Category Archives: Visitations

HOLY CROSS CONVENT, PROVINCIAL HOUSE , PATNA

In 1991, the undivided Indian Province branched into three, with Patna becoming the chosen location for the Provincial House of the North-East Province, originally integrated with the already existing community at Tripolia. A two-acre plot of land was purchased in Digha from the Patna Jesuits, who also encouraged the establishment of social services to benefit the local people. Nearby, there is a Christian community in Fairfield Colony.

The Provincial House was inaugurated on September 14, 1995, led by Sr. Selma Nalloor, the first Provincial Superior of the North-East Province. In 1996, Asha Deep (“Light of Hope”) Rehabilitation Center was established to support differently-abled children, beginning with a kindergarten class for deaf children and later expanding to include classes up to grade X under the Bihar School Examination Board. As Asha Deep was not formally affiliated with the Board, coaching for Class IX and X was introduced in 2019, and the first batch of students took their matriculation exams in 2020 through other schools. Asha Deep also serves intellectually disabled children, helping them with life skills and vocational activities. From 2008 to 2019, the center accepted deaf-blind children in partnership with Sense International, India. The center currently has 243 students with hearing impairments and intellectual disabilities.

At present, the Provincial House community consists of 16 sisters including 4 students, 7 student candidates, and 1 pre-postulant. The sisters visit families, conduct family prayers, and distribute Holy Communion to the sick and elderly. They teach catechism, assist in preparing children for Holy Communion and Confirmation in the parish, and participate in other parish activities. The Provincial house community also takes care for a few Maha Dalit children affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Provincial House serves as a venue for Province Assemblies, Provincial Chapters, retreats, apostolate-specific meetings, and functions such as First and Final Professions and Ongoing Formation Programs. It also functions as a transit house, welcoming Sisters coming for medical treatment or office work. Booking travel tickets and arranging transportation are part of the day-to-day activities. Sisters from other provinces also come here for exams, medical check-ups, and various other needs. In short, it is a hub of diverse activities. On average, They extend hospitality to 7,000 people per year. Staying at the Provincial House naturally fosters qualities such as hospitality, socialization, empathy, and listening skills.

For the visitation 4 tertian sisters from Sitagarha came to the Provincial house, Patna.