Doddagajanur Community - Thalavadi
doddagajanur - thalavadi - erode - Tamil Nadu
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Doddagajanur Community
St. Joseph’s Convent, Doddagajanur Post, Thalavadi – 638461, Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India - +91 9626683860
- sjtgajanur@gmail.com
Office Address
A Journey of Faith and Service
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6
It is God who sows the seed and nurtures it into life. In His divine providence, He chose to plant a new seed of mission in the Diocese of Udhagamandalam and entrusted it to us—calling us to be His hands and heart in Doddagajanur, a village located in Erode District, Tamil Nadu.
This region lies on the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and as a result, the people are bilingual, speaking both Tamil and Kannada. However, Kannada is the more commonly spoken language among the local population.
With trust and joy, we responded to the invitation of His Excellency, Dr. Rev. Amalraj, who called us to take up the noble mission of teaching in the Tamil-medium primary school and to engage in other apostolic and pastoral ministries. Embracing this call with faith and dedication, our community was officially inaugurated on 27th May 2009.
The Pioneer Community:
- Sr. Jeyarani – Animator
- Sr. Helan Pais
- Sr. Irudaya Mary
They were joined by Sisters preparing for their final commitment: Srs. Alex Rani, Gracy, Jasmine, Leena D’Souza, Philomena D’Souza, and Sebastiammal. Though these sisters were often away for classes and preparation, their absence was deeply felt by the people, reflecting the joyful witness their presence had brought to the locality. The formation for young sisters continued here for four years.
Under the gentle guidance of the Lord, our mission has since grown to encompass:
Education Ministry
In the early days of the mission, education in Doddagajanur was not seen as a priority. Parents were hesitant or unaware of its importance. Our sisters, moved by the Spirit, walked tirelessly from house to house, speaking to families, encouraging them to believe in the power of education. It was not just about academics—it was a call to uplift an entire generation.
Through patient effort and personal witness, children slowly began enrolling in the Tamil medium primary school. One of our sisters was appointed to an aided teaching post, ensuring continuity and quality in education. More than just teachers, the sisters became mentors and guides. With prayer, kindness, and discipline, they created an atmosphere where children not only learned subjects but were also formed in values, respect, and faith.
The school gradually became a center of hope and transformation in the village. The presence of the sisters in the school brought not just knowledge, but the light of Christ into young lives. Many parents, once reluctant, now take pride in their children’s progress.
Pastoral Ministry
Our mission in Doddagajanur extends beyond the classroom—it reaches into the very heart of the people’s faith lives. When the sisters first arrived, the Catholic presence had grown dim, with only around 50 families actively participating in the Church. Yet, the fire of faith was rekindled through the pastoral commitment of the sisters.
They began by listening, visiting homes, and forming genuine relationships across all religious backgrounds—Catholics, Hindus, and Protestants alike. Their joy, simplicity, and prayerful presence inspired people to open their hearts. With great care, the sisters reintroduced Small Christian Communities (SCCs) to encourage prayer in families and build unity among the faithful.
Catechism classes, youth gatherings, and women’s prayer groups began to flourish under their leadership. The sisters supported the parish priest in liturgical celebrations and sacraments, often travelling to substations and remote villages to reach out to those who could not come to church regularly.
Every encounter became an opportunity to share Christ. Their pastoral work became a bridge between God and His people—reviving the spirit of prayer, reconciliation, and community life.
“Feed my sheep.” — John 21:17
Health Care Ministry
Health is a basic human right, yet in Doddagajanur, many suffered silently due to the distance from medical facilities. Seeing this, the sisters responded with Christ-like compassion, establishing a health dispensary on 7th August 2013.
Sr. Mary Mathew, a trained nurse, became the face of this ministry. Always available, she served not only Doddagajanur but neighboring villages as well. The dispensary was not just a medical facility—it was a place of healing, consolation, and dignity.
Sister believed in empowering the people through health education, offering regular sessions on hygiene, nutrition, maternal care, and preventive health. She reached out to the sick and bedridden in their homes, tending wounds, offering prayers, and giving hope where there was despair. In moments of emergency, she became a lifeline.
Those who succeeded her in the dispensary carried forward this noble mission with the same dedication, sensitivity, and Gospel-centered service. The healthcare ministry continues to be a blessing, ensuring that even the least among them feel cared for and valued.
“He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” — Luke 9:2
These ministries—education, pastoral care, and health—are not separate tasks, but interconnected expressions of our mission to make God’s love visible. Each ministry nurtures life: the mind, the soul, and the body. And in every smile, every healing touch, every prayer spoken or lesson taught, we echo the words of Christ:
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10
Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by Christ’s compassion, we strive to be a living witness of His love among the people. Each day, we renew our commitment to serve with humility and dedication, trusting in God who continues to guide and strengthen us.
“The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Our presence in Doddagajanur is not just a mission—it is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness, and a journey of grace unfolding through service, prayer, and love.