Pilar Sisters Mark 38 Years of Missionary Service

Goa, September 8, 2026: The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar marked their 38th Foundation Day on Tuesday, reaffirming their commitment to missionary service and their ministry among marginalised communities.

Founded in 1988, the congregation has developed its missionary presence through educational, healthcare, pastoral and social ministries, particularly among communities in remote and tribal areas.

The Sisters’ early missionary work included service in Khanvel in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, where they reached out to local communities in areas with limited access to education, healthcare and other services. Their missionary identity is rooted in Christ’s call to proclaim the Gospel and serve those in need.

The congregation’s name reflects its vocation as women sent to proclaim Christ, live their mission in communion and look to Our Lady of Pilar as a model of faith and availability.

The Sisters’ ministries extend beyond meeting immediate material needs. Through education, healthcare, pastoral work, formation and programmes aimed at empowering women and children, they seek to promote human dignity and enable marginalised communities to participate more actively in shaping their future.

Their missionary spirituality places prayer and service at the centre of their vocation. The Sisters draw inspiration from Jesus’ call to remain united with him, understanding their apostolic work as flowing from their relationship with Christ.

Mary also holds a central place in their spirituality, with the Sisters looking to her example of faith, strength and service as they minister among people facing poverty, exclusion, suffering and hopelessness.

Today, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Pilar collaborate with the members of the Society of the Missionaries of St Francis Xavier (Society of Pilar), bringing the message of Christ to the poor and the marginalised especially to women and children in the missions of Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Nagar Haveli, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Goa.

The 38th Foundation Day was observed as an occasion to remember the congregation’s missionary journey, give thanks for the years of service and renew its commitment to reaching communities in need.

The Sisters reaffirmed their resolve to remain rooted in Christ, serve with compassion and continue their missionary journey in the spirit of Mary.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD