Mangalore Diocese News

By Ivan Saldanha-Shet

Mangaluru , Dec 27 : The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS) founded in 1887 in Rosario Cathedral's vicinity, are seen as the oldest indigenous congregation of Mangalore nuns. They are to celebrate a three fold event with prayer, gratitude and gaiety on Sunday , 29th December 2019. The celebration will be presided over by the Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.

The three fold celebration of the milestones now are :
1. The 110th death anniversary of pioneer Mother Nympha the first Superior .
2. Silver jubilee of the approval of the congregation as an institute of Pontifical right.
3. Inaugural blessing of a historic museum 'UFS-Heritage'.

In coastal area of Kanara, all communities have a special place in the social mosaic and this can be attributed to the wisdom of historic stalwarts; those of past have contributed in many ways in early times. Christian contribution to education, health care and social development in general is accepted and well appreciated in the 500 years of Christianity in Mangalore or Mangaluru.

The first resident Parish Priest (1879 to 1888 AD) was Rev. Fr. Urban Stein SJ, a German. He is recognised as the official founder of what is now this great congregation of indigenous Mangalore nuns, officially called 'Ursuline Franciscan Sisters' (UFS), of whom Mother Nympha Fernandez is the pioneer, the first Superior. The Company of St Ursula was founded on Easter Sunday April 10, 1887. Fr.Urban Stein, died at the early age of 43 years on November 21, 1888, leaving the leadership of 'Ursulines' to Sr.Nympha Fernandez, whose family hails from the vicinity. Nympha, as per latest research by the UFS congregation has found, was born on October 9, 1850 and died on February 24, 1909.

'UFS Heritage' a museum :

An articulated museum, that is so brilliantly created by the able UFS sisters at the "Foundation House" at St. Ursula's Convent campus, Bolar on the fringe of Bunder, beside the Rosario Cathedral is set to be a treasure house of history and a memorial which is the fruit of much thought and labour. Today they are spread out intensely not only in South India, but in the North, North East and Africa and Europe too. When there is a good reason to look back, you know and confirm you are on the right path.

The UFS-Heritage

Mother Nympha's panel

Paintings of Bishops

Model Foundation House as in 1909

The Museum : The 'UFS-Heritage" is a virtual museum of history matter which can be split into two basic sections, spread across
1. the old foundation block (periodically renovated but retains it's original shape) and
2. The annexe, the old school block, very artistically reflecting the idea and progress of the UFS ethos over 132 years as in 2019 AD.
The artistic work and presentation was directed by Rev Royachen Joseph, of Pallottine Congregation, Pallotti Kalagram Nagpur.

Museum Section 1 : The Foundation Block ground floor has the main entrance of the UFS HERITAGE. The main hall is particularly dedicated to Mother Nympha Fernandez, the builder of the first structure. It will be used as the prayer room with a unique art of the Risen Christ.

One side of the hall is the documentation room with prized documents from many sources including the Pope, connected to the growth and development of the Order from 1878. Adjacent to it is a stall depicting the clothing / dresses, religious habits the nuns used from its inception. The clothing used showcases; the secular full length dress in times when the 'Company of St. Ursula' founded in 1878, to current religious dress and the saree option from 1993.

The First Floor is dedicated to Fr Urban Stein, the Founder, his native place Cologne Germany, his studies , Patrons Sts Angela, Francis and Ursula, Emblem etc. At a side, there are structures of Bishops, Spiritual Directors and information. In the centre of the right wing are displayed the articles used by early Sisters, the relics and other important articles. Then down inside the entrance, there is a huge tree depicting the entire Congregation. The intercession of Angela and Francis is shown by the presence of their relics.

Museum Section 2: The annexe, in the oldest school building built in remembrance of Sr Seraphina Noronha (one of the pioneers) the six rooms depict the life and mission of the Sisters. First Room: of the Centre , Second: Mangalore Province , Third: Mysore Province, Fourth: North East Province , Fifth: North and Hubli Provinces, Sixth: European and African Regions

Conclusion :

Connections of Mother Nympha Fernandez are several; for example St. Mariam Baouardy (1848-1878) the Carmelite saint of the Church, Canonised in 2015, it can be possible that these two great souls, of similar age, would have had spiritual connection. Mother Mary Aloysia,(1855-1939) the Second Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation was a leading light in early Mangalore and would have known Mother Nympha in the early times of the Cathedral. Rev Fr Augustus Muller SJ, (1841-1910) pioneer Jesuit of Mangalore, Founder of Fr. Muller's Hospital and colleague of Rev Fr Urban Stein would have had an influence on Mother Nympha. Also, the first person of the Mangalorean community, on the path to sainthood, 'Servant of God' Msgr Raymond F C Mascarenhas, (1875-1960) builder of Bendur church and founder of the Indigenous Bethany Congregation in 1921; Mother Nympha would have had reasonable association with him too in early times.

This 132 year old Mangalore based Ursuline Franciscan Congregation reiterates the favour of the Lord in the growth from a tiny mustard seed to a great thriving giant tree. Currently spread worldwide are 913 UFS nuns, with 200 more in various stages of ascension into the congregation. It has 140 communities and 7 sub-communities in more than 38 dioceses, the congregation is divided into 9 regions / provinces. The number of the nuns departed are around 150. The UFS congregation can count on a wide spectrum of 'Resource Persons' of diverse fields from spiritual to medical and a handful of PhD's. Indeed the future of this congregation augurs well in the service of the Lord in His vineyard, only for the 'Love of God'.