C/o Mukherjee Bhawan
17 Cantt. Bareilly
U.P. 243001
On 24th August and 21st Sunday of the liturgical year 2003, was a red letter day in the annals of the house of Bareilly. 24th is a date dear to every FMA - the commemorative day of Mary Help of Christians and that day began an adventure in search of the Kingdom of God in Bareilly for the INC Province in the initiation of a new mission in a new Diocese, in a new state Uttar Pradesh.
A group of Sisters loaded their jeep early at 4.00 am with the most needed accessories to begin a community in Bareilly. They commenced their journey at 6.00 am from New Delhi. It was a rainy day and the roads were rough and full of trenches; the journey lasted 7 full hours. The team reached Mukherjee Bhawan exactly at 13 hours.
The group consisted of five sisters: Sr. Gemma Libralesso province project manager, Sr. Rosy Mathew - animator RK Puram, Sr. Teresa Adampakallel - animator - Vasant Vihar, Sr. Sherely Kalapurayil member Snehalaya, Sr. Jyoti Baxla new member Bareilly, Premshila Majhi - house girl, 11 years old Jiallo Cop and 14 years old Kalpana Giri - Auxilium Snehalaya Foster Home girls, and our 2 drivers Mr. Gorden Massey and Mr. Prakash. As soon as we reached at Mukherjee Bhawan, the owner of the house and property Mrs. Latika Rajpal welcomed the group with a warm kiss of joy. Mrs. Helen Attaullah a lifelong friend and caretaker of the property of House No.17 Cantonment too were present.
The first night all spent sleepless hours - there was power cut and heat soared, the beetles screeched, the jackals wailed and the peacock cried The pitch darkness gave us a insight to life a true missionary, it gave all an opportunity to offer the discomfort to the Lord.
The loveliness of the morning sun rise and the songs of the birds led the group to join in with the nature and they raised their voices in Morning hymn of praise, meditated and drove up to Bishops house and participated in the Holy Eucharist at the Bishops tiny Chapel. Rt. Rev. Bishop Anthony Fernandez offered the Eucharist for our future mission the diocese of Bareilly. Here on the paten of the holy sacrifice, Sisters offered themselves to God and implored that His kingdom come in the hearts of the people of Bareilly! Thus Sisters began their life journey with our blessed Mother entrusting themselves to Her. Mrs. Latika Rajpal and Helen Attaullah explained the history and the legal aspects of their property in 17, Cantonment.
On 24th June all began with Mary the birth of a new community in the diocese of Bareilly (Utter Pradesh). It was unique because its 1st presence of FMA sister the state of Utter Pradesh. The chosen day was special being birthday of St. John the Baptist and 24th a date dear to every daughter of Mary Help of Christians.
The first community consisted of the following members: Sr. Anna Varkey animator, Sr. Taramani Minj vicar and Sr. Amali John Joseph - member.
The Foster Home was named as Snehadhan meaning House of Love, in this little home about 24 to 32 can be accommodated. The children hail from very poor Christian families from the remote villages. They attend Government schools situated close to Snehadhan Home. Majority of the children do not pay for their food, lodging and schooling.
Sisters help the children to do well in their studies through regular Evening Coaching Classes. All of them score good marks and are passing their annual examinations. We thank the Lord that many under privileged girl child are being educated, though it might be a drop of water in the immense ocean.
On Sundays Sisters give their contribution for the Christian formation of the children of the Parish by preparing them for the Sacraments of Eucharist, Confirmation and give Catechetical instruction. And help with other Pastoral activities on special occasions.