1951
In the Medical Missionary magazine in 1965, Sister M. Benet, Mistress of Postulants and Novices in Poona, India, describes how those young women under her charge are “rich in promise” and the following description is given:
“The Religious Sister in India, as everywhere else, is in the process of re-assessing her place in the scheme of things. She is exploring the ways in which she can best serve the secular society in which she belongs and, in so doing, bear witness to the God of love to whom she has consecrated her life. In America and Europe, when we speak of serving our country, we generally think in terms of public office: the armed forces, public institutions and the like. In a country like India, however, service to one’s country takes on remarkably broader and deeper dimensions. The fact that India is still in the formative stage as an independent republic is a challenge to all its citizens to take an active part in the shaping of their country. All sorts of contributions and talents are required …
It is into this patchwork world that the Indian Sister must penetrate and to which she must show forth, through her undiscriminating love and devotedness … She must show also that her Christianity does not in any way make her less Indian, but rather that, because of it, she is capable of being a faithful and devoted citizen. She brings to the task an abundant fund of ability for work and for sacrifice … She also brings with her, along with the talents and gifts, all the limitations imposed upon her by the cultural patterns of the area where she was born and raised: the language, customs, views and prejudices.
The girls who have been in our Novitiate in Poona since its opening in 1951 have come from various areas of the country. For some it has been their first contact with girls of regions other than those of their origin, and their first exposure to food, habits and language different from theirs. This fact alone presents an opportunity for enrichment and for experiencing in miniature what the whole country is striving after: real understanding and unity in the midst of variety.”
Sister Rowena Miranda was living in MMS community in Pune (as it is now known) before she came to reside London in November 2022, as a member of the Society Leadership Team. On a hillside that is known locally as ‘the green lung of Pune’, in recent years, being an inspired artist, Sister Rowena filled the new chapel and dining room of the eco-healing centre with her colourful stained-glass windows and creations, which you can enjoy opposite.
Sister Rowena describes the mission in Pune today as interconnectedness between health of the planet and health of the human being - an integral relationship for healing, health and well-being. Her works bring out this reciprocal relationship between the cosmos and the human person and show the sacredness in all of creation.