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Proclaiming the Good News
Missionary Experiences of the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy in Visakhapatnam Province (2024–2025)
“Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to the whole creation.”
— Mark 16:15
From December 2024 through April 2025, the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy embarked on a series of village ministries across the Visakhapatnam Province, answering Christ’s call to “go into all the world and proclaim the Good News” (Mk 16:15). Their journey began on 4 December 2024 in Kotha Kota Parish under the warm hospitality of Rev. Fr Ajay Kumar. There, they visited Catholic families and the sick, praying with them in their homes and offering comfort through shared faith. As Advent unfolded, sisters joined in evening and nighttime carol singing, rose before dawn for 4 am Deeparadhana at various substations, and even travelled to hill communities to celebrate Holy Mass amid tribal congregations. Their active pa rticipation in church cleaning, altar preparation, distribution of Communion and festive decorations marked a deeply prayerful preparation for Christmas.
In early January, the sisters moved to Pachipenta Parish, welcomed graciously by Rev. Fr Peter. They assisted with novena and feast-day floral arrangements, journeyed to neighbouring villages for Mass, and listened to the needs of families in their homes. A special joy was shared in teaching children simple prayers and act ion songs, nurturing their spiritual growth, and extending decoration services to nearby parishes in Salur-2 and Uttaravalli. This month of service reaffirmed their commitment to glory of God in every task.
February’s ministry took place in Kakinada with the encouragement of Rev. Fr Arulayya. The sisters contributed to altar décor and crafted floral vases, but their heart lay in visiting Nadakudhuru substation, where they prepared candidates for Confirmation and led prayerful gatherings. Engaging both young and elderly parishioners in the sacramental life, they fostered unity through shared devotions and the intimate practice of home-visit prayers.
In March 2025, Salur-1 Parish became their home base under the guidance of Rev. Fr Bandhanadham Joseph. Conducting a thorough census of Catholic families, they prepared adults and children for Baptism, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion—celebrating three baptisms during their stay. Residing in villages such as Buttiganivalasa and T.S. Valasa, the sisters experienced genuine hospitality: shared meals, evening Rosaries, the Way of the Cross, and daily proclamation of the Word of God. Invitations to assist at Koduru, Bobbili, Prema Giri and Yesupuram parishes for major feasts further broadened their evangelisation.
Finally, in April, Boddepalli Parish welcomed the sisters under Rev. Fr Showrybabu’s kind care. Six individuals received Baptism and four their First Communion as the sisters continued their pattern of home visits, floral and altar decorations, and familial prayer support. Their time among the faithful was marked by simplicity, deep devotion and mutual respect.
Their reports stand as a testament to the transformative power of humble service and the enduring joy found in proclaiming Christ’s love to every corner of the province. May the seeds sown during these ministries continue to bear fruit in the lives of all we encountered.