reach on other side of the lake (Mk 6:45). His presence was felt in many ways. As we started off on our quest, we were greeted by many people who greeted and said ‘Jai Christ’ to us. Soon we learnt, Christianity is not new in Bidar. The Good News was first proclaimed to the people of Bidar a hundred years before (1890), by the Methodist Missionaries. The ‘Madiga’ group of people ( a scheduled cast) had accepted the Good News in great numbers. The District Superintendent of the Methodist Church at Bidar and Assistant Pastors, Mesrs. Gyani, Nehemia, Contractor Rajappa, SR Pandit, David Narasappa,a Dr Mrs Sunderraju, Solomon DPPI, George BEO, were some of the people who helped us in the early days. Dr Mrs Sunderraju often received us in her house and treated us as her own sons. With their help we moved to a rented house in the city where the faithful could conveniently assemble for the Sunday Eucharistic celebration. Sufficient land was purchased for the mission on the outskirts of the city at the village Haldkeri in bidar, Hydarbad Road.
Bidar, we had learnt in schools, is the most backward district of Karnataka. To stay here, live with these people and know them was a unique and precious life experience. The villages consisted of a cluster of houses in one place and apart from other such villages by several miles with no habitation in between. The Society sharply divided on the caste basis; People of the same caste live together but away from the other caste even within a small village. While the high caste people, who were also land owners, occupied the central place in the village, the low caste people had to live on the outskirts or even outside the village. The low castes the poorest are often oppressed by the landlords. Their wages were less than Rs 10 for women and Rs 15 – 20 for men folk. Their low earnings even during work seasons or no earnings at all in timeof draught always put them at the mercy of the landlords who squeezed life out of them. Many lived as bonded labourers for generations. Besides this, they had to bear the brunt of the caste system. They were considered ‘untouchables’. They could not enter their landlord’s compound or draw water from the community well.
Poverty at home didnot allow them to send their children to school. Poor educational facility coupled with corruption in every Government Department including Education made the situation deplorable everywhere. As we completed our study of Bidar by the year end, the need of good education being the prime need of the place and a solution to many ailments of this society, we applied for a Kannada Medium School at bidar. We also managed to register the Catholic Diocesan Society at Bidar under which all our future works would run. Both these were accomplished after a patient and persevering struggle with the government officials who would normally not do a thing without money moved into their hands under the table.
Another important task given to us by the Bishop was to find out the most responsive area to start the evangelization work. As we went round the district, we found among the 5 Talukas of Bidar district, Methodist Church was sufficiently well organized in Bidar Taluka. They had contributed much to Bidar in educational and health fields. All other denominations, such as, the Seventh Day Adventists, New Apostolic Church, Hebron Church, Pentecostal Church – were in Bidar already before us spreading Good News to people in their own ways. Often these Church pastors were found wrongly motivated. They cared more for monetary gains than the faith of the people and did nothing to improve the living conditions of the poor. They induced people to join them by the offering ‘Paeti (Harmonium), Tabala and Gudi. offer of a Harmonium, Tabala as music accompaniments for Bhajans
Bhajans a the popular form of devotional songs among to new christians. As new denominations were coming into the villages, and each one working in a competitive spirit rather than ecumenic, people responding to the Word of God, were demoralized. In the absence of committed spiritual leadership from any of the denominations, they were, like sheep without a shepherd. The situation was no better than what we read in Ezk 34:3-6. Many were eager to listen to the Word, but not one to proclaim. ‘The harvest was rich indeed, but the labourers were few. It was in this situation, the catholic Church entered into Bidar
Catholic Church in Bidar :
The consecrated life of the Catholic priests and nuns, celibacy, prayer, austere life, simplicity and commitment to God’s work impressed the people of Bidar very much. They had never seen such way of life before. Even the Lingayats and people of other religions were impressed by us and they treated us with love, respect and reverence. None of the Christian denominations except the Methodist Church seemed to have made any impact on people. Under these circumstances we chose Bhalki as the suitable place for starting evangelization work. After several visits, we managed to take a room on rent at Bhalki town in the house of Mr Gurunath Swamy, a Lingayat.
A new batch of Missionaries arrived with the Bishop in June 1983, in the person of Fr Benjamin, Bros. Louis D’Sa and Peter D’Souza. Bhalki Mission was inaugurated on 7th June, 1983, and was dedicated to Christ the Holy Redeemer. Their residence was ‘called ‘ Yesu Nilaya’. Rev Srs. Concetta, Bertille and Maria, Anita, the Apostolic Carmel sisters also, landed in Bidar to serve the people at St Joseph’s Convent School, which was inaugurated on 6th June, 1983. We named their convent Maria Nilaya. They were the first sisters to come and work in this mission. Phenomenal growth of the mission took place then onwards. Even though it is worthwhile recording the growth of every mission centre and apostolate, it is not possible to record it here. It would be no doubt very informative and interesting for readers and those working in this mission to know how the early missionaries started the work of preaching the Word of God.
Fr Benjamin with great enthusiasm went all around, the length and breadth of Bidar, walking, cycling, by truck or bus making acquaintance with people and place. Fast he established contacts with prominent Christian and other leaders. He became popular among the poor in no time as people saw in him a man of God, a man for others. During those days, the New Apostolic Church that had already spread into Bhalki villages, was not functioning well. Both people and the local leaders of this Church were disheartened and disappointed. Touched by the life of priests and sisters in the Catholic Church, N.R Luke, a ‘shepherd’ in rank of the New Apostolic Church, took initiative and met Fr Benjamin with his associates. Fr. Benjamine instructed these enthusiastic men about Catholic Church, its origin and history. Having heard about it, they recognised the Catholic Church as the Mother of all the Churches and called it ‘Tayi Sabhe’. They were now ready to come over to the Catholic Church. Accepting their genuineness Fr Benjamin sent them to Mangalore for an intense formation course at Mangala Jyothi (DBCL). This course was taken up by Fr Mark Veigas who took all pains to instruct them about the Catholic faith and practices. Having completed their course, the Bishop Basil baptized them in the Catholic Church at Kodiyalbail Chapel in Mangalore in May 1984. These the first fruits of the Mission were named Luke, John, Mark and Mathew. It is through the contacts made by these men and a few who later joined, more people in and more villages were contacted as years passed.
But then, we were all young inexperienced people working in this field. Things were not clear in our minds concerning the approach we needed to take in this mission. But our Bishop had clear thoughts in his mind on what we were here for. Therefore by his unfailing visits at least twice a year, he guided the team members continuously unto his last moments of life. He loved to visit people in villages, preach the Word of God, and spend time with people. With concern for their social and economic welfare, as the communities were strengthened in faith, he helped us start development activities in Bidar. ORBIT (Organisation for Bidar Integral Transformation) started in1983 as a sister concern of- CODP, Mangalore, began working in full swing for empowering the marginalised sections of the society. It was the initial plan of the Bishop Basil to start at least one mission centre in all Talukas in five years. We accepted that it was neither possible nor necessary for us to go on with such a speed. However, this dream of his, of reaching out to all Talukas of Bidar was accomplished when ‘Kristashrama’ the centre at Kaudiyal, Basava Kalyan was blessed on 3-12-1996 a few months after his death.
Bidar center institution
1. SACRED HEART CHAPEL :
BIDAR CHAPLAIN: Fr. Clevan Gomes
The history of Bidar Mssion began with mission activities in Bidar Taluk itself. The mission was formally inaugurated on the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on 17th June 1982, in the presence of a small congregation gathered in a school class room, near Bidar Railway Station. As the need was felt for a place of worship, a small Church built and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Basil S. D’Souza on 12th February 1985. Frs. Robert Miranda, Baptist Menezes, Mathias Pereira and Jerome D’Souza, Fr. Ivan Michael, Fr Stany Pereira, Fr. Fredrick D’souza, Fr. Praveen Martis, Ferdinand Gonsalves Fr. Stany Lobo Fr. Leo veigas, Fr. Pradeep Mangalgi OFM, Fr. Wilson Fernandes have rendered their services in this Church. Fr. Clevan Gomes is its present chaplain.
The Catholics residing under the jurisdiction of this church is not steady due to the transfer of government officials. Presently, the number of Catholics is increasing with migrant youth studying in different colleges. There were 140 Catholics only with five permanent families.
The Sacred Heart Chapel has not restricted its activities to Catholics alone. but reaches out to people of all denominations in a spirit of love and service. A branch of the All India Christian Forum was inaugurated in the chapel on 6th August, 1995. In 1996. when the road leading to the Sacred Heart Chapel and the adjacent colony was blocked by vested interests, the people of the colony came together irrespective of caste and creed, and successfully fought against the idgah committe. Several poor people have been helped for housing and self-employment. Thanks to the untiring efforts of the various chaplains, the Chapel has truly become a symbol of Christian faith.
MARIA NILAYA CONVENT: (Apostolic Carmel) :
All the sisters except invited in the pastoral and school ministry. The sisters, in their usual style., give their selfless service both inside and outside the school. They regularly visit the houses of the students, comfort those who are sick. The convent was started in June 1983. Sisters stayed in Rev Gyanis’s house. Sr. cencetta, Sr. Bertille, Sr. M Anitha were the first nuns to work in Bidar district.
St Joseph’s Higher Primary School : It was the first educational institution started by the Catholic Church in bidar mission in 1983. Perceiving the need for good education, especially for the poor, the permission for a kannada medium school was obtained and the school was opened on 6th June, 1983. This school, which saw its beginning in a small room at Fatch Darwaza, shifted to the present place in 1984, was upgraded into high school in 1990. Today nearly 900 children, irrespective of caste and creed, study in the primary and midldle school section. The school caters to the poorest children from the surrounding areas of Bidar towm and also from the villages of Bidar district, who stay in boarding. The school is rightly acclaimed as the best Kannada medium School in Bidar district. The school authorities have an uphill task controlling the rush for admissions. The school has set a standard for academics and moral values. It strives to bring up students as loyal and responsible citizens.
Jeevan Prakash study Home (for Boys) and Jeevan Jyothi study Home (for girls)
After stating the school at Bidar, it was soon realized that the majority of our poor children in the villages (Mission) from various taluks of Bidar district, could not benefit from the school. The Jeevan Jyothi study Home started in 1986 to help to such poor children. In 1995 the study Home was divided into two sections, for Boys and Girls separately. The objective of this Study Home was to educate the poor, deserving and talented children from our villages and form them into nucleus educators who on completion of their studies will go back to their villages, and help to educate their own village people. These Children are trained with a vision of making them the future leaders of their communities, who would bring solace and liberation to the oppressed people. The High School children, during their holidays would conduct regular literacy classes for the government primary school children in these villages and improve their learning. A homely atmosphere is maintained in the Study Homes and study Home are given for their all-round development. The Warden takes special care in achieving the objectives of these Study Homes with a clear action plan. Due to financial constraints, the average strength of the boarding is restricted to 70 every year.
ST. JOSEPH’S HIGH SCHOOL, BIDAR
Mr. Veerappa Moily, the then Education Minister of Karnataka inaugurated the St. Joseph High School (kannada Medium) in the academic year 1990-91. However, it took a long time of two years to obtain the required permission from the department. Though this school is acclaimed as one of the best Schools in Bidar, it is yet to receive the Grant-in-aid from the Government. Apart from having 100 % result in the year 1995-96, the school had an average result of above 90 per cent during the past 28 years. This is all because of the selfless and dedicated service of Correspondents the Fr. Baptist Menezes and the headmaster Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves and the team of teachers in the school, who worked hard in the beginning. Every year, over 70 children appear for Drawing, Science and Hindi State-level Examinations and all of them pass with distinctions. The school works hard to stop mal-practices during the examinations by educating the students not to indulge in copying. Various club activities like art, craft, dance, music, needle work, and gardening are organized. The students secure District as well as State-level Honours in various competitions.
Moral Values, devotion to God, respect to the country and elders are given importance in the school. The school is preparing the students to live in harmony with all people in the society irrespective of cast and creed..
Maria Nilaya, Bidar
On the evening of 4th June 1983, after a long journey of about 20 hours, with night halt at Shimoga, the second batch of missionaries arrived at Bidar, along with Rt. Rev. Basil S. D’Souza the Bishop of Mangalore, Fr. Robert Miranda, the pioneer of the Mission, welcomed them warmly . The members in this new batch of missionaries were: Sr. Concetta AC, Sr. Bertille AC, Sr. Maria Anita AC and four Regents- Brothers Albert D’souza, James D’Souza, Peter D’ Souza, Louis D’sa and Fr. Benjamin D’Souza. For the first time Bidar witnessed the presence of Siters. As a convent building was not ready, the sisters stayed in Mr. Samuel Sequeira’s house for the first two days. Later, they shifted to Rev.Gyanis house.
On 6th June 1983, at 11.30 a.m. Maria Nilaya, the A.C. Sisters Convent was inaugurated by the Bishop at Fate Darwaza, in a space provided on rent by a kind Methodist Contactor D. Rajappa. A Carmel Home for the Missions was born in Bidar to be Missionaries in this predominantly a non-Catholic place, working for education, family apostolate and to a certain extent through direct evangelization. The Community: Maria Nilaya Convent moved to the present place on 8th Dec 1984. Unfortunately only two small rooms were available to them of the proposed convent building.
V. Rev. Sr Veronica A.C. the then provincial superior took personal interest in the Mission and prepared the team of Sisters to meet the challenges of the Mission. It was Sister Veronica who saw the hand of God in Bishop’s Invitetionto serve in Bidar Mission and do the pioneering work in the field of education.
The formal inaugural function of St. Joseph’s Convent School took place on 07.06.1983 at 11. 00 a.m. with the DDPI of Bidar presiding over the function. The Bishop of Mangalore blessed the rooms at Fate Darwaza, rented out by the Methodist Contractor D. Rajappa. This modest three room abode served as a residence for the Sisters as well as the class rooms for the students. Mr. B.R Shetty S.P. and a few officials were present for the Inauguration of the Convent. Thus started St. Joseph’s Convent school at Bidar under the management of the Catholic Board of Education, Mangalore. Assisted by AC sisters.
The Superiors of Maria Nilaya Community :
Sister Concetta – Sister – in – charge : June 1983 – May 1986
Sister Stella Mary– Sister-in-charge : May 1986- December 1988
Superior : December 1988 – May 1991
Sister Carmel Rose – Superior : June 1991- May 1994
Sister Evelyn Marie – Superior : June 1994 – May 1997
Sister Christine Noronha – Superior : May 1997 – May 1998
Sister Beatrice Pereira – Superior : May 1998 – June 2004
Sister Celine Vera – Superior : June 2004 – May 2010
Sister Christine Misquih – Superior : May 2010 – May 2016
Sr. Freeda AC ( May 2016-
JEEVAN JYOTHI HOSTEL :
In June 1987, the Mission Team decided to have a Study Home for the girl children of the villages under Evangelization Programme in the 3 Talukas of Bidar. The aim of the Study Home was to strengthen their Christian faith by providing them a education and to bring up the poor in the villages. The children after being educated would return to their village as good leaders and work for the betterment of their own people. As there was no building to accommodate the children, they were put up in the school building from 1987-91. During the first two years Sister, Carmel Rose supervised their studies and taught them Catechism regularly.
CARMEL VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE, BIDAR. (CVTI)
Carmel Vocational Training Institute (Bidar) was inaugurated on 27th April 1999, by the Provincial Superior, Sister Linette AC. This Institute an the extended apostolate of the Apostolic Carmel Convent, Maria Nilaya, Bidar. Sister Christine Misquith the founder Principal carried on the activities of this center with great enthusiasm. This Centre is established after the pattern of Vijay May Technical School, Mangalore, with boarding facilities and academic and technical courses of study. The institute has proved to be a blessing for the empowerment of the poor, timid and diffident girls, who join here to seek a better life. The courses offered are Computer Education, Accountancy, Typewriting, Secretarial Practice, Tailoring, Spoken English and Education for Life.
The NIOS, New Delhi, has recognized Carmel Vocational Training Institute (CVTI) as a Study Center for Vocational Courses mentioned above. The students of CVTI have the facility to pursue a Two-Year Vocational Course after SSLC. Until now over 2000 students have passed out from this Center, obtaining a certificate from the NIOS, Government of India, New Delhi and every one of them has secured a job.
The CVTI, Bidar, gives not only Vocational training, but also academic education to the students who are dropouts and short courses to others. Tuition classes are arranged for the trainees who have failed in SSLC and to those who have passed seventh or eighth class and were unable to continue their studies and have been helped to pass SSLC . Besides academic studies, the CVTI trainees are given special inputs, to equip them to enter the world of work and also to be good house wives and responsible citizens. Faith in God, healthy friendships, leadership, office etiquette, adjustment in married life, bank transaction, postal services, time management, community dynamics, first aid and home nursing, AIDS awareness, and personality development form the part of the curriculum for the senior students. These equip them to enter the world of family, work and society with greater confidence. Through the training they receive they grow into responsible, socially conscious, confident and committed individuals and citizens. They imbibe leadership qualities mainly through their socially oriented activities and extracurricular programmes.
Not only do the students get empowered to live their own life, but it is worth recording that Carmel Vocational Training Institute has contributed much to help the people around, through the staff and students. Because of the presence of this institute, poor women of 25 villages are organized into 80 Self Help Groups (SHGs) under ORBIT. Sister Freeda AC is the Local Co-ordinator. Nearly 480 men underwent the de-addiction programme and their 486 children are sponsored by Caritas, Czech Republic.
Social Apostolate : Carmel Vocational Training Institute has Sponsorship Programme under Caritas Prague, Czech Republic and many poor children sre able to study and get jobs and look after their families well. Through Sponsorship programme many programmes are undertaken. Every year Remedial classes are taken up in six villages, 10 days camp is organized with short courses such as Machine Embroidery, Candle Making, Tailoring, Computer Hardware and Doll making, Funds for Goat rearing are made available. Computer Labs is provided 6 handicap children in their villages they can work and earn their livelyhood.
Carmel Vocational Training Institute also helped poor children to go to Mangalore and stay in four Children’s Homes for their study, and they have done very well in SSLC exam and all have passed.
Micro Credit for staff members of CVTI : Our Teachers have the benefit of taking loan from CVTI Micro Credit Scheme in urgent need and pay back in 10 months.
Micro Credit Scheme for Small Scale Businesses : Caritas Prague, Mrs. And Mr. Jason Fernandes from USA and Mr. Piere and Mrs. Tiny from Holand donated to this fund and till today we have given (until 2017) loan for goat rearing to the 113 women, Buffaloe loan to 245 women, Small Business loan to 62 women. This has contributed to women’s empowerment a lot.
Carmel Community College: In 2006, Carmel Community College was started on the 2nd floor funded by Manos Unidas, Spain through the initiative taken by Fr. Xavier Alphonse SJ the founder of Community College in Tamil Nadu. Carmel Community College is affiliated to ICRDC and this was inaugurated by Sister Olivia AC, the then Provincial Superior, Karnataka Province and blessed by Bishop Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. This College offers Nursery Training Course and so far it has trained 552 teachers and all are employed in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Carmel D.Ed. College : The Bishop Rev. Robert Michael Miranda had requested Sister Olivia to consider starting a D.Ed. College, so as to give an opportunity to the deprived youth of the Diocese and Bidar Mission to become trained teachers and find a respectable profession in life. It was a mutual gift that the Bishop of Gulbarga and the AC Province of Karnataka made. The Province purchased a 2-acre land from the Bishop to start the D.Ed. College for a nominal price while the Bishop made a gift deed of the property, on which the Convent and the CVTI are constructed. Carmel D.Ed. College got permission the order from National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) on 26.06.2009 and the Govt. of Karnataka granted permission to have Kannada as the medium of instruction.
The Day, 28th July 2009 was a red letter day for the Sisters of Maria Nilaya. At 3.00 p.m., the invitees were welcomed with the blessing of a mild shower. Sister Olivia A.C., Provincial Superior, inaugurated the College Building. Bishop Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga blessed the building. Sister Celine Vera was the Superior. Sri Harsha Gupta, DC, Sri Suryavamshi, the M.P. and Sr. Lydia Educational Secretary were the Chief Guests.
Sister Noelle Marie was appointed as the Principal and Sister Jyothi, as the Vice -Principal.
The D.Ed. College caters to the faith formation of Catholics as well as Christians. Values are inculcated and English language is given importance. They are trained to value the manual work, outreach programmes are conducted and placement for the passed outstudents is provided. In all, they are trained to be responsible persons and serve the Society through good education.
Carmel Play School : It was started in 2012. It was started mainly for the children of poor parents who go for job/work and have no one to look after their children. The all round development and the growth of the tiny children is taken care. (2½ to 3½ years age). There is good staff to take care, and also sufficient place for children.
Rescue Home : On June 1st, 2012 Maria Nilaya Started a Rescue Home for women in distress. So far we have accommodated 2 families and after counseling sent them back to their homes. Three women were in the Home for 2 years they too got a better future. Three girls were rescued and got education in Carmel Vocational Training Institute and got jobs.
Children’s Home : On November 1st, 2012, Children’s Home was started to give faith –formation and good education to Jamgi colony Children. The children of this colony are given admissions in the school and accommodation in the children’s Home. Special care and attention is given to them, for their Spiritual, Physical and Emotional growth.
Activities of Maria Nilaya:- The Sisters of Maria Nilaya are actively involved in Educational, Vocational, Professional and Social Apostolate. Sisters give full Co-operation in the Parish by teaching Sunday Catechism, preparing for the Liturgy, attending SCC Meetings, visiting the families, attending PPC meetings, Team meetings, Co-operating in Parish programmes, visiting catholic families Jamgi Colony, helping in settling disputes in the families and showing compassion to the sick and suffering, also offering financial help to the poor. Sisters also give dedicated service at St. Joseph’s Institutions. Sisters have been in-charge of different Commissions at the Local level such as Liturgy, Bible, Catechetic, Youth, Development, Peace, Justice, Labour, Family, Health, Vocation and Formation, Prison and Education. Etc.
Through the A.C. Associates- our partners, sisters have strengthened the members in their faith by motivating them to have prayer in their families, desire for sacraments, specially the Eucharist, have a Compassionate heart towards the poor and the sick. Sisters have good relationship with the Parish Priest and the Assistant Parish Priest, Sisters of St. Joseph’s Chambery, with civic authorities and also the public.
The Superior and the Community is ever grateful to the Diocese of Gulbarga headed by inspiring, dynamic, enthusiastic and hardworking Bishop Robert Miranda for encouraging, supporting, loving, motivating all of us to live our consecrated life in a very meaningful way, very specially we are greatly indebted to him for helping us to work always as a Team which is an unique experience.
FR. WILSON FERNANDES
Parish Priest
St. Joseph Church F 136 C 645 Cat 15Nr. Shahapur Railway Gate,Hyderabad Rd, Bidar 585 103
Parish Priest : Fr. Wilson Fernandes
8970497960
Sacred Heart Chapel 1983
Opp. NEKRTC Bus Station
P.B No 40, Bidar -585401
Chaplain: Fr. Cleavan Gomes 8861091762
Jamagi Colony
Institutions :
1. St. Joseph Comp. P.U. College (2008)
Principal: Fr. Wilson Fernandes 8970497960
2. St. Joseph Eng. Med. School (2008)
3. St. Joseph High School (English Med)
H.M: Sr. Therese Shanthi AC 9972019519
4. St. Joseph Convent School (Kannada Med.) (2012)
H.M: Sr. Shanthi Priya AC 9663431795
5. Sacred Heart Pry. School (2005)
H.M: Sr. Antony Mary CSJ 9511687346
6. Jeevan Prakash Boy’s Home, Bidar (1986)
Director: Fr. Vijayaraju S.J 9591385005
Convents : Sisters Of Apostolic Carmel
Mariya Nilaya Convent (1983)
Bidar-Hyderabad Road, Halladkeri P.O
Bidar- 585403
Superior: Sr. Freeda A.C 9632603105
Institutions:
1. Carmel Vocational Training Institute CVTI (1999)
Principal: Sr. Vinutha AC 9481214418
2. Carmel Seva Trust (2006)
In-Charge: Sr. Christine Misquith AC 9663128952
3. Carmel D.Ed. College (2009)
Principal: Sr. Prima Shirin AC 9481511021
4. Carmel Play Home (2012)
In-charge: Sr. Maria Sanisha AC 8050574205
B. Carmel Nikethan Convent (2017)
H.No 17-1-466, Shasthri Nagar
Near Jamagi Colony, Mailoor, Bidar 585403
Institution: Carmel Seva Trust
Sr. Christine Misquith A.C 9663128952
St. Joseph of Chambery Sisters (CSJ)
C. St. Joseph’s Convent
C/o Sacred Heart Church, Bidar
Opp NEKRTC Bus Station, Bidar 585 401
Superior: Sr. Pooja Irudayaswamy CSJ 7760673925/ 8310726518
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CHIKPET MISSION |
Chikpet |
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2008 |
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DON BOSCO IN BIDAR :
Salesian fathers of Don Bosco entered into Bidar Scenario in 2006 at the request of Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda. It was on 18th May 2006, that Fr. Saji [Fr. Manuel Puthiyaparambil] who came here as the firstSalesian [member of Salesian Congregation or religious organization having St. Francis de Sales as its patron ] to take charge of St. Joseph’s Composite PU College in Bidar. As the diocese was not having sufficient number of personnel, Fr. Saji was sent here to take charge of the above said college and improve its standard and discipline at the request of the Bishop. He was followed by Fr. Michael who came here on 23rd June 2006. Both fathers were staying at JeevanJyothi Boys’ Hostel at Shahapur Gate, till the Salesians found a suitable location at Chickpet to build their own house. The house was blessed and inaugurated on 9th November 2008.
All these years, Both fathers were very much involved in the pastoral and social activities of the Bidar Team of social workers and pastors. While Fr. Saji took care of the School and the college, Fr. Michael went around many villages, visiting various Women Sangas [Self Help Groups] and centres along with the Fathers and sisters. Fr. Saji too took time to visit some of the centres and took care of the Jesus Youth members most of whom were the nursing students of Bidar. Later on as the Youth Director the Diocese of Gulbarga, Fr. Michael was able to organize many camps and seminars for the youth especially in variouscentres of Bidar. He was also very much involved in the various community developmental activities of Don Bosco. As a very experienced person in the field of social work [Fr. Michael had been the member of a social NGO for many years before joining our organization], he was very much involved in the developmental programmes of the centre. He was also the advisor to the director regarding the various activities connected with the Child Labour eradication.
After the inauguration of the centre at Chickpet, the fathers moved their residence to the new place and were able to start a Child Labour Rehabilitation Centre in collaboration with the District Administration in a project supported by the Indian and Italian Governments and the ILO [International Labour Organization]. This residential centre was started in December 2008.
Fr. Varghese Chakkala the present Rector came to the Institute in May 2009. It was this year that the Salesians started a new project called SMILE[SOCIAL MOVEMENT FOR THE INTEGRATED LIVELIHOOD AND EMPOWERMENT] which saw the expansion of their service sector into community development through reaching out to some 20 villages in and around the city of Bidar.
The Year 2010 saw the coming of three more salesians into Bidar. They were Fr. Maria Vincent, Fr. Christhu Raj and Brother Stanly George. Fr. Maria Vincent replaced Fr. Saji as the principal of St. Joseph’s PU College of the diocese for 3 years and was transferred to Don Bosco, Chitradurga as the Principal of DonBosco PU college. Fr. Christu Raj took charge as the Adminitrator as well as the Principal of the Technical Centre which he was to start. His assiduous and hard work saw the birth of Don Bosco Institute of Technology in 2014 as the only ITI under NCVT approved and accredited by the QCI [Quality Council of India] in Bidar. The Centre is having 4 trades approved by the QCI namely Electrician, Fitter, Welder and Electronics System Management & Computer.
Fr. Michael was replaced by Fr. Maria Anand in the year 2012 as the youth Director of the Diocese of Gulbarga. Fr. Michael is presently the Vocation Promoter for Salesian province in the Region of Karnataka, residing at Don Bosco, Tumkur. Fr. Maria Anand continued at this post for just one year and was given the new role as the Social Animator at Don Bosco, Bidar in 2013. He held this post for one year [2013-14] and was promoted to be the Youth director of the Salesian Province of Bangalore for the Karnataka region.
After serving for 8 months as the Hostel warden for the Child Labour Rehabilitation Centre Bro. Stanly went to Don Bosco, Yadgir to pursue his higher studies. He was also the English Lecturer at Don Bosco Tech conducting English classes as well as classes on Soft skills under the MoRD Scheme. He was replaced by Bro. Joseph Dantavathi. As a hard worker, brother had already chalked our many innovative programmes for the welfare of the children including summer camps with a lot of creativity. Bro. Joseph was replaced by Bro. Albert who took care of the children at the Rehabilitation centre for one year. He was replaced by Br. John Paul who continued till May 2013.
There were just two Salesian personnel at Don Bosco, Bidar, in the year 2014-2015 namely: Fr. Varghese Chakkala as the Rector of the House as well as the Director of all the Social Welfare Programmes at Don Bosco and Fr. NilogalChristu Raj as the Vice Rector and the Administrator of the whole Don Bosco Centre as well as the principal of Don Bosco Institute of Technology, the ITI College under NCVT[Government of India]. It was in this year we had to borrow two clerics from the Benedictine order of Vallambrosans to take care of our boys. They were Bros. Jojo and Mathews.
The year 2015-16 saw the coming of three new salesian personnel to Bidar. Thus Fr. Davis Cherapanath replaced Fr. Christuraj as the new administrator while Fr. Andrew took charge of the ITI as its second principal. Bro. Arunkumar became the next warden of the Child Labour Rehabilitation centre.
In 2016-17 one more new salesian joined the community of DB Bidar. Fr. Steven Lawrenc replaced Fr. Davis Cherapanath as the new administrator and incharge of Chickpet mission. After the serving long nine years in DB Bidar Fr. Varghese transferred to Pavur near Kasaragod.
And 20118-19 Fr. James Paul replace Fr. Varghese as Rector and Director of Social Service Action Movement.
II. THE MILE STONES of DON BOSCO, BIDAR :
Year 2006: The beginning stages of Don Bosco in Bidar: The charge of St. Joseph’s PU Composite college, Shahapur Gate; Scouting around for a piece of land; Involvement in the social welfare programmes of CVTI[Carmel Vocational Training Isntitute] by Fr. Michael.
Beginning of 2007: Salesians staying in a rented house in BidarCity[a few months].
Year 2007-2008: Buying the land and construction of two buildings at the new Site.
December 2008: The Inauguration of the new Buildings as well as the starting of a Child Labour Rehabilitation centre at Don Bosco as a project received from the District Child Labour Rehabilitation society [Jointly funded by the ILO, Central Government of India and the Italian Government]. There was also the skill training under the same project for the siblings of the Child labourers namely Computer, Tailoring and Electrical and Electronics. These were mainly non-formal in nature.
May 2009: Fr. Varghese takes charge of the centre and the beginning of a Community Development programme called SMILE-1[SOCIAL MOVEMENT FOR THE INTEGRAL LIVELIHOOD AND EMPOWERMENT].
December 2009: The beginning of a new project called MCB [Missing Child Bureau]
May 2009: Beginning of skill training under MoRD(Ministry of Rural Development] [Project under DB Tech India: Registered society of all Don Bosco skill centres in India]; This saw the coming of many more trades to Don BoscoBidar, namely Sales and Marketing, Computer and ISMO[Industrial Sewing Machine Operator].
February 2010: Cessation of the Child Labour rehabilitation centre project by the Government and ILO , but continuation of the centre by Don Bosco.
October 2010: Starting of CHILDLINE 1098 as the COLLAB of the district of Bidar.
April 2011: Continuation of the Child Labour Rehabilitation Project under SCLP[State Child Labour Project] funded by the Department of Labour.
October 2011: Starting of SMILE -2 project that included two aspects: 1. Community development programmes in 20 villages and 2. the construction of DB Tech [ITI].
2012: Starting of short term courses sponsored by certain companies like Accenture, Quest Alliance, Sneider etc.
October 2012: Starting of CREAM [Child Rights Education and Action Movement] Project for the starting of Child Rights Clubs in rural schools andPanchayat Task Forces for the protection of Child Rights, in Bidar District.[3 years] & restarting of MCB[Missing Child Bureau].
January 2013: Starting of a Pastoral Project taking charge of a small Mission at Daddapur Village. The first Mission In Charge was Fr. Christuraj [2013-14] and it was taken care of by Fr. Maria Anand [2014-15]. Fr. Varghese takes charge of this mission today [2015-16].
August 2014: Approval of the ITI College by the QCI and the starting of 4 courses under NCVT.
November 2014: Inauguration & Blessing of a newly built Chapel at Daddapur.
In all these years the short term courses continued at the centre with good intake from the villages and job placement.
December 2014:The Completion of SMILE-2 project.
June 2015: Cessation of SCLP for Child Labour Rehabilitation Centre [all over Karnataka].
December 2015: The Completion of CREAM Project.
May 2016: The starting of CREAM II Project.
June 2018: The beginning of Adult literacy programme.
In March 2019 we have just Six main projects running at Don Bosco, Chickpet, Bidar. 1. Don Bosco ITI 2. Non-Formal short term courses under Quest Alliance and Sneider 3. Child Labour Rehabilitation Centre 4. Missing Child Bureau 5. Childline 1098 and 6.The Adult literacy programme. 7. The chickpet Mission.
III. THE CURRENT PROGRAMMES AT DON BOSCO :
1. CHILD LABOUR REHABILITATION CENTRE
a. The Situation of Child Labour
India has got the highest number of child Labourers in the world. According to the 2001 Census, there are about 12.7 million child Labourers in India! The highest number of child Labourers are in Uttar Pradesh, about 1.93 million. While It is about 1.36 million in Andhrapradesh, it is 0.86 million in Karnataka. It has the 7th highest rank among the states having child Labourers.
