Convents
The convents associated with St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor, serve the parish and the wider community through prayer, formation, pastoral care, and works of service.
St. Raymond’s Convent, Vamanjoor
Objectives
- Fostering communion within the community
- Extending compassionate love through our mission
Perched on a serene hillock in Vamanjoor, St. Raymond’s Convent stands as a testament to faith, vision, and dedicated service. It is surrounded by prominent landmarks such as St Joseph the Worker Church, the Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles Convent, and St Joseph Engineering College. Our convent lies at the junction of three villages — Kudupu, Thiruvailu, and Bondanthila.
What began as a humble cottage, built by our Founder Msgr RFC Mascarenhas, has now blossomed into the vibrant Headquarters of the Mangalore Province of the Bethany Congregation. This transformation from barren land into a centre of faith and mission is a true reflection of God’s grace and the unwavering commitment of our pioneers.
A significant milestone was the donation of 4.5 acres of land by Dr Paul Fernandes on January 22, 1942, with the vision of establishing a health resort for Bethany Sisters suffering from tuberculosis. Though the sanatorium at Rosa Mystica was later closed due to administrative constraints, the foundation stone for this mission was laid on January 23, 1945, the 70th birthday of our Founder.
Foundation and Growth
The canonical erection of the community took place on August 1, 1976, with Sr Louise as the first Superior. She was joined by pioneering sisters: Sr Genevira, Sr Afflicta, Sr Florita, and Sr Alphonsine. The convent was named after St Raymond of Penyafort, the patron saint of our Founder.
Over the years, St Raymond’s Convent also served as the Regional Headquarters for the Mangalore Region. Regional Superiors like Sr Honoratha, Sr Noreen, and Sr Theresine led the community with zeal. In 1986, a new block was constructed for the care of retired Sisters. The first floor of this building later became the Provincialate under the leadership of Sr Virginia BS, the first Provincial Superior of the Mangalore Province.
Today, the province continues to thrive under the guidance of the present Provincial Superior, Sr Lilly Pereira BS.
Mission Today
The community is now animated by Sr M Lavita BS and is home to 37 dedicated Sisters who serve in various ministries, including:
- Education from Kindergarten to Degree level, through St Raymond’s Kannada Medium Aided School
- Social outreach and care for the poor
- Pastoral ministry and faith formation
- Care for the elderly Sisters
- Catechism and liturgical ministry
- Animation of Small Christian Communities (SCCs)
- Eucharistic and prayer ministries
- Prison Ministry
Rooted in the charism of our Founder and united in our mission, we actively participate in parish life — responding with love and compassion to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the faithful. Our life is centred around the Blessed Sacrament, where we lift up the Church, the Congregation, and the world in prayer.
Looking Ahead
The dream that Msgr RFC Mascarenhas had for Vamanjoor continues to unfold in beautiful and unexpected ways. What began as a mission for the sick and the poor has grown into a beacon of hope, service, and spiritual nourishment for many.
We remain committed to walking in the footsteps of Jesus — preaching the Good News and building a world rooted in communion, compassion, and love.
Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles Convent, Vamanjoor
The SRA Convent in Vamanjoor was established as part of the congregation’s vision to decentralize and effectively administer religious formation in India following the Second Vatican Council. In 1969, the SRA General Chapter at Vienna decided to restructure its regions. Accordingly, the southern region — covering Karnataka, Kerala, and parts of Bombay — was formed.
Recognizing the growing number of vocations, the need for a second novitiate in the South was seen. After initial efforts and temporary stays, the foundation for the novitiate house at Vamanjoor was laid by Rev. Fr Edwin C. Pinto on 31st October 1972. The Bethany Sisters’ former residence was made suitable to accommodate the postulants.
The Novitiate building was partially completed and blessed on 28th November 1976 by Bishop Basil S. D’Souza. Eight novices made their first commitment in the newly built chapel on 8th December 1976. Rev. Sr Aquilina Schwödiauër, the architect and planner, designed the structure with long-term stability in mind.
Key Structures Added
- New Chapel (blessed in July 1978)
- Chaplain’s quarters foundation (March 1979)
- Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (December 1979)
To serve the local community, the sisters began pastoral outreach, using the convent chapel for liturgy until the parish church was built. On 1st July 1982, the Dharma Jyothi Social Centre was canonically recognized and blessed. Sr Maria Goretti Quadros was appointed as its first in-charge. The centre engaged in:
- Social service
- Health care
- Educational assistance
- Self-help groups
- TB awareness and other outreach programs
A new wing of the centre was opened on 6th July 1988.
Responding to growing educational needs, the sisters started Vidya Jyothi School. Its foundation was laid on 1st May 2002 and inaugurated on 15th December 2002, eventually becoming a full-fledged high school.
Today, the sisters also serve in the Diocesan Aided School and are involved in catechism, youth ministry, sodality, BCCs, women’s empowerment, and liturgical activities.
The Vamanjoor convent continues to be the “Power House” of the Southern Province and a place of spiritual renewal for all SRA sisters. It is now led by Sr Leena VJ, carrying forward the legacy and mission of the SRA congregation.
Sisters of St Joseph of Saint-Marc (SJSM) – Luciana Home, Vamanjoor
The Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of Saint-Marc (SJSM) was founded on 3rd March 1845 by Rev. Fr Pierre Paul Blanck in Saint-Marc, France, under the patronage of St Joseph. The congregation is deeply rooted in Eucharistic Adoration and dedicated to serving the poor, the sick, and the needy with compassion and love.
Guided by the charism of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and selfless service, the Sisters have expanded their mission across Europe, including Germany, France, and Switzerland. Their presence in India began in 1975 with the establishment of a provincial administration at Indore Diocese, Madhya Pradesh, from where they now serve in 10 states across 23 dioceses.
Luciana Home – A Ministry of Love and Care
Located in the premises of St Joseph the Worker Church, Vamanjoor, Luciana Home is a centre dedicated to the care of senior citizens, especially those who are bedridden or in need of constant attention. The Home is administered by the SJSM Sisters under the St Joseph Province, Indore.
At Luciana Home, the Sisters offer their selfless service through:
- Elderly care and accompaniment of the sick and dying
- Health ministry and support for the bedridden
- Occasional involvement in parish and village apostolate
The Home is a place of peace, dignity, and spiritual support for its residents, grounded in daily prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and the legacy of their Founder. The community, currently animated by Rev. Sr Merlin SJSM, works tirelessly to bring comfort and care to those in their final stages of life.
As the congregation prepares to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their presence in India and the Jubilee Year of the Universal Church in 2025, the Sisters at Luciana Home remain committed to being a sign of hope through their silent service, prayer, and dedication.