MOTHER ELIZABETH AFFENTRANGER

Marie, who later became Mother Elizabeth, was born on Dec. 1, 1901 in  Reiden, Switzerland. At the age of 21, she entered the Society and made her profession in 1924. Her outstanding qualities of leadership were immediately noticed by Mother Dormann and she was chosen to be one of the pioneers for the Indian Mission. At first, she rendered nursing care in Golden Rock Hospital, Trichy, for eight months and later at Government Hospital, Machilipatnam as the Matron. The hardships she endured moulded her into a courageous and daring person with a determined spirit, to face challenges of every kind. Excerpts from her letter dated 1928: “… Though I am separated from the other three Sisters, I am not home sick… Whoever has seen such poverty as I have seen in such a short time, would not dream of going back home. Everywhere the Lord is present and it is for Him we serve the poor” - shows her love of the mission.

A woman of valour: While working in Machilipatnam, she desired to have a hospital of her own. Impressed by the service of the Sisters, the authorities offered a strip of land along the Bandar Canal at Vijayawada. She, along with her Sisters, built it brick by brick struggling against all odds and insurmountable hurdles. The dream was realized in 1940 when the hospital was blessed and inaugurated. Soon to follow was a nurses’ training school and she was the first teacher. Her service to the suffering humanity received high recognition from the then British Government and she was given the “Kaisari - I- Hind" Medal.  Sr. Elizabeth was a woman of action as well as a great visionary.

In 1943, along with Sr. Dr. Mary Glory JMJ, she founded the Catholic Hospital Association of India. In 1954, she was appointed Regional Superior of the Society in India. During her tenure, so called the 19 years of golden- era, many are the causes she supported and many are the hospitals, health centers and educational institutions she has built, all of which testify to her inimitable service to humankind. She was a great leader and diplomat, and yet broadminded and generous. Possessing a personality that is endearingly informal and persuasively commanding, she had done things at their best. A trained nurse, she was an architect, planning and constructing the new foundations. For the Sisters, she was a beloved and revered mother. With a gentle smile and a warm embrace, she cared for the Sisters. Her firm spirit, tireless service and intelligent approach to problems shaped the destiny of the Congregation in India. She continued to be active until she suffered a stroke in 1989. The great saga of this valiant woman, who served the people in India for 72 years, came to an end on February 9, 1996 at the age of 95. Her birthday is commemorated as the ‘Health care day’ in all our health care institutions. The Society continues its onward march, building upon the strong foundation laid by our revered and beloved Mother.