COMMUNITIES
PROVINICAL HOUSE, NOVICIATE SEVASI
In 2004, the fully furnished readymade bungalow with all legal process of transfer title deeds, was made over in the name of the congregation, ready for living in. The name of House Sneh Shanti is called “House of Peace” The existing Bungalow was made a lot of major renovations and extensions. After a long patient waiting of 10 years, on getting permission from the Genera late, to have a Provincial in Gujarat, in the year 2006 June. The Provincial with 2 councilors and 3 sisters for the service of the House moved from “Matruchhaya’ Nadiad to the new abode of the Provincial Residence, Mother Pabla Bescos.
On 1st October 2006 the solemn blessing of the New Provincial Residence took place. The celebration was presided by the Bishop of Baroda, Rev. Godfrey Rosario S.J., The Bishop of Ahmadabad, Rev. Thomas Macwan and several priests also concelebrated in the Holy Eucharist. Many of our sisters and of other congregations of the Dioceses, with some invitees also participated in the Eucharistic celebration.
The celebration began with a brief history of the congregation and the Province by the Provincial, Sr. Anne Fernandez. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by the blessing of the Chapel altar, the installation of the Blessed Sacrament of the Chapel and the blessing o the house. Thereafter, Sr. Benita Macwan gave thanks to all present at the Eucharistic celebration and invited all to share our joy in the Fraternal Meal.
OUR LADY OF PILLAR DISPENSARY, NADIAD
The Sisters of Charity of St. Anne began the mission in Nadiad January 14th 1951 by a group of six sisters from Spain. They started a Dispensary in 1952 surrounded by the Vagri society. The goal of begin the Dispensary was for the poor and the needy. In those days many people were sick and our sisters attended with love and care. The patients were coming from even far places like Ahmadabad, Surat and Baroda. The delicacy, care and attention shown by the sisters made wonders. Gradually The Dispensary was shifted to Vaishali Road Indiranagar, Nadiad, in the year of 12th October 1978 in the midst of Vagris. The blessing of the dispensary was done by the Bishop of Ahmadabad Charls Gomes. Sr. Begona was the Provincial. Many sisters joined in the celebration. Today it is known as Our Lady of Pillar Dispensary. This dispensary is utilized as cum Hospital. This has the facilities of two wards. One is for male and other for female patients to hospitalize emergency cases of anemia, burn and delivery cases from rural areas around Nadiad. Along with indoor patients, there is an outdoor department. There is one doctor who is visiting daily. This dispensary is specialized for skin disease and burn cases. Till today the patients come from far and wide places to be treated in this hospital.
MADHURYA BHUVAN, AHMEDABAD
Madhurya Bhuvan “Sweet Home” It is one such centre where the mentally challenged children is taken up with dedication, enthusiasm, understanding, knowledge and lots of love. It is situated in the outskirts of the city of Ahmadabad Bapunagar as the area is called, is getting more and more congested day by day because of the countless small industrial units that keep springing up in every nook and corner of the area. Most of the people in and around Bapunagar are poor laborers. Every beginning is hard and challenging. On 13th April 1983 we began this new mission in a rented house in Maninagar with one specially child called Pinky. Hence Mandhurya Bhuvan, began its existence in the year 1983 under the banner of institution of Sisters of Charity of St. Anne,
On 27th February, 1986 the new spacious premises of the centre at Bapunagar were blessed and inaugurated by the Bishop of Ahmedabad- Rt.Rev. Bishop Charles Gomes S.J. Since then, the centre has been functioning with more facilities and equipment. As the years passed. the number of students kept increasing and at present there are 120 students. Thirty of them are in boarding provided by institute and the remaining 90 are day scholars.
The aim of the centre is: To train mentally challenged children, to evaluate their abilities in all possible aspects, to help them become acceptable persons of the society in which they are living, to improve the status on them so they can live on better fashion and not subjected to humanity by anyone.
