Carmel Convent, Ashaniketan, Mangaluru (1968)

CARMEL CONVENT, ASHANIKETAN

God in His inscrutable wisdom and almighty Providence has, from time to time, raised up men and women, needed to work out His eternal plan for humankind.Mother Theodosia was one such woman, elected as Superior General in 1960 and the recipient of the Padma Shree Award and the auditrice at the Second Vatican Council. Hers was the vision which sprang from a rich and unique academic background, along with spiritual foresight, the gift of a few in the Apostolic Carmel.

In December1967, Mother Theodosia bought a plot of 2.61 acres from the Rosario Cathedral. It had a main building and several godowns. Sister M. Camelia, with Sister Carmel Anne her assistant and the 56 postulants did a herculean task, renovating the godowns into living quarters for Sisters. They converted a factory into a Convent. Inasam’s ‘green fingers’, made the neglected compound fertile, productive and converted the factory environment into eco-friendly environment where one could enjoy nature’s beauty and bounty.

Around 1971 the number of postulants decreased, hence small boarders were admitted. Friendly atmosphere prevailed. Besides boarders, some working women were taken in. However, this had to be discontinued as it was difficult to cater to their needs.

It was a band of very selfless sisters, though slightly old, who carried on the apostolate from Ashaniketan. Very good traditions of loving attention and hospitality earned for the convent a very good reputation. The very atmosphere of the building and the warmth that exuded from the sisters made everyone feel welcome. It was indeed a Home of Hope and Hospitality.

Carmel Convent, Ashaniketan a house of hope, a house of hospitality still continues simplicity, hard work, selfless service by sisters, friendly relations with the Parish and involvement in its activities. Reaching out to those in need, especially those who knocked at its gate, hospitality and service to the guests, care of Sisters needing medical treatment, catering to the tour parties etc. are still being continued. Green environment, a stable with many cows, pigs provide the inmates with good nourishment. God bless those who set this up.

Added to this Carmel Centre for Continuing Education was started in 1977 – a project for the innovative, relevant and practical education for the disadvantaged, a non-formal education which provided an additional avenue of income for many women of the locality. It was a haven for the disadvantaged and the home of the marginalized. It is still running well.

In order to provide better facilities to the sisters and the guests and to accommodate the sisters of seminars a spacious Convent building was planned. Asha Niketan was renamed ‘Carmel Convent’ on 20 January 1980 and became an independent convent on 16 July 1980.

In 2005 there came into existence Carmel Play Home providing a wonderful environment for the total growth of the little children.We are grateful to every Sister whom the Father’s providence brought to live here and serve the Lord in this vineyard.

Contact Details:

Carmel Convent
Ashaniketan
Opp. Head Post Office
Mangaluru – 575 001
Karnataka
Ph. No. (0824) 2426526
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Superiors: