Holy Cross Convent

 Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross (SCSC)

The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross is an international congregation founded in Ingenbohl, Switzerland by Fr. Theodosius Florentini, OFM, Cap and Mother Maria Theresa Scherer in 1856.

Fr. Theodosius Florentini was a capuchin priest from Switzerland who lived at the time of the industrial revolution in Europe. He was zealous defender of faith, and an eminent educationist, a social reformer, a friend of poor and working class. He was a man of vision 100 years ahead of his time. His alert mind and quick perception combined with a compassionate heart enabled him to understand the problems of his times namely exploitation, poverty, injustice and unrest among the people. His answer to all these problems was education.

He recognized the role of women in the society and in the family. Therefore, he ventured to start a congregation of women which would fit everywhere. Thus, the congregation of Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross was founded in 1856 at Ingenbohl, Switzerland by Fr. Theodosius Florentini and Foundress Mother Maria Theresa Scherer. Both the Founders had boundless trust in God and had great courage to take risks and had an active love for God and for the poor. Dynamics, humanism and confidence in God are some of the outstanding qualities that characterize our Founders.

The congregation follows the Rule of the Third order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi. Papal Approbation was granted in 1897.The members of this congregation are spread far and wide to 25 countries. Mother House is situated at Ingenbohl, Brunnen, Switzerland.

In 1894 the sisters landed in Bihar, India. Thereafter it spread to different parts of our country catering to the various needs of the people especially to the underprivileged. At present Holy Cross sisters are serving in five provinces in India with its headquarters in Bangalore,(Karnataka) Hazaribag, (Jharkand) Patna,(Bihar) Raipur, (Chattisgarh) Jalpaiguri,(North east).

Holy Cross Sisters serve in the field of education, Medical apostolate, professional courses like fashion designing hotel management, specialization in computer technology, social work such as HIV women and child care, women in destitute, taking care of the street children, differently abled children, senior citizens home, prison ministry, family counseling, youth ministry, palliative care, migrants, etc.

“We hurry where the human need calls forth” having pondered over these words of our founders, the two pioneering sisters Mother Angelica Wildhaber and Sr. Mary John Monteiro risked and arrived to this remote place on 15th May 1971 to sow the seed of compassionate love for all especially to the underprivileged. From this the birth of our mission in Mangalore diocese began.

Giving heed to the inner voice of the Spirit, our sisters zealously marched ahead to venture into various activities as they sensed the need of the place. Diverse mission such as mother and child care, tailoring for girls who could not attend the regular school, dispensary, Alchoholic Anonymous programs, youth movement, Balwadi, teaching in St. Liguory’s school, Kannada and English typing, short hand computer academy were undertaken. Through these many families benefited, reformed and contributed to the betterment of the people around us. Through these many families benefitted, reformed and contributed to the betterment of the people around us.

Beisdes, the sisters actively take part in all the parish activities such as faith formation, preparing the children and adults for the sacraments and sodality for girls.

In the year 1982, Rajeshwar High School was started under the leadership of Sr. Irene Pinto and Sr. Sujata D’sa as most of the children of the locality were unable to continue their studies due to poverty and lack of transport. This high school became a boon to not only to our parishners but also to many surrounding villages. Many students were able to continue their high school studies and they were able to further their education in the cities. A small seed that was sown then has been able to bear fruit in abundance. Today they have reached to different parts of the globe excelling in different areas.

Unfortunately after 39 years of its fruitful service Rajeshwar High school had to be closed down because of lack of strength and approval of new staff.

The call of our founders to be courageous and strong stirred us to look at the present scenario and meet the needs of the time. It was altogether a new leap in the extension of our mission with the initiation of St. Joseph English Medium School in the year 2006.  We encounter the Lord in our day to day circumstances in taking this mission forward. The Lord calls us to be the torch bearers in this world and we feel proud to be His instruments. Therefore we continue to render our cheerful service.