The school provides educational, social personal and pre-vocational training to the students. It also has Hostel facilities. The institution tries to help students through various activities where all the students participate. we mainly aim at improving the basic learning of the specially abled children
ST. ANNE’S SCHOOL, “SNEHA HHAYA” DEESA
Deesa city is situated in the district of Banaskantha, in North Gujarat very close to Kutch (Rajasthan). The missionary work began in the year 1829 by some priests visiting the area occasionally. Subsequently, there was a time when no one missionary went for visit and people were left abandoned like a sheep without a shepherd.
In the year 1971, a missionary from Kalol, Fr. Thomas Kolady took initiative with God’s providence started to mingle with these Manjirianas. He started visiting them regularly, accompanied by our sisters from Kalol Community. Though it was a tough task reaching out to the poor people all the way from Kalol, it was a joyful, apostolic zeal and enthusiasm they experienced like our Founders, to work with the people of that area. They visited village to village, house to house sharing the same lot of these people staying with them.
In the year 1979 with the approval of Mother Estefania Esandi during her visit the very place we started rendering our service in Deesa. Through various ministries like boarding school, mobile dispensary etc. 1st December 1980 foundation was laid in Deesa. The school started in 1984 with 9 Manjirana children in Balwadi. Children used to flee away seeing the sisters but gradually they recognized our sisters. The boarding offered an ideal place for these poor girls for the maintenance and study which was totally free for them. Today it is well established with Gujarati and English Medium with 2000 students.
MADHURYA BHUVAN ,KADI ASHRAM FOR MENTALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN
Madhurya Bhuvan centre for mentally Handicapped children is situated at Kadi 60 km away from Ahmedabad. It started its existence in the year 1983. At present it has 65 inmates’ boys and girls belonging to economical lower classes. The capacity of this hostel is limited and it has seen the need of one institution for Mentally Challenged grown up girls. Due to the customs and structure of the society, for the parents and the family it is a big burden to have a mentally disabled person, especially if the person is a woman.
The building for Madhurya Bhuvan Ashram for Mentally Handicapped girls was blessed on the 9th January 2000 in the presence of the Bishop of Ahmedabad two General Councilors, Provincial, Civil Authorities, Parish priest and many of the sisters of the Congregation. The Institution started functioning in the month of June 2000. On the 14th June the house was opened for the first inmates. The capacity of the ashram is for hundred mentally handicapped girls, The aim of the Institution is to train the girls according to their mental and physical capacities and to keep them life time.
Madhurya Bhuvan gives identity to the specially abled children and facilitates them a process to accept oneself and stand out as you are. It has given shelter to many boys and girls whom the family is not ready to take care. This in real sense is a home for the special children.
ST. ANNE’S SCHOOL, KALOL
The house of Kalol was started on 5th May 1970. We began our mission with 15 to 20 hostel girls. Our main objective was to educate the girls. During the morning hours, Sisters were teaching to the small children of KG class. The hostel girls were going to a town School nearby. Along with the academic formation, Christian education also was imparted. In the evening there was regular visit to the poor and marginalized people who are staying around the locality villages. They won the hearts of people. Knowing the sisters and their work.
In the year 1974, we started our own KG classes and in 1979 Primary classes. Step by step we got approval for increasing the classes. At present we have classes up to 10th std and the school has two mediums Gujarati and English. It has good name in the town of Kalol. Many of our students are well educated and holding a good post in the society.
ST. ANNE’S HIGH SCHOOL, NADIAD
January 14th 1951, is a historic and remarkable day for the sisters of Charity of St. Anne in India. It is remarkable and memorable that our beloved Sisters, Sr. Ascension Lopez, Sr. Fausta Perez, Sr. Soledad Madrid, Sr. Irene Palacio, St. Antonia Heredero and Sr. Maria set foot on this land of Nadiad.
Just like God called Abraham to leave his country, kindred and his father’s house to go to a new land. So, God had chosen these six sisters to leave their beloved country, Spain and led them to an unknown land of Nadiad with a particular mission: to announce the message of love to the people and proclaim that God still loves the world. Having responded to God’s call these sisters left their own country, Spain boarded the ship on 26th December, 1950 they reached to their destination of Nadiad on 14th January, 1951, after a long voyage of 24 days. They reached to this land full of enthusiasm to witness God’s love through their presence and the work they were going to do. At the beginnings they found it very hard and difficult, the whole atmosphere was strange, the language was strange, the new culture, climate, food habits etc. On the whole everything seemed totally new and strange. Yet they easily associated with the people, situations and the surrounding.
