St. Joseph’s Convent, Frauenkirchen

Frauenkirchen - Austria

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  • St. Joseph’s Convent
    Kirchenplatz 2
    7132 Frauenkirchen, Burgenland
    AUSTRIA

Office Address

Community Sisters - 2025
Year of Foundation : 14th June 1999
Foundation, Arrival, and Pioneers

The presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes (SJT) in Austria began through divine inspiration and discernment. In July 1997, Fr. Thomas Paul visited the Franciscan Monastery in Frauenkirchen, accompanied by Fr. Michael Schlatzer, OFM, who expressed a strong desire to welcome Sisters. A statue of St. Thérèse of Lisieux had already been installed in prayerful anticipation of their arrival.

Encouraged by this call, Fr. Thomas Paul contacted Sr. Mercy Jacob, then Provincial Superior. After reflection, visits, and discussion—including evaluation during the 1998 Provincial Chapter—the Congregation officially decided to establish a community in Frauenkirchen.

Four pioneer Sisters were commissioned after preparation at the Mother House in Cantaous, France, and arrived in Austria on 11th June 1999. The convent was officially inaugurated and the chapel blessed by Bishop Dr. Paul Iby on 14th June 1999.

Pioneer Sisters
  • Sr. James D’Souza – First Superior; served in the day care crèche
  • Sr. Marceline Ferrao – Served in the home for the aged (from 2002)
  • Sr. Lily E. D’Souza – Began service in the home for the aged (1999)
  • Sr. Jayarani Chinnaprakash – Taught in primary and special schools after completing religious teacher training (2004)
Growth of the Mission

The Frauenkirchen mission grew steadily, rooted in prayer, simplicity, and close ties with local people. The Sisters integrated into parish and diocesan life, becoming active in the Catholic Women’s Movement and forming strong connections across neighboring parishes. As a result, women from other villages joined the SJT Lay Associates program.

Major Milestones and Mission Focus
Key Milestones:
  • 1999 – Foundation of St. Joseph’s Convent in Frauenkirchen, marking the foundation of the overseas mission of Mysore Province.
  • 2007 – Foundation of a community in Eisenstadt, which later became an independent community
  • 2017 – Lay Associates initiated, fostering shared mission and deeper participation in the SJT charism.
  • 2024 – Celebration of 25 years of SJT presence in Austria
Mission Focus:

Fostering Communion through education, health care, and pastoral service, especially among the sick, elderly, children, and marginalized.

Evolution of Ministries
  • Health Care: The Sisters provide care for the elderly and those with physical or mental challenges in care homes and healthcare institutions. Srs. Marceline Ferrao, Lily E. D’Souza, Wilma Lewis, Rojina D’sa, and Priya Belevendran serve as registered diploma nurses, having completed Austria’s nostrification process.
  • Education: Religious education is a core ministry, with Sisters teaching in both primary and special schools. Sr. Jayarani leads this apostolate after completing her training in Austria.
  • Pastoral Care: Sisters actively support the parish and the Basilica of Frauenkirchen, contributing through catechesis, sacramental preparation, spiritual accompaniment, and liturgical service.
  • Early Childhood A crèche operated in the convent for several years, managed privately. Sr. James contributed significantly until its closure in 2010. 
  • Social Outreach: The Sisters have also built strong community ties and continue responding to evolving social needs—assisting migrant families, supporting those in crisis, and offering compassionate presence.
Present-Day Vision and Mission
  • Vision: To be a contemplative and compassionate presence, radiating the spirit of Communion in service to the Church and society. We envision a world where love, simplicity, and solidarity transform lives and promote integral human dignity.
  • Mission:  We commit to nurturing human development through education, healthcare, and compassionate service, especially among the vulnerable.
    Rooted in prayer and community, we collaborate with Lay Associates to embody and extend the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes.
Apostolates and Ministries
  1. Health Care:
    Providing care for the elderly in care homes
    Supporting individuals who are physically and mentally challenged
  2. Education:
    Offering faith education in primary and special schools through religion classes 
  3. Pastoral Care:
    Providing catechesis and preparation for the sacraments (First Holy Communion, Confirmation)
    Visiting the homebound elderly and distributing Holy Communion to the sick and aged
    Actively participating in parish life, including liturgical preparations and leading prayer services for parishioners
  4. Social Ministry:
    Responding to the evolving needs of society
    Offering support and assistance to migrants
    Providing pastoral and emotional support to families in crisis
  5. Lay Associates:
    Accompanying Lay Associates through regular meetings, prayer services, and shared formation rooted in the SJT charism