Mary Queen Convent, Karkala

A call to the Sisters of the Little Flower of Bethany to serve in the parish of Christ King Church, Karkal came through late Rev. Fr. Joe Noronha, who was then the parish priest of Karkal.

Mother Macrina, the Superior General of the Congregation was pleased to open a house of Bethany on 31^st May 1959 on the feast day of the Queen ship of Mary. The Covent was named as Mary Queen Convent, Karkal.  Sr Sylvia was the first Superior. At the beginning the sisters were teaching in the Parish School.

In 1960, Ms Ritty Carvallo, the headmistress of Christ King Higher Primary School resigned her post and Sr Alfreeda was appointed as the headmistress of the Church School at Karkal. Rev Fr Emmanuel DSouza, the Parish Priest offered two pieces of cultivable land in front of the Church for Bethany Sisters. Sr. Rosine who succeeded Sr. Sylvia as Superior constructed the Convent Building in the land provided in 1964. The Convent building was blessed and inaugurated by the Bishop of Mangalore, Rt Rev Dr Raymond D Mello on 9^th January 1964.

The Convent celebrated the Silver Jubilee on 2^nd June, 1984 by offering a Thanksgiving Mass in the chapel. It was a time to rejoice and thank God for His bounteous blessings. A felicitation programme was organized for this the former Superior Generals Rev. Mother Macrina and Rev. Mother Prescilla were present. Rev Mother Sylvine the Superior General presided over the programme.

The Community celebrated golden jubilee of Sr. Sylvia of her religious life after she was transferred for the second time in 1973. On 9^th June 1995, Sr. Sylvia went to her well-merited reward after spending 25 years in the Community. The community celebrated golden Jubilee of the Religious life of Sr Modesta on 28^th May 1988. On 4^th Oct. 2003 the Divine Summons came to Sr Modesta and she went to her eternal reward. Sr Monthilita went to her eternal reward on 14^th September 2018.

As Headmistresses Sr Alfreeda, Sr Rozine (left) Sr Maude, Sr Lisia, Sr Ima, Sr Clementine, Sr Gracy Monica, Sr Lizzie Furtada, Sr Agnes Mary, Sr Mercy and Sr Usha  served in the Christ King Primary School – Kannada Medium has been closed.  Sr Jessy Leena has rendered her service in Christ King English Medium School from 1995 to 1998 which was managed by a Trust consisting of the parish priest and the laity. Now it is shifted from the parish compound and it is managed by the laity.

As there is no teaching apostolate in this place the sisters generously and willingly contribute their services through Pastoral Apostolate such as teaching Catechism, taking care of the altar linens, attending SCC meetings, visiting the sick and elderly, SVP, Women’s cell, Marian Sodality, Eucharistic Ministry, Preparation for the Liturgy and attending meetings.

Date & Year of establishment  : 31^st May 1959

Pioneer Superior                       :  Sr Sylvia

Pioneer Members                 :  Srs Julia,  Alfreeda,  Rosine,  Ancilla