Leah Raidt is traveling to Mokama, India, where she is spending time with Sisters of Charity of Nazareth at the Nazareth Convent. Her visit includes volunteer service, shared daily life, and time with the Community.
“Sister Shalini, 25 years old, is assistant to the Secretary at Nazareth Convent Mokama motherhouse. Her duties include accounts, guest hospitality and presiding at the reception desk. Sister Shalini walks with me to my volunteer assignments. She practices conversational English with me, and teaches me phrases in Hindi. Sister Shalini enjoys gardening.”
During her stay, Leah accompanied Sister Shalini, who serves as assistant to the secretary at the Mokama motherhouse. Sister Shalini supports accounts, guest hospitality, and the reception desk. She walks with Leah to volunteer assignments, practices conversational English with her, and teaches her Hindi phrases. Sister Shalini also enjoys gardening.
“Sister Ritika is an administrator at Nazareth Convent Mokama, and provides care to the sisters in Shalom home. She is friends with the cows and the pigs!”
Leah has also spent time with Sister Ritika Lakra, an administrator at Nazareth Convent Mokama who provides care to Sisters at Shalom Home. Leah shared that Sister Ritika is known for her ease with animals and daily care of the grounds.
“Sister Sangeeta Bara is the superintendent of the Children’s Home at Nazareth Hospital Mokama. She provides care and case management 24 hours a day to 50+ girls under the age of 18. I facilitated drawing, meditation and stress-management skills to the girls at The Children’s Home.”
Sister Sangeeta Bara, left in the first photo, serves as superintendent of the Children’s Home at Nazareth Hospital Mokama. She provides round-the-clock care and case management for more than 50 girls under age 18. The Children’s Home works in partnership with the Bihar social welfare department and offers safety, education, and ongoing care to children who have experienced trafficking, abuse, displacement, or physical and mental challenges. The daily schedule includes morning yoga, academic classes, counseling, therapy, household responsibilities, basic cooking skills, and creative arts activities. During her visit, Leah facilitated drawing, meditation, and stress management sessions with the girls at the Children’s Home.
Sister Malini Manjoly is in the process of organizing the archives. Some new shelving has been installed recently. Sr. Malini also manages the impressive library at the motherhouse.
Sister Malini Manjoly is organizing the archives at the Nazareth Convent motherhouse in Mokama. New shelving has been installed to support the work and protect historical materials. She also manages the motherhouse library, which serves as a resource for Sisters, staff, and visitors.
Mokama Motherhouse in the morning.
Leah is connected to Nazareth Retreat Center in Kentucky, where she serves as a retreat leader and meditation teacher. Based in Chicago and Louisville, she is a trauma-informed meditation teacher, creative leader, and drama chair at the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts. Her work centers on embodied spiritual practice, reflection, and community care. She leads retreats and programs at Nazareth Retreat Center that are open to people of diverse backgrounds and faith traditions.
When she returns to the United States, Leah plans to meet with Sisters in Kentucky to share reflections from her time in Mokama. She has also expressed interest in visiting to continue the conversation around the shared mission in person.
Leah shared her gratitude for the experience. “I am having a wonderful time and am grateful to witness the Our Lady of Mokama shrine feast,” she said.