Cheshire students visit clinic in India they sponsored

Sister Susan Richert PBVM
Nov 23rd, 2023

All Hallows group in their new sarees and longuis

A group of young people at All Hallows Catholic College in Maccesfield have just returned from India, to see first hand a clinic run by the Presentation Sisters that their school first started raising funds for 15 years ago.

Back in 2008, I visited the College to talk about the dire need that Presentation Sisters had for a clinic in Tamil Nadu, where they were working from just a shed. After proposing a project to the Headteacher, the school embarked on raising funds to build a clinic, with a target of £20,000.

Having built the structure, the next stage was to ensure the Sisters had what they needed to minister to the communities - especially the women and children.

In October 2011, I went out to see the clinic, along with five Year 12 pupils, the Principal and head of 6th Form. We met the children, women and men whose lives have been drastically aided by this local healthcare provision. Varusanadu is a village two hours away from the nearest large town - Theni. The people are desperately poor and for many years the Presentation Sisters have been working with them and the many other people in the remote villages around - to help them help themselves.

Fast forward to this October, and I had the experience again - this time travelling with 14 young people and five staff from All Hallows College. The young people reminded me that since Year 7 (at the age of 11), they have been hearing about the clinic and now they were going to see it.

The adventure began with an early morning flight via Frankfurt to Chennai. We arrived just after midnight and once we had run the gauntlet of immigration, went out into the intense heat to meet the Sisters who were waiting to greet us and take us "home" to Church Park. Once there - we had some tea and toast, and then to bed for a few hours.

Day Two - up and ready….first the money changer; we had to get out rupees and we queued patiently. The young people were rearing to go to Spencers - a shopping mall - and try their skills at bargaining…prices go up when they see the tourists coming; our young people were ready for the challenge.

We then went onto St Thomas's Mount - where we called in at an orphanage to see some of the children and leave some toys. On the bus again, to the tomb of St Thomas - one of the apostles, who reached as far as India to bring the Good News of Jesus. Then back to Church Park, evening meal and an early night.

The following day, after Mass at 7am and breakfast, the group went out to do a bit of tourism - which included visiting the seaside. For my part, I stayed around the convent and spent time talking to the Sisters.

That night, we left for the train station to catch the overnight sleeper to Madurai…..the city of Temples. Having eventually found our "beds" - games were played and eventually time to climb - and I mean climb - into bed - three high!!

At 5.10am - having pulled into Madurai and everyone getting themselves together - I heard a voice say Sr Susan? Sr Ruby (and Fr Claret) had arrived to take us on the next part of our journey - to the Convent in Theni. After two hours on the bus, we arrived to a traditional warm Indian welcome.

We had breakfast, found our rooms, and got ready an overnight bag to go onto the village where the clinic was located - another two hour drive. But first it was time to get the gifts for the children out and sorted. Our bags were definitely lighter going back.

At last - the clinic and the Sisters' convent, before a welcoming committee (with a few of the staff). Entertainment was next on the cards- after which - gifts were given.

Having spent the night at the clinic, the group went on a local visitation and met several of the villagers - some had gone to work in the fields. We then boarded our bus for the journey back to Theni - through the hills - but not before calling into the hospice that our Sisters run and onto Br.James Village. Time to chat to the Sisters……

A new day dawns - a day of festival when the implements that people use for their work are blessed…so we joined the blessing.

Then - to school…to do some teaching and join the students in their games….even in the intense heat. After lunch - back to what we do best - shopping for sarees and longui ready for the evening fashion parade. Except, the Sisters have to help us get into the Sarees….

The next day, we leave Theni for Maduri - and the visit to one of the enormous temples.

After a wonderful evening meal, back on the overnight train and arrive back in Chennai in the early morning. How good to see Sr Lilly, ready to take us back to Church Park and more tea and toast.

We visit Sacred Heart school, one of the three schools on the campus, before heading to the Community College to have hands painted - the guys have theirs done as well…. This is followed by afternoon tea with the Sisters in one of the other communities.

Some of the staff go to visit the grave of Sr Cecelia who had organised our last five visits.

It's the last day - Saturday - we leave tonight but not before more shopping at Spencers. In the meantime, I make my way to visit the very first Presentation Convent in Chennai - then known as Madras in an area called Georgetown. Here are buried the first Sisters.

I never cease to be amazed at how these women left home, knowing they would never return, lived in intense heat wearing heavy black surge habits - their dedication to the Lord and their commitment to spreading the Gospel is remarkable. May they rest in peace and I am sure, they have risen in glory.

We return to Church Park for evening Mass and time to pack and prepare to leave. It's hard to believe we have been here over a week. So many people we have met, so many experiences, so many miles, so much welcome and hospitality. How does one say thank you.

For me, it's always a graced opportunity to meet our Sisters and share in their ministry and hear their stories. For the young people - a life changing event, that at times has brought them to the brink of tears and a deep appreciation of the hospitality of the Presentation Sisters.

SOME WORDS OFFERED BY THE YOUNG PEOPLE ON THIS VISIT

Life enhancing

Life changing

Made me understand our Value of Compassion

I felt privileged

I felt vey fortunate

I felt cared for by the Sisters

Well fed!!!

Looked after

Cared for

The Sisters went out of their way for us

Nothing was too much for them