Provincial Chapter of Lucknow Province : 16th March to 23rd March 2024

The Golden Jubilee celebration of Sr. Elma and Sr. Roselima was held on 10.02.2024 at Maria Niwas Provincialate, Lucknow was a significant event that marks 50 years of dedicated service and commitment to God Almighty. 

Golden and Silver Jubilee Celebration on 11.05.2023

Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles (SRA) - Lucknow Province celebrated the Centenary of the Congregation on 18.04.2023 at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Lucknow.

Seminar on Leadership for pheripheries.

Lucknow Province  had the Charism  Retreat in two Batches  at Maria  Niwas  Provincialate, Lucknow.

                                                                                       1st Batch - 1st Oct - 6th Oct.2022

                                                                        2nd Batch - 22nd Oct - 27th Oct. 2022

It was indeed a great event in the History of the Congregation  for the first time to have the Charism Retreat.  The retreat  team  comprising of 5 members , Sr. Jissa Joseph as the coordinator took the full responsibility of giving the retreat .

Seminar for sisters in Education Ministry

The education seminar on 17th July 2022 was attended by 23 sisters in education ministry. Rev. Fr. Premus Ekka from Lucknow Diocese guided the sisters with the theme “ Leadership& education Management.”

Socio-Pastoral Ministry - Seminar on Socio-Pastoral ministry was held at Maria Niwas Provincialate, Lucknow on 25th July 2022. Fr. Francis  CST – Director of PGSS Gorakhpur was the facilitator for the seminar who dealt with the topic “ Disseminating Gospel Values in the present socio-political scenario & be a witness as Consecrated person.”  This seminar will help us to get reenergized in our ministry.

Honouring our Elder Sisters

A 2 days seminar(26th& 27th July 2022) was arranged for sisters above 70 years.

Medical Ministry: Meeting of the  Sisters

Centenary Inaugural Celebration 2022 - Lucknow Province

 “I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us - Yes, the many good things he has done for Israel according to his compassion and many kindnesses”. He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me,” and so he became their Savior. ( Is. 63: 7- 9 )

S.R.A Lucknow Province had its Fifth Provincial Chapter from 19th - 22nd Aug. 2021. The Theme: “S.R.A Missionaries : Hope for the Future.” The first day -19th Aug. was a day of preparation with input sessions by Rev. Fr. George Nedumattam S.J from Patna Province. Appreciating the Theme of the Chapter he said, - The Theme for the Chapter, selected at a most hopeless situation shows an audacity to dream. In the midst of hopelessness we are called to bring hope in the lives of people. Our founders and pioneers have given us the missionary mandate to be contemplatives in action with the Eucharist and the Word of God as the centre of our lives. He enlightened us further on the Leadership of Jesus in line with the Chapter Theme, Jesus extending His hand to Peter in the time of his sinking - giving Hope. He gave us the clarity on Fr. Bodewig’s sufferings to actualise the dream. “Your Future is in Vienna” to be interpreted as the place where we are today: to read the signs of the time and work as zealous missionaries filled with Hope and  bring Hope in the lives of our beneficiaries (the poor, marginalised, migrants and the sick) entrusted to us. 

The following 3 days were Grace Filled days through  the presentation of reports  of the ministries, reflections, sharing, evaluation, discerning and planning in all the deliberations together with Sr.M. Naina D’Silva, the Provincial and Sr. M. Alberta Jacob, the  Moderator for the Provincial Chapter. It was a joy to integrate well the theme of the Provincial Chapter with the General Chapter theme - 2018: “S.R.A: Missionary Disciples of Compassion and Joy at the Service of the Gospel.” keeping the flame ignited. God’s care, providence and guidance encircled every participant and the entire surrounding all through the Provincial Chapter.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good

For His Mercy  endures forever. (Ps. 136: 1)

Silver Jubilee Celebration of Sr. Elizabeth and Sr. Mahima at Maria Niwas Provincialate on 29.06.2019

Suuport to the Neediest in the Covid – 19 Crisis  by Lucknow Province

Covid – 19 and the consequent Lock-Down affected most the poor people.  The daily workers, particularly the migrant workers, the road side petty shop-keepers and pedlars were hit very harshly under the lock-down.

Lucknow Province with its Communities and  JCT (Jeevandeep Charitable Trust) and the Province in collaboration with Lucknow Diocesan Social work Centre decided  to reach out to the most affected families with food materials as temporary relief.

Final Profession :

Theme : To Serve with Joy and compassion

Most Rev. Gerald John Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow Diocese along with 8 Priests, solemnised the Holy Eucharist on the occasion of the Final profession of Sr.M. Catherina Toppo, Sr. M. Minati Parida and Sr.M. Sunita Aind on 7 th Dec. 2019 at 5.30 p.m at Maria Niwas Provincialte , Aashiana. The celebration commenced with the entrance procession with the closest relatives accompanying the sisters leading them to the altar. A brief introduction with the bio-data of each of the professing member was presented at the beginning.

