IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MY CREATOR WITH PASSION FOR LIFE FOR PEOPLE.

I was born on 27^th October 1949, as the fourth child of Panackel Karakattu family in Palai Kottayam District, Kerala. My parents were late Mr. K.O. Mani and Thresiamma (known as Kunjammi). I have had five brothers of whom three have gone to their eternal home and five sisters

are alive. My early days at home were enjoyable. Our home town is a very beautiful place with plenty of trees, paddy fields, river, canal and small mountains. From our house to school, church, college and hospital were only in walking distance. Our parents were devout Catholics, prayerful and God fearing.

We, the children, had various household chores to attend to: cleaning the yard, collecting fire wood, washing vessels, drawing water from the well and looking after the younger siblings. My father was a government teacher who was a disciplinarian and a very caring person. My mother was a simple affectionate lady who toiled the whole day for the welfare of her family. My early childhood and school days were happy ones. I studied in a private school which belonged to one of my uncles, about one and half kilometres away from home. My initial character formation took place there, imbibing human values of compassion, generosity, kindness, respect and reverence for elders. My love for the poor was initiated in my life by my mother. My teachers and parents were happy with my performance in school.

From the 6^th standard onward I studied at St. Joseph’s School, Mutholy, where my elder sister Alekutty (now known as Sister Roselyn) was studying. While I was in the high school, she joined the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. In the school I was a member of the Legion of Mary Sodality and participated in various activities like sports and speech competition. At home I helped my mother to look after the youngest child, also practised some nursing skills by looking after my younger sister, when she burned her foot, and later my elder brother, Baby, when he was suffering from cancer.

When I was pursuing my pre-degree course in Alphonsa College something happened. One night I woke up suddenly and experienced a call from my Divine Saviour Jesus to follow in His footsteps and commit myself fully to a religious life. My parents were not willing to send me to a faraway place. In those days my physical health was rather poor. My brother, Baby, died on May 23^rd 1969. I used to cry often thinking of him. His death had left a void in my life. During his final days I looked after him so lovingly because my mother had twin babies who needed her full attention. One day my brother told me that I was caring for him like a mother.

Sister Vimala Karakattu

I joined the candidacy on 17^th July, 1969. We were ten in the group. The days were filled with language study, prayer, house-hold chores, games, recreations, and singing practise. Our director Sister Josephine Naduvilekunnel (former SCN) was a very caring and understanding person who helped us in our personal growth. After a year of candidacy, we joined the Pre-Novitiate on February 2^nd 1971. During the pre-novitiate we were sent to different missions for six months. I worked at Nazareth Hospital in the Pharmacy and lived with the hospital Sisters. All of them were very good to me. After the evening prayer and supper, I used to walk with Sister Lawrencetta Veeneman to the convent holding her hand. She talked to me about the stars in the sky. She is one of the Sisters who influenced my life to be a true religious, and I had the opportunity to look after her in her sickness and in the last stage of her life.

After the mission experience seven of us; Thresiamma Anithottathil, Mariamma Theruvankunnel, Bridget Luke, Rosakutty Kavilpurayidathil, Santhamma Kappalumackal and Valsamma (myself) entered into the Novitiate program. Sister Patricia Mary Kelley was our director. We were involved in studying Congregational History, Church History, Scripture, Mariology and study of SCN Constitutions. We were given chances to develop skills in stitching, typing and so on. Our group members were very close to each other. While we were in the Novitiate, the present Convent Chapel was completed and we were the first group to pronounce our first vows there. On completion of our Novitiate we received our new names: Sisters Sarala Anithottathil, Vimala, Sushama Luke, Rosita Kavilpurayidathil, Shanti Kappalumackal, Sushila Palatty and Jyoti Theruvankunnel. On 10th June, 1973, we surrendered ourselves fully to God pronouncing our vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

After first vows I was appointed again at Nazareth Hospital Pharmacy and I did very well under the able guidance of Sister Elizabeth Emmanuel Vattakunnel, one of the Indian pioneers. During that year I attended leprosy clinic every week. After the clinic, Sister used to bring some patients who needed their wounds dressed, near the outpatient department. One of the pharmacy staff, Sara, and I cleaned the wounds and dressed them. I still keep up my concern and love for the leprosy affected persons.