Although Child Labour has been banned in Karnataka through The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, as per 1991 Census, child labourer percentage to child population is 8.7% in Karnataka and it comes to 9.76 lakhs. In 1991, out-of-school children in Karnataka were 26 lakhs. But, as per the recent survey conducted by the Department of Education, number of out-of-school children in Karnataka came down to 10.53 lakhs, between the age group of 6 to 14 years. Hence, the number of child labourers also might have come down. However, the exact number of child labourers would not be known unless the survey is conducted. As per the survey of 1997, the child labourers identified were 40,529 in manufacturing and other units.
b. The Child Labour Eradication Project
Government of India had started in 1998-99, what was known as the National Child Labour Project [NCLP], for the effective eradication of Child Labour in India. The 9th Plan in India had envisaged and approved some 100 NCLP Projects for the eradication of the same in different parts of India. It was in 2006 that the International Labour Organization [ILO] had approved for a three year project for the eradication of Child Labour in Chamaraj Nagar and Bidar in partnership with the Central Government, State Government and the Government of Italy [the Funding partner]. Don Bosco, Bidar was able to get the last year of this project from the District Administration after a long struggle in December 2008. Although this project was closed in May 2009, Don Bosco managed to continue the Rehabilitation centre till 2011 and later the SCLP project was given to it by the district Administration. This was stopped by June 2015. The Centre is still being run by Don Bosco, Bidar with the help of some of the benefactors and well-wishers.
Again2018-19 the Government of Karnataka sanctioned another year of State child labourprogramme to Don Bosco, Bidar. This project allowed around 30 children to keep in the institution. Already we had another 30 school going children in the institution. During the year under this project we were catering around 60 school dropout children and child labourers.
c. Some Data on the Project
Through this project, a Bridge course is being conducted for the rescued child labourers who were formerly working in various garages, hotels, shops or grazing cows, buffalos, goats and sheep and who were also school drop outs and place them back into the schools. During the time of ILO project, the centre was able to train some 94 Child Labourers and mainstream them into schools. A follow up ofthese children is done through the social workers. At present there are 28 children at the centre undergoing the above training.
d. The Dynamics of the Programme
There are specialcounselling sessions for the children as well as for their families at the time of admission as well as during the training period. The whole family is tried to be involvedinto this project. It is a residential programme for one year. The mission is to create an educational atmosphere where the children experience plenty of love and care as well as opportunities to develop themselves before moving on to their families and schools.
Many innovative methods have been designed for this ministry: A House system [includes various games, small responsibilities, study and behaviour changes etc.], yoga and meditation, Prayer sessions, Music and Dance classes, walks, Picnics, Karate classes, and regular classes in a creative style. A special curriculum has been designed for their study. As the children are coming from a very poor background, we have to provide them everything free of cost. There are two full time teachers, a Hostel Warden and a cook have been employed for this programme. All fathers are also very much involved in this project. At the end of this year, there is the hope to mainstream about 10 children into various schools.
e. SOME MAJOR EVENTS of LAST YEAR [2018-19]:
i. The Festivals & Celebrations: Feast of Don Bosco; Republic Day; Independence Day; Birth-Days of the children & staff.
ii. Inauguration of the New Scholastic year:
iii. International Anti-Child Labour Day
iv. InternationalWomens’ Day
v. Summer Camp
vi. World Environmental Day
vii. Dusserah Special Camp
viii. Chidlren’s Day
ix. Participation at the NammaChitthaMakkalatha Inauguration at Civil Court.
x. Sports Day
xi. Christmas Day
xii. Street Plays at different villages
xiii. Weekly Outings & Walks.
xiv. Monthly Picnics
xv. Participation at Don Bosco Bicentenary Celebrations
xvi. Parents gatherings
xvii. Child rights club Meetings
xviii. Movies, Dance classes, Prayer Meetings etc.
xix. Various Cultural competitions, party Games, Quiz Competitions etc.
xx. Bhajanothsava( Bhajan competition for various churches)
xxi. Volley ball tournament in view of DON BOSCO’s feast.
xxii. Summer camps
2. MISSING CHILD BUREAU [MCB]
The Salesians have been asked by the Nodal Agency BOSCO in Bangalore to be the collaborators in the Missing Child Bureau and Missing Child Search in the District of Bidar in December 2010. An office had been set up for the project with its own computer and Internet connection etc. Various awareness programmes for the villages in different parts of Bidar were organized with different types of media tools. Once the Pilot project had been a great success, the Government has asked BOSCO, the nodal Agency to start the MCBs as part of the State Government Programme in different districts of Karnataka. The MCB coordinator was also given an office in the Government settings. Bidar MCB is presently working from the office of the DCPO.
Although There is just one Coordinator working full time on this project, the result is very good. The work of the MCB, Bidar could be summed up in these lines:
Awareness programmes on the Missing Children as well as the on the Unaccompanied Children in the 5 Talukas of Bidar namely: Bidar, Aurad, Humnabad, Bhalki and Bhasavakalyan.
Awareness programmes were launched for the following:
1. College/school teachers
2. Pastors
3. Anganwadi personnel
4. Students of various schools and colleges
5. Police Personnel
6. Priests and the religious
7. Social Animators of various NGOs.
The data regarding the missing children as well as that of the unaccompanied children were uploaded onto the Home Link Software through the net and the process of tracing the children has been already underway.
SKILL TRAINING PROGRAMME UNDER THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT [MoRD] AND BOSCO TECH INDIA :
This is an addition to the above projects. BOSCO TECH INDIA [a registered society with the membership of all the Don Bosco Technical centres in India] has been able to rope in some 4 projects for the whole of Don Bosco India for the transformation of the Rural youth. Accordingly we were asked to provide technical skills to some 40,000 youngsters by 2012. Don BoscoBidar had been also chosen to be part of this big project where rural youth were imparted various job skills through MES [Modular Employment Schemes] training programmes free of cost. They were also trained in spoken English as well as in soft skills. The programme was aimed at giving 80 % or more job placements to the trainees by the end of 3 month courses. Don Bosco, Bidar had already launched this programme on 15th July 2010. The training was already given in 3 trades namely: Computer [ITES], Tailoring [ISMO: Industrial Sewing Machines] and in Sales and Marketing [Retail Industry]. It was able to impart free training to more than 300 rural youngsters hailing from about 25 villages in the district of Bidar with BPL cards. About 61% of these youngsters were placed on various jobs in Hyderabad, Bangalore and elsewhere. Although this programme has already come to an end in 2012, a similar programme is already running at Don Bosco, in a tie up with some companies like Accenture, Quest Alliance and Sneider.
Skill Training under ITI :
Don Bosco ITI has been started in 2014 with a view to give skill training to rural youth of Bidar at a very affordable fee structure. One of the best Workshops in the district, a group of qualified and dedicated staff, and a host of regular training schedules focusing on both the job requirements as well as life requirements. There are 4 trades at the Centre now, namely: 1. Electrician 2. Fitter
3. Welder and 4. Information Technology & Electronic System Management.
Classes in soft skills and Spoken English would help the students to face various challenges of life. Timely training of the staff too is aimed at the qualitative formation of the students. The job placement cell at the ITI college has already placed many a student who have completed the courses on various possible jobs. Motivation classes too are a must for the candidates to stay on the jobs at least for a period.
Once the course is over, the candidates receive an NCVT[National Certificate in Vocational Training] from the Department of Industrial Training, Government of India, which is valid inside and outside India.
CHILDLINE 1098 :
Childline 1098 is a Nation-wide movement for any child who needs care and protection. The toll free call from 1098 brings in immediate help, support and consolation to millions of children across India. Thus emotional support and help through timely counseling, emergency medical help, emergency sponsorship, restoration and shelter are some of the ways through which vulnerable children have been helped. They include children on the street, child labourers, children who have been abused physically or sexually, those who have been trafficked, those who have been forced into child marriage, those who have been forced into prostitution, those who have lost their homes and the physically and mentally challenged children.
Although it was started by a certain woman named Jeru Billy Moria in Mumbai, now it has been adopted by the ICPS [Integrated Child Protection Scheme] under the aegis of MWCD [Ministry of Women & Child Development], Central Government of India.
Don Bosco, Bidar had been chosen as the Collaborative Agency for the CHILDLINE project in the district of Bidar by Childline India Foundation already in February 2010. But the work for CHILDLINE could begin only in October 2010. There are 3 sub-centres and 1 Nodal Agency in the district of Bidar for this project. Childline India Foundation has got more than 300 centres all over India on the Job as the partners in CHILDLINE. In Bidar, Don Bosco is in Charge of the Toll Free connection1098 for the free call for any child in distress needing care and protection. There are 6 team members, one counselor, one volunteer and a coordinator on the job for 24 hours a day and for 7 days a week at Don Bosco. The work for the children needing care and protection has resulted in innumerable campaigns against Child Labour, Child Abuse and Child Marriage in the district of Bidar. Through various programmes like OPEN HOUSE, Child Rights Clubs, Reach Out programmes, Street Plays etc. we were able to bring a real change in the district of Bidar on the safety of the children, as well as care and protection for those who need them. Hundreds of children were given special and timely help like sponsorship, restoration, medical help, shelter etc. Many child Marriages have been stopped with the help of the Government machinery and with the cooperation of the people; Many children were rescued from child abuse; Physically challenged children were given special nutrition; those dropped out from the schools were put back into schools with real motivation and counselling; Child labourers were also given special counseling and motivation and were rehabilitated; Yet there are a lot more to be achieved on this front.s
The awareness campaign has been already set in a tone for the work in the district of Bidar. Now any child in distress due to child labour, abuse, negative circumstances can turn towards the toll free number 1098 and get immediate care and protection.
Chickpet Mission :
The mission at Daddapur, a village, some 12 kms from Bidar, was begun by the Salesians in 2012. Although visiting of the families from October 2012 onwards, the pastoral project as such was begun only in January 2013. It was one certain Yesappa who invited to visit his families and gradually accept those families into the Catholic. Presently baptized Yesappa&Neelammaonlyhave been baptised. Catechesis is going on to receive others into Catechumenate by this Easter [2016].
2018-19 Regular visits to the families, regular Sunday Eucharist, Weekly Catechesis, Weekly adoration, Weekly Bhajan etc., are some of the regular features of the Mission. Bibles were distributed to the individuals while Bible Summer Camps were also organized for the children. The families were taken to Kavadiyal for special prayer experience many a time. Recollections for the peoplehave been organised in the seasons of Advent and Lent. Two annual retreat was arranged for the people of Daddapur. This year we have appointed an catechist Mr. James to visit families and identify anther new villages. And we have found two more villages like Nemithabad and Mamankere where we visit once in a week to animate people through prayer and Bhajans.
While spiritual preparations were underway, it has been tried to bring in some social transformations too in their lives through family counseling and individual counseling. The timely medical help to some of them also must have been a great support for them during this journey of faith. It is also being tried to introduce Adult education among them so that the basic education might help them to go forward in their lives. Some timely awareness on social evils has already reduced drinking habit among some of them.
IV. VARIOUS CHALLENGES OF TODAY [2018-19]:
1. The stopping of SCLP funding for the running of Child Labour Rehabilitation Centre.
2. Lack of decent hostel facilities for ITI students
3. Lack of residential facilities for the Salesian religious Community members.
4. Lack of residential facilities for the ITI staff.
5. Lack of steady income for the Salesian Community maintenance.
6. Inability to start building the campus chapel due to process of land conversion.
CONCLUSION :
Don BoscoBidar aims at the integral development of the society achieved through the Integral development of the human person. This programme can become successful only through a real participative strategy involving all the people. According to the various projects at Don Bosco, the children needing care and protection become the focal point of all our activities. While the Child Labour Rehabilitation centre takes care of any child who is brought there for care and protection, the CHILDLINE takes care of all rescue operations as well as the motivational and awareness programme for the public on the negative effects of Child Labour, Child Abuse, Child Marriage and the need to understand Child Rights, etc. The Missing Child Bureau takes care of all the activities and programmes connected with the searching, tracing and recording of all the missing and unaccompanied cases of children in Bidar. The community development activities in villages too actually give priority to families so that the child could be protected and taken care of. Child Rights Project works for the awareness among the children and the adults on Child Rights and the need to fight against anyone who violates the rights of a child. The Technical skill Training projects too indirectly supports the growth of the child and motivates him or her for better achievements in life.
Institutions:
Don Bosco ITI College
Principal: Fr. Vimal Andrew SDB 8050845020
FR. JAMES PAUL SDB
Mission Superior
Mission Superior Don Bosco Mission F 3 C 25 Aurad Road, Chikpet, Bidar – 585401 Mission Superior: Fr. James Paul SDB 9611565356
Mission Coordinator: Fr. Stephen Lawrence SDB 8105682026
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CHINCHOLI MISSION |
Chincholi |
0 |
2007 |
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St Theresa, little flower of Jesus Mission, Chincholi ( Estd 2007) :
The newly consecrated and first Bishop Robert Miranda wanted with great enthusiasm to have a Catholic presence at Chincholi in the diocese. He invited (FMM) the sisters of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. Accordingly Sr Maria Pinto along with her group landed in Chincholi in the year 2006. To begin with they stayed in a small rented house. They took keen interest to study the place and contacted various group of people and built up good rapport with many people. Fr. Ambrose from Sedam and Fr Stephan from Talmadgi were attending spiritual needs of the Sisters. Rev Fr Harry D’ Souza joined Chincholi Mission in 2007. He too started the mission work staying in a rented house. Both Fr. Harry and Sisters made good study of the place and people. They also contacted local leaders, people, pastors of the different sects, officials of the different departments. Fr Harry D’ Souza had decided to have faith formation in CHANDAPUR village where the church is situated at present. He found many local pastors of different sects such as Pentecost Believers church, Protestant; New Apostolic and so on. They had their own groups having few families. Apart from these, there were also Christians who did not belong to any groups. People on the fence. Thereafter, Fr Harry and his group moved to the neighboring villages Mogha, Shadipur, Polakpalli, Anwar, and other villages. There also they found different sects have their own influence with regard to faith. They found Chincholi Taluka was the least developed Taluka of Gulbarga district. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, alcoholism, transport facility, bonded labor system, caste system were prevailing in the society. Looking at the situation, the missionaries in Chincholi decided to help the people through the social and developmental programs of Seva Sangam, The Diocesan Sociel Wing. The alcoholic addicts people were given lot of attention. Their houses were visited and given counseling. The addicts to alcohol were sent to the de addiction camps. In order to give the importance to the education of children non-formal education was imparted for the children. Spoken English classes for the youth, tuition for school going children, tailoring and embroidering for girls and other job oriented skills were taught for the youth. This selfless service made tremendous impact on the people who were taken up the service rendered by the church. Chincholi is drought area always with scarcity of rain fall. In order to preserve water a water shed program was taken up in Empally village in the year 2006. They were given an orientation for the better use of water resource. Many camps were conducted to various self-help groups. Further the missionaries thought to have a water tank for the people at the locality they lived. So with the help of German sponsors a bore-well was grilled in the year 2008 and the water facility was given to the people at Chandapur . All the villagers were grateful for the good work done by the Church. Various awareness programmes were conducted such as: Saksharatha Andolana Rallies, Environment protection, Kannu Arivu, Sethubanda Karyakrama, Panchyath Leaders Training, Leadership Programe, gender Equality programe, Records and account books maintaining, Awareness on women trafficking, Training youth groups, Concept of Federation, formation
Education ministry :
in order to make the catholic presence more fruitful and relevant at Chandapur, Rev Fr Harry D’ Souza decided to start the Education ministry. Within a few months of his arrival he bought a piece of land in the year 2007.
Little Flower Primary School :
In the year 2008 by the help of Pontifical Society of Propagation of Faith at Rome, Missionary of Childhood Association, St Antonius Parish Germany and others, Fr Harry put up a school building, started Kindergarten and First standard under the patronage of Little Flower. Further every year according to the need the school building was extended. Today we have 1 toVIII with a total strength of 516 ( in 2017-18) students.
Presbytery :
For the residence of Priest a Presbytery was put up in the year 2009. Many donor helped in for the completion of this house. They are Kirrche-in-not (Germany), Pontifical society of propagation of faith at Rome and the Diocese of Mangalore.
St. Little Theresa, Little flower Jesus Church :
There were only three Catholic families at Chincholi. On Sunday service some Catholic who Stay and work in the cement factory, school at the vicinity of Chincholi also started attending weekly mass. The new Church building was inaugurated on 22 October 2011. At present Catholics, some Hindus, Christians of other denomination too attend the Sunday service. Marian Grotto: In order promote devotion to Mother Mary, a Marian Grotto was built in the year 2012. Mr Oliver Mark D’ Souza from Mangalore in his loving memory of his parents donated the Grotto. The parish priests who served the mission at Chincholi are Rev Fr Harry D’ Souza (2007-2012) Rev Fr. StanyFernandies (2012-2013) Rev Fr David D’ Souza (2013 – 2017) Rev. Sunil Mankare ( 2017- 2019) Rev. George Lobo (2019-) PRATHYASHA – A Centre of Hope is the initiative of Franciscan Sisters of Mary at Chincholi Taluk, Gulberga District which was started in 2006. There was no catholic presence in Chincholi taluk. A few prayer groups and Protestants groups were existing in the surrounding areas. At the initial stage, Sr. Maria pinto and Sr. Smitha D’Souza rented a small room in a SC Colony and adopted to the life style of the people. All people, especially those poor Schedule Caste felt free to visit them. The sisters shared meals with them, and they too shared their meals with sisters. Keeping St. Francis as the model, they too stood in a line for collecting water, ration etc. They began their mission with door to door visit, being with the people, listening to their problems worries. As days passed, they were able to build a lot of confidence among the people of Chincholi. But the Upper Caste people kept them slaves aloof, since the sisters were living among the dalits. Sisters did not want to exclude anyone. They continued their efforts and started to mix with high caste people and began to experience a gradual change among them. Through familiar ways of meeting people, they were able to create the ground to take up the various programs. The main aim was to promote value based and dignified life for all specially to women, youth and children who are vulnerable/ marginalized/oppressed. Ever since its inception, Prathyasha has expanded its developmental and empowerment initiatives for the poor especially women, children and youth in the areas of Integrated Child Development Services, Health and Sanitation, differently abled persons, Self-help Groups, Skill Training for the Youth, Women Empowerment Programs, , Promotion of Ecology, Sr. Maria Pinto was the superior from 2006 – 2012 Sr. Anne Marie Britto superior from 2012 onwards
Helen’s Kindergarten : Established 2010. At present there are 270 students.
Prathyasha NGO ; Estd: 2006, At present there are 98 Self-help groups and one main federation called Chiguru Mahilaokkuta and a tailoring centre
They are also working in improving the quality of life of People with Disabilities in Chincholi Taluk through Community Based Rehabilitation (CRB) Strategy in 30 villages and have identified 685 Persons with disability and formed 33 disable persons Groups. Sisters are collaborating in all the pastoral and educational activities. Considering the poor educational facilities of the place and to provide opportunities for the needy boys and girls the sisters are running at Helena High school and PU Collages since 2016. The works done by the sisters in the social and educational field at Chioncholi is indeed a great service to our society.
Institutions: Little Flower English Med. Primary School, Chincholi. Manager: Fr. Sunil Mankare 9844916205 H.M.: Sr. Mary Ann, FMM 9980220170
Convent: Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Prathyasha Convent (2006) Ashraya Colony, Chandapur Chincholi 585 305 Superior: Sr. Saleth Mary FMM 7848964626
Institutions: 1. Helen’s Kinder Garten School (2010) In- charge: Sr. Leela Mary FMM 8197294724 2. Prathyasha NGO (2006) Director: Sr. Nancy Lobo FMM 9731198706 3. Helen’s High school (2016) H.M: Sr. Leema Rosy FMM 9740907959 4. Helen’s PU College(2016) Principal: Sr. Saleth Mary FMM 7848964626
FR. GEORGE LOBO
Director
St. Therese, Little Flower of Jesus Church F 3 C 13 Cat. 9 Ashraya Colony, Chandapur Chincholi, Kalaburagi – 585305
Director: Fr. Geoge Lobo 9980965752
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QUEEN OF HEAVEN CHURCH |
CHITTAPUR |
0 |
0 |
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CHITAPUR MISSION
QUEEN OF HEAVEN CHURCH, CHITTAPUR
Chittapur is one of the oldest Parishes in Gulbarga Diocese. It is mentioned in a book written by Mids Tailor that already in 1502 there were Catholics in Chittapur. The Idiga people (toddy tappers) were the 1st to accept the faith. According to one legend (Tradition), the ancestors of Catholic community rendered their service to the King. Some of the members who won the favour of Nizam rulers were Anthanappa, Arogyappa etc. The Nizam king Usman Pasha was very happy with the service and donated 250 acres of land to these people as a sign of his love for them. In this land, while they were doing agricultural work, they found one cross. They kept the cross safe in one of their houses. They did not know how to worship it. They kept this cross safe for many years.
Some of the members of Idiga community went far away village in search of job. Where they attended a Jathra. In that Jathra, there was a big procession where the statue of Mother Mary was taken in the procession. Since these people were Hindus, they did not know why these people were carrying the statue, the purpose of carrying the statue etc. So they said themselves, these people don’t have any sense. Thus they made a mockery of this procession. The next day when they woke up one of the group members became blind, was unable to see anything.
Then they went to a Guru asking the reason of losing his sight. They explained everything to the guru whatever happened in the previous night, the mockery they made towards the procession etc. Then the Guru said “the person whom you mocked is not an ordinary person. She is Mary, Mother of God.” Then he advised them to honour her and to build a mutt (Church) in honour of her name. After this incident, they want to their native place i.e. Chittapur and narrated everything to their family members. After discussing with the elders they built a small mutt (Church) and kept the cross inside the Church which they received earlier in the field. Then they started prayer and worship sitting inside the mutt. Then all of a sudden the person who lost his eyes regained his sight.
By seeing this great miracle the ancestors were taken up. They donated 47 acres of land to the mutt of Chittapur.
That time there was no residential Priest in Chittapur. Some Priests from Goa used to come once in a way and they were conducting prayer service. They used to bring the statue of Mother of God and asked the people to pray for their intentions. After the prayer was over they used to take back the statue. Some of the features of Mary’s statue which they brought from Goa wore crown on her head, under the feet there was sun, moon etc. As it is mentioned in the litany of Mother Mary, the ancestors called this Church (Mutt) of Queen of Heaven. Since most of the believers in this place were Idigas, this Church came to known as Idiga Matha by the people of Chittapur. The tradition is that Chowrappa Swamy (St. Francis Xavier) had visited this place and celebrated mass under a tree. The present Church was renovated in 1972 and again on 2018.
The parish was taken care by the Jesuits earlier on request by the bishop after which a zealous missionary of Bellary Diocese Rev. Fr. Anthony Puthenkalam served Chitapur Mission. He was a good and compassionate pastor. He was helped by Sr. Rosette, Sr. Maxim, Sr. Lorain, Sr. Lucian, and Sr. Anita who were Bethany sisters at Chitapur. Other priests who rendered their valuable service to this mission are Fr. Cyril S.J , Fr. Norbert S.J Fr. Denis Menezes , Fr. Thomas Dsouza , Fr. Paul Fernandes, Fr. George Lobo and others etc.
At present there are 42 catholic families, most of them belong to the Idiga Community . There are a few other families too. Faith formation of the people is the main mission of the Parish Priest. There are existing many cases of mixed marriages even today. Girls coming in marriage are always Hindu. Idiga so there are marriage to be ractified.
People continue the tradition of their ancestors and not much the catholic practices Catholic and even others are very simple, lovable, kind, respectful and good towards priests and sisters in general. They are growing in faith and love of God. Presently Fr. Salvadore Fernandes the Parish Priest and the sisters rendering services to this mission area and they are Sr. Celine (Superior) Sr. Lucy Priya, Sr. Maria, Sr. Lucy Clare, Sr. Kavita, Sr. Antony Mary, Sr. Sandra and Sr. Biana The Bethany sisters who arrived in 1972 working for the all round well-being of the people, giving importance not only to faith formation but also other areas of the life like health, education, agricultural development, housing and sanitation, vocational skills, etc. They run shishu Vihar: K.G., Primary and High School both English & Kannada medium, Prymary and High school Hostel for the poor children, Social Work Centre with various programmes, a Dental clinic and 15 bed Hospital..
Vidya Rani Convent, Chittapur:
Bethany Sisters
Vidya Rani Convent, 1972
Chittapur, Kalaburagi Dt. 585 21
Superior : Sr. Celine Pereira BS 9663560501
Sisters of the Little Flower, Bethany, Mangalore arrived at Chittapur in Gulbarga District in the year 1972. Fr. Anthony Puthenkalam was a zealous missionary who loved Mary the Queen of Heaven and was desirous to bring Sisters to his parish in Chittapur. He prayed hard and worked strenuously to help his suffering people. He was not peaceful until the Bishop called on him to give the news of Bethany Sisters’ arrival to his diocese. Sr. Rosette along with Sr. Suguna, Sr. Lililoa and Sr. Santhosh began their missionary journey in Chittapur on May 25th 1972. It was Rt. Rev. Ambrose Yedanapally, the second Bishop of the Diocese who had invited the Bethany Sisters to work in the diocese. Chittapur was a dry area and often afflicted by famine, drought and want. People were deprived of good education and health care facilities.
They served in the parish. The convent was named Vidya Rani Convent. They visited the families and built rapport with the people. At first the poor, illiterate people of the town suspected that the sisters had come to convert them and refused to come to them. There was yet another problem for the sisters to visit families. In this subculture ladies were expected to stay in their homes and not move about in the villages /town. Providentially, a local generous man Dr. Mahalinga Marakini Bhat was unable to continue the English medium school that he started. He offered the school to Fr. Anthony Puthenkalam, his best friend, to continue it with 64 students, which in turn was handed over to Bethany Sisters. Sr. Rosette was at the helm as the Headmistress of this school named as ‘Shishu Vihar’. Sr. Rosette being the pioneer, Headmistress, superior, boarding mistress rendered her services to the children and all the people of Chittapur. She worked lovingly among all people irrespective of cast and creed for the development of all people and specially for strengthening the faith of the Catholics. She breathed her last in this mission working for 22 years. Sr. Rosette is remembered even today by people for her genuine love, care and great sacrifices.
A severe famine struck Chittapur and the surrounding area in the same year (1972). The poor people were hungry and thirsty. Through the help of local donors ‘Gan gi Kendra’ (Gruel Centre) was opened at the church to serve the hungry. Later, this centre became a boarding house in the year 1974. 38 guntas land was donated by Deshamukh a local donor for the orphanage. Every year more than a hundred students were accommodated for their education. At present in Jyothi Nilaya boarding about 20 students are provided with the good education and due priority is given for their spiritual formation development.
Sisters actively participate in all pastoral activities of the parish. They visit the families, teach catechism to the children and families and help them to deepen their faith. Since the families are from the Hindu background constant follow-up is needed to deepen their faith. Sisters constantly support them through their prayer and accompany them in their faith journey.
Jyothi Seva Kendra:
Jyothi Seva Kendra Trust was opened for the integral development of all the families at Chitapur. In 1981 it was supported by the CCF Project and helped sisters to reach out to the poor and deprived sections of the society in the field of education, health, sanitation, nutrition and clothing, income generating programme, skill training, housing empowerment programmes etc. In 1998 a dental clinic was started through a generous donor Dr. Michael Ohm from Germany. Dr. Ohm had a big dream for this place and he supported to establish the dental clinic as well as 25 bedded multi-specialty hospital. Twice a year the team of doctors from Germany under the leadership of Dr. Ohm visits the hospital and conduct surgeries with minimum charges
Shishu Vihar Primary School:
Praise God! The Shishu Vihar School which was begun with 64 students has seen its rapid growth. In 1977 the government sanctioned a maintenance grant or the teachers’ salary for the school staff. At present there are over a thousand students from KG to standard VII from the poor and middle class. It is a great joy that the seed of vocation for priestly and religious life is sown in the boarding and school and few repended.
As the years passed, the needs and demands of the people increased. In 2008 an additional English Medium section was started. At present there are both Kannada and English Medium schools with a good infrastructure providing quality education. This school known for its excellence and value based education in the locality. The dedicated staff works hard for the all-round development of the children. .
Bethany High School:
The students are provided with opportunities to participate sports, science exhibition and other competitions at local, Taluka, District and State level. The Institutions not only promote knowledge but also instill spiritual values, love and respect for life, nature and the nation, by celebrating days of importance like National Festivals, Vanamahotsava, , Girl Child Day, Road Safety Day, etc. To imbibe the Core values, the gospel values many activities are organized.
Though Chittapur weather is dry and humid, the life kindled by Shishu Vihar and the Bethany School will never die. They bloom and spread the fragrance of Love and Service all over.
Institutions :
Jyothi Seva Kendra Hospital :
Project Manager: Sr. Lucy Priya BS 8762684991/ 9980650499
Dr. Ohm Indo German Hospital Administrator : Sr. Lucy Priya BS 08474-236526/ 8762684991/ 9980650499
Shishu Vihar Hr. Pry. School 1972 – H.M.: Sr. Lucy Clare BS 8277402070
Bethany High School 2005 – H.M: Sr. Kavitha Lobo BS 7022686353
Jyothi Nilaya Hostel In-charge : Sr. Lucy Priya BS 8762684991/ 9980650499
FR. SALVADORE FERNANDES
Director
Queen of Heaven Church C 208 F39 Cat 45 Chittapur, Kalaburagi – 585211. Parish Priest: Fr. Salvadore Fernandes 9535707929
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ST PAUL MISSION |
EKAMBA |
0 |
2013 |
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EKAMBA MISSION 2013
ST PAUL MISSION, EKAMBA:
St Paul Mission, Ekamba was formally taken up as a new mission for Evangelization on 15th June 2013. As per the request of the Bishop, Fr Harry D’Souza , a zealous and experienced missionary agreed to work in this new Mission dedicated to St Paul, the great missionary in the early church. Prior to this, a study of the prospects of a new mission in Aurad Taluka in Bidar district was done by Santpur Mission Team.
Aurad Town is the head quarter of Aurad taluka, one of the five talukas of Bidar District in Karnataka. To start with, Fr Harry moved to a rented house in Aurad town from where he visited the people in the town and neighborhood villages along with the catechist. In the beginning Fr Harry and the catechist visited more than 30 villages studying the place, meeting people, finding out their difficulties, needs and aspirations. They were surprised, in many villages people welcomed them and were also keen to receive the Good News. Certainly, not all could be catered to. The harvest, as Jesus said, was “rich indeed, but the laborers are few”. Staying at Aurad town having made sufficient contacts with people in the neighborhood villages Fr Harry chose Ekamba village as the centre of the new mission and moved to Ekamba on 15th Jan 2013 and began staying in a room of Mr Laxman Pure, a retired teacher.
Holy Spirit Sisters at Ekamba :
joined the Ekamba Missiion in 11th July 2014. Under the leadership of Sr Treeza SSps, Srs Roselyn Mascarenhas and Nirmala Mendonca moved into Ekamba and began staying at Laxman Pure’s House. (Fr Harry moved to Mr Ansaari’s house) There was a well organized programme in the village Panchayat with over 200 people present to welcome the Sisters into the village. That was a proof of the good contact and rapport built by Fr Harry. They are giving a wonderful service in all the activites of the mission – pastoral, social and educational. At present they too, stay in a rented house. They are now staying at Mr Eknath’s house on rent.
Growth of the mission :
The growth of St Paul’s Mission, Ekamba is phenomenal, especially in the field of faith formation, Social work and Education. To put it it all in the words of Fr Harry D’Soouza, the mission director –
Faith formation work : “ …..We are already regularly reaching out to the surrounding 7 villages around Ekamba. This is just a beginning. There are number of people from different villages inviting us. We are not able to reach out to them all due to our own constraints. Our people are daily wage earners working in the fields belonging to the landlords. They are available to us after their work only in the evening. Therefore, the priest, catechist and sisters visit them in the evenings and try to form them in faith by making family visits, prayers, catechism to children, adults etc,. As we do not have any proper place to assemble for prayer or Word of God service, we gather in the houses of our people. We adopt to their culture (of singing bhajan) and give them Jesus. We are really happy that many are growing in faith. We visit the families, play with the children, teach catechism and pray over the sick, preach the Word of God to those who come with a thirst. In the begining we were afraid to do this work as we were afraid of the communal forces. But day after day people are very cordial to us they themselves wish us in the name of Jesus, welcome and offer us tea and food. Most of the women share their family problems, asks us to pray over them and also for their family. Most of them find relief from their pain and sickness, and they express ‘your God is powerful one’. As per the request of the people in two villages we have bought the small piece of land for a chapel.
Table shows the Faith formation villages and their active participation of the people.
Village Catechumens No. of Families
Bandar kumta 30 13
B. Bijalgaon 35 18
Chemegaon 38 23
Dapka 60 52
Ekamba 15 5
Karkyala 32 18
Savargaon 35 16
Social Apostolate :
Social work is another ministry where we meet people in their problems. It is male dominant society and the women become the victims of all evils. Thus we began social and developmental work among the women first, and along with the faith formation. We have engages a social worker. She looks after the poor women and has already formed 12 Self- Help Groups of women through which we intend to raise self confidence and self-esteem, teach them skills of employment, introduce micro credit system, link the groups to the government banks, promote leadership among them and give access to all the government schemes for the poor people hither to denied to them. At present, we are working in 4 Gram Panchyaths and formed 12 Self Help Groups and 4 childrens clubs in the 3 villages. In our SHGs we are not only collecting money as a saving, but apart from what is narrated above, we are giving awareness on Education of girl child, child labour, hygiene, school dropouts and other training proramme for the women. Women are very close to the social workers(sisters), and they share their family problem too. Women feel confident to go to the bank and government office without any fear or hesitation. They say openly that they got this courage because of the social work teacher. Even though, there are many other self help groups providing them with easy loans, these women do not want to go there. They have great faith in our sisters and social worker. Now most of the women have learnt to read and write their names, thus become literates.
