By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
New Delhi, July 3, 2026: The Daughters of St. Paul are celebrating 75 years in India, highlighting a legacy of evangelization and communications ministry that continues to adapt to changing times.
Jubilee celebrations have been held across the country, marking a journey that began when the congregation’s first sisters arrived from Italy on Aug. 18, 1951, at the invitation of Cardinal Valerian Gracious of Bombay.
Today, the sisters serve in 16 dioceses in India, while Indian members of the congregation have also carried their mission to Australia, Italy, Peru-Bolivia, Germany and the Czech Republic.
At a celebration in New Delhi on July 28, Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto of Delhi recalled the congregation’s humble beginnings and the determination of its early missionaries.
“They would go house to house two by two, carrying books in bags with the enthusiasm of St. Paul to share the Gospel. Not all families welcomed them. But they continued their mission joyfully and courageously. They also continue their mission in parishes and schools,” he said.
Praising the congregation’s perseverance, Archbishop Couto added, “The fruit of their mission is as many people accepting Jesus in their life.”
Reflecting on the congregation’s ability to adapt to changing times, he noted that the sisters have remained faithful to the vision of their founder.
“Following the exhortation of their founder to adapt every new development in the media of communications, they have now entered the digital world, walking with the times,” he said.
In New Delhi, the sisters manage the library at Holy Family Hospital, operate a piety center and visit patients. A recently opened book center on the cathedral premises serves visitors and parishioners, while the congregation continues to promote reading through displays and exhibitions in schools and parishes.
The jubilee celebrations also drew reflections from church leaders in other parts of the country.
During a Thanksgiving Mass in Shillong, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh reflected on the witness of Saints Peter and Paul, describing them as two great pillars of the Church whose example continues to inspire Christians to remain steadfast in faith and courageous in mission.
Referring to the platinum jubilee, he thanked God for the faithfulness shown throughout 75 years of the Daughters of St. Paul’s ministry in India.
He said the congregation had touched countless lives through evangelization, education, catechesis, publications and digital media, bringing Christ’s message to society.
Drawing inspiration from the jubilee theme, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16), Archbishop Lyngdoh reminded the faithful that evangelization is the mission of every baptized Christian. He urged them to become living witnesses in their families, workplaces and communities.
The archbishop also encouraged the sisters to embrace new digital frontiers while remaining rooted in prayer, faith and service.
At a time when misinformation and hatred can spread rapidly through modern media, he said the Church needs communicators who proclaim truth, hope and Gospel values.
In Mumbai, Archbishop John Rodrigues celebrated the Eucharist at St. Theresa’s Church in Bandra and reflected on what he described as the light that must continue to shine through the congregation.
Quoting Blessed James Alberione’s words that “everything comes from God and leads to the Magnificat,” Archbishop Rodrigues said the founder was recognized for collaborating with grace and discerning God’s will at every moment of his life.
He described the congregation’s 75-year mission in India as a continuation of the Pauline Family’s founding charism.
Addressing the sisters, he said, “Continue the Jubilee mission by letting Christ’s light remain visible in media apostolate, speech, and daily witness.
Reflect on Blessed James Alberione’s example of discerning God’s will ‘at every moment, at every step.’ Carry forward the courage of the 75-year pioneers who began the mission in India. Recommit to trusting God’s transforming power in personal life and apostolic work.”
In Kolkata, Archbishop Elias Frank reflected on the congregation’s founding mission and its continuing relevance.
Highlighting the task entrusted by Blessed James Alberione, he said, “This mission is challenging, yet there is the grace of God to continue it.”
As the jubilee celebrations continue across India, the Daughters of St. Paul are reflecting on a legacy that began with a handful of missionaries and has expanded into a nationwide ministry dedicated to evangelization through publications, education and modern communications.
Their anniversary serves as both a celebration of the past and a renewed commitment to carrying the Gospel into new frontiers.