By Matters India Reporter

Rome, Feb 4, 2020: Sister Mariam Anupa Kujur is the first member of the Daughters of St. Anne, a Ranchi-based congregation, to receive doctorate in canon law.

On Feb 3, Sister Kujur defended her dissertation at the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome.

Her thesis was on “Rights and obligations of the religious superiors of the women religious institutes with particular reference to the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Anne, Ranchi (India).”

Sister Kujur said she chose the topic to deepen her knowledge of rights and obligations of women religious superiors. The knowledge would enable her to become effective in pastoral ministry in society and the Church, she added.

“I have noticed that many superiors of women congregations face problems because of their lack of awareness or knowledge about the rights and obligations of their work and responsibility. My research attempts to address the gaps,” she told Matters India with confidence.

Her main moderator was Spanish Claretian Father Aitor Jimenez Echave; two readers were Capuchin Father Angelo D’Auria and Professor Natale Loda.

Asked about her doctorate journey in Rome, Sister Kujur said that all the teachings, projects, assignments and PhD dissertation were in Italian, but she wrote the dissertation in English.

“To study and learn in Italian was not easy. However, with God’s grace, the encouragement of superiors, professors and friends, it was possible. I thank all who contributed in my academic journey,” she said.

Earlier, the nun had completed three-year licentiate studies in canon law from Jesuit-run Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.

After her first religious vows in 1999 and final vows in 2007, she worked in Jalpaiguri diocese of West Bengal, and Gumla and Ranchi in Jharkhand.

She did her Bachelor of Arts course from St Xavier’s College, Ranchi, and Bachelor in Sacred Theology from St Albert’s College, a major seminary in the same city.

The native of Chainpur village of Gumla district belongs to her congregation’s Gumla province.

She is the third child among six siblings of her parents.

Her indigenous congregation is based at Ranchi, capital of Jharkhand state. It was founded by Mother Mary Bernadette Kispotta, Servant of God, from Chotanagpur.

For the past 122 years, DSA nuns have served people of India and overseas, mainly women and children.

Since 1897, it has focused especially on the basic needs of the poor in the field of evangelization, education, health care and social work in the advancement of the needy through its charism ‘Better service with the love of Jesus’.