They came fully trusting in the providence of God. They bought a cheap plot at Kapadwanj Road, which was surrounded by Vaghri society with priced less. There they began a small dispensary and started looking after many patients. Seeing the quality and delicacy of service rendered by the sisters, patients began flocking to this center even from far off places. The sisters were very happy and they did their best to reach out to the needy and make them feel and experience the love of God. By being and working with the people they extended their service in the field of education too. Earlier on their reaching to Nadiad they rented a house in the market area and began their mission of education in June 1955. The rented house was very small but still they could adjust themselves. The four rooms served as their residence and class rooms. Soon the sisters began building a school in the same Kapadwanj Road campus, as the ground floor classrooms were being completed, they announced the opening of the school for the 6th June 1956. On the first day of the school, they did not have any student. On the second day, there was extraordinary joy and enthusiasm among them, because 2 boys and 2 girls joined in the school. Gradually within few days admissions began to increase and by December of the same year there were 100 students on the roll. At present, we have 2 shifts and around 4000 students are educated in St. Anne’s school, in both Gujarati and English mediums, with classes in the higher Secondary.
ST. ANNE’S CONVENT, ITARSI
Responding to the needs of the Arch diocese of Bhopal we plunged into new mission of Itarsi- Madhya Pradesh to run the newly opened English medium school and to collaborate in the parish activity on 16th June 2004.
The main activities offered to the sisters was: Teaching and helping in the school (co-ed. Both English and Hindi Medium, Pastoral and Catechetical work in the new Parish of Propelpur, Itarsi, Social work and other activities in the nearby villagers, according to the needs and possibilities.
SANJEEVAN AROGYA KENDRA ST. ANNE’S CONVENT& BOARDING, ROLE
Role is a place where one could be rolled surrounded by jungle and fields and small huts of villagers scattered here and there. This mission is under the Diocese of Raipur in Chhattisgarh.
The mission began in 1988. Since the people were open to Christ and ready to be baptized in the Church, there was opposition from various quarters. They made propaganda against priest and even they tried to kill him. But the people were firm in their faith. The first family was baptized on Christmas with the approval of Rev. Bishop Philip Ekka, Bishop of Raipur diocese.
On 26th June 1988, we began the mission in Role according to the invitation of Bishop Philip Ekka. We were welcomed during the Holy Eucharist, together with the parishioners. Till the construction of the sisters residence, they were given place in Father’s residence. The sisters were running dispensary, apostolic works, and village works. In 1989, Sisters started boarding with seven children.
With minimum facilities of transport, communication, electricity sisters began this new apostolic venture with zeal and enthusiasm.
On 15th October 1992, sisters got permission from educational department. They started the school from 6th Std in Hindi medium. Nine students were admitted in it. On 12th March 1993, the new house for sisters inaugurated, blessed by Bishop Joseph Augustine. On 4th November 1996 the sisters constructed another new school building to reach out maximum number of such students and drop-outs by way of providing education.
ST. ANNE’S SCHOOL, SAPUTARA
Saputara, a hill station in Gujarat attracted each eye. The school named St. Anne’s school was inaugurated on July 2002. The Lord blessed us with bountiful graces on that day for the children of Advasis to begin an English Medium school, residential school. Initially we began with the few classes. Sisters resided in the school as the residence was under construction. On 25th June, 2006 the inauguration of the new building, residence of the sisters and the hostel took place.
The main aim of building this English medium school was to provide education for the Tribal children mainly English medium at the affordable costs. All the tribal children have been benefiting from this school and many of our children have exceled well. Today we have classes upto 10th std.
PILLAR CONVENT SCHOOL, JODHPUR
JODHPUR – THE SUN CITY OF RAJASTHAN: and so it is, since God’s beautiful rays of the sun are: said to be the first to reach in whole of Rajasthan to turn the city of Jodhpur in all its brightness and radiance.
