The Central Delegation is blessed with two communities under the loving patronage of Mother Mary, Queen of the Rosary. Though their names are similar, their stories are distinct. The first is Holy Rosary Convent, the pioneering community of the Delegation, established in 1947. The second is Queen of the Rosary Convent, the youngest, established in 2023. Yet both rest securely within our Mother’s mantle, cherished by her care and protection. Queen of the Rosary Convent came into being on the very same campus, but with a new and timely mission: to care for the elderly members of our Catholic community.
In our times, honouring our seniors has become a crucial need of society. With this vision, our Superior General, Very Rev. Sr Susheela Sequeira and her Council, planned a Senior Citizens’ Home. It was born from a deep conviction — that those parents and elders who gave us life, who nurtured us in human and spiritual values, who upheld the dignity of family, deserve to be surrounded in their evening years with the same love, honor, care, and dignity they once gave so generously.
Queen of the Rosary Convent is nestled on Seminary View, I Cross, directly opposite the St Joseph Workshop run by the Mangalore Diocese. The campus welcomes all with a large gate, a threshold that opens not just to buildings, but to a home of peace. As one enters, the very first sight is the Holy Rosary Convent Chapel — a quiet reminder that prayer is the heart of this place. To its right stands the Holy Rosary Ladies’ Hostel, alive with youthful energy. Further in, set amidst lush green trees and a beautiful garden, is Queen of the Rosary Convent. Within its walls is the Senior Citizens’ Home, a place planned with tender care for the evening years of life. Crossing into the building, one is greeted by another green garden. On the left side of this garden stands the statue of Mother Mary, Queen of the Rosary, encircled by gentle fountains. The sound of water, the shade of trees, and the presence of our Mother create a scene of such beauty that it draws both visitors and residents into a spirit of calm and belonging. It is truly a place where nature, prayer, and care come together.
The journey of Queen of the Rosary Convent began with faith and prayer. The foundation stone was laid on 20th January 2020 by Very Rev. Sr Susheela Sequeira, Superior General. She was accompanied by her Councillors, Sr Jeraldine D’Souza, the Central Delegate Superior, with her Council, and the Sisters of Holy Rosary Convent. Their presence marked the unity and support of the whole Delegation for this new mission. Rev. Fr James D’Souza, the Parish Priest, blessed the foundation stone, entrusting the work to God’s providence and to the care of Mother Mary, Queen of the Rosary. The work of construction was placed in capable hands. Mr Nitin Raj, the Architect, and Mr Richard Rodrigues, the Contractor, both skilled and dedicated in their work, were entrusted with bringing the vision to life. Thus, what began as a dream in the heart of the leadership slowly took shape in brick and stone, rooted in prayer and carried forward by many helping hands. The project of construction was made possible through the resources from the salary of our Sisters in the European Region. Their sacrifice and generosity became the foundation on which this house stands today. Sr Lydia Serrao, Councillor General and Coordinator for Land and Building, gave of her time and energy with great dedication. Under the direction of the Superior General, she supervised the work and followed every detail minutely, ensuring that the vision was carried out faithfully. The COVID pandemic slowed the speed of the work, but it could not touch the hope and zeal of the Sisters. With trust in God and in Mother Mary, the work continued. It was carried forward by the next Generalate team, headed by Very Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, who saw the project through to completion.
The new house was blessed and inaugurated on 7th October 2023 — the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary — a fitting day for a home placed under her name. Very Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General, inaugurated the Convent, marking the official beginning of its mission. Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, blessed the house, consecrating it as a place of peace, prayer, and care. On the same day, he also blessed the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the inside garden, entrusting all who would live and visit there to her maternal protection. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop and concelebrated by many priests. It was a day of joy and gratitude. Present for the celebration were officials from the Generalate and Provincialates of the Congregation, the neighbouring communities of the Ursuline Franciscans, members of the Ursuline Franciscan Lay Association of Holy Rosary Unit, and many friends and well-wishers who had walked with the project from the beginning. It was not just the opening of a building, but the beginning of a home — a home where faith, fellowship, and service would take root. Once the house was ready, its administration was entrusted to Sr Alice Serrao, the first Superior and Administrator. She was joined by her pioneering community: Sisters Severine Carl, Reena Miranda, and Rosha Kujur. Sr Jeraldine D Souza, the Central Delegate Superior, guided them regularly in those early days. The Superior General and her Council remained keenly attentive to uphold the tone and purpose of this house. Their supervision and guidance were always available to the pioneers, helping the mission to take firm root. Now, Sr Sumana Wilma Pinto, who succeeded Sr Jeraldine as Central Delegate Superior, oversees the overall running of the institution. The present community Sisters Alice Serrao, Jeraldine D Souza, Severine Carl, Reshma K.A., Prathima DSouza, Sara Rebello, and Jenifer lovingly care for the residents and for the upkeep of the institution. Thus, what began with sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance has become a living home, sustained by the same spirit of service.
