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Sister Elizabeth Koonthanam, M.D. Sister-Doctor Elizabeth Koonthanam is one of 650 Medical Mission Sisters in 19 nations trying to be present to those in need in the spirit of Jesus the healer. Born in Kerala, South India, Sister Elizabeth is the 5th of 11 children. Her home was near the Medical Mission Sisters hospital in Bharananganam, the first Catholic hospital in the area. Her mother commented on how joyful the Sisters were, and always said that if any of her daughters wished to become nuns, this would be her community of choice. As a young woman, Sister Elizabeth was profoundly affected by a 3-month stay at Father Bede Griffith's Santhivanam ashram. Here she delved into Indian spirituality and scriptures, and experienced the Hindu religion's profound reverence for life and creation because of God's presence. After 2 years of college, Sister Elizabeth joined Medical Mission Sisters in 1959. She completed her medical studies at St. John's Medical College. In 1972, she was missioned to North East India, a tribal area, where she and 2 other Sisters started a dispensary and agricultural cooperative. She then went to Holy Family Hospital, in Patna, to gain experience in gynecology and obstetrics.
Elected as District Coordinator for North East India in 1979, Sister Elizabeth experienced the Sisters' various involvements in the district, and took on their ministries when they were on renewal. From 1983 to 1989, she served as the Sector Coordinator for Asia. She did formation work in South India from 1990 to 1993, and attended the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, Illinois, from 1993 to 1995. Returning to India in 1995, Sister Elizabeth began a holistic health program at the Bharananganam hospital. She used her knowledge and credibility as a physician to encourage the staff toward a more holistic approach to healing. She also was active with Kerala's diocesan health team, in setting a direction for their Catholic hospitals. In October, 1997, Sister Elizabeth was elected to a 6-year term as Society Coordinator of the Medical Mission Sisters worldwide. She was the first woman of Asian origin to hold this position. During her time of leadership, she visited all of the countries in which we are in mission. She is now preparing to return to her holistic health ministry in Kerala. "We are indeed blessed that we have the resources to carry on our worldwide mission," Sister Elizabeth reflects. "We can only thank our benefactors who have been, and who continue to be, very generous with us."
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