Teresian Carmelites in India dispatch first group of sisters to U.S.

April 23, 2014: Teresian Carmelites in India have dispatched their first group of sisters to the United States. The small group of fours nuns are quickly adjusting to their new life in the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota, helping out in the Catholic Indian Mission and teaching at St. Bernard Mission School in Fort Yates. This is the first time that members of their congregation have lived and served in the Western Hemisphere. Their order, founded in 1866, is based in Kerala, India. Bishop David D. Kagan of Bismarck told CNS (Catholic News Service) "It's a great encouragement to the Catholic people that we're able to have religious women in the diocese who are active in the apostolate of Catholic school education.". The prelate also said he could see many good things coming from their presence there."
The Indian sisters have come in place of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, whose numbers at the school were declining. In searching for a replacement, Fr. Biju Chitteth, an Indian priest in western North Dakota, contacted the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites and getting a positive answer, he told Bishop Kagan, who then invited them to serve. There are five parishes in the Catholic Indian Mission, Bishop Kagan explained. The sisters' main duty will be to teach at St. Bernard Mission School, but they will also assist priests from these five parishes in pastoral work.
Source: CNS