Gujarat
SMMI works in two dioceses namely Ahmedabad and Ghandinagar having five communities in Umreth, Maninagar, Thasra, Bhiloda and Himmatnagar. Sisters are involved in educational, medical and socio – pastoral ministries.
The first mission: Leprosy Asylum at Kagdapeth, Ahmedabad
In the year 1949, Rev. Fr. Villalonga SJ, the Ecclesiastical Superior of the Ahmedabad Mission visited the Leprosy Asylum at Kagdapith, Ahmedabad which was managed by the Government of Bombay. He felt sorry at the condition of the patients and invited the SMMI Sisters for the Leprosy Hospital, Kumbakonam. Being the same Congregation sisters from Nagpur gladly accepted the offer to look after them. On 15 October 1949 they opened Ave Maria Convent for the Sisters within the premises of the Lepers Colony to treat and look after the Leprosy patients. The provincial Superior was Mother Noemi. 40 years after on the 1 June 1989 the hospital was shifted to Narol. It’s a 150 bed Hospital, which gives full service for the Leprosy patients, preventive health teaching, removal of stigma and above all help them to recognize their own self – worth and dignity.
On 31 March 2006, sisters discontinued the service at Narol Leprosy hospital as the Government did not renew contract.
OUR LADY’S CONVENT – UMRETH
Foundation: 8 December, 1964
Pioneers: Sr. Agnes Fauseau, Sr. Mary Mercy and Sr. Louise Agnes
Present activities:
- Participation in the pastoral activities of the Parish
- Family visits in the neighborhood and villages
- Providing health services for the poor through dispensary
- Caring for the PLHA [people living with HIV/AIDS] & helps them to live with dignity and earn their own livelihood.
- Promoting education of the girls from the rural areas through boarding
- Education ministry: teaching in the parish school
JYOTI SADAN – MANINAGAR
Foundation: 19 March 1977
Pioneers: Sr. Christina Rose, Sr. Josepha and Sr. Stella
Present ministries
- Participation in the pastoral activities such as youth group, Basic Christian Community, Small Christian Community, Women’s group, Charitable Organization like St. Vincent de Paul etc.
- Participation in the life events and celebration of people.
- Day Care Center for the children of the working parents
SHANTI NIVAS THASRA
Foundation: 13October, 1977
Pioneers: Sr. Elizabeth Thomas and Sr. Anceita
Present ministries:
- Involvement in the pastoral activities such as youth group, Basic Christian Community, Small Christian Community and Women’s group
- Visiting the villages, instructing the families, conducting seminars and camps.
- Providing health services for the poor through dispensary
- Promoting education of the girls from the rural areas through boarding
- Education ministry: English medium school for children from poor strata of the society.
SMMI SISTERS – HIMMATNAGAR
Foundation: 18 July, 1999
Pioneers: Sr. Elsy Augustine and Sr. Elseena Michael
Present Ministries:
- Participation in the pastoral activities of the Parish
- Family visits in the neighborhood and villages
- Promoting education of the girls from the rural areas through hostel facility
- Providing health services for the poor through dispensary
- Empowering women through ‘The Sarvoday Mahila Bachat and Dhiran Cooperative Ltd’.
ASHA NIKETAN – BHILODA
Foundation: 12 January, 1967
Pioneers: Sr. Monica, Sr. Helen Marie, Sr. Josepha and Sr. Julia.
Present ministry:
- Participation in the pastoral activities of the Parish
- Promoting education of the tribal girls from the rural areas through boarding
- Family visits in the neighborhood and villages
- Providing health services for the poor through dispensary
- Conducting camps for children and youth
- The Government ASHA workers are trained by our Institute.
- The women leaders are trained under the able guidance of sisters. They have a credit society with 4500 women which had the humble beginning of self-help group