Education has always been the core factor in the development of individuals and people in any place. The Church has always recognized the importance of education in her mission. Education of the human person is the fundamental way for the Church, the way traced out by Christ Himself. Education in a very special way, is the concern of the Church because it has the duty of proclaiming the way of salvation to all and education is a powerful instrument of Evangelisation.
Education addresses the development of the whole person through spiritual and academic formation based on the Gospel. Through educational institutions the Church serves both the faith community and civil society by educating children, young people and adults to contribute to the common good by becoming active and caring members of the society they live in. We have a special concern for the education of the poor and the marginalized children of the rural areas.
Keeping these thoughts in mind and as per the request of the people of Ekamba and the surrounding villages, we planned to have a school in Ekamba. The team of Ekamba ie Fr. Harry and the Holy Spirit Sisters called a meeting of the local people to know their opinion on the need of starting an educational institution. People voiced out their ideas and expressed the need of having an English Medium School in Ekamba. The local team approached the president of the Diocesan Education Society of Gulbarga and obtained the permission to start the school with Nursery in the year 2016-2017. Sr. Saranya SSpS, the first teacher took up the responsibility of looking after the 28 children of the first batch of the school. At present we have Sr. Sangita SSpS as HM of the school for the year 2017-2018 and the total strength of the school has reached 60 in Nursery and LKG.
The scope of missionary work :
Apart from the pastoral work, the need for the social and other developmental works calls for social sensitivity. People have need of education on health and hygiene, quality education, promotion of job opportunities for the younger generation. There is lot of co-operation and goodwill among the poor people whom we serve. There are many other villages who are inviting us for the missionary work. We have to conduct regular visits to the existing villages for the ongoing and uninterrupted formation. At the same time there is a great desire in us to extend our mission to the neighboring villages.”
To facilitate the future growth of the mission, land 3.5 acres is purchased from Sanjay Kumar Patil in Sy No.27/1 very close to Ekamba on Ekamba – Deglur road, and another 3acres of land is purchased from Pandarinath in sy no. 180/1 closed to Ekamba on Ekamba-Aurad road. The new school building was blessed and inaugurated by the bishop on 04-09-2017 (in the newly purchased property of the mission on Ekamba- Aurad road), in the presence of all prominent leaders of the village and over 500 people participating joyously.
Now the mission is planning to put up a presbytery and a convent fot the stay of the missionaries.
St. Paul Mission, Aurad
Director: Fr. Anil Crasta 7847977779
St Paul School
Ekamba, Aurad 585326
Out-reach
Ekamba Cat. F 7
Bandar Kumta Cat. F 7
Bhavani Bijalgaon Cat. F 11
Karkyal Cat. F 12
Savargaon Cat. F 8
Chemegaon Cat. F 13
Dabka Cat. F 8
Convent: Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSps)
Holy Spirit Convent (2015)
Near Grama Panchayath, Ekamba
Udgir Main Road, Aurad TQ, Bidar 585326
Superior: Sr. Teresa Rebello SSpS 9620962785
FR. ANIL CRASTA
Director
St. Paul Mission, Aurad
7847977779
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Mary Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral |
Kalaburagi |
0 |
1962 |
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KALABURAGI 1962
Mary Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Kalaburagi :
The Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral is a graceful landmark in the landscape of the historical city of Kalaburagi. The evolution from a humble temporary accommodation of the late 1950’s to the present panorama is nostalgia to the elderly and a marvel to the young. The flow of Divine Grace through the Mother of God is engraved in the evolution of this masterpiece, from it’s simple past to the splendid present.
Until the 1960s the little flock of Gulbarga Catholic community formed a part of the then Raichur parish, under the Hyderabad diocese. After the reorganization of the districts in the Hyderabad-Karnataka Region, Gulbarga came under the Bellary Diocese. In 1962 with the arrival of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa (CSST) from Ernakulum, Kerala, for evangelization and that of Rev. Fr. Pappayya (Papaih) Edanappally as a resident priest, Gulbarga was declared an independent parish of the Bellary Diocese.
Initially the priests and sisters had to live in rented accommodations. The spiritual and pastoral endeavors of Rev. Fr. C.C.A. Pai and Rev. Fr. A. Farias, S.J., resulted in the construction of a modest chapel in 1967, which presently houses the presbytery (priest’s house) and over it the P.U. College (which was till 1970s the parish hall used for worship). Rev. Fr. Cyprian Pai (S.J.), with the help of Italian expertise, was instrumental in the building of an impressive church building, which merged with the surrounding domes and minars. Rt. Rev. Ambrose Edanappally OFM, the then Bishop of Bellary, blessed the church in 1975, opening it for worship. The enthusiasm of the local congregation and encouragement from philanthropists boosted the morale of the priests and religious. Their devoted services despite their limited resources are gratefully remembered by the elders even today. The priests of Bellary Diocese continued serving Gulbarga parish until the establishment of the new diocese of Gulbarga.
Church to Cathedral:
On 24 June 2005 The ecclesiastical establishment of the Diocese of Gulbarga encompassing the revenue Districts of Bijapur, Bidar and Gulbarga was proclaimed in a Papal dictum. On 18-08-2005 Rev. Fr. Robert Michael Miranda, of Mangalore Diocese, a pioneering missionary with several years of missionary service in Bidar, was ordained the first Bishop of Gulbarga by Papal Nuncio, His Grace Pedro Lopez Quintana, in the presence of several bishops and dignitaries. The Mother of Divine Grace Church deservingly was elevated as the Cathedral Church of the newly formed Gulbarga Diocese. Then onwards the diocese depended on the generous services of priests of Bellary and Mangalore dioceses, until it would have its own priests.
Pastors and Shepherds :
The Gulbarga parish history records the valuable services of the following parish priests and assistants priests :
Under Bellary Diocese Under Gulbarga Diocese
Fr. Fidelis Magee OFM
Fr. Norbert D’Souza (S.J.)
Fr. Cyril Silva S.J.
Fr. Cyril D’Mello S.J.
Fr. A. Farias S.J.
Fr. C.C.A. Pai S.J.
Fr. Henry Fernandes
Fr. Augustine Kandathil
Fr. O. Vincent
Fr. Thomas Adaikalam
Fr. Harold F. Pinto
Fr. John Peter
Fr. Charles Sunder Raj
Fr. S. Arokiam
Fr. B. Francis Fr. Denis Menezes
Fr. Victor Machado
Fr. Sunil Andrade
Fr. Stany Goveas
Fr. Fredrick D’Souza, Principal
Fr. Anil Prasad, Principal
Rev. Fr. Roque N. D’Souza
Rev. Fr Cyril Lobo
Fr. Victor Anil Vas
Fr Paul
Fr. Lawrence (D’Souza)
Fr. Johnson Lopes (n. c.)
Fr. Benjamin D’Souza
Fr. Dn. Vincent Thoras
Dn. Lawrence Arun
Fr. Gerald Sagar
Fr Cyril Castelino S.J. Principal
Fr. Roshan D’Souza
Fr Rakesh Ekka MSFS
Fr. Vijayaraju SJ
Milestones
1984: Minor Seminary: A minor seminary was started and housed in Gulbarga, for the initial training and academic studies to the young boys desiring to be priests. Later in 19– the seminary was shifted to Bellary. Presently Gulbarga Diocese has its own minor seminary (Sacred Heart) in Sirnoor in the city outskirts.
1992 June 1: St. Mary School, Kalaburagi
To have a school for boys of Gulbarga was the dream of Fr. O. Vincent but it was realized by Fr. John Peter, assisted by Fr. Charles Sunder Raj, with the blessing of the Bishop of Bellary and the help of St. Joseph School Sisters and Church trustees. Braving all odds, they tenaciously set up the School with just 82 students (within a week of its inauguration). Mr. Varkey Varghese constructed the School building on credit which was paid by the church after five years.
2001: The School receives permission [I to X] from the Ed. Department
2000-2001: The first board exam for VII STD
2003-2004: The first board exam for the S.S.L.C. .
2007: St Mary School, Kotnoor started
2007: St Mary P.U. College started in St Mary School premises. In 2017
The college shifted to the renovated hall, a well equipped building.
2015: The school receives permission for the English medium.
Kannada medium school becomes English medium.
St. Mary School is now 27 years old. Today there are over 1800 students studying in the Pre-primary, Primary, High School and Pre University College. The school being in the Church premises is managed by the Gulbarga Diocese Educational Society. As per the society’s vision and mission and with the motto “CARE AND SHARE” the school aims not only at academic excellence but also the all-round formation of the students, inculcation of human and Christian values.
As Teachers play a vital role in the life of the Child, the teachers are equipped with the latest skills and techniques through, seminars, workshops and orientation programs. Teaching and non-teaching staff contribute through their active and creative involvement in every aspect of the School.
From the very first year St. Mary’s has secured prizes and awards in various Inter-school and other competitions. In sports some students have reached the state level competitions. Guru Raj, a SSLC 2014-15 batch students, secured 1st Rank in District level and 8th Rank in State level in S.S.L.C Exam. The past students have brought remarkable credit to the institution by their outstanding performance in various fields. St. Mary’s was awarded as the “Cleanest Campus” by the Rotary Club.
2009 Mother Teresa Charitable Hospital inaugurated
2013 June 19: Dedication of the new Cathedral
The new diocese, being vast and spread out in four districts of North Karnataka, needed a befitting Cathedral. Kalaburagi city, famous for its magnificent religious monuments deserved a Christian counterpart. Through the generous contributions and sacrifices of many big and small donors such a magnificent Cathedral has been constructed. The Cathedral provides for the spiritual needs not only of the parish community but also of the diocese as most of the major diocesan events are held here. Non-Christians too are attracted to this beautiful house of God and visit it for prayer and blessing throughout the day.
2013 Divyavani, a Catholic Enquiry cum Counseling Center started. Presently a couple is offering free service. Free Religious literature is being distributed to the earnest seekers.
2016 : Mother Teresa Community Hall was constructed with Minority Commission Grant
Religious Congregations :
The Cathedral parish is blessed with the religious presence and valuable services of several religious congregations within in its limits. The religious priests and sisters form the pastoral team planning and sharing the various responsibilities.
The Salesians Fathers in Don Bosco Pyar are running a Child Help-Line, a children’s rehabilitation center and a school in Bablad.
The Society of Jesus at Loyola Sadan, Sirnur, (since 2006) are running St Xavier’s P.U. College & St. Xavier’s Pre-Primary School.
The Carmelite Sisters of Saint Teresa who arrived in 1962 in St Joseph’s Convent, are running a Nursery, a Kannada Medium, a English Medium primary, a high school, a P.U. College so also a Girls home.
Bethany Sisters, who arrived in 2006, are running a school in Sridatta Nagar. Two of their sisters are heading the Church Primary and High School.
The Holy Spirit Sisters, Deepalaya, who arrived in 2009, are engaged in manifold social works like prison ministry.
The Sisters of Charity, Bartolomea Nilaya, are serving in St. Mary School, Kotnoor and run a Kindergarten and a children’s Home.
The Sisters of Charity, Jyothi Nivas, (Mangalore Province) are serving in Mother Teresa Hospital, Uplaon since 2010.
Parish Community today :
Along with the few local families, a number of families from Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere have contributed to the numerical growth of the parish community. Gulbarga, being an educational hub and well connected by rail and road to major cities, many young people from different parts of the country and pursuing professional courses adds to this number though only as a floating population. Among them are also the professionals who are on transfer of a few years. To date cathedral has 110 families with strength of 400 members, about a quarter of who are out of station for work and studies. Cathedral parish today With the elevation to the Cathedral, the parish community has greater responsibility in the building up of the parish. The Parish Pastoral Council plans and implements the diocesan pastoral plan as best as possible. The Finance committee is earnest in the maintenance of the church structures and execution of her projects. The cathedral makes a major contribution to the Mission Sunday collection through Mission auction and other activities. Apostolic Associations like the Women’s Cell, I.C.Y.M., Missionary Childhood Society, Altar Servers Sodality (includes all children) are more vibrant. The Ecumenical and Inter -religious Forums actively promote, unity, peace and harmony in the society. Regular Pastoral visits by the Bishop contribute to the periodic review and revival of the community.
Land Issues :
As the church-school land records were in dispute all the pioneer priests tried to put the land records in order. In the course of events, the old well in the school premises was closed for the sake of children’s safety and converted into a kid’s park. The land is protected by a compound wall on all sides, which however awaits some repairs. Thanks be to God, today all the church land records are in order.
ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT INSTITUTIONS, INDIRA NAGAR, KALABURGI :
St. Joseph’s convent Institutions Kalaburgi is owned and run by the Institute of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa. In the foot prints of our Founders Mother Theresa of Rose of Lima the successor Mother Alphonsous the then Superior General in the year 1962 had a dream of opening a convent in the dry & arid land of Gulbarga St. Joseph’s convent Institution was started on 22nd may 1962. The convent and the school were started at the request of the most .Rev. Ambrose Yeddanpalli, OFM, Bishop of Bellary, marking a historic beginning in the city of Gulbarga. The venture is never a bed of roses. The amount of planning, hard work, dedication, devotion and perseverance put in is paramount. The initial steps are always full of difficulty but then, “Everything works for good to those who trust in the Lord”. The two pioneers who started on this journey, Sr. Carmela and Sr. Euphasia were lodged in the house of Mr. Homi Irani, first contractor and benefactor. The first community of St. Joseph convent consisted of Sr. Philomene as the first superior, Sr. Emiliana as the first head mistress and four other sisters, Sr. Pia, Sr.Claudine, Sr. Estella and Sr. Angelita . They stayed in a rented house. St. Joseph convent school was started with a view to provide academic excellence and an all-round development of the students of this region which was then lagging behind in education. The seed of education was sowed on June 1st 1962 with the classes ranging from K.G to Std IV. The sisters started the school with only 14 students , but the number increased to 62 within 5 days ,thus began the story of St.Joseph’ Institutions , Gulbarga. ..In 1964, Sr. Philomene, with the help of Mr. Homi Irani, Fr. C.C.Pai and Fr.Farias purchased 2 acres of land by 1965 , construction of school building with 8 rooms was done . In 1965, the sisters too had a new cottage to live in constructed by Mr. Homi Irani. In 1965, a new section was opened , Std V and in the following years VI and VII respectively and the strength rose to 650. The higher primary was further upgraded to High School in June 1969 with just 26 students and Sr.Corona as the first headmistress of high school. Kannada Medium Primary school was started in 1983 to cater to the poor and the slum kids of the neighbourhood. The milestones that we were able to achieve:
The First Religious Congregation( Carmelite Sisters of St.Teresa) to start Education Institution in Gulbarga
The SSLC students have always come out in flying colours, overall percentage ranging between 98% to 100%
Upgradation of school to PUC in 2004. Sr.Esther Therese was the first Principal of the PU college.
In 2007-08, the Kannada Medium Primary was upgraded to High School to make it a complete education process for the girls.
St.Joseph’s Institutions celebrated its golden Jubilee in 2012.
Josephites have excelled in many Sporting events like Basket Ball, Throw-ball and athletics
Josephites Alumni has made the difference by occupying positions of eminence in various walks of life
Present situation :
St.Joseph Institutions is a minority institution run primarily for Catholic Students but in the spirit of service, it opens its doors to those of all castes and creeds. It draws its inspiration from the person and teaching of Jesus Christ, Universal Master and Model of Education. The present community consists of 7sisters , Sr.Jesuita as an Animator and Headmistress of Higher Primary English Medium School , Sr. Florian , Sr.Candida, Sr.Prafula, Principal ,St.Joseph’ Composite Girls PU College, Sr.Amitha-Headmistress ,Nursery and Higher Primary Kannda Medium, Sr.Vanessa –Headmistress of High School English and Kannada Medium School and Sr.Roopa as the Co-Ordinator of Social Work in the Diocese of Gulbarga. Remedial classes for the students of government schools from the neighbouring slum areas are taken in the evening hours. Sisters are actively involved in the pastoral work (Catechism, Liturgy, women’s Cell, Holy Childhood and SCC)St. Joseph’s Institution over the years has touched many different facets of social, literary, physical moral and spiritual aspects. The humble beginning with 14 students in 1962 has transformed to 3635 students today. Today all the departments have their respective building, updated labs and libraries, spacious auditorium and huge playground.
BETHANY CONVENT, GULBARGA :
Year of establishment: 04.06.2005: Bethany Sisters were invited to Gulbarga when it was part of Bellary Diocese before the new diocese of Gulbarga was created. Mgr. Denis Menezes was the parish priest of the church Mary Mother of Divine Grace and manager of St Mary’s school, Gulbarga managed by the Bellary Diocesan Board of Education. He was looking for religious sisters to take care of educational institutions in his parish. He placed this need before Sr. Jyothi, Superior General, requesting the service of the sisters and informed his Bishop, The Most Rev. Joseph D’Silva wrote to Sr. Jyothi, welcoming the sisters to open a house in the diocese. Mgr. Denis Menezes wrote to Sr. Jyothi requesting the service of the sisters to run the schools. Sr. Bonita, provincial Superior, was informed of this by Sr. Jyothi. She accepted the offer gladly as an opportunity to expand Bethany’s mission in a new area. Sr. Linda, who had vast experience of being a teacher and headmistress in several schools of Bethany Educational Society, was chosen from the Bethany community, Ambewadi, to take charge of the school in Gulbarga. On her arrival on 18th July 2005, Mr. Mathew Abraham, the outgoing principal, handed over the responsibility of St. Mary’s High School to her. For a month Sr. Linda travelled from Vidya Rani Convent, Chittpur, to Gulbarga, a distance of 54 kilometers. Sr. Lucy Priya, the Superior and sisters at Chittapur were very much interested in the new mission and were supportive of this new venture. On 8 August 2005 Sr. Linda and Sr. Joythi shifted to a rented house at Kalaburagi making Bethany Convent an affiliated community. Sr. Joythi from Bethany Convent, Ambewadi joined Sr. Linda on 10th August 2005. Sr. Jyothi visited the community on 18th August 2005 and found the house inadequate for the sisters. She felt that they needed a chapel and the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the convent. Hence they looked for a spacious house where provision for a chapel could be made and moved to the house of Mr. Immanuel at Anand Nagar, in close proximity to the Cathedral and the school. Sr. Bonita, the Provincial Superior of Bangalore Province, initiated the process of formation of a new community in Gulbarga. Sr. Gracilla from Madeline Convent, Londa, was transferred to Gulbarga and was appointed supervisor of the nursery school in 2006. In May 2006 a new chapter was written in the history of Bangalore Province. Due to the increase in number of communities and members, a new province was carved out as Western Province from Bangalore Province on 24th May 2006. Sr. Rose Ann pursued the matte of initiating the community with Sr. Jyothi and informed the Bishop about the canonical erection of the community. He expressed his gratitude for their interest in the mission diocese. On 31st July 2006, Sr. Jyothi wrote to Sr. Rose Ann enclosing the decree of the erection of the new community.15th August 2006 was a day of great significance for the church, a memorable day in the annals of Bethany Convent, Gulbarga, and the anniversary of nation’s independence. The Most Rev. Robert Michael Miranda the newly consecrated Bishop of the new diocese celebrated the Eucharist in the convent chapel and Mgr. Denis Menezes concelebrated. Sr. Assumpta, the General Councilor and the Delegate of Sr. Jyothi, the Superior General, read the decree of erection. Sr. Linda was appointed as the local superior and Sr. Leora and Sr. Gracilla were the members. After almost a decade, 2005-2015 God has blessed Bethany through the powerful intercession of our beloved Founder, Servant of God-R.F.C. Mascarenhas with two edifices. The pioneers of this mission Srs. Linda, Joythi, Vincenza, Gracilla, Leors, Helena, and Virgilia in the initial years and all the sisters thereafter like the pigeons migrated from one rented house to the other until the gracious moment arrived i.e. June 6th 2015. Now we have our own convent which was blessed on 6th June 2015 by Most Rev. Robert Michael Miranda, the Bishop of Gulbarga and inaugurated by Sr. Shanthi Priya, the Provincial Superior of Western Province and Bethany Convent School inaugurated by Sr. Rose Celine, the Bethany Educational coordinator, after the solemn Eucharistic celebration Sr Linda who was the Superior from 2006 to 2012 completed her two terms. In her place Sr Lysetta was appointed as the superior on 10 June 2012 and as the HM of St Mary’s Primary Parish School. Another important event in the history of Bethany Convent Kalaburagi took place on June 2012 when Little Flower kindergarten was inaugurated with 19 children from the locality. Sr Heleena, Sr Sheela and Sr Moncia joined the community and took care of those little ones. On 4 Dec 2012 Bishop Robert Miranda offered Mass and reserved the Blessed Sacrament followed by adoration. The canonical visitation by the Superior General was delegated to Sr Assumpta the General Councillor and Sr Christine the Procurator General. They visited the Convent on 8 Dec 2012. 25 March 2013 was a memorable day in the history of our Congregation as well as in the Diocese of Kalaburagi as the foundation was laid for the Bethany Convent as well as for the school building by Rt Rev. Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop of Kalaburagi and the Provincial team was present on this occasion. On 23 Aug 2013 the construction work for the school and the convent building started by the Engineers and contractors Mr Shreenivas, JJ construction Bangalore and Mr Adithya Varma architect – Alphonso Associates Mysore. On 22 Feb 2014 permission was granted to start the primary school, with std I to V and on 30 March 2014, kindergarten was registered. On 1 June 2014 the KG and Std I classes began. On 3 June 2014, in the place of Sr Lysetta, Sr Mary Magdalene was installed as Superior by Sr Shanthi Priya, the Provincial Superior, who was also appointed as HM of St Mary’s Parish School. On 4 June 2015 the newly constructed building was inaugurated by Sr Shanthi Priya, the Provincial Superior, and Sr Rose Celine and Sr Assumpta the General Councillors unveiled the plaque after which the Convent was blessed by Rt Rev. Dr Robert Miranda the Bishop of Kalaburagi followed by Eucharistic celebration, blessing of the school building and fellowship meal.
JYOTHI NIVAS CONVENT :
The Sisters were invited by the Bishop to render our service at Mother Theresa Charitable Hospital. It was started on 3rd May 2010. The pioneers were Sr. Rose Mathew as Administrator of the Hospital as well as in charge of the community, and along with her Sr. Alice D’Souza as a staff nurse, to cater to the needs of the patients. On 26thJune Sr. Mariantonia Thomas joined the community in order to render service in the Hospital. On 27th may 2012 Sr. Irene Saldanha and Sr. Celine D’souza came on transfer to the community. Sr. Irene took charge of the Community and service in the hospital as in charge of the medical store, and on the same day Sr. Alice D’Souza was transferred to Mangalore. Sr. Celine D’Souza replaced Sr. Alice as a staff Nurse. On 28th April 2013 Sr. Rose Mathew was transferred to Mangalore and Sr. Vijaya Thomas succeeded her as administrator of the Hospital from 6th may 2013. On 8th December 2013 Sr. Alice D’souza joined the community second time on transfer as a replacement for Sr. Mariantonia Thomas and Sr. Mariantonia was transferred to Mangalore on 13th December 2013. The sisters are completing precious years of their committed Medical service and indirect Evangelization, in this remote area of Kalaburgi Mission Diocese. It’s time to pause to a retrospective glance at its beginnings, its growth and the future perspective. It is considered that their presence and dedicated services are well accepted by the authorities, officials and the people of this area especially by the patients and their family members. Though at times it is very hard and challenging, yet they go on because the love of Jesus compels us. Since the Hospital is situated in the outskirt of the city, proper transport facilities are not available, the patients those who come for treatment there is no food facilities’ around the Hospital campus. Hence patients are reluctant to come for treatment and hospitalization. Though we do not see the steady progress, we hope and trust in the Lord that the good work the Lord has begun may continue in the years to come.
Bartolomea Nilaya-Kotnoor(D) :
On the request of Bishop Rev. Dr. Michael Miranda, to establish a community, we the ‘The Sisters of Charity’ opened a community in Gulbarga-Kotnoor (D) to carry out the apostolate of Faith Formation, Education and Pastoral Service. Seeing the need of the place the Superior General Mother Piercarla Mauri consented on 23rd February 2009 to erect a community. Staying in the Bishop’s House the sisters constructed the convent and Kindergarten school. Thereafter it was officially inaugurated and named as Bartolomea Nilaya by the Provincial Superior Sr. Irene Fernandes the Provincial of Dharwad Province on 7th June 2009 and Bishop Most Rev. Michael Miranda blessed it. Srs. Anjeline Pink, Rosarita Mendonca, Benedicta Rodrigues and Shantha Ambrutappa were the pioneers of the community. Sr. Anjeline Pink was the first superior. After 3 years Sr. Anjeline Pike was transferred. In her place Sr. Lydia Cardoza came as the Superior and took charge of the community on 2nd June 2012. At Present Sr. Philomena is the superior. They have their own house and Kindergarten school building. After duly considering the request of the Bishop to open a Children’s Home to facilitate the education of the young village girls, coming from remote villages of the diocese ‘Mea Children’s Home was started with 4 girls in June 2014.For this purpose the 1st floor of the Kindergarten school was constructed and completed in 2014. We also felt the need to facilitate the accommodation of teachers coming to our schools from distant places. In June 2015, a separate room was allotted to teachers in Mea Childern’s Home. At present we are 3 sisters in the community. The Superior also works as the Headmistress in St. Mary School. The other two sisters are taking care of the Kindergarten school. At present we have 8 girls staying in the Chidren’s Home. Education and Faith formation are our main thrust. Sisters also are rendering their help in the Parish activities such as teaching Catechism, Parish Council, and Missionary Childhood and so on. They also render their service at the pastoral centre and take care of the Faith Formation of the girls and boys.
DEEPALAYA COMMUNITY, GULBARGA :
“Missionary Sisters servants of the Holy Spirit” SSpS, arrived at Gulbarga diocese on March 8th 2007. Sr. Ida Lobo SSpS being the pioneer. For one year that is up to 2008 April was residing in a village called Ingalagi B. Afzalpur taluk. This was a year of Experiment to live life in the midst of people, sh aring in their joys and struggles of life. One year was spent being with children, women and the dalit community as a whole. This experience brought a great inner transformation and a greater commitment to live life for Christ. Having lived life in the village, after much dialogue a new SSpS community in the diocese of Gulbarga came into existence in the year 2008. A rented house at Santhosh Colony, Gulbarga, was the first residence. 3 sisters were appointed as first community members. Sr. Ida lobo, Sr. Sarita and Sr. Rajini. The house at Santhosh colony was blessed on 31st May2008. Sr. Ida being new to urban ministry had to grope in the dark and find for herself her involvements. Sr. Sarita was a teacher in St. Mary’s diocesan school, Sr. Rajini a student at VG women’s college Gulbarga. Sr. ida started to visit the slums in Gulbarga and slowly began her ministry with the domestic workers. Having stayed in a rented house for two years and now being sure about the ministries and involvements, it was a felt need to have their own house. October 1st 2010 was a memorable day in the history of Deepalaya. The day of the blessing and inauguration of our new house, situated at Venkatesh Nagar, Gulbarga. Rev Sr. Gracy the provincial leader inaugurated the house by cutting the ribbon along with the Bishop of Gulbarga, priests, religious and the people of our parish. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda the Bishop of Gulbarga. 9 years havepassed by and there is happiness; though they are a small number, they were able to make an impact here in Gulbarga city and also in the diocese. Today their presence is felt nearly in 40 slums of Gulbarga. They began their work in the slums of Gulbarga in the year 2009. They are addressing the issues of domestic workers and construction workers. The domestic workers are registered under “Karnataka domestic workers Union” There are altogether 400 registered workers in the union and about 600 workers with whom we are in touch. The main task is empowering workers for their rights. As they began our work the workers were getting merely 300-500 Rs per month, per house but today thewomen do enjoy a better salary, weekly holiday, bonus etc…., women have become aware of their rights, women leadership has been strengthened through various training programs, meetings and exposures. Lobbying and advocacy has been taken up on various levelsand there isstate level and a national level platform for domestic workers, where the workers take part regularly demanding their rights. Construction workers are registered under the “construction workers welfare board Gulbarga” So far they have registered about 165 construction workers in the welfare board. All the government benefits such as pensions, creating identities, Housing and toilets, under RTE admitting children in the schools, scholarships for students, hostel for needy children have reached to the workers. Another mile stone that was achieved was, they were only concentrating on workers in Gulbarga, but for better net working and support they began their work with the domestic workers in the districts of Bidar and Yadgiri in the month of October 2012. There are altogether 165 registered members, working in about 15 slums. There are 7 women animators 3 in Gulbarga and 2 each in Yadgir and Bidar. Sr. Ida is also the Secretary for labor Commission of the diocese. In the year 2009 Sr. Ida was appointed to animate the prison ministry in the diocese, from then on until now Sr. Ida is reaching out to prisoners in the central Jail of Gulbarga through regular visits, counseling, taking up deserving court cases, conducting programs etc… Sr. Ida was appointed as the Child Welfare Committee of Gulbarga district in the year 2011. As a Religious being in this committee brought a positive change within and outside, it had its own impact. Children who need our care and protection in the District became our priority. From the community every year one was appointed as teacher in St. Mary’s School Kotnoor. Sr. Sarita was appointed in the year 2008, after which Anita, Veronica and Shobha have taught in the school and have made a difference in the life of school children. One was appointed to work in Seva Sangama from the year 2011. Srs. Nirmala, Jennifer, Cynthia and Ancilla have rendered their service in the diocesan social center. The sisters also actively participate in the parish activities by taking catechism, choir, BCC, family visits, Parish pastoral council etc…. They also network with different organizations within the diocese such as Seva Sangama, Margadarshi, Don Bosco Pyar, Prajna Kanoonu Salaha Samithi, Samajika Parivarthana Challuvalli etc…. and also within the State. It has been an enriching Experience working in the diocese as one family for its people esp. the poor and the marginalized.
DON BOSCO PYAR: A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
Don Bosco PYaR (Programme for Young at Risk), is a voluntary organization serving the poor and marginalized children and youth of Gulbarga since 2002. The organization forms part of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Since inception Don Bosco PYaR has been implementing various projects catering to the integral development of the underprivileged children and youth.
Community Chronology
Fr. Koorappillil Jose SDB (K.J. Joseph) arrived in Gulbarga on June 7, 2002, to cater to the poor and marginalized children and youth with a special focus on child labourers, rag-pickers, school dropouts and children on the street. The humble beginning of the mission was in a rented a house at Indiranagar Area of Gulbarga town. On June 1, 2006, Fr. Pazheparambil Joseph SDB (Fr. Jose P) joined the Salesian mission at Gulbarga. On May 24, 2009, Fr. Pius Palathinkal SDB was appointed as administrator of Don Bosco PYaR, Gulbarga, as Fr. Pazheparambil Joseph SDB was transferred to BOSCO, Bangalore. Fr. Joseph Kunnummel SDB (Fr. Prasad) arrived at Don Bosco PYaR, Gulbarga on January 21, 2010. As Fr. Koorappillil Jose SDB and Fr. Pius Palathinkal SDB were transferred on May 24, 2010,Fr. Muttathupadathu John SDB was appointed as In Charge and administrator and Fr. Joseph Kunnummel SDB (Fr. Prasad) as Project Director. On May 24, 2012 as Fr. Muttathupadathu John SDB was transferred, Fr. Pulinilkumkalayil Jaimon SDB was appointed as the Rector of Don Bosco PYaR, Gulbarga, the newly canonically erected community, which was till then attached to Don Bosco Yadgir. On 24 May 2011, Bro. Joseph Dandavathi SDB joined the community as a student of MSW at the Gulbarga University. On May 24, 2013, Fr. Kokkandathil Joe joined the community to pursue his Ph. D in Psychology from the Central University of Karnataka. Fr. George Kollashany joined the community to initiate Don Bosco IDEAL. As Bro. Joseph Dandavathi SDB was transferred, Bro. Irudaya Arunkumar and Bro. Sagayaraj John Paul joined the community to pursue their MSW and MA in English respectively, from the Central University of Karnataka. On May 24, 2015 as Pulinilkumkalayil Jaimon SDB was transferred, Fr. Saji Anchalil SDB was appointed as the Rector of Don Bosco PYaR, Gulbarga. As Bro. Irudaya Arunkumar and Bro. Sagayaraj John Paul were transferred, Bro. Mundakkal Sachin and Bro. Chemplanikal Arun joined the community to pursue their MSW and MA in English respectively, from the Central University of Karnataka.
