Bettiah, in the state of Bihar, has a very long cultural tradition and a rich history. The population consists of various ethnic groups and religions. There are just about 12‘500 Christians, a very small minority compared to the Moslems and Hindus.
Most people live by the produce of their fields. Young people migrate to big cities, since many people do not own their own fields. For girls, the situation is especially difficult. Education is often denied to them; they are often given in marriage at an early age. Thanks to the many years of work of the missionaries, Sisters and Priests. As a result of their efforts, the education of girls and their empowerment, the attitudinal change in young towards values and life style could come about at the same time.
The extreme conditions of climate – scorching and lengthy season of heat, as well as extreme cold in winter – is difficult for the people.
St. Mary’s Home, Fakirana: Since 1899 it had been an orphanage. The house is surrounded by the village huts of the people who are socially and economically quite poor.
But for the last 25 years it has been a school with boarding for hearing-impaired children. Here, programs for the empowerment of women are organized; there is, moreover, a home for 10 elderly and destitute ladies.
The nine sisters of this community are confronted with much human suffering, blows of fate, need and destitution; the sisters are very committed in this apostolate with much love.
The “Postulancy” (part of the formation) is housed here, too.
One of the sisters takes care of the big garden for fruits and vegetables.
