HILLONG: Educationist Rev. Mother Anne D’Auray Capaldi(92) passed away at St Mary’s Convent at 3.30 am on Monday.
Her funeral will be held at Laitumkhrah catholic cemetery on Wednesday at 1 pm after the completion of a requiem mass at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians,
Mother Anne was born as the last child into a well knit family of six daughters and two sons at Picinisco, a hamlet in the state of Frosinone, Italy on 30.06.1922. The family migrated to Glasgow, Scotland where she had done her school and college studies.
As a young lady she loved life, music, dancing and skating; however, the divine beckoning within her spirit was too strong to resist. After a period of reflection and discernment, she made known her desire to the family who were in shock at her decision. But, her decision prevailed and she joined the Convent of Our Lady of the Missions at Hastings, England. During the Second World War, she was conscripted for military service but as she had decided to join religious life, she was exempted. She entered religious life on 23.03.1943. She taught in several schools in England and studied Mathematics and Science at the University of Cork, Southern Ireland.
Mother Anne had the strongest of desires to serve in far off mission land and her desire was fulfilled when she was asked to come to Shillong. She arrived St. Mary’s Convent, Shillong on 29.03.1956. Acclimatization had an adverse effect on her health in the initial days and the sisters planned to send her back to England. On a detailed medical checkup in Calcutta, she was declared fit and happy returned to St. Mary’s, Shillong, which has been her home. She set to work in the orphanage, school and College with zest and enthusiasm. Her eagerness for service was manifested in her total dedication in all departments of St. Mary’s.
Mother Anne was made the Superior of St. Mary’s Convent in 1958 and began her teaching in St. Mary’s College at the same time. Mother Mary Eusebius, Principal of the College, initiated her into the nitty-gritty of academics and administration of educational institutions. Mother Anne guided every successive teacher in the School and College wisely to the minutest details to enable her to acquire the efficiency and produce the efficacy required for the profession and she gave great importance in knowing every student and paid regular visits to the classrooms. A true educator that she had been, she made every use of every possible occasion to contact parents and guided them on the importance of education and value formation in the children and youth while giving out the progress report personally. During this period she was also appointed advisor to the Provincial of Bangladesh-India and had to undertake tedious travels to Chittagong and supported the mission of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in the two countries.
As a teacher, she was capable of handling any subject whenever the need arose. When a teacher is a little late in entering the classroom, Mother Anne was seen waiting at the door maintaining discipline and silently communicating with the teacher with a smile.
Mother Anne had assisted Gauhati University and North Eastern Hill University in various capacities. She played an important role as member of the Advisory Board of NEHU, particularly in the initial stage of the creation of the University. Former Vice Chancellor of NEHU, Dr. Devanessan was a friend of hers.
The dancing talent of Mother Anne was a boon to St. Mary’s. The students and the orphans proudly performed on occasions and social celebrations Scottish Highland Fling, Scottish Sword dance, Irish Jig Maypole dance, Sailor dance and other western dances.
Mother Anne took over the administration of St. Mary’s College as the Principal in 1969 and served in this capacity until 1985. Her untiring dedication was exhibited in its fullest form in the development of women. She spent all her time to listen and guide young women in their academic development and their personal virtuous growth.
The Christmas Celebrations with the poor children began by her in the College still attracts a lot of poor crowd. In the 1970s and early 1980s Mother Anne regularly visited the District jail every Sunday in Shillong distributing food and medicine.