The Senior Citizens’ Home, being in the heart of Mangalore City, draws people from far and near — and even from overseas. Its location is a blessing. Churches, hospitals, banks, bus stops, and railway stations are all in its vicinity. The Mangalore airport is not too far either, making it accessible for family members who come to visit. The construction of the house was planned with care for the elderly. One can easily climb the stairs and ramps. A lift is available to all the floors, so movement is safe and comfortable for everyone. For daily life, there are recreation, dining, and exercise halls that can be used whenever required. The open yard and inner garden are much loved. Here residents enjoy indoor games, reading newspapers, and quiet relaxation. Birthday parties of the residents are celebrated here, or in the hall on the third floor. There is also enough space for morning and evening walks, so the body and spirit both find refreshment. At the centre of it all is a beautiful chapel. It draws the heart inward, and there the Lord seems to invite each resident: “You who are weary, come in and rest a while.”
The rhythm of prayer gives the home its tone.
Every day at 6:00 p.m., the residents recite the Rosary together with the Sisters.
On Thursdays, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is conducted by the Sisters in both English and Konkani.
On Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., Sunday Mass is celebrated for them.
Before breakfast, there is the Angelus and a short morning prayer.
Before lunch, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed.
Thus, in this house, care for the body goes hand in hand with care for the soul. It is a place where residents are not only housed, but held in prayer, community, and love.
The life of the home is marked by faith, culture, and joy through the year. Each celebration brings the residents and Sisters together in gratitude and togetherness. The yearly events celebrated here are:
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast of Mary Queen of the most Holy Rosary – honouring the patroness
of the Convent
Christmas – with carols, sharing and the joy of the new-born Christ
Easter – celebrating the resurrection with hope and new life
Assumption of our Lady, combined with Independence Day – a beautiful
blending of devotion and national pride
Feast of St Francis, the Congregational feast, with the Transitus of St Francis celebrated on the previous evening – remembering the spirit of simplicity and peace
Deepavali – sharing light and warmth with all residents
Domestic Helpers’ Day –recognizing and thanking those who serve quietly
Senior Citizens’ Day – honouring the dignity, wisdom, and presence of the elders themselves.
These feasts and observances give rhythm to the year. They are not just dates on a calendar, but moments when faith is lived, friendships deepen, and the home truly feels like a family.
On the topmost floor, a spacious hall has been set aside for common celebrations. It serves both the residents and the Sisters of the Central Delegation whenever they have occasions to celebrate. This hall has already witnessed many memorable occasions. After the inauguration of the house on 7th October 2023, the felicitation programme was held here. On 12th April 2024, the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Sr Severine Carl, Sr Anni D Souza, and Sr Hilda Albuquerque was celebrated in this very space. Each year on 7th October, the Feast of Holy Rosary is celebrated here jointly by both Convents. The residents themselves also find much joy here. They celebrate their birthdays and wedding anniversaries in this hall, often with family members who join them. With due information to the Administrator/Superior, these occasions become moments of warmth, sharing, and gratitude. Thus, the hall is not just a place of celebration. It is also a space where care is planned, and the family spirit of the home is kept alive. Once a year, a common meeting with the residents is held. The Administrator listens to them, answers their queries, and shares general information and guidelines. Apart from this, guidance is also given in common gatherings or personally whenever needed.
When hospitalization is required, it is done only after proper information and with the permission of the family members responsible for the resident. For minor ailments, physicians are called to the institution, or the residents are taken to the out-patient ward of the hospital.
Mrs. Maria Beda Mabel D’Souza was the first resident to join our Senior Citizens’ Home on 6th November 2023. She was also the first to be called to eternity, on 18th January 2026. Next to enter into the Father’s house was Mr Michael Mothes D Souza, on 8th April. Mrs Sabina Crasta aged 92 years passed away on 14.08.2026. They are the first fruits of the garden dedicated to the Queen of the Rosary, now resting in our Father’s bosom, and their memory remains a blessing to this home.
At present, there are 30 residents: 6 couples, 4 men, and 14 ladies. Except for three who use a wheelchair, all the others are active and manage things on their own. They are free to visit their families and friends, and to attend family programmes, with prior information to the Administrator and arrangements made by their loved ones. In this way, the bond with family is respected and nurtured.
On 16th November 2023, two brothers, Mr Lawrence and Mr James, the old students of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters at Kelarai, generously donated a Bolero vehicle for the use of the institution. This act of kindness was initiated through the instrumentality of their beloved teacher, late Sr Barbara Franko. In gratitude, a felicitation programme was organized on that day by Very Rev. Sr Milly Fernandes, Superior General, and her Council. Many other old students also attended, making it a day of joy and thanksgiving. It has been almost 3 years since the inception of Queen of the Rosary Convent and the Senior Citizens’ Home. What began with prayer, sacrifice, and the generosity of many Sisters and friends has become a living home. The committed service of the Sisters bears fruit each day in the lives of the elderly men and women entrusted to their care. To see their smiling faces, to hear their prayers, and to walk with them in their last years this is the greatest consolation for those who serve.
This house stands not only as brick and mortar, but as a place of dignity, prayer, and family. The Sisters hope that it continues to be a home where the weary find rest, where faith is lived in simplicity, and where every resident feels loved, remembered, and held in God’s hands. Under the mantle of Queen of the Rosary, may this mission grow from strength to strength, bearing witness to the Ursuline Franciscan spirit of care and compassion for generations to come.
