Rooted in faith and inspired by the Cross, the Sisters of the Holy Cross, South Indian Province, seek to be a transforming presence with integrity and compassion. Since the arrival of our pioneer Sisters in India in 1906, we have responded to the signs of the times through healing, education, and socio-pastoral ministries touching lives with hope, dignity, and loving service, especially among the poor and the vulnerable.
Our Foundation – Faith, Focus, and Future
Charism
The Mystery of the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to our spirituality. According to the Gospel and the challenges of our time we risk new ways and commit ourselves to promote life. In a holistic approach to persons we encourage them to recognize and use their gifts and talents. In collaboration with others we awaken hope and contribute to the transformation of society.
Motto
Our Motto is: ‘In the Cross is Salvation’: ’In Cruce Salus’.
Vision
A religious community of Holy Cross Sisters, inspired by the compassionate love of Jesus and guided by the Paschal Mystery, journeying with humanity towards wholeness. Rooted in faith and hope, we dedicate ourselves to health care, education, and socio-pastoral ministries bringing healing to the wounded, light to the marginalized, and care to all creation.
Mission
We, the Sisters of the Holy Cross, commit ourselves to live the Gospel joyfully in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and to embody the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Discerning the need of the time as the will of God, we dare new paths to promote life, nurture human dignity, and build communities of peace and hope. Through collaboration and a holistic approach, we awaken the gifts of others and participate in the transformation of society believing that in the Cross is our salvation.
About Us
The Sisters of the Holy Cross, Menzingen, founded in 1844 in Switzerland by Fr. Theodosius Florentini and Mother Bernarda Heimgartner, came to India in 1906 to respond to urgent health-care needs at the invitation of the Travancore Maharaja. Beginning their mission in government hospitals in Trivandrum and Quilon, the Sisters steadily expanded their compassionate service across Kerala and beyond, laying a strong foundation for professional health care and nursing education. As the mission grew, the Congregation was organized into provinces, with the South Indian Province playing a pioneering role in health care, education, pastoral, and social ministries, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Embracing community-based and village-level mission, and extending service beyond India to places like Libya and Iraq, the Sisters remain faithful to their founding vision by serving the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and those seeking education with dedication and compassion.
Ministries
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Healing Ministry
At the beginning of the 20th century, Dr. (Mrs) Punnan Lukose, the Durbar Physician of Travancore, envisioned compassionate nursing care in government hospitals.
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Education Ministry
Inspired by the Gospel, Mother Bernarda envisioned the formation of good families as the foundation for a just and compassionate society.
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Socio Pastoral Ministry
Responding to the cries of the poor and the marginalized, the socio-pastoral ministries of the Sisters of the Holy Cross seek to restore dignity and bring hope.
Latest Events
Installation Ceremony of the New Provincial Leadership Team
Golden Jubilee
Gallery
Communities
Our communities are the heart of the Holycross Province. Each house is a small family built on prayer, fellowship, and shared mission. Sisters live, serve, and grow together, supporting one another as they reach out to the people around them.
Every community focuses on its own unique calling — some offer pastoral care, others serve in healthcare, education, or social outreach. But at their core, all our communities share the same purpose:
to reflect Christ’s love through simple acts of kindness, compassion, and service.
Life in community is rooted in daily prayer, mutual support, and joyful living. Whether tending to the elderly, guiding young people, visiting the sick, or offering a listening ear, our sisters strive to bring hope and dignity to every person they meet.
Each community becomes a small beacon of light — a place where faith is lived, grace is shared, and no one is left unseen.
Every community focuses on its own unique calling — some offer pastoral care, others serve in healthcare, education, or social outreach. But at their core, all our communities share the same purpose:
to reflect Christ’s love through simple acts of kindness, compassion, and service.
Life in community is rooted in daily prayer, mutual support, and joyful living. Whether tending to the elderly, guiding young people, visiting the sick, or offering a listening ear, our sisters strive to bring hope and dignity to every person they meet.
Each community becomes a small beacon of light — a place where faith is lived, grace is shared, and no one is left unseen.
