THE HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY ANSALDO CONVENT – ERFURT
With the grace of the Lord Almighty, with whom all is possible, the process to have a new community at Erfurt was initiated in August 2021. As a result of the long-standing desire expressed by Sr. Kulandai Theresa (772), to have a house in the state of Thuringia to be engaged with hospital ministry, it was actualized with the help of many good-hearted persons in a very short period.
The request to start a new community at Erfurt was forwarded to Superior General Rev. Mother Rajamani in August 2021. Having acquired the necessary permission from both the Mother General and the administrative authority of the diocese of Erfurt, Srs Kulandai Theresa and Arockiamary with the help of Rev. Fr Peter Leonard ISCH, visited the Catholic hospital at Erfurt and also the diocesan seminary, where the sisters would be staying temporarily on 19th September 2021. The sisters were whole heartedly welcomed by the personnel. The visit was very satisfying with regard to both the accommodation and the ambiance of the hospital and the city of Erfurt as well.
The reports were submitted to Superior General Rev. Mother Rajamani and Sr Edward Mary (ECC). They had further discussions and eventually our request to commence a community here was well accepted. On 30.09.2021 Srs Edward Mary and Kulandai Theresa went to Erfurt hospital to work further on the process. Having presented the charisma of the congregation and discussed certain necessary matters concerned to the life of the sisters, the agreement was made with the hospital on 15.10.2021.
At the same time, Srs Edward Mary (ECC), Vimalarasi (Prien Sup) Arokiamary and Kulandai Theresa visited Rt. Rev. Ulrich Neymeyr, the Bishop of the diocese of Erfurt, and requested to stay in the seminary till the sisters found a new appropriate house to stay. The request was well accepted and was given an apartment comprised of four rooms in the premise of the seminary. The Bishop appreciated the presence of catholic nuns which would be of great help to Erfurt city, since there are a very few number of Catholic nuns at Erfurt.
Srs Kulandai Theresa and Arockiamary arrived on 13 October 2021 at Erfurt from Dillenburg. Sr Arokiamary started her work on 15.10.2021 and Sr Kulandai Theresa on 01.12.2021 at the Catholic hospital, by name, St. Nepomuk in Erfurt.
Having stayed in the seminary for about six months, the sisters found a suitable house near Anger in the city of Erfurt. It was discussed with Rev. Fr Klaus regarding the proposal of the new house and its place. The proposed plan to carry out Ansaldo Convent was well accepted by all and the further agreements were made. The opening and blessing of the new community, namely, Ansaldo, was on 18 July 2022, on the same day and month in 1996 our congregation was recognised and got approved as one of Papal congregations.
Ansaldo community was officially founded and blessed on 18th July 2022. The entire ceremony was presided over by Rt Rev. Ulrich Neymeyr, in the presence of Fr Hübenthal, Fr Peter Leonard Isch, Sr Edward Mary ECC, and Sr Arokiamary, who was undertaking the responsibilities. Moreover, a number of sisters of European communities and other congregation sisters from Erfurt graced the occasion.
The purpose of the establishment of the community here is to continue the ministry of our Patron and to fulfill his will.
Our main apostolate is to work for sick people which we are carrying out. We join our catholic community for the prayers regularly and take care of pastoral work of hospital.
We do give our valuable presence during the death of people in our locality and show our solidarity.
We are taking care of old people here by spending our time with care and concern especially for the sick and to those who don´t have friends and realitives.
We distribute the Holy Communion during the Holy Eucharist in the Parish church and involve ourselves voluntarily in church decorations. We do whatever is expected of us as religious sisters with love and dedication.
Since we have started our mission with dedicated ministry here, we have been continuously experiencing His benevolent presence and providence. God stood like a fortress and protected us in the last year. We, Ansaldo convent sisters at Erfurt, thank the Lord for His goodness. We are happy to continue this mission with all the ups and downs. We keep moving, believing in God who called us that He will continue to lead us.
Name of the Superior General at the time of Establishment Rev. Mother Rajamani
Year of Establishment – 18.07.2022
Purpose of Establishing Working in the Hospital
Present Ministry Health Care