SND

Messages from - Sr. Mary Ann Culpert, SND

Dear Sisters, Friends and Collaborators,
On behalf of the entire Congregation, I congratulate and rejoice with you on this platinum jubilee, 75 years of the presence and ministries of the Sisters of Notre Dame in India! Six sisters from the United States of America arrived in Jamalpur in 1949, eager to understand how they could share our charism of God’s goodness and provident care through ministries of education, catechesis, social services and health care.
Today, through the example and ministry of those sisters, hundreds of Indian Sisters of Notre Dame throughout the north and south of India continue to walk with their brothers and sisters, serving in schools, clinics, parishes, in projects that empower women and girls and other social services. Their loving care has not been limited to India and has extended in the past and present to East Africa, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Italy.
To each of you, dear Sisters, I offer my sincere thanks for faithfully and generously living the mission of Notre Dame in so many ways each day. You have creatively and courageously stepped forward to accompany those who seek the light of knowledge, physical healing, support and encouragement as they speak up for their dignity and rights as children of a loving God.
To all whose lives have been touched by the Sisters of Notre Dame in India and supported our life and works – esteemed Bishops and clergy, religious communities, our dear families, our generous benefactors, civil and business collaborators, colleagues in our many institutions and projects, Associates, students, alumni, parents, parishioners and friends – I thank you for trusting our Sisters to walk with you and for your assistance, commitment and generosity which have sustained us for these 75 years and will continue to do so. The lives of our sisters have been graced and blessed by each of you!
May our good and gracious God continue to bless each of you as we pray and work together to make the world a more peaceful, loving and grace-filled place. May Our Lady, Notre Dame, intercede many graces for each of you during this jubilee year. My thoughts and prayers accompany you into the next 75 years!
In Notre Dame,

Sr. Mary Ann Culpert, SND
Superior General





Messages from - Sister Mary Alice, SND

Celebrating 75 Years: The Platinum Jubilee of Notre Dame Presence in India
It is with immense joy and gratitude that we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the Sisters of Notre Dame in India. Seventy-five years ago, on 31 October 1949, a small group of six dedicated Sisters of Notre Dame from USA, stepped onto Indian soil in Jamalpur, Bihar, carrying with them a legacy of faith, compassion, and education, which has forever shaped the landscape of education and service in our country. We honour their untiring commitment and the impact they have made on countless lives.
In 1954, a group of 6 Indian pioneers fearlessly embraced the Notre Dame way—a path that led them to follow Jesus. Their unwavering commitment to proclaiming the good news touched the lives of the marginalized, especially women and children. Their courage inspired countless young women to walk alongside Jesus—the master teacher, the compassionate healer, and the daring revolutionary.
Responding to a call from Pope John Paul II, the Sisters of Notre Dame extended their missionary service to East Africa—a continent where the Church was young and vibrant. In 1992, the first mission was established in Arusha, Tanzania. Over the next 30 years, 20 Indian Sisters served in the Holy Spirit General Delegation. Today, this delegation comprises nearly a hundred national Sisters, serving across more than ten units in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
From 1949 to 2000, the Notre Dame presence in India spanned from Kanyakumari in the South to Kashmir in the North. As our mission expanded, administrative efficiency demanded a division. Thus, in 2004, the Visitation Province was born. Today, across these two provinces, approximately 350 Sisters—alongside numerous lay collaborators—engage in activities that promote life, wholeness, and justice, especially for those on the margins. This year, we joyfully witness the formation of a new province delegation in the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh region.
As we celebrate Notre Dame’s 75th year in India, gratitude fills our hearts. We gratefully acknowledge the blessings, support and collaborations of the leaders of the Church: bishops, clergy and various religious congregations. We remember our benefactors, collaborators, and well-wishers—the pillars of our platinum legacy. Together, we’ve forged new paths, championing gender equality, upholding our nation’s core values, and caring for the most vulnerable. Our commitment extends beyond humanity; it encompasses safeguarding and sustaining our precious Earth. In this spirit, let us continue our synodal journey, shining brightly in the lustre of our platinum legacy.
Om Sarvesham Swastirbhavatu !

Sister Mary Alice, SND
Provincial Superior