Pokhara

St. Mary’s Convent, Pokhara

Beginnings

After many attempts to find a suitable plot for a school in Pokhara, one was finally found in January 1982. Negotiations dragged on, and it was registered in M. Benigna’s name due to a clause in the Society’s Constitutions. The land was eventually transferred to the Society, and a wall was built around the property. On 1st January 1983, the Sisters were ready to start St. Mary’s School in Pokhara. After Mass on the 6th, the cottages were blessed, and the school began its journey.

Educational Ministry

The school offers various activities and programs for students and teachers, including daily assembly, prayer services, talent festivals, cultural competitions, clubs for the needy, and celebrations of national days and festivals. Due to COVID-19, online classes and webinars have been implemented.

Pastoral Ministry

The convent chapel serves as a quasi parish, and activities like daily Mass, preparation for sacraments, visiting the sick and suffering, and Lenten practices are conducted. Due to COVID-19, these activities are restricted.

Social Ministry

The Sisters reach out to the poor and needy by providing food, clothing, educational materials, and human resources. During the pandemic, they helped hundreds of families with food items.

Community Life

Community life includes daily Mass, personal and common prayers, retreats, spiritual reading, and community meetings. Sisters also visit the sick, celebrate birthdays and feast days, and participate in relaxation activities and get-togethers with neighboring communities.

Community Members

Four members are involved in the community, with one retired sister (Sr. Clotilda).

Discontinued Ministries

1. Vocational Training (Tailoring): Started in 1989 and stopped in 2015 due to the teacher returning to her village and difficulty in finding a replacement.

2. Coaching Classes: Started in 1989 and stopped in 2016 due to the inability to find a teacher.