URSULINE SISTERS OF TILDONK
“I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” John 10:10
Guyana: Mission
In 2006 the Ursulines of Tildonk began a mission in Guyana, South America.
Fire ruins St. Angela Girls’ Hostel, Karasabai, Guyana.
Thursday, June 1, 2023, was a tragic day for the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk in Karasabai, Guyana. The St. Angela Girls’ Hostel was destroyed by fire. The report says that four male students of Karasabai Secondary School were responsible for setting the fire. However, the cause of the fire in the girls’ hostel is not yet confirmed. We thank God for the miraculous protection of the lives of these girls and the two sisters, Sister Deepkala Tirkey and Sister Rashmi Kerketta. They are courageous and stand firm in their mission amidst the loss they experienced at this time.
We accompany and support them during this tragic event.
This event took place a week after the worst fire tragedy and the loss of the lives of about 20 young girls, mainly Amerindian schoolgirls, at Mahdia hostel dormitory. According to the newsletter "Catholic Standard", from the Diocese of Guyana, a 15-year-old female student of the Mahdia Secondary School is responsible for the fire. We offer our prayers for the victims and their loved ones.
These two tragic human-made fire disasters raise many questions in our minds and hearts about how to accompany and safeguard the youth of today.
I am forwarding the news from "Catholic Standard, Georgetown, Guyana," written by Father Joel Thompson, S.J., and the experience of the Ursuline Sisters of
We accompany and support them during this tragic event.
This event took place a week after the worst fire tragedy and the loss of the lives of about 20 young girls, mainly Amerindian schoolgirls, at Mahdia hostel dormitory. According to the newsletter "Catholic Standard", from the Diocese of Guyana, a 15-year-old female student of the Mahdia Secondary School is responsible for the fire. We offer our prayers for the victims and their loved ones.
These two tragic human-made fire disasters raise many questions in our minds and hearts about how to accompany and safeguard the youth of today.
I am forwarding the news from "Catholic Standard, Georgetown, Guyana," written by Father Joel Thompson, S.J., and the experience of the Ursuline Sisters of
Sister Bimla Minj, OSU Congregational Leader.
Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk Generalate asbl
Rue Musin, 1
1210 Brussels, Belgium
Tel. Office: 32-2-218-7745 / Res.: 32-2-218-5346 Fax: 32-2-223-1379
tildonkgenlate@gmail.com
June 16, 2023
Synod for the Amazon
I'm glad to let you know that it is by the grace of God that Guyana is in the centre of the forthcoming Synod for the Amazon with the theme Amazonia: New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology.
The Amazon plays a vital role in maintaining the earth's life. Guyana is part of the Pan-Amazonian Region. Thus for the Synod in October 2019 we have already begun the preparation. We were given a Preparatory Document with a Questionnaire.
We Sisters visited the villages and had a session to study the document with the people. The Jesuit priests also did the same in their areas.
Back in November 2018 there was a Pre-Synod Conference where our Sisters Sosan and Helena participated with some selected members of our Christian communities.
During the Conference, Amerindians, who are the indigenous people here, were made aware of their role in preserving nature. Yes, indeed, their life is fully dependent on nature. Farming, fishing and hunting are special things which give support to their livelihood.
As Christians, how are the indigenous people going to maintain their relationship with God, with nature, and with themselves personally? That is a big challenge for us all.
Sr. Nishi Kujur, OSU
The Amazon plays a vital role in maintaining the earth's life. Guyana is part of the Pan-Amazonian Region. Thus for the Synod in October 2019 we have already begun the preparation. We were given a Preparatory Document with a Questionnaire.
We Sisters visited the villages and had a session to study the document with the people. The Jesuit priests also did the same in their areas.
Back in November 2018 there was a Pre-Synod Conference where our Sisters Sosan and Helena participated with some selected members of our Christian communities.
During the Conference, Amerindians, who are the indigenous people here, were made aware of their role in preserving nature. Yes, indeed, their life is fully dependent on nature. Farming, fishing and hunting are special things which give support to their livelihood.
As Christians, how are the indigenous people going to maintain their relationship with God, with nature, and with themselves personally? That is a big challenge for us all.
