The Daughters of St. Paul are celebrating 75 years of mission in India in 2026, marking a journey that began in Mumbai in 1951 and later expanded across the country through publishing, media evangelization, Bible promotion, and pastoral outreach.
As part of the jubilee celebrations, Archbishop Anil J.T. Couto of Delhi will preside over a thanksgiving Eucharist on June 28 at St. Michael's Church in Prasad Nagar, New Delhi.
The congregation's presence in India traces its origins to a period of uncertainty and displacement. In 1937, a group of pioneer sisters had arrived in New Delhi after leaving China amid growing instability caused by World War II. Unable to establish a permanent mission in India at the time, they continued to the Philippines.
A new chapter opened in 1951 when the Archdiocese of Bombay welcomed the first Daughters of St. Paul from Italy. The sisters initially stayed in Vile Parle, with support from Cardinal Valerian Gracias, then bishop of Bombay, and Fr. Longinus Pereira, parish priest of Vile Parle. The Canossian Sisters in Mahim also provided hospitality during the congregation's early days.
The sisters began their ministry through family visits and the distribution of religious literature obtained from the Philippines and the United States. Inspired by their founder, Blessed James Alberione, they embraced a mission centered on evangelization through media and publishing, following the example of St. Paul.
The early years were marked by financial difficulties, health challenges, and the task of learning local languages while establishing a new ministry. The sisters also received support from members of the Society of St. Paul, including Fr. Alfonso Ferriero, Fr. Tempra, and Brother Pio, who accompanied them during the congregation's formative years in India.
Publishing became a defining aspect of the mission. In 1959, the congregation published its first book in India, edited by Sister Pierluisa Albini. A printing machine imported from the Philippines in 1960 strengthened its publishing apostolate and laid the foundation for future growth.
Over the decades, the Daughters of St. Paul expanded their presence to 16 dioceses across India. Their ministries have included Bible promotion programs, Gospel Weeks, family apostolates, media education, and the operation of Pauline Book and Media Centers.
Church leaders in different dioceses recognized the congregation's specialized mission in communications and media, opening opportunities for new forms of apostolic service.
In New Delhi, the sisters managed the Diocesan Community Centre Library from 1973 to 2012, a project envisioned by the late Archbishop Angelo Fernandes. In 2012, they assumed responsibility for the medical library and piety center at Holy Family Hospital, where they continue pastoral outreach among patients while distributing religious and educational materials.
The congregation also operates a Pauline Center at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi, offering biblical, spiritual, and motivational resources for readers of all ages.
In Bengaluru, the sisters managed the Catholic Enquiry Centre from 1977 until 2023, serving generations of seekers and faithful. Since 2015, they have also overseen the Catholic Information Centre in Nagpur at the invitation of the local archdiocese.
Beyond publishing and education, the congregation has promoted interreligious dialogue. For nearly three decades, the Bandra community in Mumbai hosted an annual program titled "Celebrating Unity in Diversity," bringing together people from different faith traditions and social backgrounds.
The initiative was led by Sister Pauline Chakkalakkal, who received the Rashtriya Gaurav Award in 2019 from the India Friendship Society in recognition of her contributions to nation-building and social harmony.
Responding to Pope Francis' call for greater biblical animation in the Church, the Bandra community has organized a Bible study program, "Growing with the Word of God," over the past four years.
During the Pauline Biblical Year (2020–2021), the Daughters of St. Paul in Goa expanded their ministry into broadcast media through a partnership with Catholic Charismatic Renewal Television (CCRTV). Supported by Church leaders in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, the initiative enabled the sisters to reach wider audiences with faith-based content, complementing their long-standing publishing apostolate and adapting their mission to changing media habits.
Reflecting on the congregation's legacy, Sister Annie Ponmani said the mission has helped foster greater appreciation for media ministry among clergy, religious, and laypeople.
She noted that the support and collaboration of the Church and the wider public have enabled the sisters to publish and distribute millions of books, Bibles, Gospels, music recordings, and audiovisual materials over the decades.
As the congregation marks its platinum jubilee, the Daughters of St. Paul view the milestone not only as a celebration of their past but also as a reaffirmation of their commitment to evangelization through media and communications in a rapidly changing world.
