Sr. Lincy Sebastian

Growing up in Calicut, Sister Lincy was the baby of the family, with 2 older siblings. She was the naughty one with the same cheerful disposition that all of us are familiar with! She had been inspired to join the Venerini sisters, from the time she was 5 or 6. Around that time, her mum’s sister had joined the congregation and young Lincy was immediately drawn to the warmth and openness of the community. Her family did not realize that she had been harboring her dream to join the order since that time. So, when she decided to join the convent after Class 10, her family, especially her father, was surprised. He had hoped she would pursue nursing since she had a deep desire to serve.

In 1997, Sister started her journey at the convent in Cheruvannur, Calicut. The next 6 years were spent in formation during which she acquired knowledge in a variety of subjects and life skills. Sister Lincy remembers the 1 year spent at the School of the Blind, Perinthalmanna as one of the most memorable times during the formation phase. She loved her interactions with the children who were always joyful and enjoyed singing and playing music. She had made up her mind to learn Braille. But, God had other plans.

In 2003, Sister Lincy took her first vows. Soon after, the congregation sent her to nursing school. In 2006, her father could not be happier when she became a nurse. Sister Lincy recounts those happy moments “ I became a double sister. I was happy and my father was also happy. When I said YES to God, He made both mine and my father’s dreams come true!!”

She spent the next decade of her life in the remote villages of Assam. The 4 day journey to a distant land transported her to a whole new world - new language, culture and lifestyle! The first responsibility she was entrusted with was to assist in the local dispensary in a village. Within 2 weeks of her arrival, the sister who had been working there, had to leave to take her exams. Sister Lincy was in a pickle! But eager help came in the form of 9th graders in the adjacent school who became her translators. Within a short time, she gained speaking proficiency in Assamese. The 9th graders attended a school managed by the Venerini sisters. Truly, a beautiful exchange over time!

Shortly after she settled down, she was asked to go to another village in the heart of Karbi-Angalong, which was populated with the Karbi speaking tribes. Here, Sister Lincy took upon the role of setting up a dispensary. She developed an easy camaraderie with the villagers. She was treated as one among them and had the freedom to go to any house anytime. Their warmth and simple nature made this distant land - a home away from home!

In 2017, She travelled to Boston to support the Venerini Sisters in Worcester. Little did she know, at the time she would find a chechi in Sister Angela! She found a mentor and friend in Sister, who helped navigate a new city and taught her the ropes. The older sisters at the Venerini convent, whose ages range from 80 to 95 are a constant source of encouragement. Despite their frailties, the sisters try to help out in whatever way they can. The last few years in Worcester have been confidence boosting on so many levels. Currently, she is a nurse at the nursing home of Notre Dame sisters.

Sister Lincy started attending the SMCB parish, after one week of her arrival in America. She loves her Sunday routine - driving to church with Sister Angela, attending Holy Mass in Malayalam and building friendships within our community. She is also a CCD teacher for the Communion class of Grade 3.