Milestones :
An evening tuition centre was opened at Wadderahalli, for child labourers and school dropouts on 26th June 2002. The centre began with the aim of imparting elementary education to child labourers was able to reach out to 50 children in the initial stages. Two more evening tuition centers for child labourers were started at Vijayanagar and Indiranagar on July 1st, 2002. The centre was shifted to another rented house in Santhosh Colony, Gulbarga town, in September 2002 and later to Dariyarpur Layout in February 2003. A special school for child labourers was opened at Khanadal, in February 2003. The school was housed at the building owned by the Sericulture Department. The project was funded by UNICEF-NORAD. An unfinished building at Dariyapur, GDA Layout, Naganahally Road, was bought and renovated for the rehabilitation of child laborers and school dropouts, in September 2003. The centre was inaugurated with the name DON BOSCO PYaR (Programme for Young at Risk) on November 10, 2004. The child labour rehabilitation programme gradually gained the much needed momentum as the organization was supported by the National Child Labour Project, State Child Labour Project and projects from UNICEF and TDH in June, 2006. A fourteen acres of land was purchased at Bablad village, 6km away on the outskirts of Gulbarga city with the aim of beginning a rehabilitation centre for school dropouts, child laborers and street children in 2008. Don Bosco PYaR, Gulbarga was chosen as the Collaborative Centre for CHILDLINE 1098, a National emergency helpline for children in need of care and protection, by CHILDLINE India Foundation in March 2009. Don Bosco PYaR began to function as the Missing Child Bureau, Gulbarga District Cell from November 2009. Missing Child Bureau (MCB) is a web based programme to trace the Missing Children and help them to reconnect with family. The Twelve months Residential Bridge Course Programme for school dropouts supported by the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) began in June 2010. In November 2010, Child labour Elimination Programme through Supplementary Education and Community Empowerment Project was launched. On 3rd November 2012, the foundation stone for Don Bosco Bablad was blessed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga. In December 2012, Child Rights Education and Action Movement (CREAM), a project from BREADS, Bangalore, began at Don Bosco PYaR. Don Bosco Rehabilitation Centre, Bablad, was inaugurated on December 8, 2013. The children undergoing the Bridge Course Programme were shifted to the centre. Don Bosco Institute of Integral Design of Ecology, Experience and Learning (DB IDEAL) was inaugurated at a rented building in Venkatesh Nagar, Gulbarga on the occasion of the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, on August 16, 2015. Non formal skill training for marginalized young women was inaugurated at Don Bosco, Bablad, Gulbarga on July 13, 2015. The project is implemented in collaboration with BREADS, Bangalore. The project intends to deliver skill training to 100 women in a year. The ISMO training would be conducted at Don Bosco, Bablad and ITES training at Don Bosco PYaR, Gulbarga.
Present Situation :
The projects being implemented at the centre currently: 1.Chinnara Thangu Dhama/Bridge Course 2.CHILDLINE 1098 3. Missing Child Bureau (MCB) 4.CREAM (Child Rights Education and Action Movement). Community Involvement: SHGs & Youth Groups Evening Remedial Education Centers 5. Non-formal Skill Training Programme for Marginalized Young Women:
Statistics :
Number of Institutions: 3 Number of children at the Rehabilitation centres: 65 Number of Child Rights Clubs: 39 Number of SHGs: 34 Youth Groups: 14
MISSIO AD GENTES – ST. PAUL, GULBARGA :
The missio ad gentes of Gulbarga was formally inaugurated on the 15th of June, 2014. The missio ad gentes community is made up of the priest, currently Fr. Johnson Lopis, four families, two sisters and one seminarian. All the members of the community have been, for many years, following the Neo-Catechumenal Way which is an itinerary of christian formation to rediscover one’s Baptism. In 2012, the Neo-Catechumenal Way was invited by Bishop Robert Miranda to start the missio ad gentes in an area of Gulbarga that has very little Christian presence. The missio is given to the priest who is entrusted with the care of the members as well those who join the missio ad gentes from chosen area and who has the faculty to Baptize, Marry, administer the Sacraments, celebrate the Eucharist etc. The community of the missio ad gentes meets in the house of one of the families twice a week: For the celebration of the word in the middle of the week and for the Holy Eucharist on Saturday evening. Every week, the community goes out two by two to meet the people of the area and announce the Kerygma (Good News). The brothers and sisters of the community (including the priest) struggled initially to find houses and work, but now is slowly becoming part of the society. The main aim of the missio ad gentes is to make contact with the people and make visible to them with our lives of the love that God has for them. Once or twice a year (as needed) a series of catechesis is given, where those whom the community has made contact with can come to listen, and if interested they can join and begin to follow the Neo-Catechumenal Way.
SOCIETY OF JESUS, SIRNUR :
History of St Xavier’s Pre University College, Sirnur The name of the college comes from Saint Francis Xavier, the first Jesuit who came to India as a missionary. The Most Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, Bishop of Gulbarga Diocese, invited the Jesuits of Karnataka to start a centre for higher learning in his diocese. In view of starting a college, Karnataka Jesuit Educational Society bought 10 acres of land in the suburbs of Kalaburagi city, adjust to NH 218, near Sirnur village. It was attached to Bijapur Jesuit Mission. Fr. Joseph Monteiro SJ was first one to arrive here on August 4, 2007. He did the registration of the land, supervised the construction of the compound wall and renovated the Jesuit residence. He was accompanied by Br. Balaraj a year of regency, joined him on 1 June , 2008.Soon there was change of personnel, Fr. Joseph was transferred to Hanagal and Fr. Cyril D’mello SJ came to the campus on 20 February, 2009. One of the main tasks of Fr. Cyril was to start a Pre-university college. He ran pillar to post to furnish all the requirements. But, there was no building to start a college or hostel immediately. So, a building, owned by a person called Mr. Mahamadi, was acquired for rent near to the Jesuit residence. The building was not in good shape. It was given facelift. However, the building was spacious to have regular classes and run hostels for boys and girls. Meanwhile, two more Jesuits, Fr Vincent Pinto SJ and Fr Anthony Dass SJ, came to the community in May, 2010. Fr Vincent Pinto was appointed as the first Principal of St Xavier’s PU College. In the same campus hostels for gents and ladies were started. Fr Anthony Dass was made as the first Director of the hostels. We were fortune to get a warden for ladies hostel in the person of Sr Surekha Noronha , coming from the institute of maids of the poor. In the first year we had 47 students. In the hostel there were 37 students; the rest were day scholars. Initially, Mr Mahamadi, who gave the building for the rent, was cordial and kind. Slowly he began to show his real self. Troubles increased. Time to time demanded more money. And started shouting at the students and the Jesuit staff with abusive words. At times, his mistreatment was unbearable. At the same time, the hostel buildings causing us enough worry. During rainy season water filled the students’ room, so they had to be moved constantly to the Jesuit residence. Stagnated water from the ladies bathing room was leaking through the warden’s room. As a result, many a time Sr Surekha had to sleep in the student’s dormitory. Finally, the Jesuits decided to put up a building in their own campus. The construction of the new building took one year. After a year of troubled water, we moved the college and the ladies hostel to new building in own campus in June, 2011. However, we continued the boys’ hostel in the Mahamadi’s building for three more months as the hostel building was not fully accomplished. After a year of service, Fr Vincent Pinto left for Harihar. The new Principal of the college was Fr Cyril D’Mello. We witnessed another mile stone on August 22. The college and the hostel buildings were inaugurated by Fr. Francis Serrao SJ, then Provincial, and Fr Vincent Crasta respectively. The Bishop of Gulbarga, Most Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, blessed the buildings. On the same day, Fr Cyril D’Mello made his final vows in the Society of Jesus. Around this time, Fr Godwin Serrao was made member of our community. A energetic young man, Br.Yesukumar rendered his service as regent in 2011. After the relentless service of two years, Fr Cyril D’Mello, SJ and Fr Anthony Dass, SJ moved out to take up newer responsibilities in 2012. In the same year, Fr. Godwin Serrao was made both superior and the Principal of the college. Fr. Joseph rejoined the community. He was made Director of Hostels; Br. Rajesh assisted him as a regent. The work for the new buildings for the hostel and college began in January 18, 2013. Fr Joseph Monteiro SJ oversaw the constructions of hostel and college buildings. Br. Lumnesh Swaroop served here in his capacity as regent in 2013. On June 2, 2014, Girls’ hostel started functioning in the new building. In 2014, the Jesuit mission witnessed several changes: Fr Norbert was transferred to Pannur, Fr Sebastian Fernandes SJ was appointed as Superior, Br Anthony Derrick joined for a year of regency. Under the leadership of Fr Sebastian Fernandes SJ new college building was inaugurated on January 19, 2015. On this same occasion, the golden Jubilee of Fr Sebastian in the Society of Jesus was celebrated. Fr Godwin, after three years of tireless service, was transferred to Bangalore in 2015. He contributed a lot for the growth of our institution, especially in terms of results, discipline, developing the infrastructure etc. Fr Anthony Dass SJ replaced him as the Principal of the college; it was a home coming experience to him, as he was here in the initial years. Our mission here, under the leadership of Fr Sebastian, was sailing smoothly. Unexpectedly, there came a change in the script. Fr Sebastian, frequently, was experiencing an acute pain in the stomach. He went to Bangalore for a check up on October 10, 2015. It was found that he had liver cancer. Thereafter, he remained in Bangalore for regular check up. His end came soon. He breathed his last on February 10, 2016. He almost brought about a green revolution on the campus by planting numerous trees and plants. Yes, it is a dream comes true for many Jesuits in Karnataka, to see the success of the mission. So far the college has produced good results. The Province management is really generous in providing financial and personnel support. The new College Building has large and spacious class rooms, well equipped Reading room and library, state-of-the art, laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science. We have well qualified staff local and from Mangalore. We provide CET coaching on week-ends besides the regular classes throughout the year. Number of unit tests, preparatory exams, special classes for weaker students. Student friendly teaching methods and audio-visual classes are special features of St Xavier’s. Those from Kannada medium are given special Computer and English Classes. We train Arts students to face competitive exams. Quite a few of our old students are pursuing professional studies in Medicine, Engineering and Management. Finally, a word about our philosophy here. The motto of the College is Knowledge and Light. We aim at the full growth of the human person which leads to transformative action. In our education we constantly strive to be academically excellent, morally strong, ethically upright, culturally well integrated, with a preferential option for the poor and disadvantaged. Our inspiration is Jesus Christ, a man who lived and died for others- “a man for others”. We want our students to imbibe and live this goal: “Men and Women for others”.
Institutions :
1. St. Mary Primary School
H.M: Sr. Jayashree BS 9538364867
Manager: Fr. Vijayaraju S.J 9591385005
Jt. Manager: Fr. Vincent Pereira 9632266168
2. St. Mary High School
H.M: Sr Luciani BS
Manager ;Fr. Vijayaraju S.J 9591385005
Joint Manager: Fr. Vincent Pereira 9632266168
3. St. Mary P.U. College
Principal: Fr. Cyril Castelino S.J 9482580082
Manager: Fr. Vijayaraju S.J 9591385005
4. St. Mary Pry. School, Kotnoor
5. St. Mary High School, Kotnoor
H.M: Sr. Philomena Menezes SCCG 9035826232 Manager: Fr. Vincent Pereira 9632266168
MOTHER THERESA CHARITABLE HOSPITAL (2009)
Uploan, Kapnoor Post
Humanabad Road, Kalaburagi- 585104
Director: Fr. Santhosh Dias 9448109594
SEVA SANGAMA
Kotnoor (D),
Nandikur P.O., Kalaburagi 585 102
Director: Fr. Anil Crasta 787977779/ 9591040956/ 7849070707
SACRED HEART MINOR SEMINARY
N.H. 218, Sirnur P.O
Kalaburagi 585 308
Rector: Fr. David D’souza 9110803840
Spiritual Director: Fr. Anand Prabhu S.J 9482191921
RELIGIOUS HOUSES (MEN)
1. Society of Jesus (2006)
Loyola Sadan, NH 218,
Sirnur, Farhatabad Post.
Kalaburagi – 585 308
Superior: Fr. Anthony Das SJ 9741473913
Institutions:
a) St. Xavier’s P.U. College (2009)
Principal: Fr. Anthony Das SJ 9741473913
b) St. Xavier’s Pre-Primary School
Manager: Fr. Melvin Menonca SJ 9845507043
2. Don Bosco Society
Don Bosco Pyar
Naganahalli Road
Kalaburagi 585 102 08472-255050
Superior: Fr. Saji SDB 8277035941
Institutions:
1. Don Bosco Rehabilitation Centre for Children
Bablad Village, Sindagi Post, Kalaburagi – 585 103
2. Don Bosco School, Bablad
H.M: Fr. Jaimon 9448166713
RELIGIOUS HOUSES (WOMEN)
Carmelite Sisters of St. Therese (CSST)
St. Joseph’s Convent (1962)
Indira Nagar, Kalaburagi-585 102
Superior: Sr. Agnes CSST 9448533166
Institutions :
a. St. Joseph’s Convent Nursery. & Kan. Med. School
H.M: Sr. Melanie CSST 9900909316
b. St. Joseph’s Convent Pry. Eng. Medium School
H.M: Sr. Aruna Jyothi 9740905529
c. St. Joseph’s Convent High School
H.M: Sr. Vanessa CSST 9481801106 / 9481647506
d. St. Joseph’s Convent P.U. College (2004)
Principal: Sr. Smitha Joyce CSST 9448985742/ 9740654197
e. St. Josephs Girl’s Home
In-Charge Sr. Roopa CSST 8310983241/ 7406191467
2. Bethany Sisters (2006)
Bethany Convent
Sridarta Nagar Plot No, 20-27
Kalaburagi -585102
Superior: Sr. Luciani B.S 9902681169
Institutions:
Bethany Convent School (2014)
H.M: Sr. Luciani B.S . 9902681169
Sisters of Charity
Bartolomea Nilaya (2009)
Kotnoor (D), Nandikoor P.O.
Kalaburagi 585102
Superior: Sr. Philomena Menezes SCCG 9035826232
Institutions:
1. Mea Kinder Garten School
Sister In-charge: Sr. Olivia SCCG 7019935028
2. Mea Children Home
Sister In-charge: Sr. Olivia SCCG 7019935028
B. Jyoti Nivas (2010)
Mother Theresa Charitable Hospital
Humnabad Road NH 218
Upalaon, Kapanur P.O,
Kalaburagi 585 104 Tel: 08472-294400, 7892741682
Superior: Sr. Winnifred D’Souza SCCG 9110204962
Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS)
Deepalaya
Paradise Residency
1-867/65/S.F.4,
Venkateshnagar, Kalaburagi 585102
Superior: Sr. Reena D’Souza SSpS 9730534423
FR. JAMES PAUL SDB
Parish Priest
Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral 110 C 407 Church Road, Kalaburagi 585 103
Parish Priest : Rev. Fr. Vijayaraju S.J
9591385005
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HALBARGA MISSION |
HALBARGA |
0 |
2000 |
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HALBARGA MISSION (2000)
The word Anugraha meaning divine blessing was adopted by the Capuchins of Karnataka Province when the Halbarga Mission area was handed over to them by the bishop of Mangalore Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza in the year 2000.
Capuchin Presence in Bidar:- The Capuchins were the first men religious to step into Bidar Mission which was then a part of Mangalore Diocese served the diocesan clergy and women religious hailing from Mangalore. The main purpose of inviting the Capuchins to Bidar mission was to take care of the spiritual needs of the clergy and the women religious. Fr. Balize Rodrigues ofm Cap the newly ordained Capuchin priest ventured into this mission staying at Bhalki Centre, the three sub-stations Siddeshwara, Huppala and Hunji were handed over to the Capuchins on 15.01.2001. Hupla chapel established in 1989 dedicated to Holy Family, Siddeshwar chapel established in 1993 dedicated to St. Peter and Paul. Hunji established in 1994 and on February 6th 2006 new chapel was built by the capuchins friars in Hunji and dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. A piece of land measuring 4 acres was purchased by the Capuchins at Halbarga on Bidar-Bhalki road in order to establish their presence permanently. A small shelter was put up for the Capuchins in the new site. A modest house “Anugraha Ashram” with only ground floor and a small chapel was blessed and inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, the bishop of Gulbarga Diocese on 30th May, 2007.
Formation House :-
Later the Capuchin provincial decided to construct the first floor and establish the formation house for orientation programme in the Friary. In 2008, the first batch of orientation students arrived here and completed the academic year with much difficulty and hardship. The second batch of orientation students had to migrate to Hosanagar within 2 months of their stay here due to lack of water, hard climate and many other unbearable problems.
Education:-
In 2010, the bishop of Gulbarga, seeing the house vacant, due to the migration of Orientation Students to Hosanagar, asked them to use the vacant place for Education. As the house with several classrooms and hall remained vacant, the idea of starting a school was taken up by the capuchins. Fr. George Monis took the challenge of starting a school in the existing building with just handful of students. Due to the dedicated efforts of the staff and management in collaboration with the DSS, sisters the school received a wider publicity. Today the school has reached to Std. IX and has strength of over 400 students. The arrival of the new principal in the person of Bro. Victor Crasta with his vast 15 years experience in the school ministry has given rise to new and creative ideas and the school. From 1st to 5th all the 290 students are in Scouts and Guides. They have also education of the poor catholic children from their villages.
Pastoral Ministry:-
In 2003 Aunugrha Ashram at Halbarga was declared as an independent mission center. The three catholic substations, viz., Siddeshwara, Huppala and Hunaji were given top priority in their apostolate. In each of these villages they have a modest chapel and the Catholics are regularly taken care of for their faith and educational needs. The DSS sisters who assist the Capuchins give a generous helping hand in the growth and development of this mission. The new villages ministered are: Kon-Melkunda, Halipparaga, Kosam, Jyanthi, Dhanura, Tegampura, Tharnhalli, Nelgi.
In all these villages there is a strong presence of Methodist and other Christian denominations and their children are admitted their school. Many of them have expressed their desire to become Catholics as they do not receive sufficient care from their pastors. A modest chapel has to be erected in all these villages s in order to cater to their spiritual needs, if they have to be brought into catholic faith. They actively take part in all the spiritual activities at the main centre in Halbarga during the feast of the Patron Saint on October 4th during the Christmas and Easter Celebrations. The long 7 years dedicated services of Fr. Francis Fernandes, the present director cum parish priest of this area has borne fruit. They have welcomed several pepole to their fold. Fr. Joslie Francis D’Silva arrived on 25th May 2014 as parish priest to Halbarga centre. 25th of August 2014. During the pastoral visit of Most Rev. Bishop Robert M. Miranda, 7 new families and 28 members from Kon-Melkunda were received to Catholic faith. Bishop declared the new substation at Kon-Melkunda dedicated to St. Padre Pio, a Capuchin saint at the request of the Capuchin friars working at Halbarga. Later on 8th September 2015 another 12 children were baptized from Kon-Melkunda. In 2016 in the year of mercy they have Sukanya Samriddhi accounts as a 15 years project for 50 girl children A Scheme in which you can invest for Girl child as part of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao yojana”.
Vocations:
Two girls have joined the convent, one to Bethany Sisters (Sr. Sujatha) and the other is to Sisters of Charity (Sr. Shilpa) and both have done their first profession. These two sisters form the same family are the first sisters for Catholic Church from St. Francis of Assisi Church, Halbarga, Bidar. Sujatha
Sisters of DeenaSevanasabha:-
The sisters belonging to the Nirmala Province of Deena Sevanasabha were invited by the bishop of Gulbarga Diocese to render spiritual assistance together with the parish priest to the people of God in Halbarga Mission . A piece of land measuring 2 acres was purchased by the bishop of Gulbarga just adjacent to our Ashram. A simple convent building was financed by the diocese and was inaugurated by Sr. Jamuna, the Assistant Superior General and blessed by his Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda on 15th December 2009. Presently three sisters reside in this convent under the leadership of Sr. lovelie rendering their yeomen service to the mission, such as:- 1) Education 2) faith formation, 3) social work.
THE COMMUNITY OF SNEHASADAN
Deena sevana sabha – Nimala Province always expanded the activities to the rural areas where there is a great need to care and support the poor women and children , to provide health care and educational backups.
Responding to the pressing invitation from His Excellency Rt.Rev.Dr. Robert Michael Miranda ,the Bishop of Gulbarga. Deena sevana sabha – Nimala Province opened Sneha Sadan convent for the service of the poor on 15th December 2009 at Halbarga. He had been inviting them for two years to start a convent in Diocese mainly for the faith formation for the scattered catholic families at Halbarga mission. Since it was a rural area and apt for our charism , we accepted his invitation to start a convent. Bishop bought the land and build a convent for us and dug a bore well for our use.
The convent building was blessed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda and inaugurated by Sr. Jamuna the Assistant Superior General. Sr. Emestina the provincial Superior, Sr. Cecilia and Sr. Bernaditte the councilors were present on the occation.
There was a solemn Holy Mass Concelebrated by Msgr. Fr.Leo Lobo, Episcopal Vicar Fr.Santhosh and Most.Rev. Dr.Robert Michael Miranda as the main celebrant.Many priests, religious and parishioners also participated in the Holy Mass. There was a grand function after the Holy Eucharist arranged by Rev.Fr.Francis Ferandez OFM Cap.The parish priest welcomed honored the sisters and the Bishop and all others who had come for the celebration with garland and shawl.
Halbarga panchayat accommodates around 8000 people, as a whole around 650 families. They belong to 25 caste and scheduled caste.
People speak Kannada, Hindi, Marathi and Telugu. Halbarga mission has three villages as a sub-stations. Convent is in a isolated palce with out any people
The parish priest Rev.Fr.Francis OFM Cap and the Ex-Panchayat member are the support for sisters in that area.
Parish activities are family visits prayer meeting, catechism class and other pious associations. By living in this non-Christian area, the sisters witness Jesus Christ who lived among the suffering, poor and needy in the spirit and charism of Deena Sevana Sabha. According to the teaching of Mother Petra they witness as living gospels among the large non- Christian flock with their exemplary consecrated life. Community members Sr. Claret,the Superior and Sr.Jeevaletha and Sr.Thushara ere the first sisters to serve halbarga Mission. (2011-12)
A lot of things are to be a done for the poor people which certainly demand and hard work. Deena Sevana Sabhha sisters are always ready in Halbarga with great enthusiasm and zeal serve others, especially the poor. Accepting the invitation from Bishop to engage in social work Sr. Thushara started social work in the year 2011 in 8 villages.
Initially, therewere three Catholic villages. At present there are four catholic villages and six non-catholic villages visitied by them. They are: Hupla, Siddeswar, Hunuji, Konmelkunda, Haliparga, Tegampur, Dharnahalli, Kosam, and Neelagi. Fr. Prashanth is the Parish priest and Sr.Lovelie is Superior and incharge of faith formation ofm Cap and Sr. Salda is teaching in the Anugragha School and Sr.Maria is working under ORBIT social work. All the pastoral activities are conducted by a good team work. Fathers and sisters are going to the Christian villages once in a week for the Holy Mass. This year new parish council members are elected and had taken the oath to serve the parish and to do their responsibilities.
Anugraha- Halbarga Mission :
The word “Anugraha” meaning divine blessing was adopted by the Capuchins of Karnataka Province when the Halbarga Mission area was handed over to them by the bishop of Mangalore Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza in the year 2000.
Capuchin Presence in Bidar:- The Capuchins were the first men religious to step into Bidar Mission which was then a part of Mangalore Diocese and wholly administered by the diocesan clergy and some women religious hailing from Mangalore. The main purpose of inviting the Capuchins to Bidar mission was to take care of the spiritual needs of the Diocesan clergy and also the women religious. Fr. Balize Rodrigues, the newly ordained Capuchin priest ventured into this mission and made his abode at Bhalki Centre in the year 2000. The three sub-stations (Siddeshwara, Huppala and Hunji) were bifurcated from Bhalki Mission and handed over to the Capuchins on 15.01.2001. Hupla chapel was established in 1989 and dedicated to Holy Family. Siddeshwar chapel was established in 1993 dedicated to St. Peter and Paul. Hunji was established in 1994 and on February 6th 2006 new chapel was built by the capuchin friars in Hunji and dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. A piece of land measuring 4 acres was purchased by the Capuchins on the mid-way of Bidar-Bhalki road in order to establish their presence permanently. A small shed gave shelter to the Capuchins for more than 5 years. A modest house known as “Anugraha Ashram” with only ground floor and a small chapel was blessed and inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, the bishop of Gulbarga Diocese on 30th May, 2007.
Formation House :-
Later the Capuchin provincial definitory decided to construct the first floor and establish the formation house for orientation in the Friary. In 2008, the first batch of orientation students arrived here and completed the academic year with much difficulty and hardship. The second batch of orientation students had to migrate to Hosanagar within 2 months of their stay here due to lack of water, hot climate and many other unbearable problems. Hence the ever first formation house in the diocese of Gulbarga had found a great set back.
School Ministry :-
In 2010, the bishop of Gulbarga, seeing Anugraha vacant, due to the migration of Orientation Students to Hosanagar, asked the capuchins to work on education apostolate. It was this compulsion which made them think of using it for a school. As the big house with several classrooms and halls went vacant the idea of starting a school was taken up. Fr. George Monis took up the challenge of starting a school in the existing building with just handful of students. Due to the dedicated efforts of the staff and management in collaboration with the DSS sisters the school received a wide publicity. To date, in the year 2016, the school has reached to Std. VIII and has strength of 397 students in eight classes (Nursery, LKG, UKG, I, II, III, IV , V, VI, VII, VII& VIII). The arrival of the new principal in the person of Bro. Victor Crasta with vast 15 years experience in the school ministry has given rise to new and creative ideas and the school is in the proper foothold. From 1st to 5th all the 290 students are in Scouts and Guides. In the year of 2015 the new admissions to our school were 154 out of which 55 students were from our poor catholic families. Anugraha ashram has pledged to educate these poor children with help of the benefactors and well-wishers.
Pastoral Ministry :-
In 2003 Aunugrha Ashram at Halbarga was declared as an independent mission center. The three catholic substations, viz., Siddeshwara, Huppala and Hunaji were given top priority intheir apostolate. In each they have a modest chapel and the Catholics are regularly taken care of spiritually and many are helped for their educational needs. The DSS sisters who assist the Capuchins give a strong hand in the growth and development of this mission. The new stations that are ministered are Kon-Melkunda, Halipparaga, Kosam, Jyanthi, Dhanura, Tegampura, Tharnhalli, Nelgi, Thanda and Khanapura are likely to the catholic fold. In all these areas there is a strong presence of other Christian denominations and their children frequent their school for their educational needs. By and large many of these have expressed their desire to become Catholics as they do not receive sufficient spiritual and other care from their pastors. A modest chapel has to be erected in all these stations in order to cater to their spiritual needs if they have to be converted to catholic faith. The people too actively take part in all the spiritual activities at Halbarga during the feast of their patron saint on October 4th and during the Christmas and Easter Celebrations. The long 7 years dedicated services of Fr. Francis Fernandes, the present director cum parish priest of this area has borne fruits and has welcomed several faithful to their fold. Fr. Joslie Francis D’Silva arrived on 25th May 2014 as parish priest to Halbarga centre. 25th of August 2014 during the pastoral visit of Bishop 7 new families and 28 members from Kon-Melkunda were received to Catholic faith. Bishop declared the new substation at Kon-Melkunda dedicated to St. Padre Pio, a Capuchin saint at the request of the Capuchin friars working at Halbarga. Later on 8th September 2015 another 12 children were baptized from Kon-Melkunda. In 2016 in the year of mercy they have Sukanya Samriddhi accounts as a 15 years project for 50 girl children A Scheme in which you can invest for Girl child as part of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana”.
⦁ Vocations Mr. Siddappa and Suvarnamma Alage, from Siddeshwar village have 8 children, 7 daughters and 1 son. Four of them are given in marriage. Two of his daughters have joined the convent, one to Bethany Sisters (Sr. Sujatha) and the other is to Sisters of Charity (Sr. Shilpa) and both have done their temporary profession. These two sisters form the same family are the first sisters for Catholic Church from St. Francis of Assisi Church, Halbarga, Bidar.
⦁ At present
Families adults youth children Total
Halbarga 3 4 6 10
Hunji 7 35 11 8 54
Melkunda 15 11 2 27 40
Hupala 33 101 39 54 194
Siddeshwar 31 120 30 51 201
Kosam 2 2 2
Tegampura 2 5 5
Total 93 271 82 153 506
Deena Sevanasabha :-
The sisters belonging to the Nirmala Province of Deena Sevanasabha were invited by the bishop of Gulbarga Diocese to render spiritual assistance together with the parish priest to the people of God in Halbarga centre. A piece of land measuring 2 acres was purchased by the bishop of Gulbarga just adjacent to our Ashram. A simple convent building was financed and furnished by the bishop himself and was inaugurated by Sr. Jamuna, the Assistant Superior General and blessed by his Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda on 15th December 2009. Presently three sisters reside in this convent under the leadership of Sr. Presthita and render their yeomen service to our centre, such as:- 1) ministry in our school, 2) faith formation, 2) social work.
The Friars who rendered service at Anugraha Ashram
No Name From To Designation
01 Fr. Blaize Rodrigues 15.01.2001 21.06.2005 Superior/Parish Priest *
02 Bro. Antony Monteiro 10.08.2003 16.08.2004 Member
03 Bro. Cletus Anand Santmajor 16.08.2004 15.12.2005 Member
04 Fr. Dominic Savio Viegas 21.06.2005 03.08.2008 Superior/Parish Priest *
05 Fr. Gerald Viegas 15.06.2005 18.04.2006 Member
06 Fr. Maxim Nazareth 21.06.2007 01.06.2008 Member
07 Fr. Francis Xavier Fernandes 21.06.2006 25.05.2014 Parish Priest *
08 Fr. Manohar D’Souza 03.08.2008 01.08.2009 Superior/Director
09 Fr. Arun Kumar 01.05.2008 01.05.2009 Asst. Director
10 Fr. Archie Lewis 03.07.2008 01.08.2009 Spiritual Director
11 Bro. Vijesh Lyod Menezes 24.06.2009 08.08.2009 Regent
12 Bro. Prashanth Noronha 20.06.2009 06.08.2009 Regent
13 Fr. George Monis 21.05.2010 26.05.2013 Superior/ Principal
14 Fr. Lourdswamy 18.04.2011 till date Member
15 Bro. Victor Crasta 26.05.2013 till date Superior/Principal
16 Fr. Joslie Francis D’Silva 25.05.2014 till date Parish Priest *
17 Fr, Richard Kadiwal 01.01.2016 till date Treasurer
THE COMMUNITY OF SNEHASADAN 2015-2016 :
History of the Snehasadan Convent : 2009 – 2016
Deena sevana sabha – Nimala Province expanded the activities to the rural areas where there is a great need to care and support the poor women and children , to provide health care and educational back ups.
By the constant invitation from His Excellency Rt.Rev.Dr. Robert Michael Miranda ,the Bishop of Gulbarga. Deena sevana sabha – Nimala Province opend SnehaSadan convent for the service of the poor on 15th December 2009 at Halbarga. He had been inviting them since two years to start a convent in His Diocese mainly for the faith formation for the scattered catholic families. Since it was a rural area and apt for our charism , we accepted his invitation to start a convent. Bishop bought the land and build a convent and dug a bore well.
The convent building was blessed by His Excellency Rt.Rev. Dr.Robert Michael Miranda and inaugurated by Sr.Jamuna the Assistant Superior General. Sr.Emestina the provincial Superior, Sr. Cecilia and Sr.Bernaditte the councilors were present on the occation.
There was a solemn Holy Mass Concelebrated by Msgr. Fr.Leo Lobo, Episcopal Vicar Fr.Santhosh and Most.Rev. Dr.Robert Michael Miranda the main celebrant.Many priests, religious and parishioners also participated in the Holy Mass and the function there after. There was a grand function after the Holy Eucharist, which was arranged by Rev.Fr.Francis Ferandez OFM Cap.The parish priest honored the Bishop and all others who had come for the celebration with garland and shawl.
Bidar District in Karnataka belongs to the Diocese of Gulbarga. Halbarga panchayat accommodates around 8000 people as a whole in 650 families. They belong to 25 caste and scheduled caste. It is a region of linguistic multiplicity. The mostly used languages are Kannada, Hindi, Marathi and Telugu. The place is known as Halbarga and having three villages as a sub-station. There is no human habitation close to the convent.
The convent is situated in 2 acres of land which was purchased by the Bishop. The sisters have nothing of their own. The parish priest Rev.Fr.Francis OFM Cap and the Ex-Panchayat member are the support for sisters in that area.
Parish activities are home visiting, prayer meeting, catechism class and other pious associations. By living in this non-Christian area, the sisters witness Jesus Christ who lived among the suffering, poor and needy in the spirit and charism of Deena sevana sabha.According to the teaching of Mother Petra they witness as living gospels among the large non- Christian flock with their exemplary consecrated life. Community members in 2011 – 12 were Sr.Claret,the Superior and Sr.Jeevaletha and Sr.Thushara.
A lot of things are to be a done for the poor people which certainly demand suffering and hard work. Deena Sevana Sabhha sisters are always ready in Halbarga with great enthusiasm and zeal to do good to others especially for the poor. Accepting the invitation from Bishop to engage in social work Sr. Thushara was sent and started social work in the year 2011 in 8 villages.
Initially, therewere three Catholic villages and at present there are four catholic villages and six non-catholic villages. They are Hupla, Siddeswar, Hunuji, Konmelkunda, Haliparga, Tegampur, Dharnahalli, Kosam, and Neelagi. Fr. Joslie is the Parish priest and Sr.Preshitha is Superior and incharge of faith formation and Sr.Jerabi is teaching in the Anugragha School and Sr.Lijimaria is working under ORBIT social work. All the spiritual activities are jointly conducted by the fathers and sisters. Fathers and sisters are going to the Christian villages once in a week for the holy mass. This year we had the evaluation of the Diocese developmental programme, since the diocese completed it’s 10 years of service. This year new parish council members are elected and had taken the oath to serve the parish and to do their responsibilities.
Celebrations:
In the month of June, at the starting of the acadamical year nearly 56 children were selected for the scholarship and admitted to Anugragha school with the support of the sponsors. On Sep 8th the birth day of Mother Mary nearly 45 children were baptized and become catholics. St.Francis Assisi’s feast was celebrated in a grand manner. It started with a procession that started from the Halbarga town welcoming the Bishop, and reached to the Ashram. This was followed by the Eucharistic celebration and then a small felicitation programme. All went back after the Agape. The Christmas celebration saw carol singing to all the villages along with the children from the same villages. There was also the Christmas Vigil Mass in Halbarga center and seven children had the first communion. Most of the villagers and mainly the youth joined for the celebration. In all the catholic villages, Christmas as well as the Church feast was celebrated in a grand manner.
