St joseph's convent

Darbe - Puttur - Karnataka

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The Community of Fr. Patrao

“God picks up His Mission and appoints the missionaries in His own way, in His own time. He empowers them for the task they are called for.”

Puttur, part of the Diocese of Mangalore, lies 50 km from Mangalore city in Karnataka, at an elevation of 500 feet above sea level. Spanning across 50 villages, it is a region known for its areca nut gardens, paddy fields, cashew trees, and cocoa plantations. Most villagers depend on agriculture for their livelihood.

In the early years, the Taluk had only one hospital and two Primary Health Centres, with healthcare facilities barely reaching the poorest. Infant mortality was high, and diseases related to poor hygiene and sanitation were widespread.

It was in this challenging context that the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes (SJT) began their mission at Fr. Patrao Hospital, Puttur.

The Founding Story

Fr. Antony Patrao, the parish priest of Mai De Deus Church in Puttur and a friend of the SJT Sisters of Madikeri, dreamed of starting a hospital to serve the local community. Responding to this call, the Bangalore Province accepted the mission.

In 1963, the foundation stone was laid by Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay.
Sr. Angelina Roche, the founding doctor, Mother Anne de St. Joseph (then former Regional Superior), Sr. Eveline Mascarenhas, Sr. Mercy Jacob, and Sr. Victoria Noronha were the pioneers.

On 18th February 1971, the sisters arrived in Puttur, warmly welcomed by Fr. Patrao, friends, and well-wishers. Dr. Sr. Angelina Roche, newly qualified with an MBBS degree, soon joined them.

The hospital was officially inaugurated on 5th May 1971 by the Honorable Sri Dharmaveera, Governor of Karnataka.

Early Challenges and Growth

The hospital began as a modest dispensary, offering basic deliveries and minor surgeries. Patients paid a nominal fee of just 18 paise. The sisters extended their mission by conducting rural mobile clinics twice a week for eight years, reaching out to remote villages through schools and community centers.

Supported by generous donors and organizations, the hospital gradually improved. The sisters emphasized health education, aiming to make the community self-sufficient. They trained community health workers to visit villages regularly, organize women’s groups, and promote local leadership in health.

The hospital became an active member of:

Voluntary Health Association
Catholic Hospitals Association of India

Fr. Muller Health Program Committee

Significant Milestones

1991: Organizations like HelpAge Germany, Caritas India, and the MCH Program supported hospital initiatives.
1995: Sr. Florine Mathias (MBBS) joined, further enhancing hospital services.
1996: The Multipurpose Nursing Aid Training program was launched, helping SSLC/PUC students from underprivileged backgrounds get one-year healthcare training, coinciding with the Silver Jubilee celebrations.
1997: The De-Addiction Centre started under Sr. Bernadine’s inspiration, aided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Fr. Patrao Hospital

Fr. Patrao Family, Staff

Taking care of patients

Health check up

Doctors day celebration

Legacy of Fr. Patrao

Fr. Patrao’s vision was not just to provide healthcare, but to create a religious and inspirational environment. A strong supporter of education and healthcare, he remained a pillar of strength for the sisters until his peaceful passing on 14th May 1975. His spirit continues to inspire the mission today.

Facilities and Services at Fr. Patrao Hospital

Other Services:

24×7 Emergency Care
Medical Camps
School Health Programs
General Surgery
Laparoscopic Surgery
OB-Gynecology Services
Schemes: Sampoorna Suraksha – Healthcare facility for the poor.