After spending a decade in Western New York and six years in Texas, Sister Selvi Rayappan, CSA, returned to the Buffalo Diocese. She thanked those who helped her on her journey back to her native India where she is now mother superior of the Society of Catechetical Sisters of Arogyamatha, Kadapa Diocese, Anhra Pradesh, South India.
Sister Selvi began her work of service in Western New York about 15 years ago at the Villa Maria Care Center in Buffalo helping care for the elderly Felician sisters. "We help care for the sick and suffering and our sisters remain committed to pastoral, spiritual and evangelical needs of orphans, young girls and women. We strive to carry the Gospel message to all in our area,"  Sister Selvi said during a June 22 Vigil Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, located behind Buffalo City Hall.
Raymond "Skip" Wardynski, owner of Wardynski Meats, who met Sister Selvi, shortly after her arrival in Buffalo, attended the Mass along with his wife, Lisa. "Father Butch Mazur brought the nuns to me when they first arrived in Western New York because they wanted to try our Wardynski's hot dogs and sausage," said Wardynski. "From then on I have tried to help. I donated computers to them and helped the nuns while they were here. I would do anything to help the nuns and support their mission. It is really nice to have Sister Selvi come back to the area and tell us about where she is now."
During the Mass, Sister Selvi spoke of her life as a young child in India. She was diagnosed with polio and was told by doctors she would never be able to walk. After hearing this news her mother began to take her to church and pray for God to help her daughter. As time passed and through follow up doctor visits she was told her polio was gone. Her mother had made a promise to God that if Selvi was healed, she would give her life to the Lord. From that point on she began her journey with God.