In a world where calendars are particularly common, the “Toward the Midnight Hour” calendar created by the Center for Women’s Development Studies in New Delhi, India, stands out as a truly unique and inspiring work. Commemorating 75 years of India’s independence, this calendar celebrates hope, creativity, and dedication during the mid-1940s – a time when India was undergoing immense change, and features the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
The November panel, which features an image of two young women on bicycles, surrounded by the lush greenery of Mokama, Bihar. These two women, Sisters Ann Cornelius and Mary Frances Sauer, were members of the Nazareth Dispensary – a health care facility set up by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in December 1947.
At a time when mobility was a significant issue, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth took it upon themselves to explore Mokama on their trusty bicycles. They unpacked medicines and tended to the sick and needy, braving the heat and dust of a land far from their own.
The Dispensary quickly became a beacon of hope in the region, and the Sisters’ dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. In just one year, the Dispensary had grown into a full-fledged hospital, providing much-needed health care services to the people of Mokama.
But the Sisters’ work didn’t stop there. In 1949, they established a nurses’ training school, attracting young women from the surrounding areas who were eager to learn and contribute to the community.
The “Toward the Midnight Hour” calendar is a fitting tribute to the Sisters’ legacy and a reminder of the transformative power of hope, creativity, and dedication in times of great change. Supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, the Center for Women’s Development Studies has created a fitting tribute celebrating the stories of those who dared to make a difference in the world.
Great to see our Pioneer Sisters responding to the NEED of the TIME in Mokama. We inherit such a wonderful Legacy.
This is indeed a great tribute to our daring pioneers whose missionary zeal has made tremendous change in the lives of the people of Mokama and its ripple effect is seen where ever we branched out..
Thank you to the centre for women s studies and research, Delhi
While a student at Archbishop Williams in Braintree MA, I heard of our Sisters in India (1955) riding bicycles. We sent one with S. James Leo when she joined the “new mission”. That inspired me to join the SCNs for they “were real”. Happy to see the bike is use. S. Martha Walsh SCN
What a tribute to the brave, creative people of India. Is it possible to share the other stories in the calendar?
We are so proud and grateful to see our beloved India pioneers featured in this calendar.
It’s good to see how limitations do not stop the work that
is needed among the people who struggle to live each day.
It was good to see how we can respond in very simple ways.
Thank you for the needs identified by the people then and
now and how we can share our gifts. Dot Jackson
Wonderful tribute to 75 years of noble service since 1947 Independence. Women have come a long way. Many miles to go…
A wonderful tribute to our work in India, and especially of those pioneering Sisters thank you for sharing that
This is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing!
Oh ! It is indeed a great news ! Feel so proud and happy to know about it
Thank you !
Congratulations to all that has been, is now and will be in the future!🙏
Great.!!!People appreciated others regardless of who they were. Sisters action/ mission spoke louder.
How wonderful and exciting!!! Thanks for sharing the calendar!