Ursuline Franciscan Sisters Mark 50 Years of Missionary Service in North India

LUCKNOW, October 10, 2026: The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters marked 50 years of missionary presence in North India, celebrating five decades of service in education, healthcare, social development and pastoral ministry across the region.

The three-day Golden Jubilee celebration, held under the theme “Carrying the Flame Forward”, brought together members of all 16 communities of the North Province. Through skits, dramas, quizzes, action songs and presentations on the lives of pioneering Sisters, the participants reflected on the congregation’s missionary journey and explored its priorities for the future.

The celebrations culminated in a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Gerald John Mathias of Lucknow. Recalling the contribution of the pioneering Sisters, he said that the significance of missionary presence lay not merely in being present but in serving God and humanity. He also acknowledged the sacrifices, challenges and faith that sustained the mission from its humble beginnings.

Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly, speaking on behalf of the Bishops of North India during the felicitation programme, highlighted the growth of the Province, which now has 80 Sisters serving in 16 communities across seven dioceses. He also paid tribute to six Sisters who had died after dedicating their lives to the mission.

Reflecting on the name of the Provincial House, Jeevan Dhara (Stream of Life), Bishop D’Souza said the Sisters' patience, compassion and selfless service had touched numerous lives across North India. He urged them to remain a source of hope and healing, particularly for people facing suffering and exclusion.

He invited the congregation to reflect on three questions: “Where did we begin? Where are we today? And where are we going?” Encouraging the Sisters to discern their priorities for the next 50 years, he expressed the hope that future jubilee celebrations would be held among the people whose lives had been touched by their ministries.

Superior General Sr Milly Fernandes commended the North Province for its missionary journey and expressed confidence in its vision for the future. She urged the Sisters to sustain the zeal, courage and commitment of the pioneers and remain faithful to their missionary calling.

She particularly appreciated their ability to work in challenging circumstances and overcome obstacles to make Christ's presence visible through their service to people.

The Golden Jubilee provided an occasion to acknowledge the contribution of generations of Sisters while renewing the congregation's commitment to its mission in North India.

By Sr. Lidwin Fernandes