The Birth of St. Joseph’s Province, Tezpur
St. Joseph’s Province, Tezpur, came into existence on 13th February 1988, following the decision of the IV General Chapter of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), held in January 1988. The Chapter resolved to divide the Congregation into three provinces, leading to the formal establishment of this new administrative unit. Sr. Mary Sebastian was appointed as the first Provincial Superior, supported by a council of five members. The Provincial office and staff were initially housed at St. Mary’s Convent, Barpeta Road, a location that holds a special place in the history of the Congregation. St. Mary’s Convent, Barpeta Road, was the first house of the MSMHC, established on 15th October 1954. At that time, Barpeta Road was a remote and underdeveloped village, with railways as the only mode of communication, located within walking distance.
St. Mary’s served as the Mother House, Generalate, Aspirantate, Postulantate, Novitiate, and the hub of all missionary activities of the Congregation. Despite the challenges of the early years, the house was known for its deep family spirit and communal unity. In 1965, following the advice of Cardinal Knox, the Generalate and Novitiate were relocated to St. Margaret’s Convent, Shillong. The newly formed Barpeta Province – now known as St. Joseph’s Province, Tezpur – covered a vast geographical area. At the time of its establishment, as per the circular issued by Sr. Elizabeth Packumala, the then Mother General, on 13th February, 1988, the Province had 16 centers spread across 7 dioceses, and was home to 114 members.
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