Mazarello convent school
Sahera. Via Tetri. Namkum
P.O. Ranchi, Jharkhand 834010
In 1990, the Provincial and her Council was studying the possibility of having its own novitiate in the province, to have the formation in loco. This was gradually being realized in 1990 as the Province purchased 6.5 acres of land in Namkum, Ranchi situated in Bihar State. His Grace Most Rev. Telesphore P. Toppo, the Archbisop of Ranchi gave permission to begin an educational centre and requested the Provincial to start an English Medium School since Bihar state is backward in literacy. Accordingly the plan for the building was proposed and the work began immediately.
It was decided to build the residence of the Sisters adjacent to the school. Since there was enough space it was suggested to have also the Novitiate in the same community.
The dream gradually unfolded and was realized in 1993 when the residential structure was completed. On 9th May 1993, birthday of Mother Mazzarello, His Grace, Most Rev. Telesphore P. Toppo Archbishop of Ranchi, blessed and inaugurated the new house. This new centre was placed under the patronage of our Mother and co-foundress St. Mary Mazzarello and was named Mazzarello Convent. The community was situated within the jurisdiction of Hesag parish run by the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Jesuits came from ATC (Agricultural Training Centre) Namkum for the daily Mass.
The community then consisted of:
Sr. Rose Civiero - The animator
Sr. Francesca Martina
Sr. Lily D. Souza
Sr. Angela Kerketta
Into these hectic activities of the community the Gateway to FMA Life the novitiate was brought in. The novitiate was canonically erected by Rev. Mother Antonio Colombo, the then Superior General and her Council on 24th November 1993. It was inaugurated on 8th December 1993 by His Grace Most Rev. Telephore P. Toppo Archbishop of Ranchi.
The Novitiate of Kolkata Province thus began its journey of Formation on 24th November 1993 with the return of the five second year and two first year.
Sr. Mary Philomena Prabalanathan, who had a rich experience in the field of formation, was appointed as the First Novice Mistress of the Province and Sr. Emilia Vas, the Assistant of the novices in November 1993. Sr. Emilia Vas was sent for a three months course on formation before she could take up her assignment.