Bombay (India). On 1 May 2023, Sr. Collette Gonsalves, missionary Daughter of Mary Help of Christians originally from the Province of St. Mary Mazzarello of Bombay (INB), was awarded the Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Prize.
The Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Prize is awarded by the Maharashtra State Government Women’s and Children’s Development Department to social workers and organizations who have done the best work in this field. To receive this Award, one organization or social worker distinguished by work with the poor is selected each year from across the state.
Sr. Collette Gonsalves worked for twenty years at Laura Vicuña Niwas Center of the FMA in Savedi, Ahmednagar, in favor of the promotion of women, through micro-projects and educational projects aimed at poor children in villages, through school support and aid of various kinds. Previously, she served the poor for ten years in various parts of the State of Maharashtra. She is currently in Rome, in the Generalate, waiting to leave for a new missionary destination.
Recognizing the services rendered by Sister Collette, the State Government awarded her with the Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Award for the year 2016-17.
The Award was presented in the city of Ahmednagar on 1st May 2023 by the Finance Minister of the Government of Maharashtra, Hon. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and received in the name of Sister Collette, by Sister Rita Lobo, Animator of Bl. Laura Vicuña Community. The FMA dedicated this award to all the Sisters who serve with them.
Parabéns, Sr. Collette!
Siamo felici con te e ti ringraziamo per il tuo dono ai poveri.
Congrats dear Sr Collette! May you reach out to the needy in your new mission. Prayer assured.
Condividiamo la gioia e ringraziamo .
Congratulations dear Sr. Collette! I’m certain you will continue to do much good in your new mission 🙂
Auguri. Grazie per tua testemonianza di donna consacrata. Dio te benedica
Che bello! Complimenti Suor Collette, la tua gioia ´anche la nostra.
Auguri carissima sr. Collette! Sei davvero bravissima!!!
Grazie per la testimonianza insieme ai più poveri.
Congratulations. . Good. Well done. We are all proud of you. Good. Praying for you so that you will continue to shine and do much good to the young people.