A new episode came into existence in the history of the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth, as four sisters – Berna, Estella, Ria and Sukuria along with the Superior General, Sr. Milena and Asst. General, Sr. Bernadine, touched the shores of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 10th June, 2006. A remarkable and memorable day indeed!
A cordial and warm welcome from Most Rev. Alex Dias, Bishop of Port Blair, Fr. Gabriel Benziger, Director of the Pastoral Centre where we reside and Fr. Johnson D’Cruz the Director of the Diocesan Social Service Wing made us feel comfortable and at home.
On 16th June 2006, the Foundation Day of the Congregation, “Nazareth Sadan” – the first nascent community in Islands – was established with solemn Eucharistic Celebration, at the Majestic Hands of Bishop Alex Dias. With great zeal and enthusiasm a new missionary apostolate in these splendid Islands began!
“Variety is the spice of life” and that is what it is with all the four of us, each having different apostolate, contributing our best to the Diocese with total dedication and great fervor. We are indeed fortunate to be blessed with a wonderful community. The supper is lot meaningful as exchange of the day’s happenings – pleasant and unpleasant ones are shared.
We enjoy the place and our work here. The most interesting factor here is there are several Priests and Religious involved in the works of the Diocese. It’s all hard work – work that involves a lot of sacrifice, responsibilities and trust in the Lord…..and each one bestowing his/her utmost to help these Islands flourish and re-live especially after the tsunami.
We had the opportunity of visiting some of these places, and it is such a heart-throbbing sight to see the houses completely submerged in waters, the fields turned into patches of sea, and the trees all barren and dry….. People from these islands are being given permanent houses now, though the work is still in progress. The fateful tsunami of the 24th December 2004 is still not forgotten… Each Christmas is a reminder for these people of the tragic happening.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands also called as the “EmeraldIslands” comprise of 572 islands, islets and rocks, of these only 36 are inhabited islands. The topography of the island is hilly and abounds in evergreen forests. The sandy beaches on the edge of the meandering coastline are fringed with coconut palms that sway with the rhythm of the sea. The forests here are green, extend over gold of the islands. The Tribal Reserves and the Wild Life Sanctuaries are inviolate. Luxuriant mangroves, richest in the world are found here. Plants and animals are endemic in nature. This place is rich in corals, varieties of coloured fishes, sea turtles, besides the rare flora and fauna, underwater marine life, the crystal clear water offer a dream – view of the rare gifts of nature. It is a paradise for nature lovers…
Since prehistoric times these islands were houses of aboriginal tribes like the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese all of Negrito origin, whereas the tribes of Nicobaris and Shompens belong to the Mongoloid stock. We had the opportunity of meeting the Jarawas, who were earlier dangerous, but of late become friendly.
Remember in history, we learnt that some of the great leaders were imprisoned far- far away and left on the islands, well, this is the place and there is a large Cellular Jail. It is said that the first batch of 200 freedom fighters were imprisoned here at the Penal settlement, by then notoriously named Kalapani (Dark Waters). Of course now the Cellular Jail has been converted into a National Memorial.
The Catholic Christianity began in these Islands when Fr. Agnelo a Portuguese Franciscan of Pegu Mission, South Burma landed at Car Nicobar as early as 1690. The present church history began with the Jesuits who came from Ranchi in 1947. Slowly the Archbishop of Ranchi paid a maiden visit to the Islands, and then the Holy See handed over the Andaman and Nicobar Mission to the Society of Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier, the Pilar Fathers. On 18th August 1984 His Holiness Pope John Paul II, by a Bull “Ex Quo Christus” elevated this mission to a Diocese.
Another amazing and exciting feature that is found here is that there are people of varied faiths – Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs etc who live together in complete peace and harmony and speak languages – like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Punjabi, Nicobari and so on. Once in three months inter religious meets are organized to strengthen this bond of relationship. There are different sects of Christians… namely the Protestants, Marthomites, Orthodox and so on. There are ecumenical meetings conducted every month of all the main stream churches. Prior to Christmas there is Joint Christians PrakashYatra (candle light procession) which is really very unique and beautiful, an experience very rarely found in mainland. The amazing and cultural mix is just like seeing a Mini – India. The ChotanagpurAdivasis here seem to be very devout and are blessed with long hours of Eucharistic Celebrations. They are simple, hard-working and speak sadri.
Yes, we are miles and miles of shores away from the mainland to these islands, doing and giving our optimum to be one with these people and still have a long way to go. There is a lot to be tapped and explored here. And with God’s grace, hard – work and constant support and prayers from you we can work wonders!!!
The first pioneers were Srs. Berna, Estella, Ria and Sukuria. Sr. Bernawas the First Animator, followed by Sr. Sukuria and now Sr. Elsy. Sisters cater in the field of Administration and Accounts at the Bishop’s House, one sister renders her service in the Diocesan school and the other at the Pastoral Centre. Sisters also go for SCC, visits and other Pastoral activities. They also accompany the fathers to the sub-stations and for Christmas and Lenten ministries.