Realm
Welcome to the realm of our region, where our dedicated communities and ministries are deeply engaged in service across diverse locales. From pioneering missions in Santragachi and Atmakur to our recent expansions in Siliguri, and Sundarpur, we continue to advance our mission of education, pastoral care, and community support. Each location embodies our commitment to making a meaningful impact and upholding our values.
Welcome to the realm of our region, where our dedicated communities and ministries are deeply engaged in service across diverse locales. From pioneering missions in Santragachi and Atmakur to our recent expansions in Siliguri, and Sundarpur, we continue to advance our mission of education, pastoral care, and community support. Each location embodies our commitment to making a meaningful impact and upholding our values.
PIONEERING COMMUNITY AND MISSION - SANTRAGACHI:
At the heart of our mission is our pioneering community, which laid the foundation for our North Indian outreach in Santragachi, West Bengal. Santragachi, a parish in the Archdiocese of Calcutta, is nestled on the banks of the Ganges River and was envisioned as a replica of London by the British. In 1974, the Calcutta Archdiocese, led by Cardinal Lawrence Picachy, tasked Fr. Castellino S.J. with overseeing Santragachi. He reached out to Mother Claudia, the Superior General, who, after consulting with her council, sent four senior sisters—Srs. Belina, Leocordia, Lydia, and Rogasitta—to this mission.
Arriving on September 15, 1974, the sisters, under Fr. Castellino's guidance, established a medical outreach program for the Muslim and Anglo-Indian communities and assisted in pastoral duties. They not only provided essential medical care but also introduced the message of Christ to those unfamiliar with it. Their dedication spurred interest across the diocese, with many parish priests inviting the sisters to their communities.
After Fr. Castellino's tenure, Fr. Reginald Fernandez took over Santragachi. With his support, the sisters built a new health center and launched St. Mary's Convent School on June 1, 1975. Initially a primary school, it expanded to higher secondary levels and achieved ICSE affiliation in 2004, reflecting the community’s growing educational needs and ongoing commitment to service.
EXPANDING HORIZONS: THE ATMAKUR INITIATIVE
The Maria Mandal region celebrated a significant milestone with its expansion into Atmakur, Andhra Pradesh. In 1975, Bishop P.C. Balaswamy of Nellore extended an invitation to the congregation, leading Superior General Mother Claudia to dispatch Sisters Concilia and Unice to the area. Initially, the sisters provided crucial services at the local Dispensary but soon broadened their efforts by launching a tailoring program for girls in Atmakur and surrounding villages on June 12, 1976.
Responding to a request from the Divisional Sub-Inspector of Police, the community established an English medium school on August 15, 1976. This pivotal development significantly advanced educational opportunities in the region, marking a key achievement in our ongoing mission.
NORTH ROAD LEGACY: BUILDING EDUCATION IN BANGALORE
In 1970, the Servite Sisters made their entry into Bangalore, Karnataka, with a strong focus on education. Officially launching their mission in 1973 at the invitation of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bangalore, they were guided by Mother General Claudia Mary, who facilitated the purchase of a new house at No. 6, North Road. This location was blessed on September 15th, the feast of Our Mother of Sorrows.
Initially, in 1976, the sisters began by providing childcare services, which evolved into a comprehensive educational program, starting with a nursery and primary school, and expanding to a high school. Despite facing challenges, including relocations, the school has thrived and continues to serve underprivileged children. We are deeply grateful to Almighty God for His steadfast providence throughout our mission in Bangalore.
BOW BAZAAR, CALCUTTA: A NEW MISSION BEGINS
In 1979, Fr. Stephen Fernandez, Chancellor of the Calcutta Archdiocese, invited the Servite Sisters to Bow Bazaar to establish a community center. This center would offer tailoring and typing courses, along with catechetical prayer meetings for Chinese, Bengali, and English-speaking groups. Mother Claudia responded by sending Sisters Domenic Savio and Lydia to Francis Xavier Parish on a three-year contract.
In the following year, the sisters expanded their mission by initiating a nursery school. This led to the arrival of a new group of sisters—Bibiana, Dhanam Josephine, and Arockiam—who took over from the initial team. They enthusiastically engaged in regular house visits and prayer meetings. Despite their dedication, the lack of suitable convent accommodations led the Superior General to conclude the contract.
MORNING STAR COLLEGE, KOLKATA: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
In 1980, we marked a significant milestone with the invitation from Most Reverend Bishop Allen to become part of Morning Star College in Kolkata. Sr. Vini joined the team as an office staff member, paving the way for our involvement. The following year, the expansion continued with the appointment of Sr. Eucharista and Sr. Nicholina as professors of English and History, respectively. Their presence at the college enriched the academic environment and underscored our commitment to education and service in the region.
CHRISTOPHER DAY SCHOOL, KHARAGPUR: EXPANDING HORIZONS
In 1980, the Calcutta Archdiocese offered a significant opportunity to oversee Christopher Day School in Kharagpur, a key railway hub located about 250 km from Santragachi in the Midnapur District. Father James Sengol, a priest from Tamil Nadu, served as the parish priest at Malancha St. Antony’s Parish and expressed a need for Tamil Sisters to support the Tamil community and establish a dispensary within the parish. The Sisters were entrusted with the school through a five-year contract, while they also managed the dispensary and provided tailoring classes.
NEW BEGINNINGS: SACRED HEART PARISH, JHOLI
As the contract with Christopher Day School approached its conclusion, the sisters acquired land in Jholi Sonamukhi, within Sacred Heart Parish, to establish their own educational institution. In 1996, they inaugurated a new school in Jholi, marking a pivotal development in their mission. Additionally, the expansion included the recruitment of North Indian girls for the North Mission, supported by Claretian priests. The first candidates, Stella and Francisca from Odisha, began their journey in Kharagpur, furthering the mission’s outreach and impact.
DAMOH: A NEW MISSION TAKES ROOT
In 1981, while pursuing her M.T.H. at Nagpur University, Sister Corona met Father Benjamin Lobo from the Jabalpur diocese. Father Lobo suggested establishing a Servite community in Damoh, where he served as parish priest. Sister Corona presented this proposal to Superior General Mother Claudia, who was enthusiastic about expanding into North India.
As a result, Sisters Lamberta, Lily Anthony, Lucy, and Alphonse Fathima were sent to Damoh to establish a community center within the parish. The diocese provided a plot of land and a modest residence for the sisters. Starting with only a few Catholic families, the sisters initiated their mission with a small dispensary, a nursery school, and a tailoring workshop, operating out of an old diocesan building. Father Lobo supported their efforts wholeheartedly and assisted them in acquiring additional land in Jabalpur Naka, Damoh.
Bhopal: A New Chapter Begins
In 1982, Archbishop Eugene of Bhopal expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming the Servite Sisters to his diocese and sought to discuss collaboration with Mother Claudia. During a meeting in Trichy, Archbishop Eugene requested Sisters for the newly established Bhopal diocese. In 1983, Mother Claudia responded positively, sending Sisters Florence, Gladys, Dhanam Josephine, and Josephine Jessy to oversee St. Xavier's Boys School in the BHEL area, founded by Father Agnel of St. Joseph Church, Barkheda BHEL.
Settling in BHEL quarters, the sisters became deeply involved in teaching and pastoral ministry. During a 1984 visit by Mother Ladisca, the congregation's general, she proposed transferring St. Xavier's School to their care. Although Bishop Eugene could not comply due to the school's vital role in the diocese, he offered the kindergarten section for the sisters to manage independently and generously donated a 3-acre plot in Hoshangabad for a new school. This new venture promises a bright future, driven by the sisters' vision and dedication.
HOSHANGABAD: BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE In 1984, Sisters Lambotta, Florence, and Dhanam embarked on the mission in Hoshangabad, establishing their base at Charles Convent. With the bishop's support, they constructed two essential structures on newly acquired land—one for the convent and one for the school. Parish priest Fr. Simpluslivce Rocha also joined them on the premises.
