By Suchita Varayadan
Alba, April 23, 2026: Immersed in grace, we celebrate 75 years—a legacy of faith, devotion and unwavering service. Each time we mark jubilees and milestones, we lift our minds and hearts to the Lord, who guides our journey. Truly, we are immersed in his blessings, which sustain us along the way.
The 75th anniversary—our platinum jubilee— of the Daughters of St. Paul in India is a clear sign that God walks with his people. In 2026, this celebration becomes a time of renewal, a living reality not only for India but for the world. I am deeply grateful to be part of this mission.
We honor today the pioneers whose vision gave birth to our congregation in India. With faith-filled hearts and hands ready to serve, they laid a foundation not of bricks, but of hope, compassion and trust in God.
I am proud to stand with Sister Pierluísa Albini, one of the pioneers of our communities in India. Though now dependent on others due to age and illness, she remains a missionary whose seeds of faith multiplied across India and beyond.
From 1951 to 1977, she served as novice directress and later as provincial. The sisters she formed have gone on to form others, spreading our mission throughout India and the world.
As we celebrate this remarkable history, we are reminded that the true strength of our congregation lies not only in its past, but in its people—the members who continue to nurture its spirit.
It brings me joy to hear of birthdays and anniversaries of profession among our sisters. These celebrations confirm that our people are the first wealth and priority of our congregation. Our mission continues because of them.
This jubilee is not only a celebration but also a call—a call to renew our commitment, deepen our faith and carry forward the legacy entrusted to us. May we be inspired to serve generously, love deeply and walk faithfully in the path set before us.
We are challenged to make God’s presence felt in today’s ever-changing world. “If not me, who else?” is the question each of us must ask.
With grateful hearts, we give thanks for 75 blessed years—and we look forward with hope and faith to the many more that lie ahead. I thank God for this vocation and join the Indian province in gratitude for his merciful love that has brought us to this platinum jubilee.
Happy 75th anniversary. May God’s grace continue to guide and sustain us all.
Sister Suchita Varayadan, 70, from the Daughters of Saint Paul congregation, left India for Italy in 1997 to train in nursing for the congregation’s only hospital there. In 1994, she volunteered for the African missions during the congregation’s worldwide missionary project. After 24 years of service in several African countries, she returned to Alba, Italy, where she now cares for the growing number of elderly and sick sisters.