After a year of service in the pharmacy, I was sent for my studies. I chose nursing. Some Sisters were disappointed that I didn’t volunteer for the Pharmacy course.

Sister Vimala Karakattu and Sister Jacky Jesu

Nursing Studies in Delhi
In September 1974, I joined the Nursing School in Delhi at Holy Family Hospital, run by the Medical Mission Sisters. The classes had already begun a month before, but the Nursing Director, Sister Aquinas Hamilton, allowed me to join the group. My colleagues were much younger than I. They belonged to a multicultural group and were of different religions. We were two religious Sisters in the group. Within a few months I was able to adjust to the group. Among the group members, eight of us still keep in contact. We had the opportunity to attend daily Mass and had a spiritual director. This enabled me to be stable in my religious life. In the initial days I felt homesick for Mokama. Receiving regular letters from the Community and the Junior Director kept me happy. As the studies progressed, I experienced many challenges. With the support and guidance of the authorities of the nursing school and the SCN Director I persevered in my studies, trusting in the Lord.

Besides regular classes and ward duties, there were opportunities to join many extracurricular activities. I was one of the office bearers of the Student Nurses’ Association. As a part of Community Health studies, I visited many villages. My dramatic skills enabled me to give health education to the people in an effective way. They used to call me “drama Sister”. I fondly remember the hostel life and outings with my companions. I developed friendship with both men and women and it brought many openings and blessings which I treasure. Holy Family School of Nursing has played a major role in empowering me as a very good practical nurse, enhancing in me basic, inherent human qualities in me like compassion, kindness, patience, empathy, understanding, listening, generosity and caring attitude; and teaching me the skills of leadership, communication, team work, problem-solving and crisis management. The nurses were taught to give comprehensive care to the patients. I excelled in caring for the critical patients. This is a big help to me even today. In my vocabulary there is no such expression as “difficult patient”.

Sister Vimala Karakattu with a patient

Continuation of Studies in Delhi
When I returned from my nursing studies in Delhi, I started preparation for my final vows. After a month of retreat, I made the final vows in May 1978. I completed the Midwifery course in the School of Nursing, Mokama in 1979 and then worked as a staff nurse till 1980. In 1980, I was made the supervisor of the male ward. I enjoyed this period of work, teaching the staff, coming to know the students and caring for the patients. In those days, I was known as “Vimala Didi” and some called me “Mother Teresa” of Mokama.

Gomoh Mission 1982 to 1984
In 1982, I went to Gomoh to work with the Damian Social Welfare Society where I had the opportunity to work with leprosy patients. I have sweet memories of this mission as a health in-charge of D’Britto Dispensary. My ministry involved caring for more than 400 children from the age group of four to eighteen years. There was an aaya (caretaker) called Maxima to care for the small children. All those boys stayed in different cottages in the campus. We SCNs lived in a house called Bethel which was near a Hindu Ashram. The inmates of this Ashram and the Sisters had a very good cordial relationship.

Besides caring for the hostel children, I coordinated the health animators of the nearby villages. There were twelve leprosy patients in a quarter adjacent to De Britto campus. Every day I visited them, dressed their wounds, and gave them medications. We built a very close relationship with them. Though they were outcasts of the society, I found a joyful and affectionate heart in each person. I could serve the leprosy patients without any reservations. I am deeply grateful to God for this experience. On my farewell day from Gomoh, we embraced each other, experienced gratitude, appreciation and the pain of parting.

Among the boys, there were a few who were handicapped, and they stole my heart. A prominent one was Babu Boss. Another sad event I recall was the death of a fourteen-year-old boy who drowned in the river close by.

After serving the people of Gomoh mission, I was called for higher studies (Post Basic Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.] Nursing) in Bombay (Mumbai) University where my companions were much younger than I. Life in the college was very busy with various assignments, teaching practise and ward duties. My batch mates called me Chechi (Didi/elder Sister).

