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The French authorities in India were desperately looking for some religious Congregation to take up the task of educating girls in French India.
It was at this juncture that the then French Governor, Viscount Desbassyns de Richemont, who was also the Governor of Pondicherry, sent an invitation to Mother Rosalie Javouhey, Superior in Bourbon, requesting her to take up education in Pondicherry.
The Governor who had also been responsible for bringing Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny to Reunion, after having witnessed the transformation their presence had worked among the youth of that island, sought to procure the same benefits for India.
Mother Rosalie Javouhey welcomed the chance offered to her and sent a team of three Sisters consisting of Sr. Xavier Tronchain, Sr. Seraphine Ducordeau and Sr.Dorothy Chevrier.
After a fruitful retreat organized by Mother Rosalie Javouhey, the three Sisters set sail from Bourbon to Pondicherry on 28th December 1826. At the arrival of the Sisters, the government informed the European inhabitants of Pondicherry that the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny were invited by the Minister of the Navy to establish a school in Pondicherry and a boarding school for the European girls. The Sisters first opened a day school, a boarding house, and a free school. Later, to help the children of the poorer families to earn their living the Sisters opened a technical
school for them keeping in mind their aptitude
The Sisters did not confine themselves to education alone. They were asked to take charge of the Government Hospital which was under military rule. Inspired by the words of the Foundress ,’’Remember that in caring for the body you must not neglect the soul which is often in greater need of help…” the Sisters began their own Hospital in 1961. Besides the Hospital work and education the Sisters are actively engaged in Community Health Service, Development Programmes and Natural Family Planning drives.
Sr.Xavier the then Superior of the house was a woman of faith and gifted with a sense organization. Srs. Seraphine and Dorothy were young in years but not in piety and self sacrifice. The success of the Indian mission was brought at the price of bitter sacrifices –the premature death of Sr. Seraphine followed by Sr. Dorothy. When the grave of Sr. Seraphine was opened after six years to receive Sr. Dorothy the body of Sr. Seraphine was found intact even her veil was without spot or wrinkle.
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