Children’s faith Formation Camp :
In the month of May it was arranged and some children were sent to the boarding in Bhalki, Gulbarga and Jalsangi. In the month of October a one day programme for the children was conducted to grow in their faith -mainly the life of the saints were explained to them. They had two days Holy Childhood programme in Bhalki church and the competitions’ were conducted based on the Bible. The faith formation camp for the children was decided to be conducted in the month of April 2nd to 7th 2016 at Halbarga center. The children from there would be selected for the summer camp “SANKALPA” for one month in Gulbarga.
Youth Day Celebrations :
We have different zones consisting of the regions of Bhalki, Hulsoor, Muchlamba and Halbarga. We had youth day celebration and from our village 20 youths were participated in that and they had competitions and our youths wined in volley ball and in other items also they have performed well. For Christmas, they had “SHANTHI DOOTHA” programme in Bidar many of our youth had participated.
Bhalki Jatra :
The Bhalki Jatra was celebrated in the month November 6th, 7th , 8th 2015. Pada yatra was on 1st November 2015 was organized by fathers and sisters along with the parishioner’s. from Bidar many had come and in Halbarga center they had some refreshment , juice and biscuits were distributed to all. Then from Halbarga we had joined with them for pada yatra and from our substations people were participated in good number. Three days full programme was arranged for the spiritual growth of the people in this mission area. Sr. Preshitha was selected as core committee member for the Jatra and for the Halbarga center had given the incharge of the Liturgy for the three days of Jatra. All three of us had joined together and did our responsibility in our best.
Year of Consecrated Life :
At the beginning of the year of Consecrated life, there was the opening ceremony and at the closing, we had closing ceremony on Feb- 14th 2016, with Adoration and prayer service and then felicitation programme in which the sisters and fathers participated .
St. Francis of Assisi Church C 525 F 87 Cat. 50
Anugraha Ashram, Halbarga, Bhalki, Bidar-585413
Superior: Fr. Richard Kadiwal OFM Cap. 7259697352
Mission Director (P.P): Fr. Prashanth Kumar OFM Cap. 9901209936
Sub-Centers:
1. Sts. Peter & Paul, Siddeshwara 1993 C.210 F 31 Cat 10
2. Holy Family, Hupla 1987 C 205 F 33 Cat 15
3. St. Francis of Assisi, Hunaji 1990 C 44 F 8 Cat 0
4. Kon- Melkunda C 48 F 10 Cat 20
Institutions:
Anugraha School (Nursery& Primary) 2010
H.M : Fr. Richard Kadiwal OFM Cap 7259697352
Administrator: Fr. Karunesh OFM Cap 8971709281
Convent: Deena Sevana Sabha
Snehasadan Convent
Near Anugraha School, Halbarga. Bhalki,
Bidar 585 413
Superior: Sr. Lovely DSS e-mail: slovelydss72@gmail.com 9845566924 / 9448120319
FR. PRASHANTH KUMAR
Parish Priest
St. Francis of Assisi Church
C 525 F 87 Cat. 50
Anugraha Ashram, Halbarga, Bhalki, Bidar-585413
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HUMANABAD MISSION |
HUMANABAD |
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HUMANABAD MISSION
SACRED HEART MISSION, ALAND: ORBIT and Seva Sangama :
“Including the Excluded”
In the year 1982, the Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, launched its mission in the district of Bidar with a view to work for its integral development. The then Bishop of Mangalore, late Rt. Rev. Dr Basil D’Souza and the present Bishop of Gulbarga Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda were the pioneers. Though various development works were done for the welfare of the people, a systematic approach was adopted since the year 1993, with the foundation of ORBIT (Organization of Bidar Integral Transformation) and Human Resource Centre registered under Indian Trust Act. Rev. Aloysius Paul D’ Souza, Bishop of Mangalore as its Founder President.
It did not take long time to realize that the women were doubly exploited persons in the society. They were oppressed because of their gender and also due to poverty. Therefore, the first attempts were made towards the empowerment of women thorough formation of self-help groups. A group of women of 10-15 members met in the evenings once in a week and discussed the problems concerning them and those pertaining to society. This enhanced their dignity as women and also they began to get involved in solving the problems of the village through the co-operation of the government. The savings helped them to get engaged in various self-employment projects and obtain large amounts of money from the banks. Today, the number of self-help groups is 600 savings are over Rs 2,00,00,000 with 44 Grass Root Federations, 5 Taluq (Block) Federation and 1 District Federation.
Soon it was realized that the educational system in the district was very poor, especially in the government schools. The Vidhya Vikas Programme was launched to bring about a change among the children, teachers, parents and government officials. A teacher was appointed in the school who acted also as an animator to bring about change in the educational system. Various meetings were conducted between the parents, village leaders, government officials and teachers. This was a model program which really brought about change in the educational system. 40 villages were taken under this program giving rise to 40 and more volunteers for spreading basic education, information and awareness on child rights, nutrition, sanitation etc.
Bidar is a drought prone area. Having learnt from the successful experiences of people elsewhere, we launched the watershed program in three villages. Farmers groups were formed who were trained to conserve rain water through various techniques. They were given knowledge about modern agricultural techniques which improved their income. As a result the villages soon became green while the standard of living also increased.
Realizing the struggles and sufferings of persons with disability, especially of persons affected with leprosy ORBIT initiated Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) with the support of AIFO India. The program aims at Mainstreaming the Persons with disability through awareness programs, Screening camps, distribution of aids and appliances, IGP support, inclusive education and livelihood support. The 70 Disabled Persons Organization (DPO), 5 Taluq (Block) federations having over 3000 members have benefitted from the program. The program has lifted the spirits of persons with disability and has been instrumental in restoring their dignity.
The wrath of HIV AIDs which was unheard and unseen had made a silent entry into Bidar District. By the time people realized the gravity of the sickness, HIV had devastated hundreds of families in Bidar district especially in Basavakalyan and Humnabad taluks. ORBIT realizing huge health and family crisis, resolved to help the people of Bidar affected with the deadly disease. ORBIT started its services through SNEHA program in 2006, then with Ashadeepa Care Home for HIV affected people for care, medical support, ART, livelihood, IGP, counselling and clinical support along with awareness. Over 3000 HIV affected persons along with children have been supported through this program till date. Presently Sparsha Care Home is catering to 40 Children Living with HIV (CLHIV) in Basavakalyan Taluq.
Panchayat Raj Program initiated in Bidar District helped in training over 350 PRI members in Bidar District. This brought substantial difference in functioning of Pachyath Raj system in many places.
ORBIT presently serves District of Bidar by collaborating with District Administration and other networking groups for the development of one of the District in Hyderabad Karnataka Region. ORBIT is a compliant organization, with Trust Registration, FCRI, 80G, 12AA, Darpan.
ORBIT vows to serve Bidar and its people, to bring a change in the lives of people, upholding their dignity and nurturing mother Earth. Your support to ORBIT will enhance our services to the last, least and the lost.
Support and Partner with us in “Including the Excluded – Loving beyond borders”
Shanthi Nilaya Humnabad :
Humnabad is a small town in the northern part of Karnataka in Bidar District deprived of quality education. Though there are many prestigious institutions, only the richer classes can afford such education due to the demand for high donations. The existing English medium schools lack proficiency. The girls in the surrounding villages discontinue their education due to poverty. In order to provide job opportunities for the rural youth and to improve their educational standards, the mission team of Bidar and the members of Seva Ashram Bethany community informed Sr Christella, the Provincial Superior, about the need of service in Humnabad. The community was erected on 12th November 2001 at 5.00 pm with the Holy Eucharist officiated by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore. The pioneer sisters were Sr Lucian, Sr Florita and Sr Fidelis. The canonical erection of the community took place on 5th June, 2003. Sr Lillis, the Assistant Superior General, along with Sr Inviolata, the Provincial Superior were present for the programme. Shanthi Kiran Technical School was informally blessed by Very Rev Fr Robert Miranda, the Episcopal Vicar of Bidar Mission, on 27th June 2003, on the feast of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sr Agnesia was the first superior. Sr Anna Maria took over as Superior and directress on 30th June 2004 and started a Residential School for girls in July 2005. There are thirty students resident trainees in every batch. Sr Florita was the Principal of Shanthi Kiran Technical Institute in 2005. The Centre is accredited to the National Institute of Open School New Delhi in August 2005. Along with the Superior the sisters render full time service in the school as well as in the parish teaching catechism, conducting liturgy, involving themselves in the social work activities conducted by ORBIT, participating in Diocesan faith formation, youth ministry and women developmental programs.
Shanthi Kiran Technical Institute Humnabad, Bidar :
It was started in 2003. Sr Lucian, Sr Florita and Sr Fidelis were the Pioneers of this Institute. Sr Anna Maria and Sr Flavia Wilma were the past Directors respectively and presently Sr Prema Pricilla is heading the Institute as Director and Sr Zeena BS being the Correspondent.
The main purpose of this Institute was to train all the youth who are school dropouts, in various Job -oriented Courses and various skills in order to make them self reliant and Combat Poverty. The Goal of Shanthi Kiran Technical Institute is “Fullness of life through integrated formation in partnership with God and for His Kingdom”.
The Institute is accredited to National Institute of Open Schooling for some Courses, it is also Registered as Vocational Training Provider under Skill Development Initiative Scheme, DGET, India for 5 sectors. The Institute also is run as Community College under the guidance of Indian Centre for Research and Development of Community Education (ICRDCE), Chennai.
The Institute has been Providing Courses like Computer application, DTP, Tally, Secretarial Practice Course, Typing, Cutting and Dress Making, Machine Embroidery, Nursery Teacher Training, Spoken English, Beauty Therapy, Communicative skills along with which students are given Value Education and Personality development techniques.
In Order to draw full benefits the girls are provided residential facilities. The Institute also has the Day Scholars attending various courses. The Institute has under taken Child Labour Project from 2007 to 2010, through which more than 150 child labourers were educated. The students who completed courses have been employees in various fields and some of them continue with higher education. The institute is equipped with, Computers, Sewing machines, Type writers, all kinds of Teaching equipments according to the Courses. It is also well furnished with good furniture and infrastructure.
Along with Shanthi Kiran Technical Institute, the shanthi Kiran Hostel was started for the ruler girls. The girls who stay in the hostel are given faith formation, daily Eucharist, yoga, co- curricular activities in order to help them in their all round development.
Bethany English Medium Primary School Humnabad :
As we felt the need of Education in Humnabad, under the leadership Sr. Mariette our Provincial Superior and the dream of our Founder servant of God Raymond F.C Mascarenhas came true as we started Bethany Play school on 01.06.2011. The first Headmistress was Sr. M. Lilly Gonsalves B.S.
At present there are 300 students up to VII standard. Students are trained in co- curricular activities. We have scout – guides,Cub – Bul – Bul movement in our school. Efforts are made to see the whole round development of all students.
Convent: Bethany Sisters
Bethany Shanthi Nilaya Convent
Humnabad P.O., Bidar- 585 330
Superior: Sr. Zeena Menezes BS 9110858158
Institutions:
1. Shanthi Kiran Technical School
Principal: Sr. Prema Precilla BS 9483830925
2. Bethany English Medium Primary School
H.M: Sr. Florine Jyothi BS 8762088674
FR. ANIL CRASTA
Director
St. Mother Theresa Mission
08483-271032 ORBIT, NH 9 Humnabad P.O 585330
Director: Fr. Anil Crasta 7847977779 / 7849070707
Asst Director: Fr. Lawrence Arun 9686165018
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ITGA MISSION |
ITGA |
0 |
0 |
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ITGA MISSION
Mary Pawada Mathe Mandir Itga :
Itga Mission, with the visits of Sr Prema BS from Maria Ashram, Jalasangi Centre as she was coming to this place for Women Self Help Groups. A group of youth from New Apostolic Church, Itga, met the Fathers at Jalsangvi and continued to attend for some weeks Sunday Mass at Jalsangvi on cycle, a distance of 35kms. Their interest and love for Catholic Church was appreciated by the Fathers there and they started visiting Itga village on the request of these Youth. The mission started here in a small tin shed. Fr Elias Martis and Fr Leo Veigas served the Mission from Jalsangvi for over 2 years. Subsequently, land for Church was bought and the construction of the Church building started under the leadership of Fr Stany Monteiro in 2000 and the Mission began in year 2000. The Church was inaugurated by Rt Rev Dr Aloysius Paul, the Bishop of Mangalore on 16.07.2002. Thanks to Milagres Parish, Mangalore for their generous contribution towards all the expenses of establishment of this New Mission Centre. Rightly the mission centre is called Pawada Mathe Devalaya after the Patroness Our Lady of Miracles (Milagres) . People of this village were recived into catholic faith fold in the year 2000. There are 167 families in the catholic fold. Itga Mission thus became an independent mission in 2002 with bannahalli and Udbaal as in mission outreach centres.
Directors : Fr Stany Monteiro – 2000 – 2004 Fr Stany Lobo- 2004 – 2005 Fr Richard D’Souza – May 19, 2005 – May 12, 2007 Fr Stephen Veigas – 13th May 2007 – May 13, 2012 Fr Anil William Crasta – 14 May 2012 – 2017 Fr. Roque D’Souza May-2017-2018 Fr. Gerald Sagar 2018
Assistant Directors Fr. Anil Victor Vas – Dec 2011 to April 2012 Fr. David – Dec 16, 2015 – April 14, 2015 Fr. Sunil Mankare – April 19, 2015 Fr. David (Jn) Jan 2013-2014 Fr. Walter Lobo OCD 2018
Villages under the Itga Mission :
Bannalli : Visit to Bannalli tarted by Fr Francis Lewis in 1994 from Jalasangvi centre – The thatched tent was burnt down by Hindus due to hatred against Christianity and was again built by Fr Francis Lewis. He stood by the people, the Christians boldly.
Fr Henry Mascarenhas built chapel in 1996 and people were received at Maria Ashram Jalasangvi centre. When Itga mIssion was started as an independent centre (2002) Bannali Village became a part of this new mission centre. Families: 33
Udbal :Visits to this to this village were started as early as 1996, after 2 years they left and joined Seventh Day Adventists. There was no good relationship between people and priests at Mari Ashram. A chapel was built for them within a year by SDA church, but when the pastors deserted them again faithful came back to Catholic Church with a request to start again Catholic faith and this faith has sustained in them ever since. Fr Stany Monteiro started the visits again. They have been worshipping in a Small tin shed since then.
A modest chapel was built and inaugurated on 22nd May 2016. 52 families were received into Catholic Church. The new church named after Holy Trinity Church was blessed and inaugurated in 2018. Families: 52
FMM SISTERS IN UDBAL :Franciscan missionaries of Mary extended their mission from Chincholi to Udbal Mission on 8th August 2016. The bishop of Gulbarga Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda invited the sisters to render their service and to strengthen the faith of the Catholics. Initially FMM sisters used to come from Chincholi on Saturday evening, after meeting the people they used to teach catechism, prepare them for the Eucharist, stay with the people and used returned after the Sunday Mass to Chincholi. Sisters realized that the weekend ministry was not very effective and did not bear much fruit. So the sisters decided to stay in Udbal to make their presence felt and to be part of the Catholic Church. They looked for a rented house for their stay but they dint dint find a suitable house rather than the sacristy of the old church. Sr. Rita Mendonca and Lona Elvera Aranha arrived on 1st July 2017. Sr. Reeta Mendonca is teaching in Melagres school, Chitguppa and the other sister like Sr. Mini Mathew and Sr. Marian Baby is involved in the pastoral work.
Mudnal :
Visits to mudnal Village started in the year 2013 on 13th October by Fr. Anil Crasta, The director of Itga Mission. A catholic lady by name Mamitha from Bannalli was given in marriage to Mudnal Village. After few years of the marriage , her husband showed interest to accept the catholic faith. Once he was baptized other families from Mudnal also showed interest to accept catholic faith. Group of young men under the leadership of Dilip, Dayanand called Fr. Anil Crasta to their village. As per their request Fr. Anil Crasta guided Bro. Rosh D’Souza ( Regent) to start Family visits of Mudnal and to find out situation of the village. Bro. Roshan D’Souza , Sr. Evlyn, Sr. Divya, Sr. Anisha guided them with the initial teachings of the Catholic Church (Prayers , Bhajans). During the same year Dn David arrived for his Diaconate Ministry , who accompanied brother as a result many more families started, attending the prayer service. Fr. Anil Crasta visited the village on 16th November and insisted “Mane Shudikarana and Bible enthronement in the houses ”. People removed their idols from their house ans celebrated Christmas in a grand manner. Fr. Roque D’Saouza and Bro Abhishek worked hard to foster faith , At present Fr. Gerlad sagar is at their service in fostering their faith.
Founder: Fr Anil Crasta October 13, 2013 Received Families: 4 Catechumen Families: 12
Milagres School: Milagres Pre-Primary , Primary and Higher Primary School near Chitguppa was started in June2007
Inde Espoir Project students of Paris University built the three floor school. They came in 3 batches camped in the school premise for 22 days each and worked themselves. At present there are 465 students from Kindergarten to VIII Standard
Ursuline Sisters serve in the School. This school has over 150 catholic children Ashraya Mathe Covent Itga 1st June 2000 Ursuline Franciscan Sisters Superiors Sr Helen Monteiro – 2002 – 2003 Sr Eveline Pinto – 2003 – 2015 Sr Veena Fernandes – 2015 –
Itga is a Muslim and Lingayat dominated village in humnabad, Bidar dist. On June 1 2000, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters from Kristashram, Kaudiyal began to collaborating at the Itga Mission. The Sisters serving at Kaudiyal set aside two days in a week for Itga Mission. Though challenging due to poor availability of transport to the Itga and lack of accommodation there, sisters preserved and did their best. Responding to the invitation of the diocesan authorities, the Sisters started a community there in June 2003 with Sisters Helen Monterio, Christina, Mary and Sherine Dimple D’souza, as Pioneers. Sr. Evelyn Pinto, animator of Kaudiyal, supported them and also directed their work. Works under taken were faith formation and empowerment, of women, children and youth, The Mission of faith formation included visiting families, catechizing adults, youth, children, teaching vocal Prayers such as Rosary, Preparing Children for the reception of the Sacraments. 5.5 acres land was purchased by the Sisters . A new convent building Ashraya Matha Nilaya was inaugurated on 21 August 2008. Community was canonically erected on April 12. 2009 by the Superior General. Sr. Evelyn Pinto was appointed animator of the newly erected community. Itga offers grate scope for evangelization, in the field of education and development.. At present Sr. Veena.C Fernandez, animator in the field of education along with other sisters.
FR. GERALD SAGAR
Director
Mary Pawada Mathe Mandira (2002) F 167 C 776 Cat 50
Itga, Chituguppa, Humnabad, Bidar- 585412
Director : Fr. Gerald Sagar 9591120563
Asst Director: Fr. Walter OCD 9900903546/ 8123400436
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MARIA ASHRAM |
JALASANGVI |
0 |
0 |
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JALASANGI MISSION
MARIA ASHRAM, JALASANGVI
‘Where your treasure is, there would go your heart.’ The treasure late Bishop Basil found was in Bidar Mission. He loved the Bidar mission heart and soul. Bidar, the northern part of Karnataka is also the most backward district of karnataka . The dream of Bishop Basil was being fulfilled on 12thJune 1990. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Bidar Mission. Under the protection of our Blessed Virgin Mary the fourth mission centre named Maria Ashram and Seva Ashram Convent were blessed and Inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Basil S. D’Souza Bishop of Mangalore at Jalasangi village near Humnabad.
I. Evangelization:
Frs. Francis, Maxim and Vernon and three Bethany sisters viz. Sr Loyoline, Sr Fidelis and Sr Meena with missionary zeal started serving this new mission in Jalasangi. With the help of Sisters of Charity and pastor Galappa, missionaries (priest and sisters) reached out to the villages:
1. Shadola 2. Ghatboral 3. Jalasangi 4. Chandanhalli 5. Sulthanbad Vadi 6. Handikera 7.Bannahalli 8. Kandugola 9. Sethalgera 10. Nimboor 11. Thugavm 12.Udbal 13. Chalkapur 14. Hipppargi. 15. Mugnoor 16. Kumar Chincholi. 17. Othgi 18. Madargaon and 19. Hippergaon
They Became one with people by their constant visits, conducting Bhajans, reading the Word of God and playing games with children, catechesis etc,. In the midst of all other sects our people had respect for Catholics. By the constant efforts of priest and sisters, people got attracted to Catholic Church and received Baptism. As the mission made progress around the locality priests volunteered to start new centers. Talmadige and Itga missions were started.
Chandanhalli, Sulthanbad Vadi, Thugav and Handikera have gone away from Catholic faith. At present Maria Ashram has 9 villages, and total number of Catholic families are 102 and number of Catholics 513. In 5 villages there is a Chapel for pepole to come together for Praise and Worship. There is a plan to build chapels at Mugnoor and Madargaon.
Education:
Looking at Bidar District is economically poor, and it’s low literacy rate. The mission team felt the need to educate the children. They moved with vigor to educate children in all the villages by sending them to the Chithapur and Bidar Hostels. Some children were encouraged to go to the Government schools. At Mariashram, Balasadan Hostel was started for the benefit of children. Many students were helped by Sponsors and GDES.
In the year 1998 Balasadan Hostel was converted to Child Labourers School. Children continue their studies at Balasadan were placed back. Training well at Maria Ashram they did very well in the government school.
Social Development:
Enthusiastic mission team along with Faith Formation moved to empower the women through Social Ministry. The mission was started to empower women by starting Self Help Groups under ORBIT. At present 49 SHGs function effectively. These SHGs have helped the women to build themselves and their families. Sufficient knowledge of Panchayat Raj was given and they contested in the election. Adult education was encouraged. With all these activity they are now able to take leadership in their villages.
Medical:
The poor environment, bad geographic condition, low literacy rate have given the people very little job prospects. The health and hygiene of the people was in a poor state. There weren’t qualified doctors and hospitals in these villages. Lack of conveyance made difficult for them have access to the doctors. Leprosy rate in Bidar as per the senses of 1990 was 9 per 1000. In this situation Jalasangi mission team came forward & started ‘Dayakiran’-Rehabilitation Centre (June 20th 1992) to take care of leprosy patients; 20 inmates were well taken care. Medical service was reached out to the various villages through mobile clinic service, awareness programmes, street plays were conducted. In 1991 Maria Seva Clinic was started. Ever since, it has catered to the health of the general public especially from the villages.
Maria Seva health Centre is a place of hope for the hopeless. People come from 80 – 90 villages and also from other States with various diseases specially from skin diseases. They experience total healing. It’s miraculous! Patients are treated with much love and care. Necessary medicines are provided with cheaper and free of cost. Counseling is given to the patients when there is need. Along with treatment health education is given on prevention of diseases and promotion of health. Praying over the patients makes Seva Health Centre special, the hope of the hapless.
BETHANY SEVASHRAM JALASANGI
Jalasangi was the fourth centre of the Bidar Mission which brought the love of Jesus to the people of Bidar. In the year 1983 Bishop Basil S. D’Souza, the then Bishop of Mangalore invited the Bethany Sisters to collaborate with the Diocese in its missionary endeavours by opening a convent in Humnabad at Jalasangi.
In response to this invitation, initially Sr.Evangelista and Sr.Anet were sent to Bidar to team up with four other sisters belonging to different Congregations serving. On 12th June 1990 three Sisters, namely Sr. Loyaline B.S Sr. Fidelis B.S and Sr. Meena B.S began their mission at Jalasangi, Bidar. Since there was no residence at Jalasangi the Sisters were staying at Bhalki for same time.
On 1st November 1992 the new convent was blessed by Rt. Rev Bishop Basil D’souza and was named as Sevashram. Sr. Loyaline was appointed as first Superior. The Successive Superiors are Sr. Agnes Frank, Sr. Doris, Sr.Amitha, Sr. Flavia Wilma , Sr. Amala and now sr. precilla B.S Sisters faced various challenges, such as different climate, food, stay in the villages, caste system etc. But with faith they persevered in their mission. Today we see a vibrant community of the faithful at Maria Ashram.
Sisters catered to various Apostolates such as: 1. Evangelization (Faith Formation) 2. Education 3.Social Development 4.Medical.
Evangelization- Faith Formation:
With the help of Priests, Sisters of Charity and Pastor Galappa, the missionaries (priests and sisters) reached out to these following villages.
1.Shadola 2. Ghatboral 3.Jalasangi 4.Chandanhalli 5. Sulthanbad Vadi 6. Handikera 7.Bannahalli 8.Kandugola 9 Sithalgera 10.Nimboor 11.Thugaon 12.Udbal 13.Chalkapur 14.Hippargi 15.Mugnoor 16.Kumarchincholli 17 Othgi 18.Madangaon 19.Hippergaon By the untiring efforts of priest and sisters, people got attracted to Catholic Church and received Baptism. At Maria Ashram centre has got 9 villages under faith programme and a total number of 162 Catholic families with513 catholics. In 5 villages under faith programme. there are Chapels for people to come together for praise and worship. There is a plan to build Chapels in other villages too. We also have HCA, women cell, ICYM and SCC prayers in the villages which help people to grow in faith and Moral values.
Education: At Maria Ashram Balasadan Hostel was started for the benefit of poor children. Sisters were teaching them various lesions and also moral values. By the constant efforts and encouragement of sisters, the students exceled in different fields of education. Today we have students doing Engineering, Medical, Nursing and D.ED, B.ED, etc. In the year 1998 Balasadan Hostel was convertedin to Child Laborer’s School. Children to help and rescue child laborers .
Social ministry was started to empower women by starting Self Help Groups. At present 49 SHGs exist. These SHGs have helped the women to build themselves and their families. Sufficient knowledge of Panchayat Raj was given and some contested in the election. Adult literacy was encouraged. With these developments they were able to take leadership in the society.
The leprosy rate in Bidar as per the Senses of 1990 was 9 per 1000. In this situation Jalasangi mission team started Dayakiran Rehabilitation centre on June 20th 1992 to take care of the leprosy patients. 20 inmates were well taken care. Medical service was reached out to the various villages through mobile clinic service, Health awareness programmes and street plays were conducted. In 1991 Maria Seva Clinic was started. Sr. Ena was in charge of the clinic. Ever since it has catered to the health of the general public specially from the surrounding (80 – 90) villages. Mainly treating patients with skin diseases. At present we have Dr. Sr. berignas continuing the noble mission of healing.
Our faithful in the villages are well developed. Sisters continue to give their best, building on what has been done by the previous generations of sisters.
“ TO HELP ANOTHER, TO THINK OF ANOTHER’S HARDSHIPS, AND TO LIGHTEN ANOTHER’S BURDEN IS THE CHARACTERISTIC OF A FERVENT , CHARITABLE RELIGIOUS.”
Sub – Centres:
1. Maria Ashram Church Jalasangi (1990) C 18 F 5 Cat. F 0
2. St. John Church – Chalkapur (1992) C 151 F 32 Cat. F 1
3. Holy Cross – Kumar Chincholli C 48 F 10 Cat. F 1
4. St. Paul – Othagi C 126 F 25 Cat. F 0
5. St. Therese – Mugnoor C 62 F 12 Cat. F 0
6. St. Francis Xavier – Ghatboral C 62 F 12 Cat. F 0
7. St. Joseph – Madergaon C 36 F 9 Cat. F 0
8. Mother Theresa – Sedola C 10 F 2 Cat. F 1
9. St. Alphonsa – Hippergaon C 27 F 6 Cat. F 0
Institutions:
Maria Ashram School for the school drop-outs
Priest In-charge: Fr. Robert Crasta 9964002484
Convent: Bethany Sisters
Bethany Seva Ashram (1990)
Jalasangi P.O., Humnabad,
Bidar- 585 418
Superior: Sr Precilla Furtado 9901838216
Institutions:
Seva Ashram Dispensary
In-Charge: Sr. Benignus BS 9886490736
FR. ROBERT CRASTA
Director
Maria Ashram Church (1990) C 557 F 110 Cat 5
Jalasangi, Via Dubalgundi, Humnabad, Bidar- 585 418
Director : Fr. Robert Crasta 9964002484
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Carmel Giri |
Kadaganchi |
0 |
0 |
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KADAGANCHI MISSION
Carmel Giri, Kadaganchi (Carmelite Mission) :
The Genesis :
With great desire to reach out to all the talukas of the diocese of Gulbarga with the Good News of Salvation, Bishop Most Rev. Robert Miranda placed Fr. George Lobo at Aland, to explore the possibility of a new mission as per the appointment letter dated 19-6-2009. Fr. George could not do much except that he won the good will of the people. He worked there for 3 years and left the place making room for the Carmelite Fathers. In the meantime the Holy Cross Sisters opened a community at Aland on 4th June 2008. The pioneer sisters were: Srs. Mary George, Arul Mary and Josephine. They began the mission work staying in a Jain house. Soon they opted to move out a remote village VK Salagar.
At the pressing invitation of the Bishop, the Carmelites took up this mission in Aland in 2012. Fr. Elias Daniel OCD and Fr. Joseph Pinto OCD were the Carmelite pioneers of this mission. Staying at Aland they visited the families around and tried to build a rapport with people who belonged to the other faiths. They were also looking for a suitable land . After a long search to a property was bought in Kadaganchi village, very close to recently started Central University of Karnataka.This village has around 300 families with mixed occupations like farming, small scale business, animal husbandry and daily wage earners. It is surrounded by many other similar villages having its Hobali in Nimbarga which is 20 Km away.
At his transfer, Fr. Ivan Sanctis OCD replaced Fr. Joseph Pinto in 2013. In 2014, Fr. Sylvester Pereira OCD was appointed as the in-charge of this mission. Fr. Arun Benis OCD joined him at the transfer of Fr. Ivan Sanctis in 2015. At the end of the year Fr Nelson Pinto OCD joined the community.
In July 2015, the residence was shifted from Aland to Kadaganchi. Various apostolates such as pastoral, social and educational were initiated to empower the people in this area. Since there is no Christian presence in this area and the people from the villages are mostly poor and illiterate, it was thought that the best way to reach out to them was to empower the future generation through quality education. Therefore a plan to start a school was initiated. The foundation stone for the new school was laid by the Provincial superior Rev Fr. Charles Serrao on 15th of August, 2015 in the presence of the councillors.
On June 20th 2016 the Mount Carmel Pre-Primary English Medium School was started with 98 children from Kadaganchi and 6 other neighbouring villages. Fr. Arun Bennis was appointed the Principal and Fr. Sylvester the correspondent. The School was started with a motto “Urban Education to the Rural Children”. A strong infrastructure with attractive and modern amenities made the school a ray of hope for the surrounding people. A formal inauguration of the school ground floor took place on Jan 26th 2017 by the Provincial superior Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao and the edifice was blessed by Very Rev. Robert Miranda, the Bishop of Gulbarga Diocese. The event was witnessed by many diocesan as well Carmelite priests of the province. Indeed it is a red letter day in the history of Carmelite Mission in Kadaganchi.
After the provincial chapter of 2017 Fr. Walter Lobo was appointed as the superior and correspondent and Fr. Dolphy Santhosh D’ Souza, the Principal. The strength of the school saw a mighty leap with the strength of 275 children. In this year permission for primary school with natural growth was obtained and the first standard was started with two divisions. There were 9 teaching and 3 non-teaching staff. The children came from around 15 villages by 3 school buses.
In 2018 the school had a new correspondent in the person Fr. Sunil Monis and a new principal Fr. Sandeep Goveas. In the school there are 370 students from nursery to 2nd Std. It is quite evident that the people of the land have started trusting us and they are happy with our presence and services. The educational apostalate, as envisaged, has prepared the seed ground for the Kingdom of God.
Besides the ministry of education, the Kadaganchi community also takes care of the spiritual needs of the students of the Central University of Karnataka. There are about 70 students who regularly attend the Sunday mass and important feasts. The adoration on the first Friday of the month along with the sacrament of reconciliation helps them to have special spiritual experience. The school bus fetches the students from the university campus. At present all the liturgy is celebrated in a class rooms set aside for the purpose. On 5-12-2018 the foundation stone was blessed and laid for the new chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, by Rev. Bishop Robert Miranda along with the Provincial Fr. Charles Serrao and the community fathers. This project is partially sponsored by Propaganda Fide through the mediation of the Diocese.
In order to strengthen our rapport with the people, especially the young generation, every summer the school organises the summer camp for all the children of the neighbourhood. Around 150 children participate in a month long camp. The camp concludes with a presentation of the talents and skills to the parents by way of cultural programmes. The community members visit the surrounding families as and when the situation permits. A regular and systematic visits for better establishment is on the plan as the people are almost prepared to welcome us to their houses without prejudices. The community also shares a good relationship with the local Panchayath members and officers.
Keeping up with the spirit of “Laudato Si”, the Papal encyclical on environment, the community has planted several saplings with the Government assistance. With the completion of compound wall and a new open well, Carmel Giri is ready to be embellished with greenery all round of its boundaries.
