Called to Teach

CALLED TO TEACH Fear not I am with you. –Isaiah 41:10

This scripture passage guides Blanche Correia, SCN. Teaching is her passion. Helping children overcome the odds whether it is economic, of a physical nature, or involves a learning difference is her life’s work. She shares the story of one young man whose parents had given up on him as he had struggled for years to read. After coming to the United States to work on her Master’s degree and returning to classrooms in India, she realized the young man might have a learning difference. She worked with him closely in Banakal, India and not only did he learn to read, he excelled and did quite well on his placement tests. Though she does not take credit, many believe she changed the course of the young man’s life. She has changed the course of many students’ lives.

A teacher and principal at many SCN schools across India, Sister Blanche is currently vice principal at Nazareth School in Chandapura. A native of Vasai, Sister Blanche entered the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1978 and made final vows in 1986. “My life in this Congregation has been a long and rewarding

Left: Blanche Correia, SCN, shared a laugh with a young teacher she was mentoring at Nazareth School in Banakal, India. Right, top: Blanche Correia, SCN, hugs her close friend, Shalini D’Souza, SCN (now deceased). Right, bottom: Blanche Correia, SCN, is pictured as a young teacher in the classroom.

experience,” reflects Sister Blanche. “I thank God for the spiritual journey with my Sisters and all the people of God in my life.”

Sister Blanche is one of nine children and came from a devout Catholic family where Mass was always attended, and the rosary said daily. Sister Blanche was 8- years-old when her father died. She notes her parents believed in education and as a result, all of her siblings have been successful. She says that because of her parents, “God has been the center of my life.”

Her mother encouraged her to become a teacher. She was initially enrolled to pursue other studies, but instead switched to teaching. Her mother died from cancer three days after her decision. Sister Blanche earned her teaching certificate and taught at Mumbai Church School before entering religious life. “I worked with children for two years before realizing I would be a happier person if I answered my calling.” From the beginning she was drawn to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, “When it came time to choose a Congregation, I attended vocation camp and met two SCNs, Teresita Theruvankunnel and Mary Scaria Menonparampil, at Gorai, Mumbai. They both came wearing saris, not habits. The fact that the Sisters wore a sari attracted me to join this order. I had no idea where Bihar was and my family objected to my going. They were happy with my decision to join the convent but wished I would choose one that was not so far away as Bihar.”

Though homesick at first, Sister Blanche found inspiration in Sisters Olive Pinto, Shalini D’Souza and Margaret Rodericks. Sister Blanche’s first assignment was Rahargoda School in Golmuri, Bihar. SCNs then asked her to go to Gyan Deep Vidyalaya, Birsanagar in Jamshedpur. She was appointed as the first SCN headmistress there. She also carried out and completed studies at Ranchi University. She next served in Vasai, her hometown, and worked with youth.

Sister Blanche went on to study at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai where she completed studies in sociology and psychology, “It was a proud moment for me.” From there she went to a small village called Hilsa. She was principal of Christ Jyoti School where the student body grew from 300 to 600 by the end of her term. During this time, she also visited and counseled women who were in jail. She worked to get inmates rehabilitated and released. She also served in Nazareth Pre-School in Gaya and then in Birsanagar, she had responsibility for the Gyan Deep High School. At the same time, she earned a Master’s Degree.

Sister Blanche next came to the United States to attend Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. She earned a Master of Education in School Administration. She recalls fondly, “I considered myself fortunate as I walked on the holy ground where our foundress, Mother Catherine Spalding, and many other great holy women walked. With gratitude and joy, I cherish those years spent in Nazareth, Kentucky … My special thanks and gratitude goes to Sisters Mary Serra Goethals and Rose Howard who assisted and accommodated me in their home and community. As they were both educators and principals in schools,

I profited intellectually. They were my walking encyclopedias.”

SCNs Rose and Serra recall Sister Blanche’s stay with them and her love of teaching, “She talked often about her students and years spent in the classroom. She truly

Sister Blanche returned to India in December 2007 and became principal of Nazareth Convent High School in Vasai. In 2015, she became the principal of Nazareth School in Banakal. Standing on the steps of that school surrounded by lush forests, she talked of how she mentored many SCNs beginning their journeys in education. She also helped the children there to grow in knowledge and selfconfidence. “Almost 28 years in school administration has kept my

mind alert. I need to update myself constantly and educate myself with what is happening in the world, India, and all fronts. Being with the students has kept me very young and energetic.”

The years have not always been easy for Sister Blanche, “I lost my parents before I joined the SCNs and I lost two brothers and a sister after I joined. I consider it a huge loss in my life. I have not yet recovered from the death of my eldest sister, who was like a mother to me.” Yet she always kept her faith, “I experienced God at my side. God has protected me, defended me, kept me safe under His wings.”

She even nearly lost her life one time, “I was caught up in a big flood and God saved me. I was returning from my college and got down at Mumbai Central station to go to the hostel. I just could not proceed due to heavy rain. The water was above my waist, I could not go further. Just then a gentleman appeared and held my hand and took me to a safe place.”

Currently enjoying her time at Nazareth School in Chandapura, she reflects, “I look forward to the future that God may continue to use me for the service of God’s people.”

Adding that she’s experienced great joy in religious life, “My answer to any young women would be: it is worth dedicating our life for the Kingdom of God, to spread the Good News.”

Left: Blanche Correia, SCN, visits with Mary Margaret Nirmala, SCN, as the two educators discuss being in the classroom. Below: Nazareth School has a large student body and is located in the lush surroundings of Banakal, India.