When I completed the 2^nd year course, I was appointed as the Director of Nursing Service at Nazareth Hospital, Mokama. I enjoyed it and found satisfaction in my ministry. I took full responsibility in educating and guiding the nursing staff and helpers in providing quality care to the suffering patients. A few times we picked up patients from the railway station who were left there helpless. The Hospital Administration was in full support. One day at the railway station we found a woman who had fallen down from the train and was dragged along by the train on the track. The train was stopped and we pulled her out of the track. The lady was bleeding profusely. Luckily, I had worn a cotton saree and so I could tear a piece from it and bandage her wound. We brought her to the hospital with the help of the ward commissioner and treated her. Her relatives came from Delhi. All the family members were grateful to us for the service we rendered to her.

Whenever there was a natural calamity, we were able to reach out to the people in need. In 1987, a few nurses and I went out to Khagaria, Bihar, for flood relief work. It was a memorable experience. The conditions of the people there were very disheartening. We distributed food and medicine, and vaccinated hundreds of people against cholera.

Sister Vimala Karakattu

With the help of the Rotary Club, we conducted eye camps every year. It was delightful to see many people regaining their eyesight. Nazareth Hospital was known for its good nursing care. I had good rapport with doctors, other department staff and employees which helped us to give comprehensive care to the patients. Team spirit was at its zenith. Besides managing nursing services, I taught in the Nursing School and arranged retreat for the nurses every year.

After two years in the Nursing Service, I was asked to serve as the Assistant Administrator of Nazareth Hospital from the year 1989 to 1995. I worked as an Assistant Administrator and sometimes as an acting Administrator which helped me to learn the works in the maintenance department, Nursing Service, Dietary and X- Ray as well. During my tenure we built two tube wells, installed 100 K.V (kilovolt) generator, roofs of a few buildings, built a road from the railway gate to Maria Sadan (Girl students’ hostel). I always thought of future needs. I planted fruit trees and other varieties of plants. I also planted bamboos which are extremely useful now.

Once the whole of Mokama was enveloped in darkness due to the burning of a cable wire in Hatidah. The staff from the Community Health department and I managed to get help from Bharat Wagon employers and Electricity department staff. We stayed in Hatidah for hours until Mokama was lit up with lights. Tea and buns were provided for us by Nazareth Hospital.

Being an Assistant Administrator, I had to visit many offices in Patna, and as the management representative, I worked for union conciliation. We had a good rapport with all the nearby factories from which many patients came to the hospital. My capacity of public relation reached its peak during this period. At various occasions we received help from all these institutions. At times the work load was too much. I experienced full support from my superiors, co-workers and the general public.

In 1995, I bid farewell to Nazareth Hospital with great satisfaction and gratitude. I still keep up my connections and extend my humble service to Nazareth Hospital. People of Mokama always think of Vimalaji as part of Nazareth Hospital. Praise the Lord!

Sister Vimala Karakattu with Mrs. Serophina

Sabbatical in Australia in 1996
I would say, that this was indeed a gift for me from the Province Leadership. I attended a spirituality course at St. Joseph’s Balham conducted by St. Joseph Sisters of Mary. We were thirty in number, men and women from various countries. The course had many programmes such as eastern and western spirituality, scripture courses, personality development and different field experiences which included street ministry, care of the elderly and HIV/AIDs patients. The campus was very spacious and beautiful. The teachers were very friendly and hospitable. We had occasional outings. During a holiday I got a chance to visit the country of Samoa and on my way back got a chance to visit Singapore, a beautiful country.

Those nine months were very refreshing, recharging the battery of life and entering into very deep spiritual experiences.

Khorimahua Mission 1996-2000
After a nine months renewal program in Australia, my next mission was at Khorimahua in Giridih, Bhagalpur diocese. I worked as the dispensary in- charge. I visited surrounding villages and looked after the health needs of the hostel children. Since we had a two-wheeler, it was easy to reach remote villages on sick calls. Most of the people in the locality were Santhal tribes. I got an opportunity to attend a one-month Santhali course in Dumaria. There were two more Sisters in the community, teaching in the school. All of us took part in the Parish activities. The surrounding areas were mostly barren land, without much cultivation due to lack of irrigation facilities. As an eco-friendly person, I took earnest effort to plant many trees in our Convent Campus and in the school compound. Most of them still survive, giving fruits.

The father of one of our Sisters was a tuberculosis patient who was critically ill. By God’s grace, I was able to take him every month to a government health centre in Giridih about twenty-seven kilometres away. He has fully recovered and is able to look after his family. Another villager with a very deep infected wound was kept in the dispensary for two weeks. Gradually his wound healed completely with utmost nursing care. There was a boy who had very bad eczema. He too was taken care of. He is a priest now working in our nearby Barh parish. There are many success stories where I experienced the tangible presence of God.

Though Khorimahua is located in a very remote area with minimum facilities for transport, telephone or electricity, I experienced the joy and satisfaction of rural ministry. God is faithful yesterday, today, tomorrow and always. He kept me in rather good health.

Community Ministry at Nazareth Convent, Mokama
After serving the people of Khorimahua mission, I joined Nazareth Convent Community as an Administrator and Co-ordinator. It was, indeed, a mission with many possibilities. I learned cultivation and did some construction work such as making a playground and pavements in the campus.

Sister Vimala Karakattu with gardeners Preman and Meena

Care of each Sister was my main priority, especially caring for the sick and the elderly. Mokama being considered as the “Mother House”, SCNs keep coming and going. Sisters after major surgeries come to Mokama for rest and care. Often, we have visitors, different meetings, retreats, workshops and Assemblies. There was no idle moment. Guiding the juniors was another responsibility. Our community keeps up a very cordial relationship with the parish, Nazareth Hospital and the SCN novitiate. In different ways, we reach out to the poor and needy around us. The hospitality of the community is remarkable.

By the grace of God, I was able to take suggestions and criticism (both positive and negative) from my Sisters. I kept up a cordial relationship with our employees; they in turn became very creative and supportive. I had an opportunity to plant trees and care for them in the campus and maintain the flower garden.

In 2003, I was asked to join Holy Family Hospital, Patna as the Director of Nursing Service. It was hard for me to say good bye to Mokama.

At Holy Family Hospital, Patna, I discovered deeper dimensions of life and dedicated service to God and His people. Life was hectic, and twenty-four hours of availability was needed. I shared my values, ideas, skills and talents with the staff nurses and all the other co-workers. My love for the poor was really transmitted to the nurses and doctors. They in turn, paid keen attention in caring for the poor patients. Our nurses were appreciated all around the world for their skillful and dedicated care to the sick people.

In-service education for nurses was started. Paediatrics and ICUs were set up. Nurses Assistant course was started. Retreats were conducted every year for the staff. Working with the young gradually instilled in them the precious values of Jesus, the greatest healer, helping them to enjoy their profession. It was very rewarding. I used to tell them to enjoy whatever they do.

Sister Vimala Karakattu with children

I also worked as a member of the management committee of Kurji Holy Family Hospital. Just before leaving the hospital, I worked hard with Dr. Taweer to set up a dialysis unit in the hospital. It was a big dream fulfilled. In 2009, I said good bye to Kurji Holy Family Hospital, Patna with a grateful heart and a lot of satisfaction. It is a pleasant experience to visit KHFH now and then. All the inmates greet me with a smile.

Botswana Mission
In 2009, I resigned from KHFH, Patna, and joined Botswana Mission in Africa. In the year 2000, I had expressed my desire to join this mission. My friends and family members were not in favour of my joining this mission.

I was received at Gaborone airport by SCNs Vinaya Chalil, Nalini, Pat Huitt and SCN Associate Tootsie Gish. Within a week I visited two of the SCN houses in Lobaste and Kanye. The people of Botswana are very friendly and generous. I could converse with them since most of them spoke English. I was a member of Metsemothalabe along with Sisters Vinaya Chalil and Nalini Meachariyill. Since I was interested in working with HIV/AIDs patients, I started the job of setting up the hospice building. Sister Vinaya Chalil and I worked hard to set up the hospice. Purchasing equipment, beds, trollies and other instruments was a herculean task.

