“I served in Catholic schools for 42 years. Now I live in peace at Shanti Bhabon, spending my days in prayer and reading,” said Sr. Mary Amiya, a member of the Mary Queen of the Apostles congregation, commonly known in Bangladesh as the SMRA Sisters.
At 78, Sr. Amiya is one of twelve elderly nuns residing at Shanti Bhabon, a serene Elderly House in Toomilia, Kaliganj, near Dhaka. Established by the SMRA Sisters, the home offers care, dignity, and companionship to aging nuns who have dedicated their lives to education, pastoral work, and service to the Church.
“I can’t wash my clothes anymore, so the staff and younger sisters help me. They prepare my meals, give me medicine, and take care of me with love,” she shared. Sr. Amiya has been living at Shanti Bhabon since 2017. Despite suffering from low blood pressure and shortness of breath, she remains spiritually active. “I pray every day to God and the saints for a peaceful death. I want to go to heaven,” she said softly.
Sr. Mary Shanta, 70, arrived at the Elderly House five months ago due to complications from diabetes. “I loved teaching at the school in Tuital parish. I wanted to continue, but my health didn’t allow it,” she said with a hint of sadness. “Here, I enjoy community life. We have a chapel nearby, and when the bell rings, we gather for prayer and Holy Mass. These days are filled with prayer and sharing life with fellow retired sisters.”
She considers Shanti Bhabon a blessing. “We receive physical, mental, and spiritual care. When someone falls seriously ill, a priest comes to administer the Anointing of the Sick,” she added. The home is supported by two young nuns and four dedicated staff members. Additionally, three MBBS-qualified nun doctors from the nearby Mother House provide medical support. They also run a hospital.
Sr. Mary Priti, 86, once served as Superior General for eight years and worked extensively in formation. Many of her students are now nuns serving in various roles. Though she now needs assistance to walk, her spirit remains strong. “I want young people to visit us. We will pray for them and bless them,” she said. Visits from relatives bring her great joy.
Currently, twelve elderly sisters live at Shanti Bhabon, receiving round-the-clock care. However, the SMRA Sisters have 25 retired nuns in total. Due to limited space, many reside in other convents. Plans are underway to build a larger facility to accommodate all retired sisters with full amenities.
“We are working to establish a bigger house so that all our retired sisters can live together with proper care,” said Sr. Mary Minoti, 63, Superior of St. Mary’s Convent, Toomilia. “These sisters once guided us in formation and served the Church and the country. Now it’s our turn to support them.”
The SMRA Congregation, founded 92 years ago, is the largest local religious society in Bangladesh, with 210 sisters serving across eight dioceses in 30 convents. Their ministries include education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and evangelization. Nine SMRA Sisters currently serve as missionaries in the Padua Diocese, Italy.
Sr. Minoti emphasized the importance of Shanti Bhabon not only as a care facility but also as a source of inspiration. “We want our younger sisters to see the lives of these elderly nuns and be inspired by their dedication and sacrifice.”
However, challenges remain. “We are a local religious society. As the number of elderly sisters grows, so will the cost of their medical care. Managing these expenses is a major concern,” Sr. Minoti said. “We are thinking about creating a future fund to support retired sisters.”
On October 1, the International Day of Older Persons, Shanti Bhabon will host a celebration honoring its residents. Young nuns will present flowers and greetings, expressing love and gratitude for the elderly sisters who paved the way for them.
Shanti Bhabon stands as a testament to the values of compassion, respect, and community. It reflects the deep commitment of the SMRA Sisters to care for their own, ensuring that those who once served with devotion now live their final years with dignity and peace.
(Sumon Corraya is a freelance journalist based in Bangladesh who contributes regularly to major Catholic magazines and media platforms.)