It is to this great ancient and well-cultured city, we, the sisters of Charity of St. Anne showed interest to extent the services of the Congregation in Rajasthan. The bishop of the diocese of Ajmer-Jaipur, Rt.Rev. Ignatius Menezes invited us and requested us to open a school of our own, as education is one of the Charisms of the Congregation. We have bought our own land on Barmer Road in Pal Village, Jodhpur for our future works.
The new foundation began on 11th June, 2000 Miss Muriel Schooner, who had known the sisters well, had already found a rented house for us in the Housing Board, in which we started a co-ed school, named Pillar convent School with Nursery, K.G. and Prep sections. We had 12 children on the first day of the school. On 30th of June, the feast of the Sacred Heart, a simple inauguration took place. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated in our chapel in the presence of the number of Priests, the three communities of Sisters and lay people. We were officially welcomed and our work was entrusted to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Since then, we have been imparting values of Gods Kingdom to all who have been under our care. Today we have well-structured school with around 2000 children.
ST. ANNE’S SCHOOL, SEHORE
In 15th April 1981 was a remarkable day in the History of Diocese of Bhopal as well and in the Congregation of Sisters of Charity of St. Anne. On this beautiful day, a community was formed in Sehore with four sisters accompanied by the Provincial, Sr. Lucila Mendes with the Invitation of Rt. Rev. Bishop Eugine D’Souza, to preach the good news, to witness the mercy and love of the Father to the people of Sehore. The sisters were given accommodation at Presbytery of Lourdes Mata Church.
On 6th February 1982, Sisters shifted to the New House “Preeti kunj convent” built by Bishop at Sindhi colony, Sehore. The objective of the origin of the house was to work for the welfare of the poor, neglected and marginalized of Sehore especially in the medical-social aspect. The sisters visit the “Tahesils “and “Ichhavar” houses, meet the people to know their needs and help them. The sisters began 2 programmes i.e. Craft Training Centre and Mobile Dispensary. The sisters began the Craft Training Programme with the intention that they could be attached to the sisters where various kinds of ordinary crafts could be taught chiefly to the poor women of that locality.
As the mission was widening, the sisters realized the need for outreaching towards the poor, youth more and more. So, they approached the District Health Officer and discussed with him the future plans to work with the poor for the betterment of their development. Sisters started a Youth Club and it was flourishing entirely. As the days passed, the people realized the need of educating their children. The people requested the sisters to start classes for children and they began the class on 8th December 1981.
For ten years, Sisters carried on with the mission work and teaching in the “Sharda Vidhya Mandir”. By seeing the need of education, sisters began K.G. class in our Residence “Preeti-Kunj” Sindhi Colony, near bus stand. On 10th December 1991, foundation stone of School building was laid by Archbishop of Bhopal at Indore-Bhopal Highway, Sehore. On27th June 1992, the school building was ready and the Archbishop of Bhopal blessed the house. On 6th March 1993, the residents of sisters were ready and they went to stay in the beautiful building.
At present, we have the class K.G., Primary school, secondary school computer classes. The strength of the school is 3000 with new technology.
DEVASHISH VIDHYA MANDHIR, WAGHODIA
A long cherished dream for a school, hostel was realized on 2nd January 2006. Rt. Rev. Bishop Godfrey De Rosario – Bishop of Baroda blessed and the foundation stone was laid by our Mother General, Sr. Josefina Velaz in the presence of Sr. Maria Jose Perez the General Secretary, Sr. Anne Fernandes -the Provincial and the Council Members, Fr. Alex, distinguished Guests and the Boarding children
DEVASHISH RESIDENCE :
The name of the convent is known as Our Lady of Pillar convent. The community sisters were staying in the Hostel as there was no Residence. They managed with little facilities that they had. But the years after, the Residence came to an existence. The house was inaugurated in the year 2013 by Bishop Thomas Macwan, Bishop of Ahmedabad. Sr. Lucy Joseph, the Provincial of Mother Pabla Bescos cut the Ribbon and inaugurated the House. The Holy Eucharist was presided by Bishop Thomas Macwan long with Fr.Killian and Fr. Abhay. The new Tabernacle was blessed and installed. They were honoured with Shawl.
