THE HISTORY OF GAUSPUR – ALLAHABAD
The Gonzaga Formation House in Gauspur, Allahabad, was established in 2019 with the blessing and support of Bishop Raphy Manjaly. It was initiated to serve as a regional house and formation center for the FSAG sisters in the North India region.
The establishment process began with a request for land, and the bishop generously provided 2 acres of land for the purpose. The foundation stone for the new convent was laid in July 2019, and the construction work started soon after. On the occasion of the inauguration, there was a grand celebration attended by various priests and sisters.
The formation house started with two aspirants, and later more candidates joined the congregation. The sisters provided them with spiritual and practical formation, including prayers, hymns, craft works, and cooking. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some activities were disrupted, but the sisters continued to support and teach the candidates remotely.
The community celebrated various feasts, including the feast of the founder, Fr. Michael Ansaldo, and St. Francis of Assisi. They also marked special occasions like the initiation day of the aspirants and postulants.
As of the current year, Sr. Mary Cherian is the formation in-charge, and there are two postulants Isabella Jenny and Karmena Soren and one aspirant, Sukhi Hembrom in the formation house.
Overall, the Gonzaga Formation House in Gauspur is dedicated to providing spiritual and educational formation to the sisters and candidates, and it continues to grow and nurture new vocations in the FSAG congregation.