On May 22nd, the feast of St. Joaquina, the Vedruna Province of India has the joy of opening a new Vedruna community at Raichur, in the Bellary Diocese of Karnataka state.
From the 16th of May 2025 onwards the preparation of the inauguration of the new community began when Sr. Daisy CCV, the provincial, accompanied Srs. Veronica and Dipika from Mumbai to Raichur. Sr. Leena joined them in the evening and Srs. Shital, Neelam and Albina followed and arrived on the 18th. From then onwards they all worked in setting up all the things a community would require.
The new house is named “Karunalaya”, whose meaning is “compassion”. We chose this name because we want what St. Joaquina desired: to transmit the compassionate face of Jesus to all the people. This new community has begun with 6 sisters. They will sow the seed of the Vedruna Charism and serve the people through our three fold mission. The sisters will teach in the Infant Jesus School and College as well as take care of the pastoral visits and health service.
This beautiful day began with a short welcome ceremony by the students and staff of the school and college. We were blessed with the presence of Reverend Bishop Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary Diocese. Sr. Daisy CCV, Provincial of the Province of India, along with Sr. Dolly CCV, Provincial councillor graced the occasion by cutting the ribbon and opening the door of the new house. This was followed by Bishop Henry honouring the presence of Joaquina in the new community by blessing the Relic and picture with flowers and the lighting of the lamp, symbolising Christ the light who will guide the community of sisters. Sr. Daisy then read out the decree of the foundation of the new community.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop and concelebrated by Fr. Sam. the manager of Infant Jesus school; Fr. Mari Swamy, Principal of Infant Jesus college; and Fr. Robert, who played a pivotal role in writing the first invitation letter to the Vedruna Provincial. During the Eucharist, the Bishop encouraged the sisters to live united and to be witnesses of the compassionate Jesus through their life and service. At the end of the Eucharist, Sr. Daisy appointed Sr. Veronica as the Community Coordinator for three years.
We were happy to have three sisters of the Vijayapura community joining in this joyous celebration. Many staff and some parishioners along with religious sisters from Raichur graced us with their presence.
This day would not be possible without the support of our General Team, the sisters of our Province and so many others with their prayers and encouragement.
Sr. Dolly Michael, ccv
