Sr M Kanthi BS
Superior
Members of the Community
Convent building
Teaching catechism
Medical ministry
Bethany Convent, Depacherra was started as an offshoot of the Convent of Agartala. In 1985 Srs Isabella and Christine Noronha from the Holy Cross Convent Agartala started touring South Tripura.
Mission in the early years 1985 – 1986:- The Sisters were daring missionaries and spent 15-20 days in the villages. They learnt the local language Bengali and catechised the people, taught prayer, hymns, adult education, conducted health awareness programmes, immunisation programmes, and coaching classes for the students from Bengali Medium, and treated the sick with various illness. In 1985 a mission was established when the Diocese decided to start an independent mission at Depacherra. Late Bishop Denzil D’souza, the then Bishop of Silchar, and Fr Jose Sarpathil csc, Parish Priest of Mariamnagar turned to the Bethany Sisters. Sr Lillis, the then Provincial Superior, gladly accepted the invitation and a new collaboration was born.
In 1987 the Sisters rented an old house at Rangacherra village. They taught in Christ King School presently known as Holy Cross School. Sr Christine the nurse was replaced by Sr Malathi in 1987. Sisters started full time village work alongside teaching.
In 1988 Sr Assumpta Maria joined the team. A modest Convent building was built. The new Convent building was inaugurated on 12 July 1988 by Late Bishop Denzil D’souza the then Bishop of Silchar. Sr Lillis, the then Provincial Superior, Sisters and Fathers from various communities and a large number of people of the locality were present on this joyful event. Sr Aquinas was the first Superior. Sr Isabella, Sr Malati and Sr Assumpta Maria were the other community members. The community moved into the new house on 16 July 1988 on the Foundation day of the Congregation.
To begin the multidimensional mission, St Joseph’s dispensary was established and Sr Malathi a trained nurse took charge of it. Along with treating people she also moved out to the villages with a number of heath programmes. The same programmes are continued by the Sister Nurses who took charge of the dispensary in subsequent years. Three Sisters teach in the parish school. One of them is appointed as the Headmistress. Along with teaching academics they also take full responsibility for the day today running of the School. The Sisters also visit the far flung villages with a number of programmes like health, catechising and Sunday masses. The Province decided to start a Vocational Training Centre in answer to the needs of the women of the locality. The centre was formally inaugurated on 10 February 1991. Sr Assumpta Maria took charge of it. The centre provided 18 months course in weaving, knitting, tailoring and embroidery, besides literacy, first aid, Home remedies and food preservative skills.
The history continues in the present scenario. At present Sr Kanti is appointed as Headmistress of the School. Sr Praxides works in the office as well and teaches the students. Sr Alice Thomas is working in the dispensary as a nurse and Sr Celestina teaches in the school. She is also appointed hostel in charge which belongs to the Parish. There are 124 boarders.
There were three vocations to the congregation from this parish in Sr Sabina Uchoi, Sr Lucy Uchoi and Sr Elizabeth Uchoi. The Sisters continue the mission of the Lord serving humanity with utmost zeal.
Year of establishment : 13.07.1988
