1990
Canonical erection
Erection of the Province
St. Joseph's Province, Tiruchirappalli, was canonically erected, marking a new phase in the missionary expansion of the FIHM Congregation.
Province History
How St. Joseph’s Province took shape and grew in mission
The St. Joseph's Province of Tiruchirappalli of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (FIHM) was canonically erected in the year 1990, marking a significant milestone in the growth and missionary expansion of the Congregation in Tamil Nadu. This new province emerged as a response to the growing pastoral, educational, medical, and social needs of the people, and as a concrete expression of the Congregation's commitment to serve the Church and society with renewed vigor.
The first Provincial Election of St. Joseph's Province was held on 22 May 1990. Mother Paula Mary was elected as the first Provincial Superior, assisted by Sr. Josephine Mary as Vice Provincial, Sr. Fides Mary as Councillor I, Sr. Ethelbert Mary as Councillor II, and Sr. Earnest Mary as Councillor III. Together, this pioneering leadership team laid the foundational stones for the spiritual, administrative, and apostolic growth of the Province.
On 23 May 1990, the newly elected Provincial Team formally assumed office before the Blessed Sacrament, entrusting their mission and responsibilities to Divine Providence.
At that time, the Province did not possess a separate Provincialate house. With foresight, faith, and determination, the leadership initiated steps to acquire land for establishing a Provincialate that would serve as the administrative and spiritual heart of the Province. Their efforts bore fruit on 7 July 1990, when a property at Karumandapam, Tiruchirappalli, was purchased for this purpose.
A moment of great joy and thanksgiving arrived on 8 September 1991, when the newly constructed Provincialate at Karumandapam was solemnly inaugurated. Rev. Mother Emilya officially opened the Provincialate, and it was solemnly blessed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Gabriel Lawrence, the then Bishop of Tiruchirappalli.
To strengthen the infrastructure and mission of the Provincialate, an additional one acre of land adjoining the existing 6.5 cents was later purchased from St. Paul's Seminary. Today, St. Joseph's Province continues to journey forward—responding to the signs of the times, nurturing vocations, and serving humanity with compassion, courage, and hope.
Erected
1990
First Election
22 May 1990
Provincialate
8 Sep 1991
Chronological Timeline
A clear, readable timeline of key events
22 May 1990
Leadership
First Provincial Election
Mother Paula Mary was elected as the first Provincial Superior, supported by a dedicated Council:
- Sr. Josephine Mary – Vice Provincial
- Sr. Fides Mary – Councillor I
- Sr. Ethelbert Mary – Councillor II
- Sr. Earnest Mary – Councillor III
23 May 1990
Dedication
Assumption of Office
The newly elected Provincial Team assumed office before the Blessed Sacrament, entrusting the Province and its mission to God’s providence.
7 July 1990
Karumandapam
Purchase of Land for the Provincialate
Land was purchased at Karumandapam, Tiruchirappalli, initiating the establishment of a Provincialate house.
1990–1991
Foundations
Laying the Foundations
The sisters began their mission with deep faith and dedication, expanding apostolic works rooted in the Franciscan charism of humility and compassionate service to the poor and marginalized.
8 Sep 1991
Inauguration
Inauguration & Blessing of the Provincialate
The Provincialate at Karumandapam was inaugurated by Rev. Mother Emilya and solemnly blessed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Gabriel Lawrence, Bishop of Tiruchirappalli.
Post 1991
Expansion
Expansion of the Provincialate Campus
An additional one acre of land adjoining the original 6.5 cents was purchased from St. Paul’s Seminary, strengthening infrastructure for formation and apostolic outreach.
Today
Mission
Continuing the Mission
St. Joseph’s Province continues to grow in spiritual vitality, community life, and apostolic service— faithfully responding to the needs of the Church and society.
Legacy of Hope
Today, St. Joseph's Province, Tiruchirappalli, stands as a living testament to God's faithfulness and the dedicated service of the FIHM Sisters. Guided by the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and animated by love for the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Province continues to journey forward—faithfully responding to the signs of the times, nurturing vocations, and serving humanity with compassion, courage, and hope.