(a co M llecti E o E n o M f M 75 be O autifu I l R m R emories) CSN Christ Jyothi Provincialate

We are a fortunate congregation that most of us have lived with our founders.We have been accompanied by our founders for more than 50 years! Nothing but gratitude should lift up our hearts for the indescribable gifts we have received during these years. 'Memoir ' is an effort to recollect 75 beautiful memories regarding the origin, nurturing and growth of our Congregation and the memories of our affectionate founders.This 'Memoir ' will surely help many of us to cherish our memories and the young ones to know the congregation and the founders indepth.May this book fill you with more zeal and enthusiasm in this platinum jubilee year. Surrendering all of you to the intercession of our founding fathers Sr.Latha CSN Provincial Superior Christ Jyothi Province Preface

HIS GRACE MAR.AUGUSTINE KANDATHIL

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The letter written to Fr. John Pinakkatt on1 8/2/1945. Blessings to Fr. John J Pinakkat, the Procurator of the Archdiocese! Grant to you permission to start an institution for young women (who after receiving sufficient education to enter a convent yet unable to do so due to financial inability) to lead a religious life and to do vocational activities, as well as a refugee home ( St. Magdalene’s home) at Paduvapuram. Ernakulam Archbishop Kandathil Augusthinose 2

" It is with great pleasure that I lay this foundation stone to an institution which is hoped to immense good to our young people , so many of whom are unemployed , and most of them are unlettered in domestic duties, a knowledge of which is essential for the happiness of our families.Providential it is that the right men have been chosen for the work, and I fondly hope that they will have the unstinted cooperation of all good people” From the speech delivered by His grace mar Augustine kandathil on laying foundation stone to our congregation. 3

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I offered the first Holy mass (St. Joseph’s feast day) in the Edakkunnu Chapel…Sisters were singinging in between. After that Bishop Mar.Tharayil celebrated the Pontifical Solemn Mass at the pandal outside. Singers were from the petty seminary. Adoration Sisters, Carmelites, and SD sisters from our Missam were present. Clarist sisters had retreat at Angamaly and sacred heart sisters could not come due to distance. After the Holy mass Bishop Tharayil conducted the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament…. 19 March 1948 ,Friday 6

... sisters from the sisters of destitute are entrusted to teach the new aspirants regarding religious life and other duties…… The superior general of that Congregation (S.D) Sr.Catherine, Sr.Xaviour, Sr. Scholastica are going to stay back and manage here. In the evening I met the 9 new aspirants to join this congregation. Other two aspirants are studying at Delhi in Lady Irwin College, to learn about the new mission to take place in this institution. After that I went around and saw the buildings – Chapel (3 statues are there, sacred heart, Mother Mary and St. Joseph.) Convent, refectory, toilets, bathrooms, kitchen etc. are cemented. work of Boundary wall is in progress. Stayed in the bungalow at night.

Edakkunnu. Holy mass at Convent chapel at 6.45 am. Car came from Kottayam by 10 am. Decided the enclosure of the convent in the evening. Kratha also decided and met Sr. Catherine and Co. and gave advice. Returned back to Ernakulam. Secretory and Kunjipailo accompanied. 19 March 1948, Saturday 7

His grace was very happy to see the plays of little children, the vegetables cultivated by our sisters and block members, cake made by our sisters etc. When we get the news of His visit to our convent, we use to clean everywhere. If he sees anything untidy he use to correct us. Whenever he comes in between he would meet us personally and enquire about our welfare and give us advice. - Sr. Jaseentha 8

9 Letter Written to Fr.Pinakkat on 14 March 1949 Blessings to Fr.John Pinakkat, The Director of Edakkunnu Convent! I hereby grant you permission to give veil to the new aspirants of the congregation of sisters of Nazareth (the congregation started in accordance with my order on 1946 December 8) on 18th march

and to admitt hem in the following order , 1.Menachery Ousep Anna 2. Valothil Varkey Martha 3.Elamkuttichira Chacko Anna 4.Tharayil Rappel Sara 5.Puthanparambil Job Thresya 6.Thaliyath Thoma Mariam 7.Alukka Ousep Mariam 8. Ukkan Varghese Mary and to begin the novitiate on 19th March. - Ernakulam Archbishop Mar.Augustine Kandathil

His grace had come for visit in the convent two months after my joining the convent.He even came to the kitchen to see around. We had a lot of mangoes in Edakkunnu at that year.We plucked the mangoes and collected and kept it in the kitchen to make mango thera( a traditional mango sweet).We were happy that we could make a lot of thera that year, but the kitchen wall was dirty due to the mango stains. When he saw this he enquired about what had happened. 10

We narrated the thera making story without any thought for the stained wall. He smiled and then said seriously,-“not even two years passed after making this building, but you have made it dirty” We apologized for our negligence. Though he scolded us we felt his love towards us. -Sr.Antonitte

Dress code of the Edakkunnu sisters was settled. The habit of Edakkunnu Sisters decided when fr.Pinakkatt, Sr.Catherine and Secretory father were here.Habit and all like Chunangamvely sisters. Blue Cross on the forehead. Blue thread for crucifix. Blue cord around the waist instead of belt. Only this changes are there. Dairy 17-01-1950 11

When Sr.Vincent and I come for holydays, Fr.Pinakkat used to send us to see our Bishop along with mother superior .He will enquire about our study place ……He asked us to remove our blue cord and made us wear it up to knee length, then asked us to walk. He said , “some priest say that your cords are too long and it get entangled with other things when you walk…..so say to fr. Pinakkatt that chord length up to knee is enough.We came twice for holidays during our study and we met his grace both the time. -Sr.Flowerette 12

We could see a divine grace at his face. He had great concentration when he prayed in knees. When we went to meet him once or twice we saw him coming out of the private chapel. When we went to meet him before going for nursing studies, he advised us this way- " First live as a sister, then become a nurse. Dont skip prayer, however busy you are at work" - Sr. vincent 13

Blessings To the members of congregation of sisters of Nazareth! I appoint Sr. Celine as your Mother General Srs. Josephina, Magdaline as councilors to the Superior General and Sr. Grace as Novitiate Mistress.Mother General will serve as the Mother superior of the Edakkunnu Convent as well. All These sisters shall start their service immediately and send me a report. All the members of the congregation must accept them. All the elected sisters should do their duty depending upon God, understanding themselves as 'mother' , for the praise of God and betterment of the congregation 14

Moreover all of you should concentrate on spiritual matters and be determined to become saints.After completing one month in your new service at respective places inform me in details via letter regarding the new service and superiors regarding the institution as well.Thereafter send the reports at least twice in a year . From Ernakulam Archbishop House , Archbishop Mar. Kandathil Agustinose

“ ……….We are indebted to you Your Excellency for your love and af ection to this congregation and institution, which is still in its childhood. Yes your grace we all know that you have started this institution and you are taking it forward….. from the letter written by Sr. Celine ( then the Mother General) on 30 -07-1954 15

I remember one incident. After we returned from Delhi completing home science studies both of us fell ill and were admitted in Ernakulam hospital .Fr.John Pinakkat was taking care of us. Food was sent from bishop house . One day Fr. Pinnakkatt had to go to some place urgently.So he entrusted us to fr.Chiramel,then the Cathedral vicar and his close friend.But due to busy schedule Fr. Chiramel had forgotten about it. 16

His grace called Fr. Chiramel in the afternoon and asked, “ what about the children. Fr. Pinakkat is not here,is he? Immediately Father Chiramel took his bicycle and came to us. By then food was sent from the bishop house. -Sr.John Mary

We had prepared songs and plays for the golden jubilee celebration of his priestly ordination.But His grace was very busy and had to go to Ernakulam immediately. We went to him with Child like freedom and said,- “We have prepared plays and songs for you,Kindly do not go without seeing our performances. ” he smiled and said, “Then play them now ,in this courtyard,I will go after watching them only” We played a drama –Agnes ,then and there.He was very happy about it. -Sr.Flowerette 17

I remember an occasion when we went meet His Excellency on his feast day… by the time we reached there many others had already wished him…Courtyard was full of gifts.We showed him the gift that we have brought for him.He was very happy….then he said to us ,showing the gifts in the courtyard, “You can take all you need” I felt his special love for us. -Sr.Flowerette 18

…..made arrangements to begin a new branch house for Edakkunnu Nazareth sisters at Marathakadath. VG,Secretory ,Fr.Pinakkatt and fr. Chiramel went to that place by car. Decided the rooms for those who stay there. JUNE 14, 1951 Regarding our fist branch house at Ernakulam 19

We remember visiting our Bishop before entering into the novitiate.He made us stand around him and gave advice regarding the willingness to undertake the sacrifices for the sake of Jesus. Sts.Peter and Paul jumped for joy that they were whipped for the sake of Jesus.In the the same way you should also accept the joys and sorrows of life. Sr.Lousia 20

His grace used to scold if he finds any negligence or failure in duty.If he finds a single mistake in the letter typed,he wanted it to be typed anew again……. One day he scolded me in the evening…I went to bed around 10 pm….Bishop was already at bed.Lights were off. After a few minutes I heard someone knocking at my doors. i got up and opened the door. 21

I saw his Exellency standing at my door bowing his head and joning the hands. He said ,-“Fr.Thomas ,I was very arrogant to you today.I might not have done that.I am Sorry.I couldn’t get sleep without telling you this” .I was shocked.80 years old Archbishop begging pardon to his secretory!...I knelt down then and there and said, - “ Your Exellency,Scold me how many ever times if I am mistaken,but never beg pardon this way,I am humbled … ” Then he smiled and said to me, “ So you are not angry,are you?I am relieved…good night… ”

1956 January 16 Our Bishop was suffering from acute bronchitis and urologic disease.He offered holy mass in the morning as usual. After breakfast around 9.30 am he was praying in the Chapel and suddenly he felt uneasiness….he went to bed and informed others….. Doctor came and medicines were given ,but His Grace continued to experience the difficulties of the disease.Still he was pleasant and undertook all sufferings happily.. Meanwhile he requested everyone to pray for him and conduct adoration for him. Last Moments of His Grace Mar.Augustine Kandathil 22

In the afternoon Bishop Parekkattil , priests and other inmates of the bishop House conducted holy hour in Bishop's chapel…. Doctor was brought again by 4 pm and he said his heart disease is serious and health is deteriorating.His Lordship requested for Last sacrament. Mar.Parekkattil gave him anointing of the sick.He received holy communion and seemed to be very calm and conscious during this time replying devotionally to each prayer recited. His health condition worsened again ..Bishop Parekkattil, other inmates of the bishop House , his brother and few relatives were standing around him in prayer .Apostolic blessings for the plenary indulgence was given…. Last Moments of His Grace Mar.Augustine Kandathil

Then Our Lordship chanted for the one last time, " Most sacred heart of Jesus I trust in Thee" . At 5 pm while priests around him were giving blessings for the forgiveness of sins,His Soul departed for eternal rest.

Bishop Sebastian Valloppallil was visiting Holy Pope on October 10,1956.During the visitation He requested the papal blessings for the Archbishop Augustine Kandathil.His Holiness enquired about the age and health condition of Mar.Augustine Kandathil and gave him papal blessings.Later on it was understood,that His holiness gave the archbishop,the papal blessing at the hour of his death. 23

1956, January From Our Chronicle Mother Teresitta and 20 sisters went to Ernakulam for the funeral ceremony of ArchBishop Mar.Augustine Kandathil.Sisters are staying in Ernakulam convent to night.(1956 Jan 10)We had Solemn holy mass and office for the dead for His Grace Mar Augustine Kandathil. (1956 January 13)Assistant Mother,6 sisters and 7 postulants went to Ernakulam to attend the 30th day of demise of our Bishop. 24

My dear brothers and loving children, I wish that we could have a spiritual celebration of my Episcopal Silver Jubilee.My deep desire is that, on this occasion all of us together glorify God through prayer, penance and thanksgiving.So I recommend you to follow the following in all churches and all the places where blessed sacrament is present. From his pastoral letter , regarding Episcopal Silver Jubilee celebrations 25

1. 3 days retreat, followed by a day of common Holy communion.Solemn Holy Mass ,Lak Alaha and procession Blessed Sacrament on the same day(December 3- 6) 2.Holy hour and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament,on 3rd December,the day of Episcopal Silver Jubilee. 3.A meal for the poor ( between 3 to 6 December) spending an amount between Rs 5/- to 25/- 4.kindly offer your good deeds and the priest ,the second intention of holy mass for me during the month of December.