ST. ANNE’S CONVENT, BHAGALPUR
The journey to Bhagalpur began on July 21st and reached to the destination on 24th July 1997at Bhagalpur Station. On 26th July, on the day of our family feast we had the solemn Eucharist celebration in the Cathedral at 10 a. by Bishop Thomas along with number of priests from Bhagalpur and close by mission stations. After the Eucharistic Celebration, all of them moved towards our residence for the blessing and inaugural ceremony which was done by Bishop by lighting the lamp followed by the prayer of blessing.
The mission of sisters which carried: to teach in the school, to take care of the medical work and to take care of catechetical and evangelization work in the parish. Though at the beginning they found difficult with the language, culture and environment, they happily, joyfully fulfilled their mission.
ST. ANNE’S CONVENT, PARASPADA
The community began on 2nd June, 2011 with the three sisters. The main object of their mission is: Apostolic, educational and developmental activities in Paraspada.Sisters received warm welcome from Fathers and villagers. They welcomed them whole heartedly to be in their midst. Sisters are staying in the residence of the father built mainly for the sisters. Till today we have been carrying out the service of educating the children, social and pastoral work and trying to reach out to the people in their needs.
OUR LADY OF PILLAR HOSPITAL, BARODA
It was the year 1960, the pre-Vatican era, when the seed of this future hospital was sown. The Gujarat region was not yet a diocese. At the invitation of the Ecclesiastical Superior of the Gujarat Mission, the sisters of Charity of St. Anne readily and willingly accepted the challenge of responding to the health care of the people of urban area. Under the delegate Sr. Maria Louisa Bonifaz, the pioneering mission work began.
The hospital, popularly known as “Lady Pillar” or “Pillar Hospital” had a humble beginning. A small rented house in the area of Fatehgunj served as the dispensary. The vision and mission of our Congregation is to spread the message of Christ through the healing ministry to all around us. This is the charism which our Founders: Mother Maria Rafols and Father John Bonal practiced in their life time. The Sisters dedicated themselves day and night, caring and serving the patients even sharing their own food to the needy.
The Baroda apostolic mission was carried on by our sisters who came from Spain. They were reaching out to the whole of the Baroda through mobile dispensary service, making a survey and studying the situation of the people. They took the next step to give service in the field of health education, prevention of disease health care, social upliftment of people etc. Within a short time, the need was increased of the health for expansion of the hospital. With the generous help and co-operation of friends and benefactors we acquired land for a hospital which would cater to the growing needs of our people. The delegation sacked monetary resources, but God is so kind and merciful! A project was prepared for the hospital and Misereor, the donor agency of Germany approved and funded the project.
On April 25th, 1965the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid. On October 12, 1971 a red-letter day, in the history of the hospital-the new hospital under the patronage of Our Lady of Pillar was solemnly blessed and inaugurated by the late Valerian Cardinal Gracias of Bombay.
To meet the increasing needs of the people, the hospital building was further extended in 1988. This extension is in a Physiotherapy Center, a special Operation Theatre with room for autoclave and doctor’s room., the Intensive Care Unit and Recovery rooms. In the year 1999, ICCU was further furnished with 4 bedside monitors, central monitors, defibrillator etc.
The centrally operated Oxygen system and suction started functioning since December 1997. The ICCU was further re-furnished with a Bipep, Ventilator, Pulse Oximeter, Pulmonic, A.C. UPS has been installed to assume a constant electricity supply. The hospital is privileged to have a well-trained and dedicated staff as well as Residential doctors round the clock at the service of our hospital specially for the ICCU patients.
To keep pace with present times the process of computerization in on billing, accounts etc. has been introduced. In 21st Century, health care is facing new challenges. People are more enlightened and health conscious. The expectation of quality health care is an issue too important to be sidelined. The rapid advances in the field medicine, science and technology, the fierce competition among increasing number of health providers the free sale of drugs over the counter, drastic changes in the spectrum of illnesses – all this has resulted in decreased number of common illnesses and an increase in the number of patients with critical illnesses.
OUR LADY OF PILLAR DISPENSARY, BHAVNAGAR
In the year1988, Rev. Bishop Gregory of Rajkot Diocese, State of Gujarat, sensed the poor health of the people of Bhavnagar District, decided to have clinical Establishment in District of Bhavnagar for the benefit of the poor and marginalized. Having this Vision and Mission of health in mind, he invited us “Sisters of Charity of St. Anne’ to take up the noble task of serving the poor people.
In the year 1988 three sisters came to Bhavnagar and took a rented house for a year. They took a rented clinical room at Shantilal Shah Foundation to start a general clinic to serve poor people. During this period, before the sisters could plan out for General Hospital, Bishop sensed the urgent needs of the Leprosy affected patients of Government Hospital who were least attended because of the poor infrastructure and lack of sufficient care takers. Bishop requested sisters to serve the leprosy affected patients, which was an urgent need to be taken up. Sisters, immediately responded to Rev. Bishop Gregory and approached the Government officials, and made an agreement with them a new institution called “Navjeevan Society” In 1989 sisters took up the complete charge of the leprosy hospital.
Sisters served leprosy affected patients till 2008. During 2006, the institution took up the task of serving HIV/AIDS clients, providing care and support, and counseling. Meanwhile Global fund under NACO – PFI and CBCI there were urgent needs to look after the HIV affected clients. The Institution responded to this project in 2008 and worked under this project upto 2012 by establishing a Community Care Centre. The main motto: to serve the marginalized and poor through providing better health care facilities, to extent a hand of hope to the leprosy patients through medical and emotional care, to make a network of religious, Government and non-Government organizations for the wellbeing of marginalized, to serve the HIV/AIDS affected and Tuberculosis affected to live a dignified life. On 25th June, 2005 was the Inauguration and Blessing of the newly constructed Convent was done by Rev.Bishop Gregory Karotemperl.
SANDHYA VISHRAM, HOME FOR THE AGED – UNTESHWARI, KADI
Sisters of Charity of St. Anne inspired by their Charism of hospitality, set up a home for the elderly in 1994, at Unteshwari, Kadi called “Sandhya Vishram”. As the name suggests, it was felt that Love would provide leisure and rest to those at the dusk of their lives. These elders are not useless. They have their own identity and age specific role to fulfill. Understanding their houses and environment have been set up to provide them all facilities. They can enjoy being in the garden, being close to the Lord, leisure time in the recreation hall, wide corridors where they can stroll by themselves or with their colleagues.
Most them keep busy themselves in preparing candles, gardening, cutting vegetables etc. They feel very happy because they realize that they are able to contribute themselves and feel at home. At present we have 35 inmates who are cared, nurtured seeing their personnel needs as well as their spiritual needs. We, sisters of Charity of St. Anne are happy to render our service to them because at present they are not able to do anything and they are in need of someone who can help them.
JUNGLE HOSPITAL, MOTINALA
The mission of Motinala began on June 13th 1983. We were invited by Bishop Theophene to start our Community in Motinala. This land belonged to a Holand Priest and has given to the Parish as well as to us. He gave us seven to eight acres of land. He has given the agricultural land in order to earn the livelihood. He left the place of Motinala in 1991 and went back to Holand.
It was a joyful and memorable day for the Congregation of Sisters of Charity of St. Anne. Four sisters accompanied by Sr. Begonia reached to Motinala at 1.30 p.m. It was like jungle where they were afraid of wild animals. But God gave them courage and strength to evangelize and witness their life to the surrounding people. The main object is to achieve poor in the hospital and in the villages with the various levels. The main object is to teach them preventive methods.
MATRUCHHAYA, NADIAD
Matruchhaya Orphanage is an orphanage which is situated at Indira nagar, vaishali Road, Nadiad. Matruchhaya is Charity based institution. It mainly caters to the needs of the poor and the marginalized people. It runs under Sisters of Charity of St. Anne Trust. Sisters of Charity of St Anne a religious institution works in all the spheres of society. It provides its services like hospitals, schools, boardings, old age homes, orphanages etc. Matruchhaya mainly caters to the needs of the destitute, poor, abandoned, lost and orphan children in Nadiad.
The Primary mission of this institution is: To provide services for the poor, the destitute and the abandoned children and young adults. We provide them with shelter, education and rehabilitation. The child that enters into this home receives all the love, care, affection and above all personal attention as like any ordinary child in the society. We see to it that the child placed here do not lack anything.
