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PAGE DEDICATED TO THOSE DEVOUT WOMEN
Sisters served and serving at IHM Convent Barkur, for the
last thirty years had their contribution in formulating the future
of hundreds of youth specially educating girls through the famous
Mary knoll Girl’s High School. It is not mere academic syllabus,
but the social and moral values they inculcated in the minds of
teens at that crucial age, now respectfully remembered by most of
the old students.
Somewhere in the year, 1970, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Rosario, the
then Parish Priest, convinced Sisters of Charity, to have a
Convent at this historical Barkur. Now here, on the famous site –
Simhasana Gudde, from where Kings and
Queens
reigned, stands well-built structure, a chapel and a two story
High School Building with all possible modern facilities. A well
maintained boarding home near the Friday market is the latest
addition!
Of course at the time I was pursuing my High School studies, the
doors of Mary knoll high school not opened to male students, but
later both my sisters and brother come out with SSLC from here. My
first encounter started during our Primary School days, it was in
the year 1970-71, one middle aged sister, started teaching us
Mathematics in the 5th Standard. Then one more hand
joined namely Sr. Jane Paul, who taught us Hindi in 7th,
also instrumental in starting Bulbul group for girls in the
Primary School.
Thereafter it was only during Sunday catechism, if we attend, some
sisters used to teach us, but most of the time, rather than
studying, the time was wasted in making fun – both teacher and
young girls. It is during days in ICYM, we realized the great
works of few sisters who identified themselves with youth.
Sr.Lucretia, Sr. Paula, Sr. Ilaria along with their
professional and vocational responsibilities. Others like Sr.
Pauline, Sr. Alphonsa and many more whose names I cannot
re-collect, worked with us towards a common goal.
The Choir at the Church, arrangements for liturgy, decorating the
interiors for special occasions, preparing children for Holy
Communion, Confirmation, training youngsters in fine arts, routine
visits to the sick… etc though looks small job, but has become
part of our / their life and responsibility on their shoulders.
Even after leaving Barkur, I was very much impressed by Sister
Mable, Sr. Carobina and many more in the list.
Yes, the way I’ve forgotten many important names, the Barkurian
society too at large done so. I hardly heard of any send-off
organized or any function to honor someone in public. The media,
social organizations, the public come out with praises and laurels
once one achieves great things. Such people are just a fraction or
less than one in hundred, but an average achiever stands no-where!
I must not be wrong if write ‘the services and sacrifices of many
such devout and dedicated women gone down into the history with no
recognition’. I also understand good number of Barkurian born nun
sisters are doing commendable social work at far off places in
India and developing continents like
Africa.
It is the wish of Barkur online Host and his Team to introduce
them, but have strong reservations how to fetch the facts!
Few days back, I asked one of them to get me her profile - she
respectfully turned down the request and told me they are no way
near to Mother Theresa, a perfect example to be a model, and
written me the Popes quote, “the mother of the poor, her life
is a testimony to the dignity and the privilege of humble service.
She has chosen to be not just the least, but to be the servant of
the least”
On behalf of Barkur online and ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association
P.Archibald Furtado,
Muscat,
7th December 2003. |