Fr.John J Pinakkatt

The Aspirants admitted on the 20th went home after the medical check-up at Ernakulam. They are told to return after receiving a letter from Fr. Pinkkatt. Fr. Pinnaktt wrote to each of us. We had to come by train up to Karukutrty. Father had already informed us in a letter, if we reach karukutty on time, he could arrange bullock carts to carry our boxes and luggage. We reached Karukutty on time along with our parents as per the direction of our father. A Bullock cart was waiting for us. We reached the convent by 5.30 pm. Fr.Pinakkat, Chaplain Fr. George,Rev.Fr.Kuriakkose, and three sisters were waiting to receive us. They welcomed the new aspirants to the chapel, prayed for us, and consecrated us. Father gave a small piece of advice. Our family members ( fathers and brothers) stayed here that night. They went back the next day after Holy Mass and breakfast. Sr.Celine 1

Along with the responsibility to take care of the very new congregation without any defect, he also had a keen interest in forming new members. He tried his best to convince us to lead a Holy life based on the three vows and consecrate our personality to Jesus completely. He was our Novice master as well. 2 -Sr.Xaviour

When we were in Aspirancy all 19 of us went to Father Pinakkatt’s feast. Father had received many gifts that day. After breakfast, he called out, “The Child whose father has passed away, plz come here” Then he gave me a muffler. I still have it with me. It happened two years after my father’s death. -Sr.Liss Jose 3

Father used to come once a week to give us advice. He used to give us many corrections - that's what I remember. All the mischiefs committed would be said. At last, he will say, “this is not how the three of them lived at Nazareth. ”I always prayed that this session should never end. When he corrected us we accepted it with lots of love. 4 Sr.Martin

T h o u g h i n t h o s e d a y s w e e x p e r i e n c e d f i n a n c i a l d i f f i c u l t i e s , f a t h e r w a s v e r y g e n e r o u s , w h e n i t c a m e t o t h e m a t t e r s o f l i t t l e c h i l d r e n a n d s i c k m e m b e r s o f t h e i n s t i t u t i o n . H e h a d t h e s a m e c o n c e r n f o r t h e m e m b e r s o f o u r c o n g r e g a t i o n a s w e l l . H e u s e d t o s a y “ i f a n y o f y o u a r e s i c k d o n ' t b e h e s i t a n t t o t a k e t h e m t o a d o c t o r a n d g i v e p r o p e r t r e a t m e n t a n d n u t r i t i o u s f o o d ” 5 -

He was very strict about leading a life blended with prayer and work. He used to say, “ Everybody in the congregation must be treated equally. Everyone should be willing to do any work, and never postpone any work for anybody. He also advised that all the children of the congregation should have similar food and dress and never to ask family for any such needs. Rev.Fr.Pinakkatt with his Parents 6

If at all you have given anything from home receive them, but it is for common use, not for personnel purposes. Father was very strict about the fact that if we received anything from home or relatives it should be known only to the concerned authorities. Because everyone’s family would not be able to give, but all should be treated equally. - Sr.Baptist

( Fr. Pinakkatt to Sisters who went abroad to study) “ By now five of you are going to be together including your elder sister. Again you are not just like the two flowers of the same stem but the 5 fingers of a hand. I pray that you may be able to live in communion, by helping and cooperating with one another. 7

Likewise, you all will be able to keep up the evangelical counsels,which you declared on your profession day. You are going to initiate the mission of the congregation abroad. The future of the congregation solely depends on your activities there. The pioneers can either multiply them tenfold or just abolish the existing ones. I will pray for you” - Sr.Aquina

Our father used to say that the major superiors must go to each branch house and must stay there for a few days, for a better understanding of the situation there. This would help the superior to evaluate the community and manage things well. Sr.Auxilia 8

There were times when we had a scarcity of food, and those days we had nothing for 4 o'clock tea. One such day he came to the parlor for tea, tea and boiled peas were served to him. He asked ‘ “What did the children have for tea? No one replied. He understood the reason for the Silence. He got up without having anything and went to the bungalow. I saw him wiping his tears on the way. - Sr.Antonitte 9