The Sisters of the Holy Cross, Menzingen, were founded on 16 October 1844 in Menzingen, Switzerland, by Fr. Theodosius Florentini, OFM Cap., and Mother Bernarda Heimgartner. Born in the challenging context of the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, the Congregation was inspired to respond to the needs of the time by spreading Gospel values through education, compassion, and service.
The Holy Cross Sisters came to India on 4 November 1906, following a historic meeting held on 15 January 1906 at the Mother House in Menzingen between Bishop Aloisius Maria Benziger, the Bishop of Quilon, and Mother Maria Paula Beck, the then Superior General of the Congregation. At the request of His Highness Sreemoolam Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore, the Sisters were invited to serve in government hospitals, responding generously to the urgent health care needs of the region.
Their mission began at the General Hospital, Trivandrum, and the District Hospital, Quilon, from where their compassionate service gradually expanded to several other institutions, including the Women and Children Hospital, Thycaud; District Hospital, Alleppey; Leper Colony, Oolampara; Victoria Hospital, Quilon; District Hospital, Mavelikara; District Hospital, Parur; Government Hospital, Thiruvalla; Leprosy Sanatorium, Noornad; and Government Hospital, Kottayam.
Through this steady expansion of service, the Holy Cross Sisters laid a strong foundation for professional health care, marked by dedication, competence, and compassionate presence. Thus began the Congregation’s pioneering role in health care and nursing education in India, a legacy that continues to bear fruit in service to the sick, the poor, and the marginalized.
As the Indian Mission grew, two Regions in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh were established for administrative purposes, and in 1990 the Mission was elevated to three Provinces.
- South Indian Province
- North Indian Province
- Central Indian Province
Sri Lanka had already become a Province in 1955. The Holy Cross Sisters made a significant contribution to health care services and nursing education in both government and private sectors, especially in Travancore (Kerala).
A defining moment in the Holy Cross mission in India was the movement into village life, embracing a community-in-mission approach. The first such communities were started in Kamagere, Karnataka (1970) and Piplera, Uttar Pradesh (1979), opening new horizons in ministry. This was further strengthened in 1986 with the establishment of an insert community in Pavukkara, Kerala, centered on parish-based mission and the empowerment of the laity.
As an elder congregation, the Holy Cross Sisters supported other emerging congregations in establishing nursing schools, sharing their experience and expertise to strengthen health care education and service. Over time, the South Indian Province also extended its mission beyond India to Benghazi (Libya) and Erbil (Iraq).
Faithful to the vision of the Founder, Fr. Theodosius, the Sisters continue to serve where their presence is most needed among the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and those longing for education living as witnesses of Christ’s compassionate presence among the people.
The South Indian Province, with its strong roots in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, continues the legacy of the founders through ministries in health care, education, pastoral and social services, both in government and private sectors. Guided by the spirit of dedication, compassion, and transformative presence, the Sisters strive to witness to Christ by being with the people and for the people, especially those on the margins.