St. Cecily’s Convent is a precious treasure to the Holy Mother Church, particularly to Mother of Sorrows Church in Udupi. The Convent was established at the request of local Catholic Mr. Piedade Alva and the Konkanis who wanted their daughters to be educated by the sisters. After much consideration, the then Mother General, Mother Aloysia, gave her consent. In 1918, Four Apostolic Carmel Sisters (Sisters Agnes, Columba, Elias, and Jane) arrived to reside and commence their mission in a dilapidated bungalow at Kadabettu, Udupi (the site of the present Modern School). Within three days of their arrival, they were able to gather 9 students for 3 classes. Life was not easy for the sisters, but the providential care of the Triune God was with them, so in the midst of hardships, the sisters continued their mission. The education provided by the sisters was of such quality that the number of students increased rapidly. At a time when there were few schools specifically for the education of girls, St. Cecily Convent School became a beacon of light for the girls of Udupi and its surrounding areas.

Contribution to the Church: The existence of the Sisters of St. Cecily’s Convent has strengthened the faith of the faithful in the parish and rejuvenated the lives of the people in and around Udupi. Their spiritual, educational, emotional, social, material, and monetary support has uplifted people to lead dignified lives in society.

Regular Mass: In the Convent Chapel, there is a regular weekday Holy Mass at 6:30 am. The Catholic faithful near the Convent attend and receive divine blessings. Currently, Fr. William Martis offers the daily Mass for the sisters. Once a week, the parish clergy take turns to offer Mass for them. On Sundays, the sisters come to the church for Mass.

Community: In the community, there are 19 sisters, a mixture of elderly and youngsters, living joyfully and serving as an inspiration and example for all of us.

Ward Spiritual Guidance: Sisters actively participate in Ward SCC meetings. They regularly visit families, meeting the elderly, sick, needy, youth, students, and others who require their presence, bringing joy, healing, and solace to troubled hearts. When there are funerals in the wards, sisters make it a point to visit the bereaved family members, offer condolences, and pray for the deceased.

Help in Church activities: Though the sisters have their regular missions in the schools, they make themselves available to participate in the activities of the Church, rendering assistance wherever necessary. This includes teaching catechism, distributing communion, preparing children for communion, conducting adult catechism, participating in SCC meetings, conducting regular family visits, cleaning sacristy clothes, participating in various parish activities, and assisting in Jeevan Jyothi and Summer Camps, among others. There is a cordial relationship with the parish clergy and parishioners. The presence of the sisters in our parish is a divine blessing to all.