It was the Home in Secunderabad who had the joy of welcoming them on 28th.
After saying goodbye to the residents and the Little Sisters of Kolkata, the travelers took to the skies again for Secunderabad. Mother General Maria del Monte Auxiliadora and Mother Assistant Marie Rose left Kolkata on 28th January 2025. Our Home in Secunderabad has been caring for the elderly poor since 1903, when the Little Sisters moved from Malakpet to Musheerabad, where they were given a plot of land by the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1905.
On January 29, they received the traditional welcome of guests by the Nizam on their arrival. Three ladies in colorful muslim clothes greeted the guests with ‘Adab’ with the gesture of lowered head and sprinkled them with rose water. A lady offered special dates on a small round tray with rose petals. She was followed by Nizam who sprays perfume, considered a symbol of purity and much used by the Muslims, then the last lady brought a small round tray with 'Meeta Paan'.
The next day was the official welcome followed by entertainment. First, the elderly Residents beautifully dressed performed a welcome dance to the tune of the Hindi song. Another Resident gave a welcome speech with a charming smile. She impeccably pronounced 'Bien venida a nuestra casa' in spanish, which delighted Mother. Then, the elderly, associates, staff told the story how the Secunderabad Home was founded.
'The arrival of four Little Sisters by boat and train from Colombo to Hyderabad on 31 October 1903 marked the third foundation in India.They arrived at the sound of bells. After lunch, provided by the Sisters of Sainte Anne, they travelled by cart to Malakpet, where they were to live in a rented home. Once again, thanks to the intervention of Father Civiti, a chapel with a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes was waiting for them. Mgr Vigano, who returned from Europe on 13 November, brought a solemn blessing from Pope Pius X. He also presented the sisters with a cart and two 'oxen' for their begging work. The tours began in the first week, and little by little, generous donors, both Christians and non-christians, began to give their support.'
At the end of the event, much to everyone's delight, Mere said a few words in perfect English.
Then, the community sang the official jubilee 2025 hymn and all the residents posed for a group photo with Mother before dispersing.
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