The Bridgettines

THE BEGINNING……
(From the early records of Sr. M. Bernadette Rose Noronha, Pioneer Founder Member – India)

The Seeds of a New Mission
Rev. Fr. Edward Beretta, S.J., was a zealous and holy missionary serving in the Diocese of Calicut, Kerala. While administering St. Philomena’s Institutions at Marikunnu (Mary’s Hill), he felt a deep need for a church where the Blessed Sacrament could be exposed for Perpetual Adoration.

Fr. Beretta knew that the Sisters of St. Bridget in Rome, who lived a contemplative life dedicated to prayer and adoration, would be ideally suited for this unique mission. In order to realize this vision, he travelled to Mangalore, where he recruited four young and enthusiastic girls: Rita Noronha, Elizabeth Gonsalves, Mary Coelho, and Martha Mascarenhas.

Their ready “YES” marked the beginning of a history that would continue to unfold and bear fruit to this day. With hearts heavy at the thought of leaving their loved ones, yet filled with determination and love for the Lord, they bid farewell to their families on 29 August 1934. They travelled to Madras (Chennai) and from there proceeded to Bombay (Mumbai).

The Historic Voyage to Italy
The historic voyage of these vibrant young women began on 6 September 1934, when they set sail from Bombay aboard the ship ‘Victoria’. After 10 complete days of a memorable and adventurous journey across the waters, they arrived at Genoa on 17 September 1934.

Throughout the voyage, they were privileged to participate daily in Holy Mass, receive Holy Communion, make their Confession, and listen to spiritual talks given by Rev. Fr. Beretta. Thus, even during their journey, they were strengthened spiritually for the mission that lay ahead.

Upon reaching Italy, the group travelled from city to city, meeting the friends of Rev. Fr. Beretta and helping to collect funds for the proposed new foundation in India. Wherever they went, they were received with admiration, warmth, and affection.

Their presence not only attracted the interest and admiration of the people they encountered but also inspired several young girls who eventually followed them to the convent. In this way, the group gradually grew into a twelve-member community, who would later undertake the journey to India together.

Arrival at the Mother House
This little group from India arrived in Rome on 3 October 1934 and entered Casa di S. Brigida, Piazza Farnese, the Mother House of the Order.

They were warmly welcomed by Mother Elizabeth, who was then the Abbess General, together with Mother Richard. Their arrival was a joyful and memorable occasion for the entire community, as this was the first group of Indian candidates to enter the Mother House.

These aspiring souls were also privileged to have an audience with Pope Pius XI, together with Rev. Fr. Beretta, S.J., St. Mother Elizabeth, and Mother Richard. They presented His Holiness with Indian curios and works of art. In return, the Holy Father bestowed his blessing upon Fr. Beretta, his missionary endeavours, and the new foundation that was being prepared in India.

The Formation of the First Indian Candidates
• 25 March 1935 – After completing the Vestition examination and an eight-day retreat conducted by Holy Mother Elizabeth, the four Indian candidates offered themselves to God and received their memorable Vestition.
• 21 April 1935 – They celebrated their first Easter in the Eternal City of Rome.
• 13 May 1935 – They left for Via delle Isole, another community in Rome, where they began their canonical year.
• 26 March 1936 – The First Profession of three Indians, together with Sr. Piera, took place. Martha had returned to India for good on 16 May 1935.

The First Profession – A Day of Grace
The profound experience of this journey towards the First Profession is beautifully recorded in the words of Sr. M. Bernadette:

“My Canonical year of Novitiate was drawing to an end. I felt more confirmed in my holy vocation. Rev. Fr. Villa called on the Indians and was pleased that the ‘trio’ was proceeding pretty well towards the goal. Our Mother Mistress and Mother Benedicta prepared us for the great day. An 8-day retreat preceded the 26th March 1936.

The previous day was solemn and stern. Penitential exercise in the Chapter Room. All professed nuns were present. The brides-to-be prostrated and Mother Benedicta gave a conference followed by the bestowal of penance. Then lunch on knees, a formal reading of a prayer consisting of asking pardon and obtaining favour! Had confession before Mass, Mass and Communion. We offered for a very special intention of Abbess General, Mother Elizabeth. The night rest was one of expectation of the Bridegroom!

Sr. Bridget Coelho, my companion, came to me; ‘Sister, shall we make the Way of the Cross?’ ‘Yes, dear Sister’!

The morning of 26th seemed long; our hearts yearned for the Hour of Hours! Mother Elizabeth and Mother Richard arrived in the afternoon from Piazza Farnese. At 2.30 was the tea.

Mother Elizabeth met us and put in more fervour in our timid hearts. Her words and her maternal blessing enriched us. At 3.30 p.m. sharp, the imposing ceremony of the First Profession began.

Rev. Fr. Beretta, S.J., presided, preached, etc. Assisting priests were my brother Fr. Albert Noronha, O.P., his novice master, other Dominican Fathers, Fr. Timoteo, our chaplain, and a Capuchin Father. I felt at home with Fr. Albert. He had brought a letter from my home in India.”

The Historic Journey to India – 1937
The year 1937 marked a historic and life-changing chapter in the story of the Bridgettine mission in India.

Rev. Sr. Bernadette records:

“The heroic Bridgettine Mother Frances headed the Pioneer Band for India on 10th April 1937 on ‘Conte-Verde’ (ship).

On 9th April, our last day in Mother House, in the room of St. Richard Reynolds we received the missionary Crucifix at a grand ceremony. That night we had a long talk from Mother Elizabeth. At midnight we sang ‘Rosa Rorans…’, wished all and left. A death-like sorrow prevailed! Cries were heard, but Mother Elizabeth began the Angels’ Rosary for us.

We entered the train for Brindisi and at Brindisi, at 5 p.m., we boarded the ship Conte Verde, our floating cloister for 10 days.

11th April, our first Mass on board.

Mass, Communion, Divine Office sung with the Rev. Chaplain of the ship, meditation, practices, etc. Good food, good bed… all around water!!..!!. We disembarked with a hymn of thanks on the 20th April on the Bombay docks.

On 22nd April, we left by Madras Express to Pune and next to Hubli. Here our beloved Fr. Beretta celebrated Mass.

We left by train to Kadur. Fr. Leone Prosepio, S.J., our future Bishop, met us here along with others and shouted, ‘Ecco Suore!’

We proceeded to Chickmagalur and then to Moodgiri, then to Bantwal. Later we halted at A.C. Convent, where Rev. Mother M. Aloysia and the Sisters gave us a warm welcome and stayed there for the night.

Then, on 27th April, we reached Marikunnu; our determined goal.”

The Twelve Pioneers
Thus, the twelve determined women, filled with fervour and prepared to face whatever might come their way, set forth for the glory of the One Who Had Called Them.

Like the Twelve Apostles, they arrived at their mission with nothing but a profound trust in the Lord and an unwavering willingness to surrender themselves to His Providence.

The initial years were marked by many struggles, pain, sorrow, and uncertainties. Yet, above all these difficulties stood their complete confidence in the Providence of God. It was this trust that kept their lamps burning and gave them strength to persevere.

The twelve pioneers who were planted in the Indian Bridgettine garden were:
• Mother M. Francis Lalli – Italian
• Sr. M. Clementina Manzini – Italian
• Sr. M. Philomena Gonsalves – Indian
• Sr. M. Agostina Benazzato – Italian
• Sr. M. Albina Bonacina – Italian
• Sr. M. Bridget Coelho – Indian
• Sr. M. Bernadette Noronha – Indian
• Sr. M. Grace Compagnoni – Italian
• Sr. M. Rosa Gaddi – Italian
• Sr. M. Piera Grilli – Italian
• Sr. M. Josefa Gaddi – Italian
• Sr. M. Serafina Arnaboldi – Swiss

A Legacy of Prayer, Sacrifice, and Mission
The spirit with which these pioneer Sisters came to India is beautifully expressed in the words of St. Mother Elizabeth, contained in a letter addressed to the Sisters in India in 1937:

“A Bridgettine must be a support in the mission with her prayer and life, generous abandonment and sacrifice, rich in virtue. I thank Jesus for every grace granted to you all and I do not doubt that my dear daughters understand and use each moment to draw a great many souls to Him and to become saints.”

These words became a guiding light for the pioneers as they began their new life in India. Their journey was not merely a geographical passage from one country to another; it was a profound journey of faith, surrender, sacrifice, prayer, and love.

From those twelve courageous women, who arrived with little more than their trust in Divine Providence, the Bridgettine mission in India would gradually grow and flourish. Their generous “YES” became the seed from which generations of Bridgettine Sisters would continue to serve God and His people.

Their story remains a living testimony to the power of faithful surrender, persevering prayer, and wholehearted dedication to the One Who Called Them.