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A Celebration of 375 Years of Grace and Mission
Life is a miracle: a miracle of God’s love. This divine love was profoundly manifested on 8 October 2025, when the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy, Bhubaneswar Province, solemnly celebrated the 375th anniversary of the foundation of our Congregation. The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Archbishop John Barwa, SVD, formed the centerpiece of the jubilee festivities.
The celebration was graced by the presence of the Rev. Fr. Pradosh Chadra Nayak, Vicar General of the Cuttack–Bhubaneswar Archdiocese and Rev. Fr. Sanjeeb Kumar Nayak, Vicar General, Berhampur Diocese, Rev. Fr. B. Suresh Babu, MSFS, Provincial, Visakhapatnam Province and Fr. Dibakar Parichha, Chancellor, along with a large number of priests, religious, alumni of St. Jos eph’s institutions, and laity, friends and well-wishers. The presence of Rev. Fr. B. Suresh Babu, MSFS, evoked memories of the selfless collaboration and pioneering spirit shared by the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy, who ventured into Indian soil in the mid-nineteenth century. Together, they tilled the fields of faith and education, empowered the women, and brought healing and hope to the sick and marginalized, thereby transforming lives and communities across India.
A special note of joy was added by the participation of the LAC Sisters from Lyon, Annecy, and Chambery: the sister Congregations of St. Joseph founded by Fr. Jean-Pierre Médaille, S.J., on 15 October 1650 in Le Puy, France. Their presence symbolized the unity and shared heritage of the global Josephite family. The participation of St. Joseph’s associates further added color, vitality, and enthusiasm to the celebration, enhancing the spirit of communion and joy that marked the Jubilee event.
The event drew a gathering of over 2,000 participants, many of whom were members of the laity who have been nurtured in faith and service through the ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy in the Archdiocese of Cuttack - Bhubaneswar. Their heartfelt presence testified to the enduring bonds of love and gratitude shared between the sisters and the people we serve.
A colorful entrance procession, featuring traditional dance, ārati, and a solemn Bible procession, marked the opening of the Jubilee celebration with a vibrant blend of faith and culture. The ceremony created an atmosphere of reverence and joy, uniting devotion with local tradition.
In his homily, Archbishop John Barwa, SVD, commended the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy for our humble service and steadfast commitment to education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and social upliftment. He praised our efforts in planting seeds of love, faith, and justice among the poor and marginalized, and encouraged us to rekindle the flame of mission in today’s world.
Describing the Jubilee as a moment of grace, Archbishop Barwa invited everyone to give thanks for the faith received, the faith shared, and the love sown in the hearts of others, urging all to continue witnessing to the Gospel through selfless service and unity in Christ.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a documentary on the life and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph was premiered, and the Jubilee Souvenir was officially released. The day concluded in an atmosphere of joy, peace, and profound gratitude, celebrating 375 years of a living legacy of love and service motivated by Total Double Union.
Sr. Shiny Joseph SSJA
Bhubaneswar Province