Seventy-five years ago, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth began their first foreign mission. To celebrate our presence in India, we will follow the journey of our Pioneer Sisters. Over the next year, you will read the story of how six SCNs traveled from Nazareth, Kentucky, to set up a hospital and serve those in need in one of the poorest regions of a newly independent India.
Our story continues with a Sept. 25, 1947 entry in the Nazareth Newsletter:
Dear Sisters,
God bless you!
As it was not possible to secure passage on the same boat for the six Sisters going to India, they will travel in two different parties. Sisters Lawrencetta, Crescentia, and Ann Cornelius will sail from New York Harbor October 10, on the Steamer, Steel Vendor, stopping at Haifa, Palestine, for two days, and landing at Calcutta in five weeks. Father H. T. Birney, S.J., of the Patna Mission, will accompany the Sisters; so they will have daily Mass en route. Sisters Charles Miriam, Florence Joseph, and Ann Roberta will sail from New York Harbor October 28, on the Steamer, Steel Executive, stopping at Alexandria, Egypt, for two days, and landing at Calcutta in five weeks. Father John Holland, S.J., who is going to the Jamshedpur Mission, will travel with them, and they, too, will have the blessing of daily Mass en route. Let us be fervent and constant in our prayers for a safe voyage for our missionaries, and let us continue to pray after they arrive at Mokameh that God’s choicest blessings may attend the new foundation. I suggest that the Salve Regina be recited in unison at each one of our houses from now until the New Year.
A departure ceremony will be held at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Louisville, on Sunday, October 5. The ceremony will be similar to the one we had at Nazareth on August 15, consisting of hymns, a sermon, presentation of the Mission Crosses, and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament, during which the Itinerarium will be recited in unison. As many as possible of the Sisters in Louisville and the vicinity will attend, and they are urging their students, patrons, and friends to help fill the Cathedral. Sister Cecilia is preparing our Sisters for the singing. The Archbishop is going to do his best to be present, and we feel that he will speak on this occasion. In the event that he cannot come, he intends to provide a speaker for us.
We have courageous women as our models.
Daring steps of six strong women , they were here in India so we are here in SCN family .The real call of God
The daring step taken in 1947 has gained momentum as years rolled by. Let the pioneering spirit continue to impel us.
Most blessed inspiration and decision to locate the poorest state of india, when google search wasn’t available. The six women truly brave and depending on God. Definitely direction from God. Alleluia.
On their shoulders we stand!