Sr. Nishi Kujur, OSU
Guyana: A Vibrant Mission
Srs. Suchita Xalxo, Maria Kujur and Nirmala Kujur visited the United States and Guyana. Our Guyana visit was a unique experience. We arrived in Georgetown on April 15th in the morning and the same day we flew to Lethem in a small plane seating only 20 people. We were amazed at the sight of the vast thick Amazon Forest during the two hour flight which was both delightful and frightening. In the evening we continued by road to Karasabai, a journey of two and half hours.
Sisters Divya Gulab Sanai, Bernardine Kiro, Seraphinna Kerketta and Anima Soreng are fully one with the people, making themselves available to the people in all their needs. There are no resident priests, therefore the sisters play the role of the priests in all respects except administering the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. Our sisters are very appreciated for their manner and efficacy of working with the Amerindians in the interior of the country. The presence of the sisters has made a huge difference in the life of the people.
We experienced that our sisters are continuing the wonderful work that Angela did in her time. Knowing this fact gives us joy and satisfaction in seeing that the spirit and charism of Angela is fully alive and active in Karasabai.
The sisters are ready to take new risks with zeal and enthusiasm. They adapt to the needs of their times and circumstances and are messengers of joy, peace and hope to the Amerindians in living the General Chapter Direction Statement of 2014. We were happy to bring our Ursuline presence in Guyana.
We traveled by bus on April 19th from Karasabai back to Georgetown where we were happy to stay four days with the Roman Union Ursulines. We attended the conference of Cardinal Claudio Hummes from Brazil based on Laudato Si – To Care for Our Common Home. The participants were all the religious men, women and lay parish associates of Guyana Diocese.
During our time in Georgetown, we also were invited to a very impressive assembly on Earth Day with the Cardinal and school children at the Ursuline Marian Academy. We had a meeting with the Jesuits with whom the Ursulines are working, and with Bishop Frances.
Our visit was very enriching, informative and fruitful. It was truly a learning experience for us. Our gratitude goes to all who accompanied us through their prayers and best wishes.
Sr. Nirmala Kujur, osu
We experienced that our sisters are continuing the wonderful work that Angela did in her time. Knowing this fact gives us joy and satisfaction in seeing that the spirit and charism of Angela is fully alive and active in Karasabai.
The sisters are ready to take new risks with zeal and enthusiasm. They adapt to the needs of their times and circumstances and are messengers of joy, peace and hope to the Amerindians in living the General Chapter Direction Statement of 2014. We were happy to bring our Ursuline presence in Guyana.
We traveled by bus on April 19th from Karasabai back to Georgetown where we were happy to stay four days with the Roman Union Ursulines. We attended the conference of Cardinal Claudio Hummes from Brazil based on Laudato Si – To Care for Our Common Home. The participants were all the religious men, women and lay parish associates of Guyana Diocese.
During our time in Georgetown, we also were invited to a very impressive assembly on Earth Day with the Cardinal and school children at the Ursuline Marian Academy. We had a meeting with the Jesuits with whom the Ursulines are working, and with Bishop Frances.
Our visit was very enriching, informative and fruitful. It was truly a learning experience for us. Our gratitude goes to all who accompanied us through their prayers and best wishes.
Sr. Nirmala Kujur, osu
Sisters interviewed in Guyana
While in Guyana Sisters Nirmala, Suchita and Maria were interviewed by an Indian priest responsible for communications in the Diocese of Georgetown. In response to two questions: How was your experience in Guyana? And how do the Ursulines promote vocations in Guyana?
The Sisters said they were very happy and satisfied with their visit to Guyana. They expressed their appreciation of the work being accomplished by the Sisters for the Kingdom of God.
Regarding vocation animation, our Sisters are fully engaged with the people in the interior of Guyana. They pray, visit and share their joys and sorrows with the people. Through close contact with the people wherever they meet them, they witness to what consecrated life is and encourage the parents to live a good Christian life as an example to their children. Our Sisters give witness by their prayerful life style and the way they conduct prayer services in the absence of a priest.
Congregation Leader visit Guyana - 2013.
Sister Margaret O'Brien former Congregation Leader and Eve Justina Romould, Province Leader of Ranchi Province visited Guyana in February 2013.
Sisters Margaret O’Brien and Sr. Eve Justina Romould, Province Leader of Ranchi Province visited our Sisters in Guyana. With a little struggle for visa, finally Sr. Eve Justina Romould, Province Leader of Ranchi Province and Sr. Margaret O’Brien former Congregation Leader reached Georgetown, the Capital of Guyana “The Land of Many Waters” on 11th February 2013. Guyana – the Amazon Adventure.
