MOTHER MARY MATILDA

Josephine, sister of Bishop Fortunatus Henri Caumont, was born on December 13, 1880 in France. She too joined the congregation of St. Mary of the Angels in France and made her Final Commitment on 12th August 1903. In 1911, while laying the foundation of the Mission Sisters of Ajmer, Bishop Caumont requested the Congregation of St. Mary of the Angels in France for a helper. Fortunately enough, his own sister, Mother Mary Matilda, was appointed in February 1911 to collaborate with him.
The deep spirituality and missionary zeal of Mother Mary Matilda inspired her to work for the uplift of women in Rajputana. She was the first Principal of the school meant exclusively for girls and named ’Sophia’, which means ‘wisdom’.Mother Mary Matilda was one of the first ladies to work for the education of women in Ajmer. She was honored with the title, ‘The First Lady for the Cause of Women’s Education’ she was also appointed Girl Guide Commissioner in 1936. Later, at the request of the Education Department, she accepted to be Inspectress of Girl’s High Schools in Ajmer-Mewara.

Mother Matilda as a collaborator of the Founder, persevered in the uphill task of women’s education. A woman of faith, she carried on with love and understanding, yet firmness of purpose.

As head of the Congregation of the Mission Sisters of Ajmer, she radiated God’s love to everyone she encountered. She opened Houses in the villages, Welfare Centres to attend to the medical needs of the poor and Hindi Medium Schools to educate children of the rural and tribal areas. She trained the Mission Sisters to be happy Franciscans, prayerful, simple, sincere, hospitable, hardworking, zealous and contented missionaries.

 

September 8, 1950 was the day the Sisters were to celebrate Mother Matilda’s Golden Jubilee as a Religious Sister. On August 18, 1950 she went round to every department of the House, encouraging the Sisters with her cheerful words. That very night she had a severe heart attack and early the next morning (August 19) her noble soul went to its eternal reward. Her Jubilee on earth was exchanged for greater jubilation in heaven.