Sisters Leocordia, Elsie, and Lucy celebrated the first Mass at the press quarters, marking the beginning of Servite Convent School. Through Sister Leocordia's steadfast commitment, the school and associated small industry thrived, quickly becoming one of the leading educational institutions in the Hoshangabad District.
KALPANA NAGAR: EXPANDING HORIZONS
In 1987, Sisters Bibiana, Inbaraj, and Madhi moved to Kalpana Nagar, where they continued their valuable service at St. Xavier's under a five-year contract. A year later, they launched Queen Mary's School, starting as a nursery in a rented house. This initiative laid the foundation for what would become a key educational institution, driven by their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.
A NEW HOME FOR QUEEN MARY'S SCHOOL
By 2000, the Sisters achieved a significant milestone by securing land in the Housing Board area and commencing the construction of a new facility for Queen Mary's School. The school made a notable transition from its original location in Kalpana Nagar to Rajeev Nagar on Ayodhya By Pass Road, Bhopal. The expanded campus now offers education up to Class X under the State Board curriculum, reflecting the school’s growth and its ongoing dedication to providing quality education to the students and community it serves.
BULDANA: A FOUNDATION OF SERVICE
In 1989, Father Rocha, inspired by the Sisters' dedicated work in Hoshangabad, recommended that Servite Sisters be brought to Buldana, Maharashtra. Sisters Lambatta, Lily Anthony, and Lucy responded as the pioneering team, establishing a small primary school and a hostel. This initial effort has blossomed into two branches, which now serve nearly 2,500 students, demonstrating the profound and lasting impact of their commitment to education in the community.
HINGOLI: NEW HORIZONS IN EDUCATION
In 1990, the Aurangabad Diocese invited the Servite Sisters to establish a school in Hingoli, a neighboring community to Buldana. The diocese generously provided land for both the school and convent, allowing the Sisters to begin their mission. Over the following years, the Sisters’ dedication and efforts led to the acquisition of their own land, further solidifying their commitment to providing quality education and expanding their presence in the region. This initiative marked a significant step in the growth of their educational mission in Hingoli.
KOMAROLE: A LEGACY OF SERVICE AND EDUCATION
On June 17, 1984, the Servite Sisters arrived in Komarole at the invitation of Bishop Balaswamy of the Nellore diocese. Led by Rev. Mother Ladisca Mary OSM, they established a convent and began caring for children in the hostel, setting up a dispensary to serve the community's medical needs. Rev. Sr. Margaret Alice Mary OSM was the first superior.
In 1987, Sr. Unice Mary introduced St. Thomas English Medium School with a KG section. Despite initial success, the school faced financial difficulties and closed in 1990. On June 12, 2002, the Sisters reopened the school as Don Bosco English Medium School (Co-Ed) with Sr. Anna Mary leading it. Starting with 16 students, the school expanded to include Pre-KG, LKG, and UKG classes. On August 6, 2005, the community joined the Maria Mandal Region, Bhopal, gaining further support under Regional Superior Rev. Sr. Florence Mary.
DELHI: NEW BEGINNINGS IN SERVICE
In 1991, the Servite Sisters began their mission at Jesuit Institute Vidhya Jyoti under the guidance of Father Sebestiraj S.J. With his support, they secured a residence in Shashi Garden, Patparganj, New Delhi. Sisters Tessie and Mercy Rozal moved into this new home, continuing their service at Vidhya Jyoti.
By 1996, as their work at Vidhya Jyoti came to an end, the Sisters shifted their focus to new initiatives. They established a crèche to care for young children and a hostel to support working women, continuing their commitment to community service in Delhi with renewed dedication.
ODISHA: MEETING A VITAL NEED
In 1992, Sisters Dhanam and Nambakkai Rose attended a vocational camp in Odisha, where they identified a significant need for a residence to support local girls. With the support of the Claretian Fathers, a suitable location was secured under the SVD parish. This led to the establishment of a convent in 1997, with Sr. Therese and Sr. Sandanam spearheading the mission.
The Sisters then launched an English medium school to serve the local community, welcoming a parish candidate among the first students. This initiative marked the beginning of their impactful presence in Odisha.