The 3 young sisters joyfully pronounced their perpetual vows after the examination as per the law, by the Bishop in the presence of Sr. M. Naina D’Silva the provincial of Lucknow Province along with 2 witnesses and the Religious sisters and brothers from other congregations. The presence of the relatives of the sisters in good number from afar made the entire celebration more graceful and joyous. The melodious choir led by Fr. Praveen Quadros and his staff was very apt for the occasion. We feel immensely blessed as our sisters

found themselves worthy to say their final ‘yes’ to the Lord. After the Holy Eucharist all of us gathered together for a short felicitation – cutting the cake, wishing, songs, garlanding etc, etc, followed by dinner. It was indeed a grace-filled day for the entire province. We acknowledge gratefully Our Bishop for gracing the occasion and the presence of one and all.

Joyful & Grace-filled Events at Maria Niwas Provincialte (S.R.A) Aashiana

First Profession :

‘I have called you by your name, you are mine’. God’s chosen ones Sr.M.Pushpica Ekka and Sr.M. Suman Masih responded to the call of God with the words “Here I am Lord, send me.” The celebration of the first profession commenced with a solemn thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration on 3 rd Dec.2019 at 6.p.m. at Maria Niwas , Aashiana. The Eucharist was presided by Rev.Fr. Ronald D’Souza the Vicar General of Lucknow Diocese together with 4 more priests. The parents of Sr.Pushpika and Sr. Suman brought their daughters in procession to the altar as an offering to God. The harmonious choir was by the Visually impaired studentsof Nav Jyoti school, Mohanlalganj.  After the short introduction the Eucharistic celebration commenced.

Thecelebration had its climax with a short and sweet felicitation followed by dinner. S.R.A family rejoices with heartfelt gratitude to God almighty for the gift of two newly professed membersto the church and to the congregation.

Annual Retreat for the Sisters of the Province conducted in Two groups at Maria Niwas Provincialate

After profound prayer and discernment, the General council has permitted Lucknow province to take up a new challenging mission at Kareilly, Bareilly Diocese at the invitation of Bp.Ignatius D’Souza for the visually  and hearing impaired; it’s a Wonderful prospect for our congregation to venture into both the challenging mission. During a simple celebration of blessing and inauguration of Maria Bhavan Convent and St. Mother Teresa school for the Hearing and visually impaired was started on 28/04/2018.

On 28/04/2018.The most beautiful events of religious is the silver and Golden Jubilee, the celebration of God’s love and fidelity to our sisters Cleta and Sheetal.

Sr.Catherina Toppo, Pushpa kishan and Suita Aind. The Master has called you to a greater holiness and service. God walks with you every step of the way, prayers and best wishes to you every step of the way from S.R.A Family.

Fourth Provincial Chapter

26th Feb. – 5th March 2018

Lucknow Province

A joyful and grace-filled event began with three days preparation guided by Rev. Fr. John Chathannatt S.J. based on the theme, “SRA: Missionary Disciples of Compassion & Joy at the Service of the Gospel.”

The Province Chapter commenced with a meaningful Eucharistic celebration on 1st March 2018 by Rt. Rev. Gerald John Mathias Bishop of Lucknow Diocese. The five days were spent reflecting on various issues pertaining to the theme of the General Chapter, examining seriously  our presence in the church’s life through our Charism as missionary disciples of compassion & joy and our response to the new demands constantly being made on us, to the cry of the poor and marginalized, especially women and girl child. God’s Divine presence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit was experience  throughout the chapter. The Province Chapter came to its conclusion on 5th March 2018.

December 16, 2017 was a historical day for the Lucknow province of the SRA Congregation. On this day present governing provincial team, Sr. Alberta the Provincial, the councilors Sr. Naina, Sr. Janet, Sr. Sunila and Sr. Mahima, has completed their term of office and graciously handed over the responsibility to the newly appointed provincial team of Lucknow province, Sr. Naina the Provincial, Sr. Mahima, Sr. Pramila, Sr. Renu and Sr. Sherene, the councilors; in the presence of our Superior General Sr. Nandita Pereira. The day began with a meaning full prayer service based on the theme “I am in God’s hand” and implored God’s blessings upon them.  There after we had a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10.30am in our chapel.  At the beginning of the Mass the handing over was done in a symbolic way. The outgoing Provincial Sr. Alberta Jacob and her team symbolically handed over a lighted candle and the Logo of the General chapter 2018 to the newly appointed Provincial   Sr. Naina D’silva and her team. Fr.Francis Rector of the minor seminary of Lucknow offered the Holy Eucharist.  In his homily he stressed on the importance of handing over.  It is traditional and God is the originator.  He handed over His mission to his son Jesus, Jesus to his disciples and disciple to all the baptized.  What do we Handover?  We hand over the mission, vision, charism and the legacy of the church and the congregation.  There after we had the felicitations programme for the new team and fellowship meal.

