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Fatima Convent, Kanpur, U.P
Kanpur is noted for its world famous leather, woolen, cotton, iron and steel goods, cement, ammunition and several other industries. It was the place to which The Apostolic Carmel Congregation was called to plant a Carmel Sapling, which would nurture the young children , in the field of Education from some part of Kanpur.
In 1953, Mother Denise came from Gorakhpur to Kanpur to meet Father Faustin Hugh Alva in connection with starting a convent and school in Kanpur. In November 1953 Bishop Leonard Raymond of Allahabad requested Mother M. Sylvia A.C. the then Superior General, to open a convent and school in Kanpur and take charge of six to seven hundred girls in July, 1954. In November 1953 Bishop Raymond accompanied Mother Dosithea A.C. with Father Alva to the plot of 2½ acres at Ashok Nagar. On January 26, Republic Day, the Foundation stone of the new Convent and School was blessed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Leonard Raymond, the Bishop of Allahabad. The Convent was dedicated to our Lady of Fatima and the Convent was named Fatima Convent.
The first two pioneers, Sisters Doseithea and Andrea arrived on 8 June, followed by Sisters Florian, Josetta and Angelina. The infant community consisted of 5 sisters. On 9 June, 1954, Fr. Alva handed over to Sister Dosethea, the Superior, the files with 432 pupils from St. Xaviers’ School.
On 16 July, 1954, on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with the celebration of the Eucharist the Bishop Rt. Rev. Leonard Raymond, blessed the Convent and School. On 19 July, 1954 the Blessed Sacrament was installed in the chapel.
In 1954 - 55 it was decided to have English Medium up to Class V and then switch over the other classes to Hindi medium. From Class VI to VIII recognition was obtained in November with effect from July 1955. On 12 July, 1956 the formal recognition of Class IX–X was obtained. Ever since the school has flourished and at present there is also the Intermediate section with Science and Arts streams. The Intermediate sections have been recognized by the U.P. Board. They are self financing.
On 16 June Sisters Electa and Emerita joined the community, and followed later by Sisters Alexina and Marylyn. Sister Marylyn was appointed as Headmistress. They built a loving community. The sisters gave much importance to their prayer, followed by all the spiritual and community exercises which strengthened them to carry on the Mission entrusted to them.
The foundation stone of the existing Convent building was blessed on 4th September, 2004 by Rt. Rev. Isidore Fernandez, the Bishop of Allahabad. It was completed and blessed on 30-04-2016.
Fatima Convent School which had up to Class V only was upgraded and it was affiliated to CBSE Board in April 2015. The first batch of students will appear in 2018 at the Board Examination. At present there are eight sisters in the Community and all are involved in the Mission of Education and are totally dedicated to this cause.
Beginnings are small and difficult. Fatima Convent began in 1954, it was a little seed planted in this part of the Lord’s vineyard. It was nurtured and through good times and bad, it has weathered all difficulties. Today it stands as the fruit of dedicated service of the Apostolic Carmel Sisters, to shine with the light of Christ