Holy Cross Convent is located in Sherpur village, Maner block, Patna district, a large, densely populated village with various castes.
This community was founded with the purpose of establishing a Novitiate House for the North-East. Province. Late Sr. Gemma Kallarackal and a small group of sisters began residing in Sherpur on November 1, 2000, overseeing the construction of the Novitiate building. Moved by the challenges faced by the local community, they also initiated the Jeevdhara Social Service Center to improve their socio-economic conditions. Both the Novitiate and the Jeevdhara Social Service Center were blessed on March 19, 2002. The first group of novices arrived on June 11, 2002.
In 2019 Mid India province joined for the novitiate. In 2020 the social apostolate got bifurcated to Lodipur and so the sisters engaged in this apostolate moved to Lodipur. From 2021 novices of India East also joined the Novitiate in Sherpur. At present there are 12 first year novices and 15 second year novices. They are from North East Province, Mid India Province and India East Province. They are guided by two novice directresses. The second year novices are preparing themselves for the profession which will take place on the 17 November of this year.
Sr. Marie-Marthe Schönenberger and Sr. Pratima Minj, accompanied by Provincial Superior Sister Pushpita, traveled to Sherpur during the vibrant preparations for the Hindu festival of CHATT. The roads were busy with pilgrims heading to the Ganges River, and the air was filled with spiritual music and festive energy. Upon arrival in Sherpur, the community welcomed them with dance and song. After a prayer of thanksgiving in the chapel, they began the General Visitation, starting with the animals in the stable, including cows, ducks, hens, and the ever-present cat, Mr. Cat. They also admired the community’s paddy fields.
Thereafter they began with an introductory session and a Power Point presentation about the congregation, which deeply moved everyone. The novices performed a colorful cultural program highlighting Indian traditions, showing their talents in dance, song, painting, and acting. The reflective meditation, emphasizing the importance of respect and love for one another was appreciated. The visitors also had the opportunity to visit Holy Cross Convent, Lodipur, adding depth to their experience.
