Sr M Jyothsna BS
Superior
Members of the Community
Convent building
Tailoring classes
Educational ministry
Hostel ministry
Hospital ministry
1.Bethany Presence at Kinnigoli
It was on the invitation from Rev. Fr Immanuel Rebello, the Parish Priest of Kirem, Fr Founder along with Sr Raphael, Sr Petra, Sr Assumpta and Sr Placid arrived in Kinnigoli (Kirem) on Monday, 2nd June 1931. They received a loving welcome from Fr Immanuel Rebello and Fr Marian Castelino, the Parish Priest of Balkunje along with a large number of parishioners.
2.Settlement and Early Mission
The pioneers with Sr Raphael, the Superior, resided in a small house of Mr Benjamin D Souza of Damaskatte, duly blessed by Fr. Immanuel Rebello. The sisters had to vacate that house within six months and shift their community to a rented house near Kinnigoli. A school was built at Kondipalke on the border of Kirem and Kinnigoli at a great cost and sacrifice. The School soon began to grow and flourish.
Within a short period, Rev. Fr George Menezes, the then Parish Priest of Kirem, expressed his desire that the girls of Kirem parish be educated at Kirem itself. Hence the girls of both parishes were admitted to the schools of their respective parishes. In the painful glare, the sisters had to move from Kondipalke to Kinnigoli and reside in a rented house. Meanwhile, the parish of Kinnigoli donated some vacant land to the sisters to build the Convent.
3.Maryvale Convent Building
On 11th February 1932, Fr. Founder along with Mother Martha, Sr Magdeline and Sr Josephine arrived at Kinnigoli to sink a well in the new plot for the sisters. On 21st November 1932, on the feast of Presentation of our Lady, the foundation stone for Maryvale Convent building was laid by Fr Founder himself in the presence of the Parish Priest and the Sisters of the Community. Then by the grace of God, the assistance of our Lady of Immaculate Conception and the persevering efforts of Fr Founder, Maryvale Convent building came into existence near the Parish Church, Kinnigoli.
Ever since, the Sisters of Maryvale render commendable service to the parish community and society. In the course of time, Sisters, through their loving service became one with the people. As a result, Kinnigoli Parish and Maryvale Orphanage became the cradle of vocations to Religious life.
4.Celebration of Bethany presence of 75 years (1931 – 2006)
The 2nd July 2006 was a memorable day in the history of Maryvale Convent. It was a day to rejoice and recount the blessings of the past 75 years of Bethany presence, as sisters celebrated their Platinum Jubilee. A solemn thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was held at the Immaculate Conception Church, Kinnigoli, officiated by Rev. Fr Patrick Rodrigues, the then Parish Priest. Sr Jyoti BS, the Superior General of Bethany Congregation, presided over the felicitation programme.
5.Developmental works
Maryvale Convent building was renovated with the construction of a new spacious chapel and extension of the building in 2013. It was blessed on 23rd November 2013 by Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, and Inaugurated by Sr Wilberta, the Superior General of the Congregation.
6.Maryvale Apostolates
Educational
We have at present four educational institutions in the campus.
a)Little Flower Primary School (Kannada Medium) – Estd. 1931
The Little Flower Hr Pry School was started in 1931 to empower the girl children. It was purely for the education of girls. Sr Raphael BS was the first Headmistress of the School. From the year 2016-17, boys too are admitted in the school. Sr Hilda Rodrigues is the present headmistress.
b)Little Flower High School (Kannada Medium) - Estd. 1941
In 1941 Little Flower High School was started. It was the first High school of the Bethany Educational Society, Mangalore, meant exclusively for girls. From the year 1988, boys too were admitted to the High School. Ms Jessy Fernandes was the first Headmistress of the School. Sr Leera Maria is the present headmistress.
c)Maryvale Hr Pry School (English Medium) – Estd. 1997
Under the leadership of Sr Electa, UKG & I Std was started in 1997. Now it is one of the leading schools in Kinnigoli. Sr Jacintha D Souza is the present Headmistress.
d)Maryvale High School (English Medium) – Estd. 2006
Maryvale Hr Pry School was upgraded as Maryvale High school with 61 students in VIII Std in the year 2006. It is catering to the educational needs of Kinnigoli and other neighboring villages. Sr Shanthi Agnes is the present Headmistress.
Hostel Ministry
Being moved by the sad plight of girl children who were deprived of education, Fr Founder opened a home with the name, Maryvale Orphanage at Kinnigoli. With this move, girls from remote places as well as parentless children from various places got an opportunity to get educated in our own institutions. The orphanage also became a nursery of vocations to our Congregation. At present Sr Vithalia serves as Hostel Warden.
Maryvale Tailoring Centre
Maryvale tailoring Centre was started in 1982, to empower women, girls and dropouts of rural area through tailoring classes. Sr Afflicta who was the pioneer of this project continues the same till today.
Medical Apostolate
Sisters manage the Concetta Hospital of the Diocesan trust from the year 1986. Dr Sr Lelian was appointed as the first Director of the hospital. At present Dr Sr Jeevitha works as the Director of the hospital.
Social Apostolate
Sanjeevini, the unit under Concetta Hospital came into existence in the year 1996 with its noble aim to bring about integrated community health to all, particularly to the weaker sections of the society. It works for the empowerment of women through SHG, awareness programs and community health services. Sr Agnesia was the first animator of the project. At present Sr Hope is in charge of this project.
Pastoral Ministry and BLA
Sisters are fully involved in the Pastoral ministry of the Parish namely,
-Teaching of Catechism and preparing children for First Communion.
-In charge of CLC unit of girls and women association.
-Membership in SVP, Parish bulletin and parish council.
-PAT training and SCC meetings in the wards.
-Liturgy and Eucharistic Ministry
-Family visits once a week and oftener as per need.
-BLA meetings once a month
7.Sisters service in the Parish School
St Mary`s Special School to the mentally challenged children was started in Kinnigoli Parish in the year 1997. Sr Sylvine Sequeira served in this institution as its first Headmistress, providing dedicated and inspiring leadership in managing the school of the parish.
8.Maryvale Convent today
Presently there are 30 sisters involved actively in various Apostolates of the community and Pastoral ministry. Elderly and sick sisters engage themselves in the Praying ministry. We are grateful to God and our Blessed Mother, the Patroness of Maryvale, for the abundant blessings we receive every day.Sr M Jyothsna BS
is the present superior of the convent.
Year of establishment : 02.06.1931