Since Sister Teresa Kotturan was present there for a few weeks, and helped me to set up the administrative and personnel policies, staff recruiting materials, patients’ charts and so on. In order to get the Hospice registered under Botswana Medical Council, we had to provide much information and make many visits to all the government offices. Many times Father Tony, our Parish priest, and Vinaya Chalil accompanied me to these offices.

I experienced the satisfaction of setting up the hospice, getting it registered under Botswana Medical Council and getting it ready for the admission of patients. At that time, it was the only hospice in all Botswana. All for the glory of God!

I spent very little time learning the local language and taking driving lessons. A few times I got the chance to take part in home care services done by the Sisters and the local staff members. The suffering of the people made me feel very concerned about them. Amidst all this heavy schedule, I noticed my sugar and blood pressure going up. The weather condition of Botswana was extremely cold and hot. I found it very hard to cope with it.

Recruiting staff for the hospice took a lot of time and energy. Often, I could not have meals on time. One day in the shopping expedition I went into hypoglycaemia. Once I realised that I was getting depressed, I contacted my authorities in India and expressed the need for treatment and rest. With much pain I made the decision to quit my services in Botswana. I am deeply grateful to God for helping me in my decision making.

After one year of service at Nazareth Hospital as Dietary Department Supervisor and seven months of teaching Nurse Assistants in Gumla, Jharkhand, I joined the Nazareth Community.

When I look back into my fifty years of missionary life, my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude to God. I can confidently say that I have lived my committed life with joy, enthusiasm, courage and passion for life and mission. I thank God and my community for sustaining me in rather good health. I often think of our six pioneer Sisters who came to India, lived in poverty stricken and underdeveloped places like Mokama and branched out to many other places. My lived experience with the lndian Pioneers gave me lessons to follow in the footsteps of Mother Catherine as a nurse and companion. I had opportunities to look after many of them in their sickness and at their death beds.

Sister Vimala Karakattu with Dr. Anne Elizabeth Elampalathottyil, SCN

John 22:24 says, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains alone but if it falls into the earth and dies, it produces much fruits.”

I have had many pitfalls, shortcomings and failures in my life but the loving Lord sustained me faithfully. I often say, “If the Lord is with us who can be against us.” This gave me courage to take risks and face challenges and conflicts in my community life and ministry.

Mother Earth is a gift from God to us, and I have a great desire to nurture it. As a result, I have accepted the responsibility of keeping Nazareth Convent campus clean and green. Once I was able to conduct cleanliness drive in Mokama town with the help of Rotary Club Members and the public.

It is a great joy and satisfaction to observe all our Sisters enjoying our flower garden and fruit trees. Once with the Senior Sisters we planted some neem trees and rose plants in front of our Convent Chapel. We have wormy compost plant and simple compost venture. I try to use organic manure for the flower garden and for the trees.

There is no insignificant work in the world. All labour, big or small, is a chance to express personal talents and make an impact in the lives around us.

The purpose of life is to love. The heart is wiser than the head; honour it, trust it and follow it. I have plenty of time for personal prayer, to read scripture, spiritual and personal growth books. I keep in touch with the happenings around the world and pray for the well-being of the whole universe with its inmates. Often, I visit the villages around, spend time with the sick and listen to them, helping them to avail themselves of medical assistance locally and outside. By the grace of God, and my special gift of good public relation, I manage to help the poor people to get employment.

Every single one of us is here for a mission; we are entitled to build a beautiful life for ourselves and those around us. I have many senior Sisters living in the community. Lord, make me a channel of your love, mercy and companionship to each one of them. Loving Lord, in all my simplicity and humility I request you to make me like you so that I become your witness. May all who meet me, meet you, that all who see me, read the Gospel in me. Amen.

Interested in reading more Marie Menard Committee stories?
Click here: https://nazareth.org/tag/marie-menard/