Diocese: Mangalore
Pioneers: Srs Leeda Sanctis, Winnie D’Costa and Jyothi Shera
For God to be with us would mean that he guides and inspires us, protects and rescues us, sustains and nourishes us, always attending to our needs and fulfilling our wants – these both communitarian and individual. With this assurance and trust in the providence of God, our former Superior General Very Rev. Sr Doreen D’Souza was inspired to respond to the need of having a Palliative Care Centre for our Sisters, so that we could extend the best service of love and affection of our Lord to the terminally sick patients. These patients need spiritual and moral strength and support from the care takers.
Saturday 7th June 2014 was a memorable day on which the long-awaited dream of our Superior General Very Rev. Sr Doreen D’Souza came to realization. The new edifice was named ‘SHALOM’ was inaugurated by our Superior General and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore Diocese who also officiated at the solemn Eucharistic Celebration along with the other con-celebrants. A large number of Sisters, formees, and UFLA members and other well-wishers participated in the inaugural solemnity.
The pioneering members were three in number namely Srs, Leeda Sanctis, Winnie D’Costa and Jyothi Shera. The new community in its infancy stage was supported by the Generalate community and was placed directly under the administration of the Generalate. At present it is under the Central Delegation, an administrative unit of the Congregation which takes care of those convents which are directly under the Generalate.
‘SHALOM’ has taken care of the sick Sisters who were here for their treatment. Sr Marie Therese who was terminally ill was shifted from Holy Rosary Convent when her condition grew worse and was helped to pass away peacefully surrounded by loving care and prayerful support.
Besides palliative care the sisters are entrusted with various apostolates like health ministry, education and pastoral assistance such as teaching catechism, attending SCC prayers, Ward meetings, visiting the families and the sick people. At present there are four Sisters in ‘Shalom’ among whom three teach in the school. While imparting secular knowledge they strive to inculcate in the children the spiritual moral, ecological values and love for the Nation.