Institutions :
Mount Carmel School-Kadaganchi – 2016
Principal- Fr. Sandeep Goveas OCD 9482935764
FR. SUNIL MONIS OCD
Superior
Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCD) 2014
Carmelgiri, Carmelite Fathers Kadaganchi Post, Aland Taluka, Kalaburagi 585311
Superior : Fr. Sunil Monis OCD 7359518945
Campus Minister : Fr. Nelson Pinto OCD 9448554219
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KAMALNAGAR MISSION |
KAMALNAGAR |
0 |
2017 |
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KAMALNAGAR MISSION 2017
Holy Family Mission
Late Dr Devidas House
Opp. Govt Hospital
Sonal Road, Kamalnagar, Bidar 585417
Director: Fr. David Antony 88 61408025
Villages Visited
1. Kamal Nagar Cat. F 3
2. Horandi Cat. F 6
3. Tornawadi Cat. F 6
4. Dongaon
5. Chotemurg
FR. DAVID ANTONY
Director
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| 15 |
MUCHALAMBA MISSION |
MUCHALAMBA |
0 |
2002 |
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MUCHALAMBA MISSION (2002)
SADBHAVANA, MUCHALAMBA MISSION :
A few villages in Basavakalyana Taluk and on the boarder Bhalki Taluk
were served from Bhalki centre. Owing to a long distance, a separate center in this
area was found necessary. Rev. Fr Victor Machado started a new centre by
staying in a rented house since 13th Feb 2002. He started faith formation and
development works in Muchalamba and surrounding villages. A small piece of land
was bought in Muchalamba and a tiny tin house was built for the stay. The first land mark of the centre was the inauguration programme of the new centre. It was blessed on 18.07.2002 by Rt. Rev. Aloysius D’souza, Bishop of Mangalore. Later on a church dedicated St. Joseph the worker was built and the same was inaugurated
and blessed by Most Rev. Robert Miranda Bishop of Gulbaraga on 4th of December 2006. It was the sacrifice of Mr. Thomas D’Souza contractor, Manjeshwar, who helped financially to build this Church. Fr Victor Machado was the director of orbit social service organization who came and stayed in the rented house with no facility, no comforts, in this remote village who stayed and started various missionary activities in Sadbhavana. In the year 2007 Fr Joseph Rodrigues took charge of the centre. He increased the number of villages for faith formation. During his time St Anthony’s mission centre was started. In the year 2010 Fr David D’souza became the director of Sadbhavana mission centre. Under his leadership decennial celebration of the centre was held on 19.03.2012. Rev. Fr Arun Venil D’Silva, Fr Clary D’Souza become the parish Priests. At present Fr. Benedict SAC is the director of St. Antony Church, Muchalamba.
At present the centre has 15 villages under faith formation. They are Ghatboral, Ghodwadi, Raipalli, Kadepur, Muchalamba, Limbapur, Dannuwradi, Gorta, Honnalli, Murambi, Goundgaun, Kuntegaun, Ucha, Kotegira, Madkatti and Hunsegira. Murambi village has “St. Luke” Chapel established in 2002. Other villages do not have chapel. The centre has 18 catholic families. The total number of Catholics are 100, 181 Catechumens in 39 families. There are 25 S.H.G’s in 9 villages.
Main Activities of the centre.
Tuition for children.
Tailoring for young girls.
Women’s self-help group.
Visiting the faith formation village.
Children groups in the neighboring villages.
Youth activities
Social developmental works
Children’s home at Sadbhavana
Evangelization.
Dialogue ministry.
By the power of the Holy Spirit and the able guidance of the Bishop the centre is doing extremely well. It is hoped and prayed that the mission of the Lord in the centre will continue and give Christ’s presence to many more people through the socio-pastoral apostolate.
The Initial Days :
Since there was no infrastructure required to start a centre in this area, it was
decided to begin the activities from a rented house. Efforts to obtain a rented
house in Mumbai, Honnali and Dhanuruwadi villages failed. Mr Madappa’s
family from Muchalamba came forward to arrange a rented house in
Muchalamba. Fr Victor Machado, who till now was working in Bhalki centre,
started the work of the new centre by staying in a rented house of Mrs Nagamma
since 13/2/2002.
The First Obstacles :
After staying in the rented house, Rev. Fr Victor started Faith Formation
and development works in Muchalamba and surrounding villages. With the help
of social workers from ORBIT, he started Women’s Self Groups in Muchalamba.
He also bought a small piece of land for constructing a chapel. However the
Buddhist (SC) leaders objected to his stay in this colony alleging that he was
indulging in conversions. Rev. Fr Victor shifted his residence to a house drilled by Rev. Fr Victor was filled with stones by some miscreants.
The conciliatory meeting with the Buddhist Leader:
With the help of Mr. Arjun Kanak from Basavakalyan a conciliatory meeting with the Bhudist leaders arranged. After expressing their views strongly by the both the priests, the meeting ended with the following observations. The Buddhist leaders agreed that the Priests will have to be respected as religious leader and They asked the priests not to engaged in any activities with the Buddhists community.
Arrival of Chales Borromeo Sisters :
The Provincial of Chales Borromeo sisters were pleased to send her sisters to Muchalamba. Therefor Sisters of St .Charles Borromeo had their first step at Muchalam on 19th July 2002. They were received with warm welcome by Fr. Victor Machado and the villagers. Their objective was to give missionary formation in rural set up to her sisters.
Gradulal Growth of the Centre :
As the year passed by the centre saw the change of activities and personnel. Sr. Juliet took over as Superior in second year and Sr Daizy, a nurse by profession also joined the team. Bros santhosh and Stany served as regents in the third an fourth year respectively. The following activities were taken up in the next year: Dispensaries were started in Dhanurwadi; Morambi; Muchalamb, A tailoring centre also started in Dhanurwadi. Children’s day was celebrated.
Moving towads Hulsoor :
The initial contacts started by the Kaudiyal with Hulsoor were
strengthened by Rev. Fr Victor and Sr Juliet through her regular visit to Hulsoor
and the surrounding areas. This year two of the sisters were staying in a rented
house over there. God willing, Hulsoor grew up, as an independent centre in the
future.
St. Joseph’s Church :
Mr Thomas D’ Souza, the Contractor from Manjeswar, a church was built and inaugurated on 14/12/06. Several religious leaders and crowd of one and half
thousands participated. Rt Rev. Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop ofGulbarga, presided
over the function.
Further Take ups :
After Rev. Fr Victor Machado, Rev. Fr Joseph Rodrigues took up mission activities with major projects to expand mission activities. One of the major
projects was a new mission centre at Hulsoor. The house and the church came up
due to generous contribution of Milagres “Parish, Mangalore. Hulsoor is small
town which is about twenty five km away from this centre. There was great scope
educational and various development programs in hulsoor and in the neighboring
villages. Being a substation of Muchalamba centre, Hulsoor a successful in
mission in both pastorally and human development activities and thus it was
made independent centre during the time Rev. Fr Joseph Rodrigues.
Sadbhavana :
in the mission centre is situated among the poor who are
landless agricultural labours around 125 children belonging to this group were
regularly coming to the centre for tuition between 7 :30 to 6:00 pm. The centre was
also made as the study home during holidays since most of the houses have only
single room.
ST.CHARLES CONVENT , MUCHALAMBA :
Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo had their first step at Muchalam on 19th July 2002. They were received with warm welcome by Fr. Victor Machado and the villagers. It was a memorable day for the congregation as they had the goal of starting the convent for the formation on mission. The pioneers of this mission were Sr. Vinaya D’souza ,the first superior, and the five junior sisters, Srs. Elizabith Leo, Gladys Pasanna, Anjeline D’souza, Smitha D’Silva and Mable D’ Silva.
Initial struggles:
Understanding the people who practiced different culture and different ideology, Living in a caste dominating area where there was no Christian presence at all Accepting a new way of worship, food habits of the people, Indifference or non-acceptance Night travelling to the faith formation villages where conveyance was rare and not timely and sometimes remaining in the villages during nights. Adjustment with weather living in a tin sheet house and adjusting with weather which was very hot was a real challenge. Difficulty in understanding the language of the people. Our style of living was a mystery for the village people.
Successive Superiors :
Sr. Vinaya D’Souza
Sr. Juliet Cutinho
Sr. Margaret D’Silva
Sr. Pauline Aranha
Sr. Eliz Lourdu
Sr. Smitha D’Silva.
Milestones :
This mission, in this Hindu dominated village was initiated by conducting coaching classes for about 150 to 200 children. Children flocked to get the touch of the education especially for the English subject. Most of them were from of Govt. schools. Today we see these same children doing so well by getting good jobs with good salary and recall their past days in our centre and visit us during their holidays. All the faith formation villages we had formed children,s club which made them disciplined and creative. Weekly visit to our faith formation villages also helped our faithful to grow in faith. From Muchalam village 18 to 20 alcoholics underwent the treatment in Bidar and showed positive response. About 90% of them are really doing well and their families remain grateful to us. This was a real mile stone to recognize our existence over here and to understand our mission of Jesus. SHGs were formed and initiated women to start saving and now it has reached up to 20 SHGs in various villages. There is improvement in the leadership of women and in their economic condition. Tailoring classes gave a boost to the young home bound girls and today many of them find their earning through it.
Present situation :
Visiting Faith formation villages and we pray rosary and have bhajan service and sharing of word of God in the evenings. Daily tuitions morning and evening for the local especially for Govt. school children of the Muchalamba village. Since we are only three sisters and find difficult to manage we have one local teacher appointed by the Balajyothi too. About 60 children attend it daily. We manage 20 SHGs in seven various villages. Since two years we run the boarding for primary girls. At present we have 9 catholic girls of 2 to 7 std. They go to close by Govt. school. Our presence is recognized specially during Independence Day and Republic Day in the close by Govt. schools and they send special invitation for us to attend.
Vilages Visited :
Morambi, Gaundgaun, Kotgira, Kadepur, Honnalli, Limbapur, Kuntegaon
Dannurwadi, Madkatti, Ucha, Muchalamb, Rayapalli,
Convent: St. Charles borromeo sisters (SCB)
St. Charles Convent
Muchalamb Centre
Basavakalyan 585 327
Superior: Sr. Smitha Cynthia D’Silva SCB 9845862732/ 9741057332
St. Antony Girls Home
In-Charge: Sr. Josephine SCB 8722311063
FR. BENEDICT MONTEIRO SAC
Director
St. Joseph the Worker Church F 22 C 93 Cat. 90
Sadbhavana, Muchalamb,
Basava Kalyan Tq,
Bidar – 585327
Director : Fr. Benedict Monteiro SAC 9945085971
Asst- Director : Fr. William D’Cunha SAC 9739513514
|
| 16 |
HOLY CROSS MISSION |
SANTHPUR |
0 |
1987 |
|
SANTHPUR MISSION (1987)
HOLY CROSS MISSION, SANTHPUR (ESTD 1987) :
Santhpur Mission was inougrated by Late Bishop Basil D’Souza on June 17th June 1987. Fr Apolinenaris Crasta was appointed as the Director. 8 acre land was bought a small house was built for the Priests. Then started to contact the neighboring villages and people, the first three villages contacted were Borgi, Chatnal and Laxminagar.
To help Santpur Mission, the SRA sisters namely Claris, Nathalia, Ezilda arrived Santhpur on June 9 1088. Later on Dec 9, sisters started a small dispensary and tailoring classes for the poor girls of Santhpur town. On 18 April 1989 Priests temporary Residence SHANTHI NILAYA was inaugurated.
With the help of the sisters the faith formation extended to 10 villages eventually gave birth to Ujini Mission with 6 villages in the year 2000.
By seeing the economic conditions of women, it was decided to start the Self-Help Groups at Chatnal, Borgi, Laxminagar and Manigempur etc. Along with faith formation work in Villages, the women, children and elders of all faiths were given the awareness on Basic education, Awareness on Health, Climate and government facilities were also given. It was the felt need of people at Santhpur to have a good school. In the beginning around year 2000, a small study home was opened for the poor students who were in turn going to neighbouring GOVT schools. Then Fr Daniel D’souza with all earnestness started HOLY CROSS (KANNADA) PRIMARY SCHOOL in the year 2005 with few children. Same time sisters started SRA English medium Kindergarten school. Fr Daniel also started PU college (ARTS) in the year 2008 with 7 students.
In the memory of 25 years of service in the field of faith formation Fr Sunil Andrade built new church in the campus of Shanthi Nilaya.
AT PRESENT we have
10 FAITH FORMATION villages with 140 Catholic Families, around 650 faithful.
ICYM Unit – 1
Holy childhood in 5 villages.
Catholic women cell in 4 villages.
SCC in 4 villages.
Primary School with 350 children.
Study Homes for school and college with 46 children
46 SHG groups.
SRA s CBSC Primary school with 300 children.
SRAs 19 SHG groups.
SRAs vocational training center.
Various programs held in the Centre:
Women’s Day, Vanamahotsava Celebrations
Community Health Awareness Programs
Free Health camps.
Social awareness video Shows
Religious Film Shows
Faith formation Summer Camp for the Children
Excursions for the Children and youth
Participation in Jeevan Jyothi camp.
Christmas, Easter, Church feasts, and other feasts celebration with meaningful liturgy, cultural programs , carols etc.
Quiz and Bhajan Competions
Snehakoota
Trainings to the Parish Pastoral council
Retreats
Celebration of Sacraments – Confirmation, Adult baptisms,
Youth get-together, ICYM,
Sponsorship Program – Bala milana, Parents get together
Holy Childhood Association (Bala Yesu Sabhe) etc.
All these go on to show that santhpur mission is a cradle of Christian faith and it has great potential to carry out evangelization work to its full potential in the days to come.
The Mission Directors served the center (chronologically):
Year Directors
1987-94 Fr Apolinearis Crasta
1994-98 Fr Peter Aranha
1998-2000 Fr Harold Pereira
2000-2003 Fr Thomas DSouza
2003-11 Fr Daniel DSouza
20011-13 Fr Sunil Andrade
2013 till date Fr Roque DSouza
Maria Kripa Convent Santhpur :
“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply” — Hudson Taylor
Invited by Late Bishop Basil D’Souza (Bishop of Mangalore) SRA Congregation under the leadership of late Sr. Aquilina SRA who was then provincial of Mangalore, accepted the invitation and sent Sr.Renny, Sr. Suchitha in 1986 to stay in Bhalki. Thereafter decided to serve this mission and on 9th July 1988 the sisters Sr.Clarice, Sr. Ezilda, Sr. Nathalina and Sr. Nescitacame to santhpur as pioneers and began their collaboration at Santhpur Mission. The beginning years were not so easy but with the help of the Director Fr. Apolinaris , the sisters managed to stay in a small room at Shanti Nilaya. They rented a room to run the Dispensary and thus treated the patients in Santhpur town. After purchasing the site built a small room and began to provide tailoring classes for women and girls and Healing ministry was started through Dispensary.
The purpose of our mission was:
Visiting the villages and proclaiming Christ to the people.
Formal and non-formal education to women and school dropouts.
Healing ministry through dispensary.
Initial stages of the mission were very hard. There were no transport facilities. The pioneers had to visit the villages either by walk or cycling. They used to stay in the villages overnight, gathering the children and the faithful, teaching them Catechism and initial prayers of the Catholic Church. Water scarcity was an added problem Language and culture was new. There was no acceptance from the high caste lingayath and other denominations. The sisters were going to the faith formation villages along with the priests to Chatnal, Laxminagar, Borgi, Ujini, Sunkanal, Gudpalli, Nagur M, Nagur N, Manigampur New and old, Kandugol, Maharajwadi, Santhpur, and Kashampur were contacted through the Catechists. The distance from Santhpur Centre to these villages is around 25-30 kms. Lots of developmental, Self Help Groups, Bala Jyothi Program, Sponsorship Program have been carried out by our Sisters. We remain ever grateful to all the Pioneers, Superiors who were also Local co-ordinators of ORBIT Sr Daphne, Sr.Rajani , Sr Joel, Sr Shirley, Sr Blasie, Sr Saroj as well as other Sisters who toiled day and night to make this mission a vibrant one.
“Love is the root of missions; sacrifice is the fruit of missions” — Roderick Davis
As the number of villages increased , it was good to have Ujini as the sub-centre of Santhpur in 2000. Though it was a separate Centre, the sisters from Santhpur reached out to Ujini also.. Later in 2003 the Premanjali Convent (SRA Congregation) was started at Ujini and they began to look after the spiritual and developmental activities of the faithful. Along with the faith formation and other activities the people were instructed regarding health and hygiene. They were also taught Natural Family Planning, preventive measures to take care of the diseases.
In 2003, Maria Kripa girls home was started to educate to the physically challenged and poor girls who are deprived of education. Sr Clarice, Sr Prashanthi, Sr Benita, Sr Laurentia, Sr Doreen, Sr Reema, Sr Sangeetha, Sr Rekha, Sr Secunda helps people to recover from their illness. The sick had great faith in the sisters more than the medicine they preserved.
In 2005 mobile clinic was begun in order to extend health care facilities to people in the distant villages. In 2005 The Holy Cross Primary School was started at the Parish. And Sr. Sumitha SRA 1st Headmistress (2006-2008), then Sr Marissa SRA (2008-2015) and at Present Sr. Saritha SRA from (2015 -) serve as Headmistress in this Parish School.
On March 25th 2006 Deepalaya vocational training center was started and the 1st Co coordinator Sr Joel did her best to give technical education to the physically challenged & the youth of the locality. The Bharat Samaj Sevak courses are followed in the centre. Residence and day scholars come for Computer learning and tailoring education. There are 150 students learning at present. There are 110 children under Child Sponsorship and 16 Self Help Groups are run under this Centre. 2 Children’s groups are functioning. Sr. Rajani also took up skill development training for over 600 youth.
In 2005, Maria Nursery and in 2010 Deepalaya Primary School started through the initiative of Sr. Joel the Correspondent, in order to give value education to the local children. Sr Divya SRA was the 1st Headmistress (2009 – 2013) followed by Sr. Deepa SRA (2013 – ). In 2015-16 we started CBSE syllabus in the School. At present there are 440 students in our campus.
On Successive Superiors were:
Sr. Clarice – 1988-1994 ; Sr. Rennie – 1994-1997; Sr. Reema – 1997-2000 & 2004-2007
Sr. Doreen – 2000-2003; Sr. Priya – 2003-2004; Sr . Joel – 2007- 2010
Sr. Shirley – 2010 – 2013; Sr. Kavitha – 2013 – 2016. We thank all the Superiors and the sisters for their dedicated service.
Milestones that we were able to achieve
We were able to bring 286 families to the Catholic fold.
In order to reach out in a better way, Ujini sub centre and the convent were started in 2003.
As a result of their deep faith, we were happy to have five vocations from our centre.
Children are taught Catechism in the villages.
In 1988 healing ministry was begun.
In 2005 Maria Kripa Nursery
In 2005 Child Sponsorship Programme for the poor children.
In 2006 Deepalaya Vocational Training Centre
In 2010 Deepalaya Primary School
In 2015–16 CBSE Syllabus for the School
In 2015-16 BSS courses are initiated .
Medical camps are held.
SHG s are formed.
Visit to the prison
At present all the activities are functioning well. All the 7 sisters Srs Rajani, Saritha, Deepa, Sangeetha, all are involved in the faith formation activities. It is a matter of joy that the sisters are able to reach out to many people through the various apostolates.
“If you take missions out of the Bible, you won’t have anything left but the covers”— Nina Gunter
Euphrasie Nilaya
Dhupat mahagaon, Santhpur centre
The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM) responded to the call of Bishop and began this Mission on 15th June 2012. They stayed in a village chapel of New- Manigempur for the last 7 years. The mission started under the leadership of Sr. Stephanie (superior), sr. Jacintha and Sr. Dominica After a year Sr. Flavy led the community for two years. At present, Sr. Oliva has taken up as community animator.
The purpose of the mission was to meet the spiritual, social and educational needs of the people here. They take care of three villages of Santhpur mission centre namely Dhupat mahagaon, New Manigempur and old Manigempur. These villages are 16 km away from the santhpur mission centre. They stay in New Manigempur village chapel and meet the needs of the people of these villages. They focus mainly on faith formation activities, social development of people as well as educational needs of the children here. They go to, government school, boys and girls hostel everyday and teach the children as education is the need of the people here.
Sisters focus on family visits, listen to their struggles and sorrows and able to direct them in the right way. They visit all the families including people of other religions. Here people approach with different problems such as alcohol, health and job etc. In the faith formation villages they concentrate on catechism and family prayers. Children too are interested to join Missionary childhood association and attend faith formation camps etc.
They also have six self help groups in these villages and most of our Christian women are members in these SHG which belongs to ORBIT and help women to stand on their own feet. Here, though people are very much concerned about priests and sisters yet parents do not take care of their own children. As the parents are uneducated, they do not bother about their children’s studies.
There is also no commitment and right direction in youths. They want to be educated but seem to have no aim in their life.
People’s faith is very shallow. A lot need to be done to help people grow in faith.
Sub – Centres:
1. Maria Kripalaya – Chetnal C 95 F 15 Cat. 0
2. Krista Prabhalaya – Borgi C 80 F 14 Cat. 0
3. St. Joseph – Lakshmi Nagar C 40 F 7 Cat. 0
4. Yesu Kripalaya – Kandugol C 19 F 14 Cat. 3
5. St. Ann’s Chapel – Maharajwadi C 19 F 4 Cat. 0
6. Sacred Heart Chapel – Dupath Mahagaon C 39 F 9 Cat. 1
7. Holy Rosary – New Manigampur C 76 F 6 Cat. 0
8. Nitya Sahaya Matha – Old Manigampur C 12 F 61 Cat. 0
9. Arogya Matha – Mudol (B) F 5 C 31 Cat. 10
10.Holy Family Chapel – Nagur (N) F 8 C 30 Cat. 10
Institutions:
1. Holy Cross Pre – Pry. School, Santhpur
2. Holy Cross Hr. Pry. School, Santhpur (English Medium)
H.M.: Sr. Saritha SRA 7899867494
3. Holy Cross High School, Santhpur (English Medium)
H.M.: Sr. Saritha SRA 7899867494
4. Holy Cross PU College
Principal : Fr. David 8861408025
5. Holy Cross Bala Sadana (Hostel)
Manager : Fr. David 8861408025
Convents: 1. Missionary Sisters Of The Queen Of The Apostles (SRA)
Maria Kripa Convent (1988)
Santhpur P.O. 585421
Aurad, Bidar Tel. 08485-287648
Superior: Sr. Sangeetha D’Souza SRA 8277293737
Institutions:
1. Maria Kripa Dispensary (1988)
In-charge: Sr. Sangeetha D’Souza SRA 8277293737
2. Maria Kripa Boarding House (2006)
In-charge: Sr. Sangeetha D’Souza SRA 8277293737
3. Deepalaya Vocational Centre (2006)
In-charge: Sr. Rajani Varghese SRA 9901329220
4. Deepalaya School (2010)
H.M: Sr. Deepa Pinto SRA 7026394541/ 874720549
Sisters of Our Lady Of The Missions (RNDM)
Euphrasie Nilaya Convent (2012)
New Manigempur
Dupath Mahagaon Post
Aurad, Bidar Dt. 585 431
Superior: Sr. Dominica RNDM 9008364355
FR. LAWRENCE ARUN
Director
Holy Cross Church, Santpur F 140 C 713 Cat. 125
Shanti Nilaya, Santhpur P.O.
Aurad , Bidar Dist. 585422
Director: Fr. David 8861408025
Asst. Director: Fr Melvin Pinto MSIJ 9741147522
|
| 17 |
St. Francis Xavier church |
Sedam |
0 |
1995 |
|
SEDAM MISSION (1995)
St. Francis Xavier Church Sedam
St. Francis Xavier church, Sedam was blessed on 1st March 2000. Fr. Jayajaj Patti was the first parish priest at the time of church’s construction. After him Fr. Henry Fernandes took charge of the parish on 15th May 2000. On 18th June 2002 Fr. Siby Thadathil succeeded Fr. Henry Fernandes. After which many priests have served at St. Francis Xavier church Sedam, namely Fr. Norbert Fernandes SJ (June 2004 –Feb 2005), Fr. Ambrose D’Souza SJ (Feb 2005 – May 2007), Fr. Richard D’ Souza (May 2007 – June 2010). It was in the time of Fr. Ambrose D’Souza, the sisters belonging to the congregation of the Helpers of Mary were invited to the mission. The sisters joined in the Mission in 2007.
After Fr. Richard D’Souza in June 2010, The missionaries of St. Francis de Sales were invited to the mission. Fr. Dorai Swamy MSFS was the first priest from the MSFS congregation to serve in the Mission. He served the parish as parish priest from June 2010 to May 2014. Fr. Arokia Swamy MSFS succeeded Fr. Dorai in May 2014. But due to his ill health he had to return to the province of the MSFS were he belonged. In the place of Fr. Arokia swamy MSFS, Fr. Anand Ekka MSFS was appointed on 15th November 2014. In May 2015 Fr. Balavendra MSFS was appointed as the parish priest and he is continuing to serve in the mission.
At present sixteen families in the parish. Namely, one in Kurkunta, Five in Sedam and ten in Malked altogether sixty members in the parish. In the parish SCC prayer Groups are actively functioning.
1 History of Kripa Nilaya Sedam (July 2006)
In the year 2006 on 25th May Fr. Ambrose S.J then a parish priest of Sedam invited the sisters of the Helpers of Mary to Gulbarga diocese to work at Sedam parish.
As a response to the invitation Srs. Asha and Seema (councilors) came for the first visit to Sedam on 11th September 2006. They visited few villages and met people and explored the situations and problems of the area, to get better understanding of the problems.
On 14th May 2007 Sr. Indumathi superior general, Sr. Shobhana councilor and Sr.Philomena newly appointed as superior of Sedam –Gulbarga Visited MOST Rev. Bishop Robert ,and Sedam for the third time. The decision was made to start community and the inauguration was planned in the month of July 2007.
28th July 2007 is a red latter day in the history of the Helpers of Mary. Srs. Leela superior general, the newly appointed superior Sr. Philo , Sr. Sandhya and Sr. Nancy with great enthusiasm and zeal to continue the charism of the Helpers of Mary, by hushain sagar express at 9.50 p m from CST- MUMBAI.
On 31st July on the birthday of our founders mother Anna Huberta most. Rev. Bishop Robert Michael Miranda offered holy mas and explained the true missionary spirit by the very life and sacrifice of mother Anna Huberta. Mother Anna Huberta a German by origin came to India to spread the love of Christ in India; her arrival to India itself wasan inspiration for all to go where no one dare to go.The inspirational words of the Bishop inspired the sisters and gave a boost to their confidence, to work in Sedam. His very words of appreciation of our founder’s life made their charism to become a reality at this mission place.
In the beginning they were staying in St. Francis Xavier‘spresbyteryand later in a rented house. In the year 2013 we build a convent which was blessed by Bishop Robert Miranda and inaugurated sr. Leela the superior general 21stApril 2013.
Successive superiors
2007 July TO 2010 July –Sr. Philomena Fernandez
2010 August 2014 May –Sr. Bastina menezes
2014 June to ……-Sr. Vinita
At present we have children’s home (only six girls. four are orphan two are with parents)
House is used for training programs for SHGs and PWD (persons with disabilities) and DPO (disable people’s organization
Tuition classes for 25 children surrounding areas in the evening,s.
Village visiting…
There were about 36 women’s groups were there at present 16 groups are functioning.
Family apostolate: – regular visit to catholic families as well as surrounding areas.
Future plan
To increase the number of children in the boarding.
Starting a nursery (according to the needs and demand of people)
Convent : Helpers Of Mary Sisters
Kripa Nilaya (2007)
Helpers of Mary
C/o St. Francis Xavier Church
G.K. Road, Sedam P.O. 585 222
Superior: Sr. Josphine SHM 9480137994/8762856114
Institutions:
1.Kripa Nilaya Children’s Home
In-charge: Sr. Josphine SHM 9480137994/8762856114
FR SELVARAJ L MSFS
Director
St. Francis Xavier Church F 19 C 76
G.K.Road, Sedam, Kalaburagi 585222
Director : Fr Selvaraj L MSFS 9008247810
Sub – Centres: a) Malkhed, b) Kurkunta
|
| 18 |
St. Thomas Parish |
Shahabad |
0 |
1963 |
|
SHAHABAD (1963)
St. Thomas Parish, Shahabad :
Shahabad is an industrial town well known for cement and stone. It is ideally located in the Chittapur Taluka of Gulbarga district, touched by main railway line and watered by two rivulets, the Bhima and Kagina on either side.
Turing the pages of history for a quick flash back Shahabad Parish was originally looked after by Hyderabad. The Bellary mission was started in 1928 and our parish benefitted a lot under the Pastoral guidance of Bishop John Hogan, Bishop Ambrose P. Yedonopalli and Bishop Joseph D’Silva of Bellary Diocese. Initially the Priest looked after the Railway line stations Chittapur, Wadi, Shahabad and Gulbarga. From 1948 Fr. Anil Pinto served from Chittapur followed by Fr. Joseph Kunju in 1951 and Fr. Augustine of Raichur from 1956, followed by Fr. Antony Puthenkalam who served this Parish from Chittapur in 1961.
Shahabad became an independent Parish on March 8th 1963. Fr. Antony Puthenkalam fondly remembered as the Apostle of Gulbarga district, lived at a rented place and laid solid foundation of the Parish, while the cement colony was blessed with St. Antony’s Chapel provided by then ACC management. Holy Masses in the town were offered in the house of a Catholic railway office Mr. Alex till 1962 and later in the Railway Primary School building. Thanks to the efforts of Fr. Antony, a generous Parish lady, Mrs. Doulat Bai Irani for a minimum sum donated a plot with an old building to be used as church, working tirelessly and blessed by the generosity of a contractor from Raichur, Mr. V.L. Gomez, Fr. Antony reconstructed the Church with a small residence attached for the Priest. The new Church was blessed and dedicated by Msgr. Pinto on 21st Dec 2965 and formerly named after St. Thomas the Apostle of India. 30th May was a sad day, when people of Shahabad bid adieu to their beloved pastor Fr. Antony Puthenkalam who was transferred as the administrator of the Cathedral of Bellary. Later in 1996 and 1997 the Presbytery was remodeled and expanded and a few rooms for renting out were constructed by Fr. Charles D’Souza, a Priest of wisdom and experience.
Devoted and dynamic Parish Priests of Bellary Diocese served the following tenures till 2005.
1965-1967:Fr. Antony Puthenkalam
1967-1970:Fr.Cyril V. Silva. SJ
1970-1971:Fr.Ambrose Staskumas OFM
1971-1976:Fr.Augustine Kandathil
1976-1984:Fr.Sebastian Kulathinal
1984-1986:Fr.Paul Fernandes
1986-1994:Fr. Joachim Tinney OFM
1994-1999:Fr.Chales D’Souza
1999-2003:Fr. P.Pushpa Raj
2003-2004:Fr Arockiam
2005-2005:Fr.P.V.Antony
The new Diocese of Gulbarga was formed on June 24th 2005 and Rev. Robert Michael Miranda was consecrated as its first Bishop, Shahabad belonged to Gulbarga Diocese from then on Fr. Joachim, with his great zeal to live with and work for the Kannadigas continued to serve the down trodden till old age and health related problems, forced this saintly Priest to return to his home Diocese at Bellary in 2006.
Fr. Thomas D’Souza then took over as the Parish Priest on 20th May 2006. A religious minded and disciplined Priest, he set all the records of the Parish in order during his short tenure.Fr. Elias Martis served as The Parish Priest from 1st June 2008 to 23rd May 2013. It is to the credit of Fr. Elias Martis supported by Bishop Robert Michael Miranda that the long dream of starting a Parish School took shape with opening of St Thomas School on 1st June 2009 and with an extra class being added on progressively every year. This year we have classes from LKG to STD III. Fr. Stany Goveas is our Parish Priest from May 2019.
Spiritual Life of the Parish :
The Parish is very lively and witnessing. Devotional activities like regular BCC meetings, Adoration of the Blessed Eucharist, reciting the family Rosary at every home during the months of September and October with the statue of Our Lady, retreats in preparation for Christmas and Easter, Carol singing , Celebration of Family day, St. Antony’s feast, along with the youth wing and women cell. All contribute to the Spiritual growth and unity of the Parish.
It gives us great pleasure to share the good news that our parish has been blessed with four vocations so far.
Vocations to Priesthood and religious life :
On October 28th 1967 Fr. Subash Anand Alvarez was ordained by Bishop Ambrose Yedanapalli at St. Antony’s Chapel Shahabad. Fr.Subash a well-known Professor and a Theologian served at Papal Seminary Pune and now serves at St.Paul’s Institution at Udaipur.
Sr. Ernestine Fernandes joined the congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann of Providence Secunderabad in 1980 and presently serves as the Mother General of the congregation being posted in Rome since 2002.
Fr.Anand Prakash was ordained in 2010 and serves at Maski in Raichur District. Fr.Gerald son of Jagnath Johnson who belongs to Redemptorist congregation was ordained
Lay Participation in the Church :
There is a single Parish Pastoral Council. Its vice-president, Secretary Treasurer and members assume full responsibilities of conducting festivals and associated activities. They offer timely and precious suggestion to the Pastor always and especially at the monthly meetings. They also carry out different fund raising tasks and accomplish different material works. They are always exhorted to be leading examples in matters of Spiritual level.
Social life of the Catholics :
The Catholics be they Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi or Hindi in their dealings both among themselves and with the Hindus, Lingayats and Muslim are exemplary. This factor has made them well accepted in the open society. There is good inter religious interaction with regard to social dealings, and there is a practical fusion between the Catholics and other Christians of Shahabad at social and religious levels.
Convents and Education :
The Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa (CSST) have been imparting quality education ( in the English Medium School) since 1964. Their MCC educational Institution is prestigious amidst the Shahabad Society. The Sisters provide employment to several women and men as teachers or otherwise. The Catholic Children are offered generous monetary concessions by the sisters. The citizens of Shahabad respect and esteem MCC very highly. The Sisters take active part in the Church programmes. They also visit the Catholic families and their students and impart Cathechism classes regularly to the Children.
