Immaculate Heart of Mary
Our primary patron whose tenderness, purity, and faithful discipleship shape our spirit and mission.
Our Province
The St. Joseph Province, Trichy, is a vibrant Province of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (FIHM). We draw our inspiration from the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose tenderness, purity, and faithful discipleship shape our spirit and mission.
We are further strengthened by the ardent humility and gospel simplicity of St. Francis of Assisi, our second patron, and grounded in the quiet courage, gentle humility, and steadfast trust of St. Joseph, our third patron.
Guided by these holy patrons and faithful to the charism entrusted to our Congregation, we seek to embody and proclaim the compassionate love of Christ in today's world—through a life of consecration, communion, and committed service, especially in ways that uplift human dignity and build communities of faith, hope, and love.
Our Patrons
St. Joseph
Our third patron, grounding our mission in quiet courage, gentle humility, and steadfast trust.
St. Francis of Assisi
Our second patron, strengthening our commitment to humility, peace, and gospel simplicity.
Our Founder
Servant of God Louis Savinien Dupuis
Servant of God Louis Savinien Dupuis was a devoted French missionary, remembered for his deep faith, apostolic zeal, and selfless charity.
1806
Born on 18 August in Sanz, France, to Etheme Louis Dupuis and Vigthnar Remi.
1829
Ordained a priest on 25 April.
1831
Joined the Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP) on 25 May; set out for India on 4 July.
1832
Arrived in India on 9 April.
1844
Founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on 16 October.
1874
Died on 4 June after devoting his life to nurturing the Congregation's growth.
In the social context of 19th-century India—where women's education was often discouraged—Father Dupuis recognised the urgent need to promote the moral, religious, and intellectual formation of women. During the Synod of 1844, Church leaders identified the necessity of a dedicated Congregation committed to women's moral, religious, and secular education.
Responding to this ecclesial vision with courageous faith, Father Dupuis took concrete steps to make it a living reality. He devoted himself tirelessly to nurturing the Congregation's growth until his death on 4 June 1874. Through the sacrifices and fidelity of his successors and generations of Sisters, the mission has continued to expand—serving the Church and society across India and beyond, in the spirit of humble love and joyful service.
Our Mission
To embody and proclaim the compassionate love of Christ through a life of consecration, communion, and committed service—uplifting human dignity and building communities of faith, hope, and love.