12. Mary Queen Convent, Karkal

Sr M Helen Mary BS
Superior

 Members of the Community

Convent building

 Educational ministry

Pastroal ministry

Bethany Lay Association

 

A call to the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany to serve in the parish of Christ King Church, Karkal came through late Rev. Fr Joe Noronha, who was the then parish priest of Karkal.

 
Mother Macrina, the Superior General of the Congregation was pleased to open a house of Bethany on 31st May 1959 on the feast day of the Queen-ship of Mary. The convent was named as Mary Queen Convent, Karkal. Sr Sylvia was the first superior and Sr Julia, Sr Alfreeda, Sr Rosine and Sr Ancilla were the first members of the community. Among five Sisters, four were teaching in the parish school.

The first community was erected in a classroom of the school, which was converted into residence as directed by the parish priest. However, after six months, the parish priest ordered the sisters to live in a rented house opposite to the church. Mother Mary the queen and mother of Bethany would always protect these sisters under her loving mantle.

In 1960 Ms Ritty Carvallo, the Headmistress of Christ King Higher Primary School, resigned her post and Sr Alfreeda was appointed as the Headmistress of the church school at Karkal.

At present Sr Helen Mary animates the community. Only one sister Sr Usha is teaching in the school and is the Headmistress of Christ King Higher Primary School. The Sisters assisted at Substation, Hirgan until it became a parish. They extend their services as per the need at Miyar and Attur parishes.

Looking back, one can see that the Lord was with the Bethany Sisters as cloud by day and fire by night. The inmates of Mary Queen Convent recall with gratitude the hidden services of Sr Jovita who powerfully witnessed to the compassionate love of Jesus particularly to the little children whom the people remember with love. She taught the tiny tots of Christ king English medium School for many years. On the foundation of her hard work there stands Christ King English Medium School which is managed by a Trust. The community is grateful for the protection of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
                        
Year of Establishment    : 31.05.1959