St. Joseph of Chambery congregation Provincial Sr Flavia and her team of the Tanmaya Province Bhopal agreed to send sisters to work in this parish at the repeated request of the Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda. The team looked at it as a privilege to begin work in this challenging mission and felt it as God given call; so on July 3rd 2012 sisters had the official opening of the community. Here the sisters work in the educational and Pastoral apostolates. They render their selfless service and their presence is appreciated all around. They regularly visit the Catholis families and encourage family prayers; they also visit non- catholic families in their area.
Past and future :
The Parish community is full of admiration and gratitude to the past Bishops of Bellary, the Missionary Priests who slogged to bring up this Parish, the persons who sheltered amd supported the Priests and faithful who responded to the call of faith. The Parish annals have recorded how the Parish grew up; how its people lived their faith, how they worked in Holy Childhood society, Legion of Mary, Youth group, Altar servers group ect.., and how they celebrated the Post- Vatican II changes, the Eucharistic Congress in Mumbai, Jubilee 2000 and the formation of the New Diocese in August 2005.
The further holds promise for our Parish. His Lordship Bishop Robert Miranda has just laid the foundation stone for the construction of the new church building. With blessings from above and support from generous benefactors we hope that this dream will take shape according to God’s plan for us.
We hope and pray that today’s celebration will be glorious witness of our Catholic Faith, Love and Unity.
MT .CARMEL CONVENT,SHAHABAD :
God’s love is beautiful and abiding, Mt.Carmel Convent Shahabad, has successfully completed 50 years of fruitful service.
The need for a good school and the untiring help of many devoted good willed persons, paved the way for the establishment of Mt.Carmel in the year 1963, we gratefully remember the pioneers involved in this magnanimous venture.
The parish priest Rev. Fr. Antony Puthenkalam played a key role ,along with the late Rt,Rev.Bishop Ambrose P. Yedanapalli of Bellary Diocese, Mother Alponsus, the then Mother General of the CSST congregation, Sr. Carmela, and the education department helped in starting Mt.Carmel School.
The first batch finally landed in Shahabad on 24th May 1963.The Sisters were accommodated at a residential quarter behind St. Antony”s chapel and the same was also used for the school, which officially started functioning from June 20th 1963 with 40 students on the roll.
The first community of sisters comprised of Sr. Elias, as superior, Sr. Leo,
Sr. Noeline and Sr. Roberta, the institution was named after Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and for the first time July 16th the feast of the Patroness was celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
As the classes progressed and the students grew in numbers, the need for a proper building was greatly felt. ACC had now joined ACC Babcock and the new colony was being built. The generosity of the company management resulted in the construction of a new school building and a convent for the sisters with a chapel, The new convent was blessed on 22nd May 1967, and the first mass was celebrated in the new chapel on that day .A couple of days later on 24th of May the new school building (to accommodate Nursery to VII standard on ground and first floor) was inaugurated by Mr. Shroff acting manager of the Engineering Works.
From a humble beginning the school made laudable progress in imparting value-based education, co-curricular activities and sports events. In 1972, the high school section was inaugurated and the first SSLC batch of 1975 secured 95% results.
The following Sisters were the Superiors:
Sr.Rosenda
Sr. Ann Therese
Sr. Angelita
Sr. Marcelitta
Sr. Leonora
Sr. Lourdes
Sr. Corona
Sr. Lillita
Sr. Nirmala
Sr. Francelline
Sr. Jesuita
Sr. Pushpi
Sr. Rochana
Sisters of Joseph of Chambery :
St. Joseph’s Convent Shahabad.
“I planted, Apol’los watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God alone gives the growth”. 1cor.3:6-7
Yes, this is true, St. Thomas School had began in 2009 and found it difficult to continue the administration of the school in 2012, So, there was a need of Sisters for the school Sisters Flavia, Tessy& Irene (St.Joseph of Chambary, Bhopal Province) considered to visit and study the place, though they liked the mission, because of lack personnels, Sr. Flavia, the Provincial superior refused the offer. But later on because of the persistence request of the Bishop Robert Miranda, Considered it as a Privilege to begin a new and challenging mission in 2012, the Bicentennial year of Chambery foundation. It was indeed a God given call and opportunity to mark this auspicious occasion of Chambery origin like the foundress mother Saint John Marcoux to serve the poorest in this new diocese which was struggling to find zealous missionaries.
Fr. Elias Martis, the then Parish Priest of Shahabad was instrumental for Sisters to begin the process of discernment in taking up this challenging mission.
Sisters were invited to teach in the School and to be involved in pastoral works of the parish.
Initially there was no house to stay for the Sisters .So 3 Sisters Stayed 1 full month of June in father’s house.
Finally, there was a house in the compound, which was used as classrooms for the students. Fr.Elias with the support of the parishners worked hard to get this place ready to welcome the sisters which would be served as convent for the Sisters for some years.
This is a red letter day for the Sisters and the parish as on 3rd July 2012 was the official opening of St. Joseph’s convent Shahabad. Being the feast of St. Thomas the patron of the parish. This day also marked for the parish as Bishop Robert Miranda officially inaugurated the golden Jubilee year of the parish church here. Bishop, blessed the convent before the simple and meaning Eucharistic celebration. 13 Sisters were present to witness this great day it is a simple dwelling which consists of 3 rooms and a Kitchen and 1st community members were Sisters Irene as the Superior of the convent Sr.Arpana the Head Mistress of St.Thomas School and Sisters. Maya & Gloria as Teachers in the School. Novice Jyothi stayed for 2 months as Sr. Gloria was attending a course.
The Sisters felt that the people were warm welcoming and friendly.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery, were happy to sow the seed of their Charism of communion in Gulbarga diocese thus, Sisters began their mission zealously, giving a self- less service with a purpose to the people through education & pastoral ministry.
The presence of the Sisters is felt and recognized by the people and it makes a difference.
The Successive Superiors of St. Joseph’s convent Shahabad.
1) Sr. Irene Sequeira : June 2012 – August 2013
2) Sr. Helen Thomas : September 2013 – May 2015
3) Sr. Arpana D’Almeda: June 2015 – Continuation
Education Ministry :
Sisters are rendering their service for St.Thomas school from 2012 onwards. They have given their full energy, strength, love and contributed towards the progress of the school. Though school had began in 2009, only in 2012, the new school building was inaugurated, earlier classes were run in father’s house and presently where the convent is .Sisters were to take care of the academic administration of the school and the diocese was responsible for the ongoing construction development of the school. Sr. Arpana was appointed as the Head Mistress of the school. Their presence in the town made a vast change. This was for the 1st time shahabad witnessed St.Joseph of Chambery Sisters.
The Sisters were extremely good to the people, understanding and compassionate. Admissions began to increase; poorer students were given concessions and other help. They encouraged the overall development of the students. Prime importance was value based education .Parents responded very well and co- operated with all the initiatives of the Sisters students began to grow more in Knowledge, strength, self-esteem, values, intelligence and to speak fluent English .
Sisters speak about Jesus to parents, teachers and students and show Christ based movies.
Parents are educated through seminars and meetings conducted at school.
Sisters take keen interest for the weaker students, teachers are up-dated and helped through Seminars, and through entrusting responsibilities. They happily work in the institution and are contented. Sisters.make it a point to visit the students houses.
Pastoral Ministry :
The Sisters are actively involved in the pastoral work of the parish- St.Thomas Church. Before Sisters arrived here this parish had no recognition and was not given importance, as more importance was given to Sub-Station- St. Anthony’s chapel. After Sisters arrival this parish gained essentiality as more activities began to take place here. Sunday masses became more meaningful Sisters Visited the catholic families, people began to come for Sunday mass.
People appreciate,respect and respond well to all the initiatives of the Sisters for the parish.
In the month of september when Rosary crusade is held, Sisters make a point to go and pray for their families. In the year 2013 there was golden Jubilee of St.Thomas Church, Sisters Have given,the major contribution towards the activities and preparation. This resulted in a grand success.
From 2014 Sisters took up different commissions in the parish like
women’s commission :- Sr. Helen Thomas 2014-15
Youth Commission :-Sr.Arpana 2014-
Holy childhood association :- Sr. Gloria 2014-
Sr. Arpana worked hard to get the youth together, So she had arranged to strengthen the faith of the youth in the year 2015 to Divine Retreat centre. To mark Jubilee year of mercy pilgrimage to Dornahalli St. Anthony’s Shrine in 2016 for all the parishners. Through the encouragement of the Sisters, Night vigil once in 3 /4 months started in the Parish.
In 2015 from Shahabad youth commission Miss. Margret was selected as the girl representative of Gulbarga Diocese and as the Vice President of Karnataka Region. People young, and old have grown in faith and love for Jesus.
St. Joseph Sisters give full co – operation in the parish by preparing in the parish for liturgy, involve laity in the liturgy, SSC meeting, visiting the families and attending PPC meetings, Co – operate and arrange for parish programmes we show compassion to the sick & suffering through financial help.
Social Ministry :
Though Sisters do not have a set up institution to run social apostalate, theydo work for the social development of the place.
Sisters motivate the parents and others for hygiene living, helping the sick and the suffering financially, showing compassion towards the widows and the orphans,visiting the neighbourhood and non catholic families and showing their oneness with them.
Sub-Centres :
St. Anthony Chapel – 1954
Institutions:
a) St. Thomas Pre-Primary School
Manager: Fr. Stany Goveas
9480655141
b) St. Thomas Church School
H.M: Sr. Reena John SAB 9900927710
Convents: A. Carmelite Sisters of St. Theresa (CSST)
Mount Carmel Convent
GE Colony,
Shahabad, Kalaburagi 585 229
Superior: Sr. Rochana CSST 9901850454/08474-204654/9591292670
Institutions:
1. Mount Carmel Convent School
H.M.: Sr. Rochana CSST ( High School and Primary) 9901850454
2. Mount Carmel Nursery
H.M.: Sr. Helen Marie CSST 9986029226
Sisters of St. Anne’s of Bangalore
St. Anne’s Convent (2018)
C/o St. Thomas Church
Laxmi Gunj, Shahabadh -585 228
Superior: Sr. Reena John SAB 9900927710
FR. STANY GOVEAS
Parish Priest
St. Thomas Church F 28 C 139 Laxmi Gunj Shahabad, Kalaburagi -585 228
Fr. Stany Goveas 9480655141
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| 19 |
St. Peter’s Church |
SHAHAPUR |
0 |
1995 |
|
SHAHAPUR MISSION (1995)
St. Peter’s Church C 47 F 12 Cat. 0
Laxminagar, Shahapur P.O.
Yadagirii-585223
Parish Priest: Fr. Fredrick D’ Souza 9480200497
Institutions:
St. Peter’s Pre-Primary School, Shahapur
St. Peter’s Primary School, Shahapur
St. Peter’s High School
H.M.: Sr. Reena D’Souza UFS 8792156480 / 8762848965
Manager : Fr. Fredrick D’Souza 9480200497
Convent : Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS)
Sneha Sadan Convent
Devi Nagar, Shahapur P.O. 585223
(Yadagiri Dist.)
Superior: Sr. Anisha Pinto UFS 8073438398
FR. FREDRICK D’ SOUZA
Parish Priest
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| 20 |
JAPAMALE MATHE DEVALAYA |
SHORAPUR |
0 |
1995 |
|
SHORAPUR MISSION (1995)
JAPAMALE MATHE DEVALAYA, :
Shorapur is also known as “SURAPURA” Sura= God and Pura= town it means “God’s Town” . It is a small town in Yadgir district. And it is also one of the taluka, surrounded by several villages. It is about 50 k.m. from Yadgir and 105 km from Gulbarga city. Shorapur is an example of God’s wonderful ways of making known His message of love to people of all faith and all Christian denominations. The mission which was started 43 years ago, has seen great progress and is showing good signs of being established as a full- fledged centre.
A brief history and milestones of the mission :
Shorapur/ surpur was one of the substations under the Hire-Naganur parish, which was belonging to Diocese of Bellary. Under the guidance of Late Bishop Ambrose yeddanapalli, Rev. Fr. Thambiraj M.A. took initiative to broaden the Naganur mission till Shorapur in the year 1972. After his transfer, the following priests served in this surpur mission. Fr. Michael Halliday OFM, Fr. Anthony Puthenkalam, Fr. Augustine Kandathil, Fr. Herald Sequeira, Fr. Lourdu Marianna, Fr. Philip c. and Fr. Gnana Prakasham T. Mr. Balappa Doddamani (PSI, Shorapur) S/o Pavadappa Doddamani who hailed from Guledagudde Parish, had taken keen interest to take care of the priests with much respect and honour, and also he used to provide meal and residence in his own house.
Rev. Fr. Gnanaprakasham was the pioneer of this mission. Who came down from Hire-Naganur to Shorapur to nurture the faith of this people. Who had the tender faith in the Lord. (I cor.3:1-2) As he started his mission, he had no residence to stay and place for prayer; But after much struggle, he got a residence at Shorapur, on 29/11/1995; by the help of Mr. Balappa Doddamani (P.S.I. Surpur).
Fr. Gnanaprakasham built a small chapel with tin shed just above the presbytery with the help of our Christian local people also help from other people, (hindu and muslim). The size of the chapel was 30×15=450 sq.ft
By staying in this residence he started mission at Shahapur town and conducted retreat in open Govt. High school ground for all the people. Br. T.K. George, was the preacher. Mr. Papachan helped financially for this great task. Also visited Laxampur, Vajjala, Kachakanur, Geddalamari.
Rev. Fr. Antony Fernandes was the successor of Fr. Gnanaprakasham. Who made
Shahapur as independent mission station and purchased new land, built beautiful church also school. He welcomed Ursuline sisters for the surpur mission, in the year 2001, Rev. Sr. Petronila was the first sister who became the mother for all the faithful, helped the people grow spiritually. Sr. Christine, Sr. Apoline Cordeiro, Sr. Cynthia D’mello, who served in this mission in later years.
Fr. Cyril Lasrado, was the successor of Fr. Antony Fernandes belong to diocese of Bellary, who came to Shahapur on 29th May 2005. Remaining at Shahapur he developed the school, also the spiritual need of the people at Shahapur as well as in Shorapur. In 2006 Sr. Blanche started school by name Prerana pre-primary school. In Shorapur town, in their own given residence. In 2008, The school and sisters residence shifted to Kumbarpet. As the new diocese erected in the year 2005, Fr. Cyril Lasrado was opted for ten years to the new diocese of Gulbarga,
He was transferred to Shorapur, making Shorapur a main mission station on 30th May 2009. In the beginning of the year at shorapur he started visiting the families, and finding out the lost sheep to bring back to the flock. New Church construction work was started by him in 2010, laid foundation on 20th June 2010 by Most Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, Bishop Of Gulbarga, In the 2011 he started one more substation mission centre at Hebbal K. Purchased 2.28 acres of land started school. He was visiting Catholic families at Vajjala, Kachakanur . The new church came to completion on 14/12/2014. With much struggle and pain. At Present Fr. Steven Vegas is the director
Three villages
Vijjala: 2 families, men 2, women2, children 2
Kachakanur: 2 families male 4, female 3, children-5
Benakanahalli: 1 family- 1 woman and 2 children
Shorapur: 5 families: -4 men, 4 women, 11 children
SCC 1 – 8 members
HCA-1-20 children
Educational Interventions:
Prerana Hr.pry.School 2006
St. Alphona School: Started on 01/06/2011
Started by Fr. Cyril Lasrado, with the help of local catholic Late Mr. Chinnappa,
Various activities taken –up in this Surapur mission
Faith Formation like catechism for children and adults, Family prayers, retreats,etc., SCC prayer meetings, Holy Childhood Association, Health, education, women association etc.
Education: Prerana Hr.Pry.School which is upto 7th established in 2007
Alphonsa pre-primary school and Pry. School at Hebbal (K): established in 2011. By Fr. Cyril Lasrado
Prerana convent :
Pioneers sisters: Sr. Petronilla D’silva and Sr. Janitha Rodrigues.
“The future is not tomorrow, it is today. Each steady step we take and each good deed we do today creates a grand history and forms a better future. The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand but in what direction we are journeying. Look to the future, where the spirit is sending you in order to do the great thing.” At the request of Fr Antony Fernandes, the parish priest of our lady of Rosary church and the late Bishop Joseph D’silva of Bellary Diocese., the sisters of the Mysore Province moved into North Karnataka. Having studied carefully the scope for mission work according to the Ursuline Franciscan charism, the provincial Superior, Sr Jyothi Fernandes accepted the invitation, on June 16, 2001. Sisters Patronilla D’silva and Janitha Rodrigues arrived at Shorapur.
As in several other cases, in Shorapur too, the sisters had no residence of their own, hence they were put-up in the parochial house. In 2002 Sr. Mary Bastin Pinto academically with a masters in social work, was posted to Shorapur.Later Srs. Florence Sequeira and Susheela F began residing in a room of the parish church. Gradually 1.32 acres of land was bought byMysore Province at kumbarpet on October 22, 2004.officially the school was inaugurated at shorapur in 2006 starting with LKG and UKG with 28 students.
Sr. Blanch D’souza was appointed head teacher.Since the classrooms were inequipped, classes were conducted in the residence of the sisters. On March 23, 2007 the foundation was laid for the school at kumbarpet in the newly purchased land, the basement and first floor was completed on august 12, 2007.and blessed by Bishop Robert Miranda. On December 31, 2007 classes were shifted from Shorapur to kumbarpet.
The new convent building Prerana the social center and children’s home were blessed on their completion of August 24, 2010.Along with education and social and pastrol activities being carried out with vision to empower the people –women and 58 children in particular. For the past years, the Prerana School has become of light the children around the school. In Prerana School there are 1150 students studying from LKG to 9th Std and there are 12 children in Prerana children’s home.
The Ursuline Franciscan sisters began our mission in Shorapur in the year 2001 with faith formation, through regular house visits specially the catholic families, family prayers and SCC. Gradually they began visiting villages where theyfound physically challenged children who were in need of assistance. They brought them to their house, sent them to the school and were taken care by the sisters. They continued our visits to the village and started the social apostolate. Theirour involvement in the social apostolate they and the people felt the need of qualitative and value based integrated education. Hence a primary school was started in the year 2007.
Prerana Social work center
There are 33 self help groups and 10 children groups which are active: at present social works are dying off due to inefficient persons to carry on the work.
Bethany Sisters in Hebbal
In order to improve the standard of education in the year 2015-16, Bp. Robert Miranda, the President of the institute and the Bishop of Gulbarga diocese had a dialogue with Sr. Mariate, the Provincial of the Bethany congregation. Sr. Mariate then consulted her councilors and agreed to send two sisters, namely Sr. Rita Monteiro and Sr. Prema to the institute. These two sisters came to Surpur on 9th June, 2015 and began to render their selfless service to the little children. Sr. Rita though was retired, and suffering from ill health, took up the charge as the H.M of the school. She was very kind and loving towards the children. Specially she gave special attention and coaching classes to the weak and the poor children. Even Sr. Prema too was very much loving and caring towards the children. These two sisters worked day and night giving themselves wholly for the well-being of the children. We always remain grateful to the service which they are rendering towards the poor and the weak in the society.
Institutions:
St. Alphonsa Pre – Primary School (2014)
St. Alphonsa Pry. School 2014
Manager : Fr. Deepak Furtado 8861889762
H.M: Sr. Celine D’Souza BS 9481264845
Convents: Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS)
Prerana Convent, Surpur (2001)
Kumbarpet P.O. 585290
Shorapur. Yadagiri Dist.
Superior: Sr. Irene Crasta UFS 9844916133
Institutions:
1. Prerana Higher Primary School, Shorapur (2008)
H.M: Sr. Bernadate Dias UFS
2. Prerana Children Home
In-Charge: Sr. Bernadate Dias UFS
HEBBAL MISSION:
St. Alphonsa Pry. School
Hebbal K-Village
Hebbal (b) Post, Shorapur Tq
Yadagiri Dist. Pin-585 215
Director : Fr. Stephen P. Veigas 8970829257
Convent: Bethany Convent
St. Alphonsa Pry. School
Hebbal K-Village
Hebbal (b) Post, Shorapur Tq
Yadagiri Dist. Pin-585 215
Superior: Sr. Celine D’Souza BS 9481264845
FR. DEEPAK FURTADO
Director
Don Bosco Mission F 3 C 25Japa Male Matha Church F 12 C 45
Samsherpur Road, Shorapur Post – 585224 (Yadagiri Dist)
Director: Fr. Deepak Furtado 8861889762
Sub – Centre: St. Alphonsa Mission, Hebbal K
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| 21 |
St. Lawrence Ashram |
Talmadgi |
0 |
0 |
|
TALMADGI MISSION (1999)
St. Lawrence Ashram, Talmadgi :
St. Lawrence Ashram, Talmadagi was started in the year 1999, during the tenure of Fr Elias Martis and Fr. Stany Monteiro. They stayed in Gandinagar in a rented house . Gandhinagar is an extension of the Talmadgi village. In 2000, Fr Elias Martis constructed the church and the presbytery. Hence the establishment took in the same year.
Talmadige centre had 4 faith formation villages namely ; Nimbur, Kandugole, Sitalgera and Itga. In the year 2000, Itga village got bifurcated from Talmadige centre and became an independent mission centre. Later on Talmadgi, Wadenkera, Gandhinagar and Hudgi villages were added to this. To support this mission 3 SMMI sisters Viz, Sr. Antonette, Sr. Elizabeth, and Sr. Nirmala joined the mission to render their service. They stayed 2 to 3 months in the presbytery as they did not have a house of their own. Soon their provincial put-up a small house for them in the church campus. Later on in the year 2006 they built a decent house and shifted over there.
Rev. Fr. Stany Monteiro assisted Fr. Elias Martis in this mission at the beginning of 1999. The mission work was undertaken by the team such as faith formation, woman empowerment, youth animation and education …etc. Under education, Bala Jyothi or Vidya Vikas programme , and Bala Sadana boarding was established to train them in faith formation and education through tuition classes. Sr. Elizabeth was also in charge of sponsorship and social work; she was going to the villages to form the women self-help groups and give awareness to them. Then the boarding was closed in the year 2010
In the year 2002, Sr. Rani came as the animator of the community, who took up the social work and developed women’s SHGs and much she was involved in pastoral activities too. Sr. Vimala Rosy Replaced Sr. Nirmala. Later on Sr. Antony Mary, Sr. Assunta, Sr. Sunitha and Sr. Pramila joined the mission. Then came the other group of sisters , Sr. Ancy Francis as the animator, Sr. Vincent, Sr. Carmeline, Sr. Monica Jose and Sr. Maria Jose. Presently we have Sr. Maria Jose, Animator, Sr. Elizabeth, back to mission for 2nd time, Sr. Evelyn Mary and Sr. Carmeline, who are continuing the work. With the director, all the sisters are caring out the ministries of faith formation and social ministry. Each sister is in charge of each commission that is liturgy catechism, women cell, HCA, SCC, Laity, ICYM and Evangelization.
In the year 2012 Fr. Abert Crasta started the St. Lawrence Kindergarten with 25 children. He also started the primary school but unfortunately he could not progress and was closed in the year 2014, due to various reasons. At the time of closing there were 54 children.
Sub – Station :
There are 4 substation under St. Lawrence Ashram. Viz. Kandugole, Sitalgera, Nimbur, and Wadenkera. The villages Sitalgera, Nimbur and Kandugole were bifurcated from Maria Ashram, Jalasangi and added to this mission. Kandugole church was established in 1996, Sitalgere church was established in 1999, and Wadenkere church was contacted in 2003, and church was established in the year 2010.
Other 3 villages that are Talmadgi, Gandhi Nagar and Hudgi were contacted in 2002, 2003, 2008 accordingly.
Village Ministry :
Faith Formation & Eucharistic Celebration:
Faith Formation &Eucharistic Celebration:
Sunday Morning: Gandhinagar
Sunday Morning: Nimbur
Sunday Evening; Kandugole
Tuesday Evening; Wadenkere
Friday Evening: Sitalgera
The priest who rendered their service in this centre are as following:
Re. Fr. Elias Martis – 2000-2005
Rev. Fr. Steevan D’Souza – 2005-2008
Rev. Fr. Antony Britto – 2008 – 2009
Rev. Fr. Simon D’Souza – 2009 – 2010
Rev. Fr. Albert Crasta – 2010 – 2015
Rev. Fr. Gerald Sagar – 2015 – 2016
Rev. Fr. Victor Vas- 2016-2017
Rev. Fr. Sathish 2017-2019
Sub – Centres:
1. Sts. Peter & Paul Chapel – Kandugola C 200 F 42 Cat. 10
2. Bala Yesu Chapel – Sitalgera C 200 F 38 Cat. 3
3. Mary Mother of God – Nimboor C 77 F 24 Cat. 2
4. Nithya Sahaya Mathe -Waddankera C 72 F 16 Cat. 2
5. St. Lawrence Church – Talmadgi & Gandhinagar C 80 F 19 Cat. 10
6. Hudagi Christian Colony C 32 F 8 Cat. 0
Convent: Society of Mary Immaculate Sisters (SMMI)
Maria Niketan Convent
Gandhi Nagar
Talmadige P.O. 585422
Humnabad TQ. Bidar Dist
Superior: Sr. Maria Jose SMMI 8073269321 / 9483013202
Institutions:
St. Mary Primary School
Gandhi Nagar, Talmadige- 585329
H.M: Sr. Roseline Paul SMMI 9482370633
TALIKOTE MISSION
Sacred Heart Mission (2008)
Near Anjuman college,
Hunasagi Road, Talikote P.o.
Vijayapura Dt. 586214
Director: Fr. Victor Anil Vas 9743112739
Institutions
1. VPM Eng. Medium School, Talikote
2. Sacred Heart Eng. Medium High School, Talikote
H.M : Sr. Marceline SCCG 9900641041
Convent : Sisters of Charity (SCCG)
Spoorthi Sadana Convent (2007)
VPM Eng. Medium School
Near Anjuman College
Hunasagi Road, Talikote P.O.
Vijayapura Dist.586 214
Superior: Sr. Marceline Veigas SCCG 9900641041
Family Visits &SCC Prayer Groups:
Saturday Evening; Gandhinagar & Talmadagi
Wednesday Evening: Nimbur &Sitalgera
Tuesday Evening: Wadenkera & Kandugol
The Statistics of the As on 1st January 2016:
No of Catholics total: 668 Male: 320 Female: 348
No of Catholic Families: 125
No of Catechumens: 49
No of catechumen families: 16
Children going to School : From 1st to 10th 120
College &vocational training: 39
Mission Centre Association :
Missionary Childhood Association : 3 groups – 45 members
ICYM : one group – 20 members
Self Help Groups : 84 groups – 840 members
Women cell : 2 groups – 54 members
SCC : 5 groups – 110 members
Sponsorship : 26 children
History of Maria Nikethan Convent, (SMMI) Talmadgi, Bidar. (2016)
Name of the Mission : Maria Nikethan
Year: 3rd of July, 2001
Pioneers : Sr. Elizabeth, Sr. Antoinate & Sr. Nirmala
Successive Superiors: * Sr. Elizabeth – In charge Sister
* Sr. Rani
* Sr. Ancy Francise
* Sr. Maria Jos
2. Achievements :
With the boarding children:
They used to celebrate all the national feasts, as in the schools,
Conducted early morning Yoga classes
Every year they used to collect children from 5 to 6 neighboring villages, whole day conduct different sports and tournaments and distribute prizes.
Conducted summer camps: gather the children who were studying in government schools & taught them English, maths and science. All of them use to get first or second in the class.
Collected drop out & dull children, & gave them coaching for one year, then according to their age they were readmitted in the government schools, they use to score good marks in the class.
Pastoral work:
Visiting the villages:
1. Nimbour, 2.Talmagi, 3.Gandhi nagar, 4.Kadugole, 5.Sitalgera & 6. wadenkera. 7. Hadgi
Faith formation camps: Teach them how to take active participation in the liturgy, teach them musical instruments songs Eucharistic prayers and catechism.
During Christmas, we use to train children to enact from the birth of Christ to Resurrection, and put up simple way of light and sound programs in nearby 10 to 12 villages.
Visiting the houses.
Instructing the families to have daily family prayers
Preparing the people for Eucharistic celebration,
Preparing the children & adults for sacraments,
Preparing the couples for marriages,
Attending the cradle, birthday, engagements, marriages and funeral ceremonies and praying for the families with the families.
Set right the marriage and family disputes; praying for them and praying with them.
Counseling the children, parents and the couples.
Conducted SCC prayers in the families
Took active participation in all the activities of the church.
Worked hand in hand with the parish priests to keep alive and active all the commissions of the diocese and for the benefit of the people.
SCC prayers and all the spiritual activities in the centre as well as in the villages were vibrant and growing very fast. People use to come in big number for SCC than for Mass. Because, SCC was done in the houses, neighboring families of other religion also use to attend; all these growth and happiness was alive till the month of April 2015.
Every year, the feast of St. Lawrence was celebrated as the church feast. It is very grand and donewith good preparation. Even for the Christmas and Easter, in the villages, there used to be short retreats, confession, Gospel reflection video clipping about saints’ life history, etc. A lot of hard work is done and the people are prepared people, before every celebrations.
Diwali is celebrated in the church, inviting all the people, and speaking to them about Christ, the light of the world.
Struggles:
Initially, sisters did not have residence; they had to stay in the presbytery for 3-4 months. Then our provincial put up small building with a hall & small partition with attached toilet. That hall was everything for our sisters. Dormitory, refectory, guest room, parlor, prayer hall, kitchen etc. Sisters had very tough time, but lived very joyfully.
Scarcity of water was faced very much. We use to take children to wadden kera for bath and to wash their cloths. In spite of all these hurdles we lived happy and contented life.
April 17th 2015, Fr. Albert Crasta was transferred and Fr. Gerald Sagar took charge as parish priest on 17th May 2015. From April 17th to May 17th our Bishop placed the Bro Joseph Praveen, to take care of the centre & fulfill the spiritual needs of the people. He took keen interest in the mission activities, thus no spiritual exercise suffered in any of the villages. Thanks to Br. Joseph Praveen.
After the change of parish priest, the growth of our centre, drastically fallen. We could not go to villages regularly, no regular mass, no visits, no SCC, etc. All the spiritual activities diminished. Number of participation decreased. When the priests are absent, they directly say, we shall postpone to next week, when father comes we shall have it. This is the common saying among the people in our villages. The sisters were unable to do anything. There is no apostolate from the institutions. Presently there is engagement only in pastoral works
Names of the Sisters who served in this mission:
Sr. Mary Elizabeth 2001 – 2007
Sr Antonate 2001 – 2003
Sr. Nirmala. 2001 – 2003
Sr. Rani 2002 – 2011
Sr. Vimala Rosy 2003 – 2007
Sr. Sunitha 2005 – 2006
Sr. Roseline Paul and Sr. Jecintha Flavia worked as teachers for one year in St. Joseph’s School, Bidar.
Sr. Anthony Philomina
Sr. Vincent Mariym 2007 – 2014
Sr. Punitha 2010 – 2010
Sr. Assumptha 2010 – 2012
Sr. Pramila 2011 – 2012
Sr. Ancy Francise 2011 – 2014
Sr. Carmeline 2012 –
Sr. Monica 2012 – 2013
Sr. Maria Jose 2014 –
Sr. Mary Elizabeth 2014 –
Sr. Evelyn Mary 2014 –
Maria Nikethan Convent, (SMMI) Bidar :
3rd of July 2001 – SMMI stepped in to the land of Bidar.
Pioneer sisters – Sr Elizabeth(incharge sister), Sr Antonate & Sr. Nirmala.
Fr. Elias Martis was the parish priest.
2002 – Sr. Rani joined the community as animator.
Visiting the villages,
1.Nimbour, 2.Talmagi, 3.Gandhi nagar, 4.Kadugole, 5.Sitalgera & wadenkera.
In the same year, Fr. Elias was transferred and Fr. Steevan D’souza took charge.
6th of November 2008, foundation stone was laid for the convent building by Sr. Aline.
1st August 2009 inauguration of SMMI convent in Gandhi nagar. Blessed and inaugurated the house by Bishop Robert Michel Miranda.
Every year novices come for the exposure programme for 15 days. They go to the villages with sisters, for house visits, teaching catechisms, songs, prayers to the children.
3rd of June 2010 Sr. Punitha Joined the community, She replaced Sr. Anthony Philomina.
13th of June 2010, Sr. Assumptha joined the community and worked in ORBIT. She was visiting the villages, conducting meetings to Self Help Groups in different villages. Sr. Rani also sometimes accompanies her to conduct and short seminars to the people in the villages.
They use to conduct medical camps in the villages.
Catechism camps were arranged for the village children. Our provincial use to send Sisters from Bangalore to help in the catechism camp.
27th June 2010, Fr. Albert Crasta took charge as parish priest.
24th June 2011, Sr. Rani left Bidar for her new mission chamrajnagar.
Sisters started tuition classes in the convent.
Sisters take active participation all the commissions of the diocese.
Sisters prepare the children, adult and married people for the sacraments, and receive baptism, communion, conformation and marriage. They too help the couples to rectify their marriages.
Sisters work hand in hand with priests and other congregation sisters during different camps conducted in the diocese.
All the sisters who go to ORBIT work responsibly by taking up the projects handed over to them, & accomplish them successfully. That’s what Srs Rani & Assumptha had done, now Sr. Carmeline is continuing.
After the community discussion, sisters in the community respond to the request of Fr. Albert, and decided to send Sr. Monica to school, which Fr. Albert was starting.
Every year, we celebrate the feast of St. Lawrence as our church feast, it will be very grand and with good preparation. Even for the Christmas and Easter, in the villages, we use to have short retreats, confession, Gospel reflection video clipping about saints’ life history, etc. sisters work hand in hand with the parish priest, to prepare the people, before the celebrations.
We received Bolero vehicle from Bangalore community for our mission work. Thanks to Sr. Aline for her initiative and interest towards this mission.