Yes, we experienced the warmth of the people and rich nature there. First, we received Guyanese welcome from the Ursulines of Roman Union and then from the Jesuits of various provinces in India and UK.
The Mission areas where the Ursulines and Jesuits are engaged are Rupununi and Pakaraimas. Therefore we visited the place, Lethem, Aishalton and Karasabai.
The name Guyana is an Amerindian word, meaning Land of many waters. It is often referred to as the bridge between South America and the Caribbean, bordering Brazil to its South, Venezuela to its west, and Surinam to its east and the Atlantic Ocean on the north. Many rivers beautify this Land. We too had to cross the rivers by jeep cum truck, while going to Aishalton and Karasabai.
Many new things we experienced, such as, Benab, Meeting place of the villagers, giant Ant – hills, Rockstone fish, Hammock, Firne and variety of fruits. We praise and glorify the Lord for everything.
We had the opportunity to meet Rt. Rev. Francis Alleyne OSB, Bishop, from the Diocese of Georgetown and discuss about the Mission work there. Fr. Paul Martin SJ, regional superior of Guyana Mission was very cordial and generous with us. All the priests and people are full of praise for Ursuline Sisters there. The Lay – leadership is remarkable there. They have Parish Lay Assistants (PLA), who organizes the whole Catholic group so well. They are very generous and pour their love on Sisters.
In between all these there are social moral and economical Challenges. Ursuline Sisters are source of strength and light to them. At present Sr. Leonarda is alone in Aisolton, but of course with good villagers and three priests in the Parish. Sr. Divya and Sr. Seraphina are in Karasabai without Priests. Priests come for Eucharistic Celebration, every fortnight.
Sr. Lucy Minj, after rendering her service for seven years has come back to the Province. We are grateful to her for being the pioneer of Mission work by Ursulines there and continued the pastoral work with confidence and dedication. Congratulations Sister and welcome back Home.
Sr. Divya and Seraphina will be coming to India for home–visit in the month of May. And the good news is that Sr. Mukti Barwa (Ranchi Province) and Sr. Bernadine Kiro (Ambikapur Province) are leaving India for Guyana in the First week of April 2013.
Our best wishes and prayers are with them.
Yes, we experienced the warmth of the people and rich nature there. First, we received Guyanese welcome from the Ursulines of Roman Union and then from the Jesuits of various provinces in India and UK.
The Mission areas where the Ursulines and Jesuits are engaged are Rupununi and Pakaraimas. Therefore we visited the place, Lethem, Aishalton and Karasabai.
The name Guyana is an Amerindian word, meaning Land of many waters. It is often referred to as the bridge between South America and the Caribbean, bordering Brazil to its South, Venezuela to its west, and Surinam to its east and the Atlantic Ocean on the north. Many rivers beautify this Land. We too had to cross the rivers by jeep cum truck, while going to Aishalton and Karasabai.
Many new things we experienced, such as, Benab, Meeting place of the villagers, giant Ant – hills, Rockstone fish, Hammock, Firne and variety of fruits. We praise and glorify the Lord for everything.
We had the opportunity to meet Rt. Rev. Francis Alleyne OSB, Bishop, from the Diocese of Georgetown and discuss about the Mission work there. Fr. Paul Martin SJ, regional superior of Guyana Mission was very cordial and generous with us. All the priests and people are full of praise for Ursuline Sisters there. The Lay – leadership is remarkable there. They have Parish Lay Assistants (PLA), who organizes the whole Catholic group so well. They are very generous and pour their love on Sisters.
In between all these there are social moral and economical Challenges. Ursuline Sisters are source of strength and light to them. At present Sr. Leonarda is alone in Aisolton, but of course with good villagers and three priests in the Parish. Sr. Divya and Sr. Seraphina are in Karasabai without Priests. Priests come for Eucharistic Celebration, every fortnight.
Sr. Lucy Minj, after rendering her service for seven years has come back to the Province. We are grateful to her for being the pioneer of Mission work by Ursulines there and continued the pastoral work with confidence and dedication. Congratulations Sister and welcome back Home.
Sr. Divya and Seraphina will be coming to India for home–visit in the month of May. And the good news is that Sr. Mukti Barwa (Ranchi Province) and Sr. Bernadine Kiro (Ambikapur Province) are leaving India for Guyana in the First week of April 2013.
Our best wishes and prayers are with them.