With growing social concern and realizing the signs of times Sisters of Charity of St. Anne responded to these urgent needs of the abandoned, destitute and orphan children and launched the home for children which is named “Matruchhaya”.
Matruchhaya started functioning since 5th November 1980 and recognized by Social Defense Department of Gujarat State.
OUR LADY OF PILLAR CONVENT, SANAND
On 6th of June A new day is dawned in the history of Mother Pabla Province as we inaugurated the new mission at Sanand.
August 8th, 2015 was the day when a dream was completed for the Congregation of Sisters of Charity of St. Anne as well as the Church of Gujarat. The Province of Mother Pabla gladdened our hearts for fulfilling its vision to establish a nursing school, social center, and hostel for the benefit. of the poor girls in Sanand Taluka, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat to elevate their knowledge and earn their livelihood. Bishop Thomas Macwan inaugurated the nursing school, hostel and social center along with many other priests and sisters. We, the congregation of Sisters of Charity of St. Anne are ever grateful to the diocese for inviting us to take up this mission of God.
OUR LADY OF PILLAR HOSTEL & DISPENSARY, VIJAYNAGAR
On 21st April 1983 God sent us to Preach the Good News, to give Gospel Values to the Mission of Vijayanagar. A new Community was formed with three sisters and began our mission towards the poor and the neediest as Our Founder Mother Maria Rafols shown in her life.
The main motto was to begin a Hostel and a Dispensary. On 11th May, a camp was arranged for the girls. There were 42 girls who took part. The sisters started Catechism in the villages, Hygiene class to the ladies and medical help to the people of the villages.
The untiring work of sisters flourished Vijayanagar mission. The development we could see that in the hostel we have around 300 girls from K.G. to 12th standard and few of them have already decided to work in God’s Vineyard. Let us thank the Lord for the sisters who lavishly spent their time and talents to bring the mission in fruitful way.
SNEHADHARA DISPENSARY & BOARDING, MANDAL
Mandal is a very beautiful village situated 2 kms away from the highway between “Vyara” and “Songhad” Snehadhara is located in the centre of Mandal.
On 12th June, 1987, being a Sunday, sisters were welcomed during the Holy Eucharist by Fr. Corral. The sisters did not have any convent, so they had to live in a house as that of Adivasi house prepared with mud for them. They fathers and Christian brothers who were staying there in the same way of mud house.
The sisters began their missionary activities in Mandal and the surrounding villages. By visiting them, listening to their difficulties, mingling with them, and praying for them.
At the beginning there were only 15 girls in the hostel. Today, in the hostel we have 120 hostel girls, nutrition programmes, catechism, Mahila Mandal under parish, training for the health workers and youth groups.
Today Mandal has a new face. It is enriched with many educated people both men and women. “Snehadhara” has an attractive hotel for girls, a well-equipped flourished dispensary, where mobile dispensary carried on in different villages.
ST. XAVIER’S SCHOOL, SHAMGAHAN
The community of Shamghan started on 25th May, 1995. It is a remarkable day for the Province of Mother Pabla. One more community added to the province. The new community had started with a mission of school, dispensary and village work. This mission is Under the Diocese of Baroda and belong to the Parish of Pimpri.
On 28th began the mission. sisters started going to the villages for Mass. They also began the Mobile dispensary, distributing medicines and caring in their physical needs. They hostel for girls with not much facilities but they could manage them.
On 2nd June, 1995 it was the time for admission of the hostel. On 5th June, 1995 the community was formed with three sisters. Each one of them started their mission which was entrusted to them. At present we have our own residence with good hostel facilities. We have around 150 hostel girls. Hostel, school, dispensary and pastoral work is carried out.
PABLA VILLA, NEW DELHI
The Province of Mother Pabla Bescos extended to the North of India when the New Province opened a new community at New Delhi. It had foreseen the necessity and the need of the place to have a transit house in Delhi.
The new community began on 27th April 2006 formed with 3 sisters and 4 candidates. We also began the prison ministry and crutch. Lately we had closed down the house of Delhi but now again in the year 2023 September the community of New Delhi is re-opened. Sisters are working the diocesan pastoral center also in the high court
