The Journey Vol. 02, 2022

Provincial Leadership Teams Take Office

New leadership is finding its footing with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as provincials, vice provincials and board members took office this spring.

Western Province

From Left to Right: Western Province Vice Provincial Michelle Grgurich, SCN; Provincial Barbara Flores, SCN; Vice Provincial Camille Panich, SCN.

In the Western Province, comprising the United States and Belize, Barbara Flores, SCN, advanced to provincial, an opportunity to which she is looking forward.

In her nomination, Sister Barbara was praised for her knowledge of the Western Province through her experience in other leadership roles, including her most recent position of vice provincial, to which she was elected in 2017. Sister Barbara, born in Punta Gorda, Belize, has been a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth since 1981. Her background is in education, and she has taught students at the elementary through college levels. She holds degrees in psychology, education, and religious, theological and cultural studies.

With her past Western Province leadership work and her administrative positions in schools, Sister Barbara is well equipped to lead the province in the coming years. Additionally, Sister Barbara served as vice president of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth from 2003 to 2008 and has been involved in vocation promotion and formation ministry for the Community.

“As I ponder the future, I sense tremendous hope among us with a deep desire to forge forward in re-envisioning new ways of keeping our Charity charism alive,” she declared in her discernment for leadership.

Sister Barbara is joined in the Western Province by new vice provincials, SCNs Michelle Grgurich and Camille Panich.

Sister Michelle is described as having critical and creative thinking skills, resiliency and extensive experience with and knowledge of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth ministries. Her background includes recent work as director of the Office of Congregational Ministries, a position she held until 2021. She also previously served on the Western Province Board and as director of the Department for Persons with Disabilities in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Sister Michelle looks forward to working with the Central Leadership Team and with numerous initiatives and ministries that adhere to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s mission in her Western Province leadership role.

“I look forward to building and deepening relationships with Sisters and Associates, listening to the needs that arise, and together determining meaningful options,” she said.

For Sister Camille, the Western Province leadership role offers an opportunity to further serve the Community she loves. A longtime educator of various subjects, mainly at the high school level, Sister Camille has teaching and administrative experience, which she applies to leadership roles elsewhere.

Sister Camille previously served with the Western Province Steering Committee, among other roles, and has witnessed the Congregation grow and change in exciting ways due to leadership efforts.

“From the very beginning, I have been energized by the focus on justice, women, care for the earth, and our global awareness and presence,” she said of the Community. She added that the commitment she witnessed from others inspired her call to leadership and furthered her involvement in the Congregation.

Bangalore Province

From Left to Right: Bangalore Province Vice Provincial Vijaya Chalil, SCN, and Provincial Mary Margaret Nirmala, SCN

In the Bangalore Province of Southern India, Mary Margaret “Nimmie” Nirmala, SCN, has taken on the role of provincial, joined by Vijaya Chalil, SCN, as vice provincial.

Sister Nimmie, born in Madras Tamil, Nadu, India, has been a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth since 1988. Her background is in education, and she previously served as a teacher and administrator in India and Nepal, working with Nazareth Academy, St. Michael School, St. Vincent Matriculation School, Arulanandar College, Navjyoti Centre, Navjyoti School and most recently Jyoti Nivas School, where she was a lecturer of mathematics. This is Sister Nimmie’s first role in provincial leadership.

Sister Nimmie believes in the contemplative approach of consultation, communication, communion and accountability as the basis of governance at any level. She says this widens the opportunity for open dialogue and discerned decisions for the province. She also believes delegation is the way forward and has seen the result in her current place of ministry.

“With generosity and truthfulness as my strengths, along with the team of leaders of the province, I will seek to empower every member of the province to be her best self by recognizing her gifts and grace and building on it,” she said.

Like Sister Nimmie, Sister Vijaya’s experience is in education. Sister Vijaya most recently served as principal of Rosary School in Mumbai, a position she had held since 2012. Prior to that, Sister Vijaya served as a school administrator for Nazareth Academy and as a teacher at St. Michael High School, Nazareth Bhavan and Creane Memorial School in Bihar.

Sister Vijaya understands the importance of contemplative dialogue and honest sharing in addressing issues, adding the Congregation is called to think and act differently. She also believes in a democratic way of functioning where all are heard, listened to and share their opinions and ideas.

“We need to plunge into action. We are standing on the shoulders of our pioneers,” she said. “We have models from the past and living inspirational women in the present from which we can draw strength.”

Patna Province

From Left to Right: Patna Province Vice Provincial Basanti Lakra, SCN; Provincial Latika Kottuppallil, SCN, and Vice Provincial Suchita Kullu, SCN

In the Patna Province, Latika Kottuppallil, SCN, is welcomed as the new provincial. Born in Kerala, India, Sister Latika has been a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth since 1982. Sister Latika’s professional background is in nursing. She has served the Patna Province as a teacher, nurse, supervisor, nursing service director, associate administrator, and administrator of Nazareth Hospital, Mokama.

Sister Latika steps into provincial leadership for the first time in her new role. Described as wise, intelligent, and a good listener, she has qualities that will carry her far in her service to the province. She has a special love for the poor and the needy, and Sisters see her as very creative in her approach to Mission. She is courageous and risk-taking and she is a spiritual person who sees many possibilities in impossible situations.

SCNs Basanti Lakra and Suchita Kullu join her as vice provincials for Patna.

Sister Basanti has served in the province as a teacher, headmistress, directress of pre-novices, social worker, and community coordinator. She also has extensive experience in leadership, including serving as vice provincial for the Patna

Province from 2007 to 2012 and as provincial from 2012 to 2017. Her experience in leadership and formation is an asset to the new leadership team.

Sister Basanti’s fellow Sisters describe her as wise, calm, serene, and deeply spiritual with an optimistic, empowering and courageous nature. Recently, she worked as director of the temporary professed of Patna Province and director of tertians of Patna and Bangalore Provinces, a position she held until April 2022.

“I look forward to revitalizing the communities that work in collaboration to respond to the needs of post pandemic creatively,” she said.

Sister Suchita brings experience in social work and teaching. She has served the province in these capacities as well as director of candidates, student counselor and director of novices. She has worked with various committees at both the province and congregational levels.

Sister Suchita loves working with women and children in the parishes and offering them spiritual care and moral support. Her experience working in the initial formation for 10 years, teaching ministry and social field are an asset to the leadership team. She is described as community-minded, optimistic and open to the realities of the world.

As a young leader, she said, “I look forward to working with the Sisters and Associates in the province, Executive Committee, Province Leadership Team and the Board of Directors with love and trust in God and one another.”