Carmel Convent, Lucknow

As we turn back the pages of “Time” the year 1958 stands out prominently- for , it was the year of the inception of Carmel, Lucknow.

Carmel, Lucknow, as it stands today, owes its existence to the far-sightedness of a great visionary, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Conrad De Vito, ofm cap., the then Bishop of Lucknow. It was in 1957 that His Lordship realized that Lucknow, ‘The city of Baghs (Gardens)’ needed the fragrance of yet another garden-‘The Garden of Carmel’, to enhance its beauty. He felt that Lucknow with its rich architectural, cultural and literary heritage would provide the right environment for the fulfillment of the aims and objectives of the Apostolic Carmelites. Leaving no stone unturned, His Lordship gently persuaded the AC Sisters, headed by Rev. Mother Sylvia, the then Mother General, to include Lucknow in their Map - for, he felt that their presence would be conducive to the growth and development of the girl child; the focal point of our Foundress Rev. Mother Veronica’s Mission.

Having found an ideal site for the proposed school in the new, developing colony in Mahanagar, His Lordship informed Mother Cleopha, who was the Superior at Kanpur. It was at Mother Cleopha’s insistence that our Mother General, Rev. Mother Sylvia, decided to open a School at Lucknow, in January 1958.

As the Sisters, who were sent to Lucknow, did not reach on time, (that is, by January 6, 1958), two Sisters were deputed from Kanpur. On their arrival in Lucknow at 7 p.m., Sisters Madeline and Angelita were warmly received by his Lordship who gave them his blessing. The Sisters were lodged with the Sisters of the Maids of the Poor at St. Francis’ Infirmary, in Hazratganj.

Sisters Clemencia and Andrea arrived on January 13, at 10.00 a.m. Sisters Madeline and Andrea returned to Kanpur after handing over the charge to Sister Clemencia – one of the Pioneers.

After a few days, Sister Clemencia was joined by Sister Grace and Sister Angelita returned to Kanpur. Sisters Clemencia and Grace were treated as guests by the Bishop of Lucknow. On 12 June, the designated-Superior, Mother Xena, Sisters Grace and Gratian came here to reside. They were accompanied by Sisters Madeline and Baptista who had come to lend a helping hand. Having fortified themselves spiritually at the Cathedral, the Sisters proceeded to Mahanagar where the building stood. The ground floor was ready to welcome them! A truck loaded with trunks, beddings, equipment, etc. drove into the premises. The provisions and packages spoke volumes of the kind hearts of the Sisters at Kanpur. A million thanks to Mother Cleopha for her unstinted support and consideration in matters both great and small!

After completing the household chores, including cleaning and dusting, the Sisters had their first breakfast in the new building! Rev. Fr. Fulgentius (Cap.) had been instructed by the Bishop to install three electric fans to beat the heat.

The Blessed Sacrament, however, could not be installed as the written permission of the Bishop, who was at Nainital, could not reach here owing to the postal strike. The Sisters waited patiently. Their prayers were answered quickly – for, on 22 June, Rev. Fr. Fulgentius brought the information that the much-awaited permission for our Lord’s Repose in the Tabernacle, had arrived. The next day, on 23 June, the Blessed Sacrament was installed in the tabernacle after Mass. Mass was celebrated daily in the evening, up to June 29, and in the morning from 30 onwards.

It was on the feast of the Sacred Heart (13 June) that work was begun in earnest. A temporary chapel was set up in a room. The Altar had already been sent by His Lordship in April. Everyone awaited the first Mass with eagerness. Our dear Mother General, Rev. Mother Sylvia, sent her blessing telegraphically:

Blessings and Graces came from above on our new foundation

Rev. Fr. Fulgentius blessed our Convent and celebrated the first Mass in the chapel in Mahanagar at 6.30 p.m. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the History of the ACs.

Two days later Sister Presenta joined the community raising its strength to 4 – namely, the Superior Mother Xena, Sisters Grace, Gratian and Presenta. Sister Clemencia had left for her new destination – Kodarma.

The last ten days in June were wrought with fear and shock. The night watchman caught a stranger lurking in the compound on 26 June, well after midnight. Almost a month later, on 22 July, somebody forced open the Tabernacle, scattered the sacred hosts and made away with the Ciborium in broad daylight. The thief, whose intention was robbery and not desecration, could not be traced by the police. The tabernacle was repaired and the Sacred Hosts preserved. The sisters spent an hour in reparation

These incidents made the sisters aware of the need of a boundary wall and a permanent electric connection. The temporary connection, provided by Rev. Fr. Fulgentius was not sufficient.

The encouragement and support given by the sisters in Kanpur and Gorakhpur, helped them to overcome the obstacles they faced – for, the going was sometimes rough. Strong faith and selfless dedication aided the Sisters in their triumph over the many difficulties that were inseparable in setting up a new foundation.