Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes
Uttar Pradesh, Bareilly
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The Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes in the Diocese of Bareilly
A small mustard seed sown in the humble soil of Cantaous, France, in the Diocese of Tarbes in 1843, has grown into a flourishing tree, spreading its branches across the world—including to India in 1882. The Indian mission took deep root and blossomed into two provinces: Bangalore and Mysore. From the Mysore Province, a new venture was envisioned, responding to the call of evangelization and mission in North India.
In alignment with the decision of the 13th Provincial Chapter, and responding to the gracious invitation of Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly, the sisters undertook a bold step to begin a new community in North India. The objective was to foster and facilitate vocations in this region by establishing a formation house.
Formation
Formation
On 29th June 2024, Sr. Shobha D’Souza, Sr. Mary D’Souza, and Pre-Postulants Manohari and Priyanka arrived at the Bishop’s House in Bareilly, where they were received with warmth and joy. The following day, they proceeded to the St. John Paul II Minor Seminary in Harunagla, generously offered by the diocese on a contract basis for the purpose of initiating this formation house—dedicated to nurturing vocations from the Northern region of India.
The much-awaited day—16th July 2024—dawned with bright sunshine and hopeful hearts. As the evening approached, priests and religious sisters gathered at St. John Paul II Seminary, now named St. Joseph’s Convent, marking its inauguration as a formation house of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes.
At 4:45 pm, the Bishop arrived, and all gathered around the newly installed statue of St. Joseph. With great joy, the statue was blessed, symbolizing his patronage and protection over the sisters and candidates who will dwell here. This was followed by the solemn blessing of the house and a deeply meaningful Eucharistic Celebration, further sanctified by the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
After the Eucharist, the celebration continued in the hall, where a warm welcome was extended to the three pioneers of this northern mission—Srs. Shobha D’Souza, Mary D’Souza, and Anitha D’Souza—as well as the 16 enthusiastic candidates and pre-postulants. Saplings, shawls, and roses were presented as tokens of love and gratitude to the Bishop, Provincial Superior Sr. Jeyarani, her three councilors, and the candidates.
Sr. Shobha D’Souza, the community animator, postulant mistress, and councilor to the provincial, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. She expressed deep gratitude for the generous, encouraging, and prayerful support extended by the priests, religious, and diocesan staff in this new venture.
This historic day marks a significant milestone in the journey of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes. It is a day to be engraved in the annals of our history—a moment of faith, courage, and new beginnings, as we joyfully embrace our mission in the Diocese of Bareilly.
