Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 29: The oldest indigenous congregation of Mangalruu nuns, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS) founded in 1887 in Rosario Cathedral's vicinity, are to celebrate a threefold event with gratitude and gaiety on December 29, presided over by the bishop of Mangaluru Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.
The three fold celebration of the milestones now are the 110th death anniversary of pioneer Mother Nympha the first superior, silver jubilee of the approval of the congregation as an institute of pontifical right, and 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 to in early times. Christian contribution to education, health care and social development in general is accepted well appreciated and practical, in the 500 years of Christianity in Mangaluru.
The first resident parish priest (1879 to 1888 AD) was Fr Urban Stein SJ, a German-he is recognised as the official founder of what is now this great congregation of indigenous Mangaluru nuns, officially called 'Ursuline Franciscan Sisters' (UFS), of whom Mother Nympha Fernandez is the pioneer, the first. 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, died 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 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 Museum
The 'UFS-Heritage’ a virtual museum of history matter, can be split into two basic sections, spread across the old foundation block (periodically renovated but retains its original shape) and 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 carried out by Rev Royachen Joseph, of Pallottine Congregation, Palloti 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 and adjacent to it is a stall depicting the clothing / dresses, religious habits the nuns used from its inception. The clothing used show cases; 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 in Cologne Germany, his studies etc. Patrons Sts Angela, Francis and Ursula, Emblem etc. A side structure are 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 our Sisters. First Room: of the Centre Second: Mangaluru Province Third: Mysore Province Fourth: North East Province Fifth: North and Hubli Provinces. Sixth: European and African Regions
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 too great souls, of similar age, would have had spiritual interaction. Mother Mary Aloysia, (1855-1939) the Second Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation was a leading light in early Mangaluru and would have known Mother Nympha in the early times of the Cathedral. Fr Augustus Muller SJ, (1841-1910) pioneer Jesuit of Mangaluru, Founder of Fr Muller's Hospital and colleague of 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 Bendore church and founder of the Indigenous Bethany Congregation in 1921; Mother Nympha would have had reasonable exchange of ideas with him too in early times.
This 132-year-old Mangaluru 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 world over are 913 UFS nuns, with 200 more in various stages of ascending into the congregation. It has 140 communities and 7 sub-communities in more than 38 diocese, the congregation is divided into 9 regions/provinces. Nuns departed are around 150. The UFS congregation can count on a wide spectrum of 'Resource Persons' of diverse fields from spiritual to medical serving for the 'Love of God' with a new hearty song.