REGIONAL HOUSE: A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT
The first mission station was set up in Santragachi, Kolkata, in 1974 and quickly expanded to various states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Delhi. In 2000, the mission houses were officially recognized as the Maria Mandal Region, with Sr. Rozaire as the first Regional Superior. Due to logistical challenges, the Region relocated to Kalpana Nagar in 2001.
To provide a permanent home, land was acquired in Vrindhavan Nagar. Archbishop Paschal Topno laid the foundation on February 17, 2005, with construction overseen by Sr. Pauline Malar. The new Servite Regional House was inaugurated by Rev. Sr. Ladisca Mary and blessed by Archbishop Paschal Topno on October 28, 2006.
BUDBUD: A BRIEF YET IMPACTFUL MISSION
In June 2004, at the invitation of Bishop Monis of Asansole and Fr. Sartho, Sisters Pragasi, Merlin Angel, and Monica began their mission in Sahibdengha. They were welcomed into the church campus and engaged in parish and social work. The local community proposed establishing a school, which received approval from Rev. Sr. Ladisca Mary, the Superior General.
The Sisters started a kindergarten in a rented house in Budbud while searching for land for a permanent school. Despite their efforts, the Budbud mission was closed on March 23, 2009. At the time of closure, the community included Srs. Francis Stella, Manju, and Asha Kumari.
MARIA FORMATION HOUSE: NURTURING FUTURE LEADERS
Established on May 21, 2007, the Servite Regional House in Vrindhavan Nagar serves as both the head office for the Maria Mandal Region and the Maria Formation House. This center is dedicated to the formation of North Indian sisters. Prior to 2007, formation took place in Bangalore, Delhi, and Kalpana Nagar – Bhopal. With the completion of the Regional House, novices were relocated from Kalpana Nagar to the new formation center.
NARELA: A NEW MISSION BEGINS
In 2019, V.G. Fr. Soosai Sebastian from the Delhi Diocese invited the Servite Sisters to manage a Diocesan school in Narela, New Delhi. The mission included overseeing a Primary school and engaging in pastoral work. Sisters Sagunthala, Cicilia, and Lilly Priya were selected for this new apostolic endeavor, operating on a contractual basis.
SILIGURI: A NEW VENTURE IN EDUCATION
Encouraged by the Bishop of Siliguri, the Servite Sisters, already active in West Bengal, decided to establish a mission in Siliguri. They acquired land to build a community college aimed at serving the underprivileged tribal population. In August 2019, Sisters Sandanam, Anbu, and Devanthi were assigned to launch this new mission.
SUNDARPUR: EXPANDING OUR EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
On April 1, 2022, the Servite Congregation inaugurated a new convent in Sundarpur, following an invitation from the Jabalpur Diocese. This mission aims to meet the spiritual and educational needs of the local parish and surrounding villages. Rt. Rev. Gerald Almeida, Bishop of Jabalpur, blessed the convent, and Sr. Stella Mary K. OSM was appointed as the Principal of the newly established school.
DEWAS: A NEW MISSION
In response to an invitation from the Indore Diocese to expand their role in education, Maria Mandal Regional Superior Sr. Sandhana Cynthia, along with Sisters Saluja, Daisy, and Amutha, visited Dewas. They confirmed the opportunity with Mother General Rev. Sr. Decla Mary, who approved the new ministry.
The sisters agreed to collaborate with Holy Trinity School and assist in its development. Sr. Sandhana Cynthia then met with Bishop Rev. Chacko and local leaders to finalize the arrangement and oversee renovations of the sisters' new residence. On March 19, 2023, the new convent was inaugurated with Bishop Chacko leading the Mass and local priests warmly welcoming the new community.
Our mission's expansion across various regions highlights our dedication to service. From Santragachi to Atmakur, North Road, and beyond, each community has significantly advanced our mission. Key developments, including the Maria Formation House and recent initiatives in Narela, Siliguri, Sundarpur, and Dewas, reflect our commitment to education, healthcare, and pastoral care. Each location represents a vital chapter in our ongoing journey of service and transformation