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Sister Blanche Fernandes, M.D. Sister-Doctor Blanche Fernandes is one of 650 Medical Mission Sisters in 19 nations trying to be present to others in the spirit of Jesus the Healer. The first of our Indian Sisters to become a doctor, Sister Blanche was also the first Religious to become a professionally qualified pathologist. She received her graduate training and certification in the U.S., and was then assigned to Holy Family Hospital in New Delhi. Her Pathology Department developed a wonderful reputation in New Delhi for its excellent diagnostic capabilities. Soon the School of Medical Technology, a first of its kind in India, was founded; Sister Blanche wrote its textbook. The book is in use today by many schools of medical technology. In 1966, Sister Blanche became the first Indian Medical Director of Holy Family Hospital. "She was a good listener and counselor to the doctors, juniors and seniors alike, and brought about a spirit of collegiality among the medical staff," recalls Sister Ruth Manianchira. "She was their trusted friend, who would remember each of their birthdays and celebrate with a cake baked by herself, in spite of her busy schedule." After many years serving as an administrative leader at our hospitals in New Delhi and Bihar, India, Sister Blanche began a new phase of mission in our small clinic in Pune, India. She has been practicing holistic health care over the past decade. She and her team use acupuncture, homeopathy, imagery, and counseling to help clients connect with the compassionate Christ, and to bring about wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. Sister Blanche has a special interest in caring for children suffering from congenital diseases, such as Down's syndrome, deafness, and cerebral palsy. "Treating each of these children means a journey into the brokenness experienced by the parents … the whole family is healed, and a new way of relating to one another and God becomes possible," Sister Ruth explains. "The marked change in these children, especially those with Down's syndrome, is a lovely surprise." We congratulate Sister Blanche on her Golden Jubilee, which was February 12th, and on her birthday, which is July 4th.
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