2018 opened the school
FR. SATHISH PAUL RAJ SCJ
Director
St. Lawrence Church C 745 F 130 Cat. 20
Gandhinagar, Talmadgi
Humnabad, Bidar- 585422 Director : Fr. Sathish Paul Raj SCJ 8892739224
Asst Director : Fr. Jude Daniel Vijay SCJ 8296675369
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| 22 |
CHRIST THE KING CHURCH |
UJINI |
0 |
1999 |
|
UJINI MISSION (1999)
CHRIST THE KING CHURCH, UJINI :
CHRIST THE KING CHURCH, UJINI :
Estd: 29-08-1999
The evangelization work in Ujani village, which is 15 kilometers away from Santhpur, was started in the year 1995 by Fr Elias D’Souza the assistant at Santhpur with the help of Mr Samuel of Gudpally village with the four villages attached to Ujini, New centre ( Sub-centre) , viz, Gudpally, Nagur M, Sunkanal and Ujini. The need of making Ujini as a sub-centre was felt due to the distance from Santhpur, and to give focused attention for the faith formation and development activities in these villages.
Following Fr Elias, Bro. Stephen and Fr Peter Aranha served here in the year 1997. The other lay evangelizers who joined hands with Fr Elias were Mr Maruthi, and the Village leaders Mr. Havappa & Yeshappa. The sisters, belonging to the SRA community, who were responsible for the faith formation and development of the people at Ujini were Srs. Blaise, Daphne, Leena, Saroj and Rajani. After catechizing for about 3 years, the people at Ujini were received into catholic faith in the year 1997. At present there are 212 families (which are clustered in 59 houses) with a total population of about 1306 Catholics.
Yesu Kristalaya at Ujini was formally started as a sub-centre of Santpur mission in Bidar district in the year 1997. A small chapel just enough to hold a 100 people for worship was put up for the purpose of celebrating Eucharist. The church building “Yesu Kristalaya” was inaugurated on 29-08-1999 by Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza. On 12th September 1999 the center was formally erected by handing over the record books, vestements by Fr Harold Pereira, the Director of Santhpur mission to Fr Albert Crasta in the presence of V. Rev. Robert Michael Miranda, the Episcopal Vicar for Bidar Mission. Fr Albert Crasta was the pioneer to stay in this new mission along with Bro Harry and they selflessly served these villages. The SRA sisters from Santhpur also extended their help in the new mission. The new presbytery (the priests residence) “Sanjeevana” was inaugurated on 4th July 2001 and the entrance tower was inaugurated on 11th November 2002 by Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza. Premanjali High School, run by the sisters belonging to the Congregation of Queen of the Apostles (SRA) was started in the year 2004 in order to provide quality education to the children of the locality and surrounding villages. In order to provide boarding facility to the deserving catholic children from the villages, Jnanadeepa studuy Home was started in the church premises. The new school building situated close to the Church was inaugurated on 25th March 2006 by their Provincial Superior Sr Maria Goretti SRA. Premanjali Study Home for girls was also started in the convent premises.
In those years the congregation assembly was very small. No one expected that the new centre would make such rapid progress. As mission flourished, Ujini was carved as a separate mission centre. Hence the need of new church was felt and with the help of the diocese, the donors and the cooperation of the people, a beautiful new church was built and was inaugurated on 23rd May 2010 by Most Rev. Dr Robert Miranda, the bishop of Gulbarga. Today we have 1306 Catholics. The missionaries made progress and many other villages around Ujini were also identified and were taken up for evangelization. Khasempur village mission with a total of 13 families received into catholic faith in the year 2007 was started in the year 1999 and Beldal village mission with a total of 18 families received into catholic faith in the year 2009 was started in the 2000.
In order to foster devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary, a beautiful Grotto was constructed with the support of Mr Mark Oliver D’Souza from Bajpe, a devotee of Mother Mary. The construction work began on 24th July 2014 and completed on 31st July 2015. It was inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr Robert M Miranda, the Bishop of Gulbarga on feast of Assumption of Our Lady on 15th August 2015.
The Church is situated right in the midst of a big village, caters to the people in other villages. Though people of other religions predominantly inhabit the village, The parish had made significant impact upon everyone and is one of the fastest growing parishes in the diocese. The parish has shown signs of model parish in the area for the following reasons:
It is established in the midst of people of other religious and has become “leaven” to such people. Located in the village (Ujini)there is a sizable number of children and elders present for daily mass and a bigger number on Sundays.
There are several catholic youth present in the parish who apart from involving in other activities have formed a group and contribute towards a lively liturgical services in the parish.
The parish runs a Study Home for catholic students and all the children in the boarding are present for daily mass.
The Queen of the Apostle Sisters (SRA) have established a High School which is placed close to the parish and this also gives an opportunity to evangelize several youths of the area
There is a great scope for starting new institutes in the line of education and this will give the parish various opportunities to proclaim Good news.
The parish had initiated several outreach programs for the people of other religions like watershed program for farmers, community organization program for women, special coaching classes for various students, etc. which have brought the entire village closer to the parish and this has given an opportunity to proclaim God’s love to them. The people of other religions participate in our religious celebrations like Christmas and retreats in good number.
Fr Albert, the first director of the mission, had developed close contact with all the people in the area. People of all religion still cherish his leadership. Following him, Fr Cyril lobo and Fr. Jagadish worked hard building the people of God. The present director Fr. Sunil Andrade with his team members, is making sincere efforts to unite all Christians and making strong in faith.
Various programs held in the Centre:
» Vidya Vikas Program (later Balajyothi Program),
» Children Clubs,
» Kiru Pushpa Yuvathi Sangha
» Mahila Mandal, (later SHGs)
» Women’s Day, Vanamahotsava Celebrations
» Community Health Awareness Programs
» Social awareness video Shows
» Religious Film Shows
» Bible Magic
» Summer Camp for the Children
» Excursions for the Children and youth
» Participation in Jeevan Jyothi camps
» Shramadhan for the construction of the Chrurch building
» Christmas, Easter, Church feasts, and other feasts celebration with meaningful liturgy, cultural programs , carols etc.
» Quiz and Bhajan Competions
» Snehakoota
» Cricket matches and other games competitions
» Trainings to the Parish Pastoral council
» Retreats
» Celebration of Sacraments – Confirmation, Adult baptisms,
» Youth get-together, ICYM, YCS/YSM
» Sponsorship Program – Bala Milana, Parents get together
» Missionary Childhood Association etc. Etc…
» Use of Toilet (awareness) and Toilet facility in every house (Successful)
» Free Zone Alcohol (Successful)
» All land documents are in the name of the Church.
All these go on to show that Ujini Parish is a cradle of Christian faith and it has great potential to carry forward the evangelization work to its full potential in the days to come.
Details of the Chapels/Villages:
Name of the chapel Village Estd. No. of Catholic Families No. of Catholics
Christ the King Nagur M 1992 27 200
Holy Cross Gudpally 1993 39 292
St Thomas Sunkanal 1995 22 159
Christ the King Ujani 1999 81 451
Sacred Heart Khasempur 2009 13 93
Holy Spirit Beldal 2012 26 123
Total 6 208 1318
Particular Number of Units Total Number
P.P.C 6 48
S.C.C 6+2 All
M.C.A 6 117
ICYM 3 71
Women Cell 1 27
Alter Servers 1 35
HISTORY OF PREMANJALI CONVENT UJANI :
‘’Hope is the key that can open doors to the new view. With hope we can see the bright star in the darkest of skies’’.
The missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles (S.R.A.) started mission centre in Ujani village of Aurad Taluka in the year of 2003. Aurad Taluka is a back ward area in Bidar District. Ujani is a remote place. In order to bring new hope in the life of these people Sr. Maria Goretti took the drastic step to render service at Ujini village.
Premanjali Convent Ujini started on 7th June 2003. Ujini was earlier the substation of Santhpur mission. Since it is 15.k.m. away from Santhpur and it was difficult to manage, the Episcopal Vicar Rev. Fr. Robert Miranda requested the Provincial Sr. Maria Goretti to begin the mission centre at Ujini. Since there was no house Fr. Albert Crasta, the director of Ujini Mission gave the accommodation in the church sacristy. The first pioneers were Sr. Ezilda , Sr. Sylvi , Sr. Kavitha and Sr. Ancilla. The successive superiors are Sr. Ezilda (2003-2006) Sr.Shalini(2006-2009) Sr. Ezilda (2009-2012) and Sr. Sandeepa. (2012-2015) Sr.Archana(2015 – ). On 19th May 2004 the foundation for convent was laid.
PREMANJALI HIGH SCHOOL :
According to the need of the people and support of the Parish Priest, on 1stJune 2004 the school from 8th Standard, was started in the parish hall by Sr. Joel, the Correspondent and the first Headmistress Sr. Adrian (2004-2006)along with the staff members Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Naik, Govind Kamble and others worked very hard for the betterment of the School. Thereafter Sr. Shalini (2006-2009), Sr. Vanditha (2009) were the Head Mistress. Sr Archana joined in 2015. At present the school has 165 Students.
Study Home for Girls:
At Ujaini, the girl child was often becoming the victim of early marriages and they were deprived of education. They were kept back at home to look after their siblings and for house hold work. To provide them quality education along with moral values, hostel, facility for girls was started. In 2006, the Premanjali study Home was started . Since the building was under construction, 28 boarders were accommodated in the school hall. On 15th June 2007, the boarding girls were shifted to the newly built boarding. Sr. Prashanthi SRA takes care of these girls as the Animator.
The Milestone that we were able to achieve :
6 villages were reached out, along with the priests and brothers.
The villages are; Ujani, Gudpalli, Nagur M, Kashampur, Beldal and Sunknal. The Catechism, family visit, Eucharistic celebration, Bhajans strengthened the faith of the people.
There have been three vocations from the faith formation villages to the congregation.
Formed 84 SHG’s in Aurad taluka collaborating with the Orbit.
Premanjali High School Kannada medium started on June 2004.
study Home for girls was started in 2006.
100% result for three years. (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14)
Quality, value based education and Catechism are taught in the school.
Education for girl child.
Poor students are helped.
At present five Sisters are involved in the mission work.
A lot of improvement has been noted in the attitude of people and the children. There is a need to still work hard towards their development. People are in their shallow faith and also division is found among themselves. The people show interest towards their growth. On the whole satisfaction is felt in the mission work.
Sub – Stations/ Centres:
1. Christ the King Church, Ujini 1999 C. 451 F. 81 Cat. 0
2. Holy Cross Chapel, Gudpally 1993 C. 304 F. 40 Cat. 0
3. Christ King Chapel, Nagur M 1992 C. 200 F. 27 Cat. 0
4. St. Thomas Chapel, Sunkanal 1995 C. 159 F. 19 Cat. 1
5. Sacred Heart, Khashempur 2009 C. 93 F. 13 Cat. 0
6. Holy Spirit Chapel, Beldal 2012 C. 123 F. 26 Cat. 0
Institutions:
Jnanadeepa Boarding
Priest In-charge: Fr. Sunil Andrade 8970777406/9449685030
Convent: Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles (SRA)
Premanjali Convent (2003)
Ujini, Aurad
Bidar-585 421
Superior: Sr. Archana SRA 9483089434
Institutions:
1. Premanjali Kannada Medium High School
H.M.:Sr. Archana SRA 9483089434
2. Premanjali Boarding House
Sister-In Charge: Sr Prashanthi 8105950210
FR. SUNIL ANDRADE
Director
Christ the King Church C 1325 F 208 Cat 15
Yesu Kristalaya Ujini, Aurad, Bidar- 585421
Director: Fr. Sunil Andrade 8970777406/9449685030
Asst Director: Fr. Faustine Crasta OCD 9480667261
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| 23 |
St. Ann Church |
Wadi |
0 |
1970 |
|
WADI MISSION (1970)
St. Ann Church, Wadi :
St Ann Church is located near to Wadi Railway Junction, around 70 Km away from Gulbarga. The Catholic presence in Wadi was after the establishment of Wadi junction in Wadi. A few Goans and Mudgal Villagers came in search of job. All these were industrious people and most of them acquired land and some of them small shops.
It is said among the Goans one of them namely Mrs Angelica D’Souza wife of Mr Charles D’Souza gave two of her houses to be used as church in the beginning that was near the Municipal office building, while disposing her other houses before leaving Wadi for Goa. It was converted into a chapel and till 1973 Eucharistic celebrations were taking place in that chapel.
Before 1924 the spiritual needs of the people at that time were looked after from Hyderabad. After the formation of Bellary Diocese Parish Priest of Raichur, was attending to the spiritual needs of the Catholic up to 1940.
From then till 1961 it was attended from Chittapur. In 1961 Fr. Silvester OFM and Fr. Antony Puthukalam were appointed to Wadi to look after the welfare of the Catholics of Gulbarga District. From Chittapur Fr Antony shifted his residence to Shahabad because there were more practicing Catholics
When ACC cement plant was planning to start, the Parish Priest made contacts with the company about the availability of an English medium school at Wadiand St Ann’s nursery school was started in the chapel in 1967.In 1970 at the request of Bishop Ambrose P Yeddanapalli, Sisters of St Ann from Madavaram opened their convent in Wadi and took over the administration of the school naming it as St Ambrose convent school. Gradually as Catholic population increased, Fr Antony was appointed 2nd time as residential priest of Wadi. Asthe old chapel was not spacious enough, the existing Parish place was purchased in 1974.In 1976 after completing the building, it was inaugurated.
In 1998 the Infant Jesus Chapel was built for the convenience of Nizam Gate Catholics in the place donated by Mr.Anthonappa. Fr. Silverster OFM, Fr. Antony, Fr. C.V. Siva S.J, Fr. Thomas Illikallil Msfs, Fr. Henry Fernades, Fr. Y.S. Peter, Fr. N.A. Vincent, Fr. Irudayaral, Fr. Roque, Fr. Stany Lobo and Fr. Fredrick, Fr. Faustine Lobo OCD were the Priests who served till 2014. At present Fr. Wibert Vinay Lobo is the Parish Priest.
St. Ambrose Convent, Wadi – 09-06-1970
(Service to the children of Wadi)
Sisters of St. Anne of Chennai :
The congregation was started in the year of 1874 by a vibrant widow Mother Thatipathri Gnanamma from Andhra Pradesh. Today they are spread all over the world doing different ministries. The Foundress had a dream to give education to the girls. Today this dream of the foundress is fulfilled through education ministry as well as social work, evangelization, hostel etc. There are over 700 sisters in the Congregation.
Our first step to Wadi :
St. Ambrose Convent in Wadi is the only house of the Congregation in the Diocese of Gulbarga. Wadi is a small town and majority are Lambadies. The languages spoken are Kannada, Hindi and Marathi. The Specialty of this area is the availability of the raw material required for cement. The ACC Factory manufactures oxide cement on a large scale with the raw material from the rocks. This ACC has provided employment opportunity to a good number of people. Being an industrial area, large number of educated people have migrated from other places and settled in colonies with their families. There was no opportunity for education here for want of good educational institutions. They wanted an English medium school in the area and made request to Most Rev.Ambrose, the bishop of Bellary at the time of his pastoral visit to Wadi and he came forward to help them. As Mother Imelda, the Superior General, was well known to the bishop, he invited her to open a house and a school at wadi, assuring her financial aid from the management of the ACC Factory for school and the convent.
St. Ambrose Primary School :
This school was established in 1970. Until 21-5-1973, it functioned in a rental building. At present more than a thousand children study here. Most of the students are children of the ACC workers. The sisters strive hard to impart quality education combined Gospel Values. The school has Permanent Recognition of the Government (EI.4C.44536 R.C.5/80-81).
St. Ambrose High School :
For years, the people were clamoring for a high school as they wished their children to continue their studies in the school itself with its good standard. They even assured the sisters that the ACC factory itself would provide the school building. To comply with their request, High school classes were stated in 1984. The school building raised with financial help from the ACC was opened by its General Manager, Mr.Morkar on 05-06-1985. The high school building was expanded in1987 with additional facilities. The old building was demolished and re-constructed in1992 and it was opened by Tiru Ramachandran, the contractor. Now about 2000 students (boys and girls) from various places around Wadi study here. On average the percentage of results is 95%.
Community strength :
There are four sisters and all are involved in the education ministry and evangelization ministry. They are happy to render their service to these people, but it is a great challenge to meet the needs of the students. This area has a peculiar type of students who are very rough and tough to handle. They have taken as a challenge to educate with values.
Evangelization :
They sisters are involve in the parish activities like preparing the children to receive sacraments and teach catechism , visiting the families, preparing for liturgy, praying Rosary with the families, Taking effort to conduct Holy Childhood Day, Mission Sunday, Youth meeting, Women etc.
Convent: Sisters of St. Ann, Chennai (SSA)
St. Ambrose Convent
ACC Cement Colony, Wadi
Kalaburagi 585 225
Tel: 08476-202340, 203592
Superior: Sr. Theckla Mary SSA 8050376606
Institutions:
St. Ambrose School (Pry & H. School)
HM: Sr. Sevrine 8050376606
FR. WILBERT VINAY LOBO
Parish Priest
St. Ann’s Church
C 145 F 35 Cat 0 Wadi Junction P.O. Wadi, Kalaburagi 585225
Parish Priest: Fr. Wilbert Vinay Lobo 95911118025
Sub – Centre: Infant Jesus Chapel, Nizamgate
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| 24 |
VIJAYAPURA MISSION |
VIJAYAPURA |
0 |
1991 |
|
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES:
SOCIETY OF JESUS
Maitri Sadhana
54 Mukund Nagar, Station Rd.
Vijayapura – 586 104
Superior : Fr Jerald D’Souza SJ, Tel: 08352-256453/9972356299
Institutions:
1. Loyola Yomiuri School, Vijayapura (2000)
H.M.: Fr. Steevan Gonsalves SJ Tel: 08352-223501/8970829257
2. Loyola P.U. College, Vijayapura (2010)
Principal: Fr. Steevan Gonsalves SJ8970829257
3. Loyola Industrial Training Institute, Vijayapura (1999)
Director: Fr. Prakash D’ Souza SJ Tel.08352-221718/695923/7090963656
4. Navachetana Boarding House for girls
Director: Jerald D’Souza SJ, 9972356299
5. Loyola ITI Boys Home
Director: Fr. Prakash D’ Souza SJ 7090963656
Convents:
(1) Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny (SJC)
Nava Sanidhya Convent (1995)
Athani Road
Opp. Al-Ameen Medical College Hospital
Vijayapura 586 108 Tel. 08352-272120/ 9008189434
Superior: Sr. Susan Joseph SJC 8496880916
Institutions:
Nava Sanidhya Children Home
Sister In-charge: Sr. Rita Francis SJT 9535543454
(2) St. Joseph of Tarbes Sisters (SJT)
Tarbes Sisters’ Convent
St. Joseph Health & Community Centre
Aliyabad Block 2, Indi Road, Industrial area,
Behind seed Factory, Vijayapura Dt. 586 112
Superior: Sr. Rita Francis SJT 9535543454
(3) Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS)
Sneha Sangama Convent (2006)
Gyani Colony, Station Road
Vijayapura 586 104
Superior: Sr. Carmine Lobo UFS 9972837620
Institutions:
Sneha Sangama School
H.M: Sr. Gracy 7829488673
MISSION OUTREACH CENTRES
ALMEL MISSION
Convent: Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM)
Nirmalalaya (1997)
Ambedkar Nagar, Gundage Rd
Almel Post 586 202 Sindagi Taluk,
Vijayapura dist
Superior: Sr. Cecilia Tirkey RNDM 08488-232264/ 9480489377
Institutions:
Nirmalaya Pry & H.School
H.M : Sr. Helen RNDM 9480579490
Nirmalalaya Girls Boarding
Sister In-Charghe: Sr. Oliva RNDM 9449762164
Nirmalalaya Social Center
Director: Sr. Olivia RNDM 9449762164
DEVARA HIPPARAGI MISSION
Convent: Society of Jesus Mary Joseph
JMJ Ashram (2007)
Jatakara Voni, Hosa Uru
Devara Hipparagi P.O. 586 115
Sindagi Tq. Vijayapura Dist.
Superior: Sr. Fathima Rani JMJ 08424-283504 / 7353169952/ 9449479214
Institutions:
1.JMJ Social Service Centre (2004)
2.Tailoring Centre
Manager: Sr. Fathima Rani JMJ 7353169952/ 9449479214
3.JMJ English Medium School (2012)
H.M: Sr. Ragini Mary Anthonappa 9880893714/ 9606354153
4. JMJ School for School dropout Children
In-Charge: Sr. Fathima Rani JMJ 7353169952/ 9449479214
INDI MISSION :
Convent: Daughters of The Heart Of Mary (DHM)
Deepalaya Convent (1998)
Social Service Centre, Agerkged Road
Indi P.O. 586 209 Vijayapura
Superior: Sr. Mabel Pinto DHM 9739065166
Institutions:
Deepalaya Social Service Centre, 9739065166 / 9481137661
Agrakhed Road, Indi- 586209
Vijayapura
2. Deepa Prabha Pre-Primary School
H.M : Sr. Reeta D’Souza 9449902017
Vikasini Skill Training Centre
Sister In-Charge: Sr. Veena Lobo 9481341447
KANAKAL MISSION :
Convent: Sisters of Charity (SCCG)
Sneha Sadan Convent
Basavana Bagewadi, Kanakal P.O.
Vijayapura Dist. 586203
Superior: Sr. Elizabeth Kuriakose SCCG 7259564409
Institutions:
1. Sneha Sadan Hr. Pry. School
H.M: Sr Justine D’Silva 9880489741
2. Sneha Sadan Social Welfare Centre
Director: Sr Leena Saldanha 7760925776
3. Sneha Sadan Grihini Tailoring Centre
In-Charge: Sr. Shobha Preethi lobo 9901826791
4. Sneha Sadan Childrens Home
Director:Vijaya Joseph 9901464179
MUDDEBIHAL MISSION: Sisters of Charity (SCCG)
Seva Sadan Convent (2006)
Near J.C. School,
Next to Hudco Colony, Muddebihal Tq.
Muddebihal P.O. 586212 Vijayapura
Superior: Sr. Beena Yellurkar SCCG 9741458045
Institutions:
Sevasadan Social Welfare Centre
6. SINDAGI MISSION: Society of Jesus
Loyola Nivas
Director: Fr. Rohan Almeida SJ 9739147915
Opp. Bhima central school
Jevargi Road,
Sindagi. 586128, Vijayapura
Institutions:
1.Loyola School, Sindagi (2011)
2.Centre for Non-Formal Education (1991)
3.Centre for Integral Rural Development (2004)
Convent: Ursuline Franciscan Sisters
Stein Sadan Convent
Basava Nagar, Sindagi P.O. 586128
Vijayapura Dist.
Superior: Sr. Milagrin Horta UFS 9019248435 / 9482724478
CHAD CHAN MISSION (Zalaki) : Sisters of the Mercy of the Holy Cross (Hazaribagh)
Holy Cross Convent
Sr. Superior,
C/O Jakkamma Shrishyadan,
Near Hanuman Temple,
Zalaki Post, Indi Taluk,
Vijayapur -586204. 9731917351
E-mail: hcchadchn@gmail.com
FR. JOHN D’SOUZA SJ
Parish Priest
St. Anne’s Church F 49 C 160
M.G. Road, Vijayapura – 586 101
Parish Priest: Fr. John D’Souza SJ 8861928824
Dean & Mission Superior: V. Rev. Fr. Jerald D’Souza SJ 9972356299
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DON BOSCO MISSION |
YADGIRI |
0 |
2000 |
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YADAGIRI MISSION (2000)
DON BOSCO MISSION IN YADGIRI :
Reaching out to the poor, especially the youth in need has been the priority of the Salesians of Don Bosco. They have tried to achieve this through their numerous institutions for the poor and through community based intervention and programmes.
Hyderabad – Karnataka region in the State of Karnataka is one of the most backward regions in South India. This region consists of the districts of Gulbarga, Yadagiri, Bidar, Bellary, Raichur and Koppal and constitutes the dioceses of Bellary and Gulbarga.
The Salesians were again asked by the Bishop of Bellary to take up an area in the North of this region, more specifically in Raichur and Gulbarga for initiating community based programmes for the development of this area. To identify the most backward area in the region for their mission, a group of Salesians were formed into a commission and was sent to the area.
The commission submitted its report after visiting Devadurga about the starting of a centre in this region. The commission proposed that the mission area should extend to Gulbarga District too. Thus in 1996, Fr. Emmanuel and Fr. C. P. Varghese started the mission work in Devadurga. Fr. Thomas Myladoor, the then provincial and Fr. Jacob, the vice provincial went to see Yadagiri in 1996 after visiting Devadurga. After visiting Yadagiri, the provincial and the vice provincial, after taking into consideration the opinion of Frs. Emmanuel and C.P. Varghese, felt that the Salesians would be able to do something tangible in Yadagiri taluk. Fr. Thomas Myladoor wrote to the bishop of Bellary requesting him to hand over Yadagiri taluk to the Salesians for missionary work. Thus through a letter dated the 27th August, 1996, the taluk of Yadagiri was also entrusted to the Salesians for mission works.
The above Salesian priests pioneered the area. In 1997, Fr. N. M Thomas was sent to assist the Devadurga mission. They had a tough time residing in an old rented house. At the province level there was a long debate going on as to whether this mission was to be continued and if so, what its nature should be. It was decided that the taluks of Yadagiri and Devadurga would continue to constitute the mission involvement in the Bellary Diocese.
Fr. Sunny T. J. appointed the sole missionary to the area in 1998. He ventured to initiate the beginning of various pilot experiments and activities along with the study of the place by the end of the year.
Though the Yadagiri mission was started in 1996, it was looked after by Fr. Sunny, then in charge of Devadurga mission. Initially pastoral activities were given importance. Mass was celebrated in a house of one of the Catholics. On 23rd August, 2000, a farm was purchased and the visit of priests from Devadurga became more often. A house was rented in Yadagiri town and from June 2000 to August 2002 Fr. Sunny, the one in charge, used to remain in the same house and supervise the construction of the residence cum church while taking care of the pastoral needs of the Catholics.
The residence cum chapel was inaugurated on August 16th 2002 by Fr. Jose Kuttianimattahil the Provincial of Bangalore Province. It is being used as the residence and the church for the Catholic community of Yadagiri. Sunday Masses and other liturgical services are conducted for the public. Don Bosco Yadagiri was made a separate presence with Fr. Sunny as its in charge. During the same year Fr. Sunny proposed the idea of Don Bosco College of Education with B.Ed, D. Ed. School, separate Hostels for boys and girls etc and the same was approved in the provincial council of October 26 2006. In 2004 Don Bosco Primary School was started. In the same year Fr. K. C. Mahtew joined the community as the administrator and in charge of the school. In December 2004 we got the approval of NCTE to start the D. Ed course and the course was started in January 2005 . In the year 2005 Fr. Joshy joined the community as vice – Prinicpal of the college. In August 2005 Don Bosco, Yadagiri became part of the newly established diocese of Gulbarga. In November 2005, the NCTE gave the approval for starting of B.Ed Course and the course was stated in January 2006.
In 2009 Fr. Regi was appointed as the director of Social developmental work. 2010 Fr. Saji George came as Vice – Rector, Vice – Principal and Administrator and Fr. Pius as the one in – charge of the school.
In 2008 October Don Bosco Tech and Don Bosco School Building was inaugurated by Fr. Maria Arokiam, Regional Councilor for South Asia. In the year 2012, in the month of May Fr. Sunny the pioneer and founder of Don Bosco Institutions Yadagiri was transferred to Don Bosco Pavur near Mangalore. Fr. Pius the School In-Charge and Liturgical Animator of the community was transferred to Don Bosco Tumkur. Fr. Saji George the administrator and Vice-rector was appointed the new Rector and School Principal. Fr. Regi was given the additional charge of Vice Rector and Don Bosco Tech director. The house got a new administrator in the person of Fr. Devassy Kadparambil in the year 2012-2013. The year 2012-2013 Don Bosco Child Labour Centre was begun with 50 Students intake which was supported by the Government of Karnataka SCLP Programme. With the permission of the Provincial and his council two new ventures were started namely ‘Savio Bhavan Boys Hostel’ and Don Bosco P.U. College. Even though we got permission from the P.U. Board for 3 streams, only the Commerce section was started and later Science was added later. First Batch of our S.S.L.C students appeared for the Board Examinations and we are proud of the fact that we got the best results in Hyderabad Karnataka region. We got a 100% First Class with many students having distinction marks. Our B.Ed. students also fared really well in the University Examination. Out of the 98 who wrote the examination 97 got distinction marks and 1 got first class. This was the best result ever that the college got in its past history. The Academic Year 2014-2015 Results our S.S.L.C students did exceptionally well and once again scored a perfect 100% First Class.
P.U. College has picked up with two batches of students (Science & Commerce Streams) The college now has a strength of 63. Well furnished Labs (Physics, Biology and Chemistry) have been set up. A church building for the would be Yadgiri parish is completed in 2017. It was blesses by Most. Rev Dr Robert Miranda, Bishop Robert Miranda. FR. Jolly SDB was appointed as the first Parish Priest on the same year 2017. This Academic year as the students in the hostel has gone up to 85 boys, we have started the construction of a new hostel Savio Bhavan.
Email :ydrdonbosco@gmail.com, sdbsajigp@gmail.com
Website: www.donboscoyadgiri.org
Activities :
Don Bosco College of Education – B.Ed
Don Bosco School
Don Bosco Hostel for Girls: Mamma Margaret Home
Don Bosco Centre for Social Action
SHGs, Youth Groups, Classes for School Dropout Children
Child Labour Rescue and rehabilitation, Child Labour School,
Community Development and peoples empowerment programme,
Missing Child Bureau,
CREAM, SPED projects
Child Rights Clubs in School, Don bosco Child Line
Don Bosco Tech
– Computer Training, B.P.O
– Tailoring
– Electrical
– Sales and marketing
Don Bosco Parish and Mission
Our Vision and Mission:
Don BoscoYadgiri envisions a positive change in the educational scenario of the region through our involvement in the B.Ed. College, the P.U.College, the School, the Technical School, the Hostels and the Villages by making the beneficiaries well integrated persons who become agents of social transformation. Our involvement in the neighboring Villages and our Parish Ministry aims at empowering the people especially the underprivileged through evangelization and education.
Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) :
MAMMA MARGARET HOME
MARIA SADAN
Don Bosco Complex, Chitapur Road, YADGIR 585202
Brief History :
At the request of Fr. Jose Kuttianimattathil SDB the provincial of Sacred Heart Province of Bangalore, the sisters started their presence in Yadagiri on June 6th 2005. On April 24th Fr. Provincial, Sr. Bridget the provincial and Sr. Ivy Joseph made a visit to the place and decided to start work by the beginning of June. As Sr. Ivy Joseph and Sr. Maria Kujur Arrived at there were 12 D.Ed. 1st Year students staying along with fathers in the college premises. They too joined them till 24th of June, there after they shifted to a rented house were the girls, two teachers, Mary and Rinta and the Sisters remained. They had daily Eucharistic celebrations from then onwards. During the commencement they were belonging to the Diocese of Bellary but at present are part of the newly erected Diocese of Gulbarga.
By December the numbers of girls increased and also there was scarcity of water and so they had to shift back to the college campus were the sisters occupied one of the classrooms and girls in another room. Father provided with food and all the other necessity, free of cost. Meanwhile the construction of the hostel began and by the grace God the building was blessed by Fr. Jose Kuttianimattathil on August 23rd. we had no official inauguration, but on his short visit to Yadagiri, Fr. Jose Kuttianimattathil, the provincial of Sacred Heart province of Bangalore, Blessed the Girls Hostel building. They shifted their stay to the new building on 30th September. The construction of the house was done by the Fathers and the furniture was being provided by our higher superiors. The functioning of the house is done by the sisters independently. Sr. Roopa joined the community in June 2006.
The main purpose of their existence in Yadagiri was to look after the hostel girls and to work in collaboration with fathers in the ministry of Education. Christian values are imparted to the girls who are entrusted to us through our goodnight thoughts, sharing of God experience and Sacramental practices. Presently there are 4 sisters actively involved in the apostolate in collaboration with the Salesian Fathers. They reach out to people of all faiths by involving in diverse ministries such as family visits, medical mission and women empowerment through Self help groups etc. As a whole, people are very happy with their apostolic involvement and they appreciate very much.
Institutions:
1. Don Bosco School
H.M.: Fr. Ebenezer Stanly George SDB 9972618619
2. Don Bosco P.U.College
Principal: Fr. Kannukettiyil Mathew SDB 984577052
3. Don Bosco B.Ed. College
Principal: Fr. Puthur Joshy SDB 9448903331
4. Centre for Social Action, M.C.B, Child Labour Centre
5. Don Bosco Technical School
In-Charge: Fr. George Kollashany SDB 9945673785
6. Savio Bhavan – Don Bosco Boys’ Hostel
Director: Fr. Kannukettiyil Mathew SDB 9845770521
Convent: Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC)
Don Bosco Nagar
Yadagiri-Chittapur Road, Yadagiri P.O. 585 202
Superior: Sr. Maria Kujur MSMHC 9449613188
Institutions:
1. Mamma Margaret Home- Don Bosco Girls’ Hostel
Don Bosco Campus
Yadagiri-Chittapur Road, Yadagiri P.O. 585 202
Hostel In-charge: Sr. Manju MSMHC 9113208270
FR. JOSEPH K SDB
Parish Priest
Don Bosco Mission F. 19 C. 107
Yadagiri-Chittapur Road,
Yadagiri Dist- 585202
Rector : Fr. Kannukettiyil Mathew SDB - 0847325-2538833 9845770521
Parish Priest : Fr. Joseph K SDB 6364615431
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