India: Historic Moment for Odisha as Sr. Justine Senapati Becomes New SJA Provincial

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy (SJA), Bhubaneswar Province, elected a new leadership team on November 26, 2025, appointing Sister Justine Gitanjali Senapati as the new Provincial Superior.

A native of Kandhamal, she is the first SJA nun from Odisha to hold this position—an important milestone for the Church in eastern India and a moment of pride for a region where opportunities for women were once very limited.

“With this responsibility, I carry a deep sense of humility and gratitude. It is a call to serve with a fuller heart and a clearer vision,” Sr. Justine told RVA News.  “As I take on this new role, I remain guided by a simple conviction: to love the poor, to walk with them, and to build pathways of opportunity so that no one is left behind.”

A Leader Formed by Faith, Justice, and Experience

Human rights activist Fr. Ajay Kumar Singh described her as “a committed advocate for the marginalized,” highlighting her years of service as the Congregations of St. Joseph’s NGO Representative at the United Nations in New York (2014–2019). She is also a practising lawyer at the Odisha High Court in Cuttack, and formerly served as Secretary of the Archdiocesan Women’s Commission of Cuttack–Bhubaneswar.

Faith leaders across the State have welcomed her appointment. “Sr. Geetanjali embodies the spirit of service and leadership for which the people of Odisha are known,” said human rights activist Fr. Manoj Kumar Nayak, calling her “a beacon of hope for the next generation.”

Rooted in Kandhamal, Strengthened by Suffering

Born in 1973 in rural Kandhamal to parents who were both primary school teachers, Sr. Justine grew up with strong values of faith, compassion, and service. The 2008 Kandhamal violence left a deep mark on her, strengthening her resolve to work for justice and peace—especially for women and survivors of conflict.

She holds an MA in Sociology, LLB, a Diploma in Religious Formation, and a Diploma in UN Human Rights. Her ministry has included teaching, human rights advocacy, formation work, and legal service in Cuttack. She made her First Profession in 1998 and Final Profession in 2004.

Vision: “Remain in My Love”

Guided by the charism “Remain in My Love” (John 15:9), Sr. Justine identifies herself as a leader, organizer, and spiritual companion committed to systemic change. Her dream is of an inclusive Odisha where every child receives quality education, the poor enjoy dignified healthcare, and Tribal and Dalit communities live without fear or discrimination.

New Provincial Team

Sr. Justine took her oath of office along with a new team entrusted with leading the Province:

• Sister Divya Jithuka – Assistant Provincial

• Sisters Maria Selvam Michael, Imelda Francis, and Vijaya Nirmala – Councillors

• Sister Shiny Joseph – Procurator

• Subhashree Baliarsingh – Secretary

About the Congregation

Founded in 1650 in France by Fr. Jean-Pierre Médaille, SJ, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy are dedicated to serving the poor and the sick. The first Sisters arrived in India in 1849, establishing their presence in the Diocese of Visakhapatnam. A mission station in Cuttack followed in 1872. Today, the congregation serves across five continents. India has two provinces—Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar, the latter created in 2002.

 This year, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy celebrate 375 years of global service.