Date:13/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/13/stories/2006111305570200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Remembering Mother Veronica

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The story goes that Mother Veronica, earlier known as Sophie Leeves, came from across the seas and on her arrival on the Indian shores, fell on her knees and kissed the sands. For, she had arrived at her "place of destiny". After touring the country, she realised the importance of educating young girls. She returned to Europe, trained three teachers called the Apostolic Carmel sisters and sent them to India in 1870. These three women, along with scores of Indian women, rendered help in primary and secondary education in schools. Eventually, the first women's college on the West coast, St. Agnes College, was opened in Mangalore in 1921. The Apostolic Carmel congregation has organised a cultural programme on November 19 to mark the first death centenary of Mother Veronica. The programme will be held from 5.30 p.m. at the Mother Veronica auditorium at Apostolic Carmel Generalate at Jayanagar T Block.