St. Joseph’s Home & Nursery, Byculla

Founded in 1875, St. Joseph’s Home & Nursery, managed by the Daughters of the Cross, has a long history of serving women and children. Initially established as a Foundling Home, it moved to its current location in 1913. The community engages in parish work, home visits, communion services, and education initiatives.

Balgraha provides shelter, education, and care for girls aged 7-18 under the CWC. The program focuses on holistic development, including academics, health, cultural activities, and life skills.

Rainbow Educare & Primary School organizes events like Parent’s Day, Fancy Dress, and Environmental Awareness programs to nurture creativity and learning.

Secondary Section hosts leadership activities, cultural programs, medical camps, and sports events, fostering student development. The Eco Club promotes sustainability through tree planting and recycling drives.

St. Joseph’s continues its mission of care, education, and empowerment for underprivileged children and the community.

Blessed Mother Marie Therese, known as Jeanne Haze, founded the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross of Liege with a vision to serve the sick, inspiring the Daughters to continue this mission in the medical field. In 1922, Archbishop Alban Goodier encouraged them to run the Nursing Home at Grant Road, later shifting it to Chowpatty, Queen’s Road, and eventually to Harkness Road in 1935. St. Elizabeth’s evolved into a well-known institution for compassionate care, particularly for the poor. By 1977, it became a full-fledged hospital and continued expanding its services, including outreach programs and medical specialties. Over the years, it introduced new training programs, medical departments, and social work initiatives. In 2020, it received NABH certification, and in its Centenary Year (2022-2023), CSR-funded redevelopment began, marked by the Bhoomi Puja for new construction on 8th September 2023.

Fr. Jimenez S.J., the first priest in Palghar, baptized the first person in 1939. Over the next 14 years, ten people were baptized. In 1958, Fr. Joseph Sadanand, a diocesan priest, arrived and established the Station Road Chapel and an English-medium school. In 1965, the Daughters of the Cross were invited to take over the school and began their mission in Palghar. Sr. Mary Laurencia became the first Superior of Anand Ashram Convent, and Sr. Mary Gonzaga was appointed Headmistress. Despite facing hardships, including working from a rented house and overcoming construction challenges, the Sisters successfully established the school. The Sisters also provided social services, including visiting homes, running a boarding for poor girls, and engaging in parish activities. In 1991, the school was handed over to the Diocesan Fathers, and the Sisters continued teaching there. Currently, the Sisters are involved in education, social, and pastoral work, running a boarding school for Adivasi girls, and offering a “Shelter Home” for girls and young women since 2021. They also conduct catechetical work, prepare students for sacraments, and support various parish and youth activities.

Navjeevan Nivas, Udhwa, was established in June 1987, when three sisters from Jyoti Niwas, Manor – Srs. Sulbha Gonsalves, Lily Andrade, and Helen Gonsalves arrived at Rabadpada. Supported by Fr. Aloysius Fonseca S.J. and Sr. Zita Martins, the mission aimed to uplift tribals, particularly girls, through education, health, and social initiatives. They began adult literacy classes, medical work, and formed Mahila Mandals. The foundation of the community was marked on 6th June 1989. Over the years, Varkhanda High School was established, followed by various education programs and medical camps. In 2014, a boarding school for girls was started to reduce dropouts and improve education. This year marks the 37th anniversary of the mission.

The Daughters of the Cross, missioned to India in 1863, faced challenges due to the climate and the demanding apostolate. In response, Sr. Theodorine, Provincial Superior, established a home for convalescing Sisters and a Cambridge School in Igatpuri to serve the educational needs of European and Goan families working in the Railways. Initially supported by government grants, the boarding school became a significant benefit for Railway employees with frequent transfers. In 1960, the Secondary School closed due to financial constraints, and by 1978, the Primary Section was also closed, with the school shifting to the S.S.C. Board. The boarding was closed in 1984 to accommodate growing student numbers, and the first batch of S.S.C. students appeared for exams in 1987. Currently, the school serves over a thousand students. Since 1990, the Sisters have expanded their mission to the Social Apostolate, reaching out to tribals and people living in poverty.

In 1965, the Daughters of the Cross arrived in Nashik, beginning a transformative mission in collaboration with Fr. Barranco and the Maharashtra Prabhodan Seva Mandal. Their work started with humble visits to villages, understanding the struggles of the people, and offering compassionate support. Early accomplishments included the establishment of a Public Health Centre, Maternity Home, and Social Welfare Centre, funded by Misereor. By 1969, the sisters laid the foundation for a hospital, and by 1970, Krupa Prasad had a house and chapel. As the community expanded, the sisters introduced Nashik’s first mobile dispensary and created a boarding facility for village girls seeking education. In 1983, they handed over the Community Health Programme to the Assumption Sisters to address new needs. The sisters also responded to emerging challenges, such as the HIV/AIDS crisis, by founding an HIV/AIDS Centre in 2004. Today, Krupa Prasad continues to be a sanctuary, providing a hostel for 140 tribal girls and supporting HIV patients with nutritional kits. The sisters remain active in social and pastoral work, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and transformative impact.

The Daughters of the Cross, alongside Maharashtra Prabodhan Seva Mandal (MPSM), have been pivotal in transforming Ambatha, a rural village in Maharashtra. Starting in 1964, MPSM focused on education, healthcare, and community development for Adivasi communities. The Daughters of the Cross arrived in 1972, establishing boarding facilities, schools, and health services. After their return in 2012, they expanded their work with a focus on Adivasi girls’ education, healthcare, and community empowerment. Their legacy includes improved education outcomes, enhanced healthcare access, vocational training, and the empowerment of local communities. Despite challenges such as limited resources and language barriers, their impact has fostered self-sufficiency and social upliftment. Celebrating over 60 years of service, the Daughters of the Cross continue to inspire and support the people of Ambatha.

In 1996, Sr. Irene Alphonso, with the help of Fr. Joseph Rodrigues SFX, formed the first Mahila Mandal (women’s self-help group) at Velugam, a remote village in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The group began with 50 women saving Rs. 10 monthly, and by 2001, it expanded into smaller groups with individual bank accounts. The Daughters of the Cross arrived at Velugam on April 1, 2001, at the invitation of the Pilar Fathers and the Bishop of Goa. Sr. Vimla Parmar and Sr. Lily Ashirvadam initially stayed in Udhwa while working in Velugam, conducting surveys and engaging in socio-pastoral work, education, medical services, and starting Balwadi (preschool) programs. In 2004, the community established the “Premankur” house, and by 2005, they began the first women’s empowerment project in collaboration with Caritas India. The mission expanded, adding new villages and agricultural projects. In 2011, the first girls’ boarding was set up, and in 2014, the “Premankur Adivasi Mahila Bachat ane Dhiran Sahkari Mandali Ltd.” was registered. The Daughters of the Cross continue to support the community with education, healthcare, and empowerment initiatives.