Former students of Nazareth Academy in Gaya, India, gathered at Nazareth, Kentucky, for a time of reunion, conversation and shared memories.
The gathering brought together people who attended Nazareth Academy in different years and who now live across the United States. Some traveled from California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina and other states, with several bringing their families.
Their visit brought them to a place closely connected to the history of their school. Sisters of Charity of Nazareth began in Kentucky in 1812 and established Nazareth as their Motherhouse in 1822. In 1947, six Sisters traveled from Kentucky to India, beginning a relationship that would eventually include Nazareth Academy in Gaya.
See more photos from the day here.
Sister Jackulin Jesu shared that the connection with Nazareth Academy reaches far beyond the years students spent in classrooms.
The gathering offered time to reconnect with friends, remember teachers and Sisters, share stories and learn more about the history that connects Nazareth, Kentucky, with Gaya. Participants introduced themselves and talked about their lives, families and careers since leaving the school.
Several Sisters who had served at Nazareth Academy also shared memories of their years in Gaya. Their stories recalled classrooms, school celebrations, friendships and the growth of the school through the decades.
Throughout the day, participants shared memories of classrooms, teachers, school trips, sports, assemblies and friendships that have remained with them for decades. Many reflected on the values they carried from Nazareth Academy, including discipline, compassion, responsibility, confidence and respect for people of different backgrounds and faith traditions.
“Our school gave us much more than academic education. It taught us discipline, compassion, friendship, respect, responsibility and the importance of helping others.”
Participants also reflected on Gaya itself and its tradition of religious diversity and communal harmony. Sister Roselyn Karakattu connected that spirit to the environment students experienced at Nazareth Academy, where people of different faith traditions were respected and welcomed.
Stories of school life brought plenty of laughter and recognition as participants recalled teachers, activities and moments that still stand out years later.
“We may have forgotten some lessons from our textbooks, but we have never forgotten the lessons we learned from our teachers and the memories we created with our friends.”
The gathering also included time to explore Nazareth and its history. Participants visited the historic church and the cemetery, where Indian flags had been placed at the graves of Sisters who had served at Nazareth Academy in Gaya. The visit offered a chance to remember those Sisters and the role they played in the life of the school.
“Whatever success we have achieved in our lives, a part of that success belongs to the people who shaped us during our formative years.”
The gathering also marked the continuing connection among members of the Nazareth Old Students Association, known as NOSA. The association was created to help former students remain connected with one another and with the Nazareth community.
Several participants said they hope gatherings like this will continue, giving students of Nazareth Academy living across the United States regular opportunities to reconnect.
That connection will continue in the coming weeks with gatherings planned in California and New Jersey.
For those gathered in Kentucky, the visit offered a chance to see where the story of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth began and to recognize how that story eventually became part of their own lives in Gaya.
As Sister Jackulin told the group, the hope is that the spirit of Nazareth will continue to unite them through friendship, memories and the values they share.