On June 18, 1974, Carmel Convent at 19, Deshapriya Park was established as the 25th house in the Northern Province of the Apostolic Carmel sisters. Sr. Gonzaga led the founding group of sisters including Beata, Anacleta, Mauritia, Maria Deepa, and Eugene Marie, who planted the seeds of love and compassion in Kolkata. This establishment was significant as it marked the culmination of a long-standing aspiration to establish a presence in the capital city of West Bengal, Kolkata.
The journey towards establishing in Kolkata began with the foundation in Kharagpur, which Mother Fridoline A.C. spearheaded as Superior. She recognized the strategic importance of Kolkata for expanding the Apostolic Carmel’s mission in West Bengal. With the support of Mgr. Barber, the Vicar General, and Fr. Richi S.J., Mother Fridoline’s desire for a convent in Kolkata gained strong backing.
In December 1955, Mgr. Barber informed Mother Fridoline about an opportunity in South Kolkata. Acting swiftly, Mother Fridoline presented the proposal to the Superior General, who promptly approved the initiative. Fortuitously, the Kamala Girls’ School vacated its premises around the same time, and Fr. Fallon S.J. facilitated the acquisition of the building at 19, Deshapriya Park Road for the Apostolic Carmel sisters.
Thus, St. Mary’s Carmel School, also known as Nirmala Vidyalaya, was established in this location. Following the Provincial Chapter decision in 1974, a convent was formally opened at 19, Deshapriya Park to consolidate the Apostolic Carmel sisters’ presence in Kolkata. This marked a significant step towards advancing their apostolic mission in the region.
