SISTER MARY XAVIER CHIRAYIL

Attracted to the missionary vocation, in 1958, Teresa met Sisters Mary Henrietta and Mary George RNDM who had gone to Kerala for recruiting vocation. Teresa and her companions were brought to St. Mary’s as Juvenists to learn English. It did not take very long for the talented Teresa to pick up English.
After being received as Postulants on 2nd July, 1962 in St. Mary’s Shillong, Teresa proceeded to St. Scholastica’s, Chittagong, East Bengal (Now Bangladesh) for the Novitiate. The novitiate programme started on 19th March, 1963. Whilst in Chittagong, Sister pronounced her Vows on 2nd July, 1965 and returned to Shillong in 1966 as Sister Mary Xavier. Later on, Sister prefers to be known simply as Sister Xavier.
Sister Xavier was lucky to be able to attend college as a regular candidate. She graduated with Major in Political Science in 1968. Endowed with leadership qualities, Sister won the affection of the students. Sister was then sent to Sudeep Training Course, Bangalore in 1970 to prepare herself for the Final Profession. She made her Final Profession on 2nd July, 1971 in St. Joseph’s Convent, Shillong.
Sister’s maiden mission to Queen of the Missions School, Kolkata in 1972, initiated her not only to teaching but to also venture into youth ministry. The National Leadership Training Service (LTS) was to become her lifelong passion. Under the charismatic leadership of Sister, the unit of Queen of the Missions School, Park Circus, Kolkata became a dynamic one. Whilst in Kolkata, Sister had the opportunity to work with the Director, Rev. Father R. Wirth SJ.
When the youthful Sister Xavier came to Shillong, she started unit after unit of the new LTSers in different schools. Enflamed by the motto “For God and Country”, she animated a host of teachers. It did not take very long before the Salesian Brothers from the Sacred Heart Theological College to discover a mentor in her. She was a very resourceful and dynamic instructor. With a sense of pride, she places in record her forty-two years of intensive service to this cause.
In 1974, Sister was sent to Shillong to complete her BT (Bachelor of Training). Sister has the distinction to belong to the first group that received the degree from the newly founded University (NEHU). Sister secured a First Class. On completion, in 1975, Sister returned to Kolkata. It was there, while helping Mother Aime in the dispensary that Sister had the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Homeopathic. This exposure enriched her life greatly.
Sister was selected to attend the Tertianship course in Rome in 1978.
On returning, in 1979, Superiors entrusted her with the responsibility of the St. John Bosco’s High School in Sohra as Headmistress.
Like a rolling stone that gathers no moss, in 1980 Sister was sent to St. Michael’s Umsning, where during within three years she was instrumental for the upgrading of the School into a Secondary School.
Sister’s insatiable thirst for knowledge was recognized by the superiors. She was given the opportunity to attend the intensive course on Catechetical Course at Kristu Jyoti, Bangalore in 1984.
In short Sister was always on the lime light. From 1987 to 1989, she was the Animator of St. Mary’s Community and in 1990 she celebrated her Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession in St. Josephs.
After her Jubilee Sister was transferred to Belvai, Mangalore to animate the community 1990-1992.
Sister was also the Principal of St. Paul’s Secondary School, Marbisu in 1993. It was during this time that Sister passed her MA in Political Science.
The Indian Province was triplicated into India North East (INE), India Central INC & India South (INS) on 31st December, 1995. Sisters were to belong to wherever they were mission then. Ever since, Sister Xavier belongs to INE.
In the meantime, Sister got interested in studying Law. With another feather on her head, her sharp wit and intelligence made her a vivid reader. Conversant in both Politics & Law, she indeed was a powerful enterprising orator. In General Knowledge she stood second to none. It is no wonder that Sister could deliver extempore speeches on any topics with relative ease. When Sister takes class she could hold the interest of children for hours on end.
A missionary to the core, Sister Xavier mastered the Khasi language with rare fluency. Her love for the Khasi people and Khasi land has been deeply imprinted in her heart.
From her reservoir of knowledge, Sister Xavier was able to assist children to win debates, quiz and allied competitions. Sister was a dynamic force behind the activities of the St. Mary’s Secondary School.
Sister Xavier’s fascinated the LTSers with her energy. She never failed to take groups after groups for excursion and national gatherings. Hers was the joy to have visited many towns and cities of the nation.
However, when Sister’s interest in legal matters became paramount. It slowly waned involvement in schools.
The prolonged intricate court case of Mrs. Gloria for the property in Park Street Kolkata, which her late mother wanted to donate to four charitable institutions, including the St. Mary’s Orphanage of Shillong, like a magnet drew Sister Xavier to its wheels. She was involved to this cause for nearly fifteen years.
Sister Xavier has another hobby. She likes to record events which became very handy for chroniclers. Many notebooks and diaries stand testimonies to her organized life. The Archive will indeed be greatly enriched by these precious assets.
Being a proud Daughter of Euphrasie Barbier, Sister’ loved to be part of educational workshops and elite gathering. Sister is an active member of the Orchid Rotary Club. Her contribution is always commendable.
Sister’s Golden Jubilee was solemnized on the 16th May, 2015 in St. Mary’s Convent. The celebrated day brought friends and relatives from far and near and filled the cup of her joy to the brim.
Like a bolt from the blues, the silent pain that sister had for sometime ignored began to emerge in 2015. The Sisters of India North East (INE) Province, gave Sister the best of treatment according to her choice first in Kolkata and then in Kerala. Whilst in Kolkata, it was our Sisters from the Central Province who accommodated her. Many Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions from INE took turn to be with Sister Xavier. Sister was never left unattended.
Sister was blest with her ability to be in touched with friends and Sisters: because there is good coverage of network wherever she was.
Whilst in Kerala Sister Xavier had the best of tender care from her near and dear ones especially Mrs. Rani & Sibichan. The kindness and love showered by Mrs. Rani and her family defy all explanation and admiration. We are lost for words.
Sister Xavier’s charism to inspire her nieces and nephew is just enigmatic. They look up to her as their legendary Akka.
We are grateful indebted to the Sisters of India South Province. Sister Vinita and the whole Leadership Team went out of their way to visit Sister Xavier. Sister received maximum caring attention and regular visits from the Sisters of the two RNDM communities of Amalapuram & Kollam.
God’s final call, like a gentle breeze came to take Sister to the heavenly home on 20th August, 2017.
May her soul rest peace.