Then both the team proceeded for the meeting with the superior General in which the official handing over was done.  After the handing over the superior general empowered the new team through the animation programme to take up the responsibility of animating the province.

Religious life a wonderful call and a gift to the Church. This special call was celebrated on 3rd December 2017 ,when 4 of our Novices Anima Hasda, Carmela Kerketta, Pinky Kishan and Sonia Lakra  pronounced their First Vows in the presence of many priests, Religious, their  parents and relatives during the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration.  Rev. Fr. Ronald D’Souza the Vicar General of Lucknow Diocese was the main celebrant who highlighted the aspect of Mission and missionary disciples, during the Holy Mass. Many Priests of the diocese and priests relatives of the sisters concelebrated the Holy Mass. The hall was filled with relatives, friends and religious persons who witnessed this solemn moment of Religious Consecration. The melodious singing added beauty to the whole celebration. The Choir included our own Candidates and the poor students of Ashalayam run by Don Bosco fathers. The celebration ended with a beautiful Felicitation Ceremony and a wonderful Agape. We are grateful to God for His great love and generosity bestowed upon us.

Annual Retreat held at Maria Niwas Provincialate in two groups of the Sisters of the Province directed by Rev. Fr. William D' Britto S.J.

A   Formators meeting was conducted at Maria Niwas, LDA. Sr. Nanditha Pereira, the Superior General highlighted on the following Theme. SRA Formation: A Witness to Christ’s Compassion. Rev. Fr. Joe Mathias SJ, the resource person spoke on the New Pedagogy for Integral Formation of Candidates to Consecrated Life.

A seminar was conducted from the 21st-25th September 2017 at Maria Niwas, in preparation for the forthcoming General Chapter 2018. Sr. M. Nanditha Pereira, the Superior General gave the animation to all the provincials and their teams along with a selected group of sisters from every province. Sr. Cynthia Reyes and Fr. Paul Vas SJ gave valuable input to highlight the Role of General Chapter.

Prayer for the 10th Ordinary General Chapter was opened to the community in the evening at 6p.m. A simple prayer service was conducted during which the special candle was placed before the photo of Fr. Bodewig.  With the lighting of this candle we began the prayer for the General Chapter 2018 and it will be continued till the conclusion of the General Chapter.

Community Animators Meet 

(Introduction towards the process and preparation for General Chapter 2018)

2nd August marked an important day in Maria Niwas, Lucknow.  Animators of fifteen communities came together for a meeting. Sr. Alberta Jacob, the Provincial gave an orientation to the animators. During this meeting, the process of preparation for the forth coming General Chapter was introduced and explained to the animators and in turn they would do the same to the members of the community. After the meeting a prayer service was conducted during which the General Chapter preparation kit and a candle were handed over to each animator.  All the sisters took active part in this initial programme.

Annual Juniorate 2017

Like every year the annual Juniorate program is held in Maria Niwas, luck now from 21st May to 11th June 2017. This year Lucknow province has the privilege to conduct this program. There are 53 young and vibrant sisters taking part in this program who belong to the northern provinces of the Congregation namely Varanasi, Ranchi and Lucknow.   The topics dealt are: The church history, Constitutions, history, Ratio Institutionis of the   Congregation    and the Apostolic Exhortation ‘’Amoris Laetitia’’.   On 22nd May, the program began with an Introduction by Sr. Alberta Jacob, provincial followed by lighting of the lamp by Srs: Tresa Vazhappilly the Juniorate In-charge, Sr. Alberta Jacob, Shilpa, Jemma and Rosy. We wish our Junior Sisters ‘’ A Warm Welcome and Best of Luck” to this program.

Blessing & Inauguration of St. Mary’s Convent, Malihabad

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

  INNER HEALING

In Mathew 11: 28 the Lord said:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

“TO BE THE FLAME OF GOD’S WORD” was the motto of

 Srs. Olrica Beck & Sangeeta Hembrom as they surrendered themselves to the Lord binding themselves in three Evangelical Counsels to serve Him in the “Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles” on 8th December 2016.

Warm and Hearty Welcome to our Dear Sister Nandita Pereira Superior General and Sr. Eva Maria, General Councilor to Lucknow Province for the Canonical Visit.

St. Mary's School at Malihabad, Lucknow was blessed on 4 July 2015

Blessing of St. Mary's School at Malihabad, Lucknow Province on 4 July 2015

Seminar on Leadership for Animators

Annual Retreat At Lucknow Province.

Annual Retreat 2015

            Lucknow Province: 3rd Province Chapter.

17th to 21st April 2015 -  Members at the Province Chapter

                                                                   The third Provincial chapter of Lucknow Province

                                                                                                                           Inaugural day 18th April 2015

Sr. M. Deena Pereira SRA retires from School.

Retirement felicitation for Sr. M. Deena SRA

Holy Eucharist at Maria Niwas Provincialate Chapel

First Profession at Anugraha Ashram, Sitarganj, Bareilly Diocese.