THE HISTORY OF FATHIMA CONVENT, PATTINAPAKAM, CHENNAI
Fathima Convent is a convent located in Pattinampakkam, Chennai. It was founded in 1979 when a three-storey building was purchased for Rs. 2,00,000. The permission to start the convent and working women’s hostel was granted by Archbishop Casimir Gnanadhikam.
The first Mother Superior was Rev. Sr. Felix Mary, and there were nine student sisters and 25 girls in the hostel. Rev. Mother Barbara Mary served as the Superior General at that time.
On November 10, 2014, the house was rebuilt and blessed during the tenure of Rev. Mother Mary Stella as the Superior General, and Rev. Sr. K.V. Rosa served as the Assistant Mother General. Most Rev. Dr. George Antony Samy, the Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, blessed the house on that occasion.
The purpose of Fathima Convent was to provide accommodation for women who came to Chennai for office work or other reasons, allowing them to stay and complete their tasks.
Christmas is celebrated annually in a grand manner at Fathima Convent. The celebration aims to share the joy of Christmas with non-Christian members and the poor people in the surrounding area. The congregation’s feast day and other church functions are also celebrated to foster a sense of community spirit.
The convent is involved in various activities. Sisters who travel to different places can stay at the convent and continue their work. It also serves as a place for sisters who require medical treatment to stay until they recover. The sisters actively participate in pastoral ministry, including attending Eucharistic celebrations, distributing Holy Communion, and conducting house visits. Some sisters are engaged in specific roles, such as Sr. Elizabeth, who is part of the choir and plays the harmonium for congregational singing, and Sr. Jenitha Mary, who works for peace and justice as an advocate.
The daily activities of the convent include adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, special prayers for those affected by COVID-19, and recitation of the prayer to St. Joseph in celebration of the Year of St. Joseph. Daily recitation of the Rosary and prayers for the Church and the congregation are also part of the convent’s routine.
