Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Calcutta (Agenzia Fides) - The Italian Sisters of Maria Bambina (the Child Mary), or Sisters of Charity of Saint Bartolomea Capitanio and Saint Vincenza Gerosa, the first to evangelise in the Indian state of West Bengal with its capital Calcutta, recently celebrated two important events: the bicentenary of the birth of their foundress Saint Bartolomea (1807-2007), and the 175th anniversary of the institution of the Congregation in Lovere (Italia) 21 November 1832.
In India the Sisters arrived in Bengal in 1836, opening schools and charity centres to foster human promotion of the poor local people.
For the recent celebrations Sisters from more than 40 communities gathered in Calcutta, to thank God for the past achievements and reflect on the new challenges of today. “Our houses must be houses of charity, as Saint Bartolomea wished”, said provincial superior Sr. Ines Antraper, recalling the cultural and social difficulties faced by the nuns but overcome with the blessings of God. The foundress died only 8 months after the institution of the congregation and her place was taken by Vincenza Gerosa with humility and charity.
Both nuns were canonised together in Rome by Pope Pius XII on 18 May 1950. Today the Sisters of the Child Mary are present in Europe, Africa, Asia and America. Their charisma is to assist the poor, the sick, the elderly, young people in need, and to announce the Gospel to those who have not heard it, to promote respect for human dignity and to bear witness to Christ through works of charity and the proclamation of the Word. The Congregation is organised in 17 provinces and 3 delegations, with 448 houses and over 5,100 Sisters.
Info: http://www.suoredimariabambina.org (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/1/2007 righe 27 parole 281)
