Institute Mater Dei or lovingly called Santa Monica, is mostly famous because of the Weeping Cross, as I remember being brought as a child by my parents to this sacred place. Looking at the high walls we wondered does anyone live here….? Our little minds could not understand nor did our parents. For it was all good old history…Almost four decades! But, today it is known as the heart of women religious in India for the formation of Young Religious. Thanks to Cardinal James Knox, the then Internuncio of India, who initiated the process and encouraged Mother Theodosia of Apostolic Carmelites to plan a National Formation House. Celebrating its golden fruitful fifty years of service to thousands of women religious is not a joke. I rejoice at its growth in facilitating the objective to empower women religious, as today Mater Dei has truly grown and is flourishing with the different faculty programmes. How fortunate was I to be a part of such an august gathering and its portals.
Sentiments of joy engulf my heart filled with deep gratitude as I recollect my stay with Mother of God (Mater Dei) along with 124 students representing 65 congregations. Unity in Diversity is what Mater Dei excels in, with varied cultures grooming young mind and hearts through the four faculty programmes. Yes, at the beginning- encouraging the students to grow and outshine the inborn talents and to develop other talents from the various opportunities set forth- be it in the spiritual, intellectual, cultural, art, leadership and even social through the outreach or exposure programmes, Mater Dei nurtures and grooms…..
Mater Dei is one of the institutions that motivates and prepares women religious to grow unto the fullness of Christ(true to its motto) to face the rapid challenging needs of the society, to transcend religious divisions with patience, forgiveness and forbearance, besides, being dare to be prophetic .The tight schedule makes one realise the importance of time perhaps you grow in understanding of yourself and the other. Yes, to reach out to others and find more joy in giving than receiving. You learn to be human and humane, and experience the world of relationships.
Mater Dei is a house of treasure where you acquire knowledge, sharpen your senses and leaves no room for ‘an idle mind’.Certainly, asacred place to grow in communion with God and humankind. The broad verandas invite you to widen the space of your tent while the thick walls and its height speak volumes of how you need to broaden your shoulders to carry on life’s journey no matter how far the destiny is and aim high to achieve the goal. The silence and sanctity of the place is surely the haven for those aspiring to be mystics, mystics in the market place!!! Here is a place where you are invited to look at the past with gratitude; to live the present with passion and look to the future with hope. A place to deepen ones God experience and recommit one’s commitment, to grow unto the fullness of Christ and move out to the peripheries to meet the rapidly changing needs of the Church and society. Yes, to produce Jesus and be God bearers.
Long live my Alma Mater as I salute its portals and the visiting faculties who enter the lives of students supporting them to accept and love themselves just the way they are.
May my Alma Mater continue to empower many and remain ever-green forever!
