Community of Shanthi Nilaya

The community of St. Joseph of Tarbes in Fraser Town was established on 21st November 1885, by our French Foundresses with the collaboration and blessings of Bishop Coadou. Sr. Marie Anselme ( one of the foundresses ) was the first Superior. The Sisters started working in St. Francis Xavier’s Primary School from 3rd June 1889, the Feast of the Ascension.

The SJT Mission in Bangalore was upgraded as a Region on September 13th 1895, with Sr. Marie Flavie ( one of the foundresses ) as the First Regional Superior. A School for Indian Children ( R. T. C. ) was started as per the decision taken during the extraordinary General Chapter of 10th September 1898. But this time, other communities were opened outside Bangalore. The community in Fraser Town came to be considered the Mother House, which it remains to this day. Two boardings – one for S. F. X children and another for R. T. C. children were opened. A separate boarding was opened for teachers and later for little boys. The main responsibility of all these activities came under the Mother House. A bakery, poultry, cows, a canteen were added to these activities.

On October 14th 1969, the Bangalore Region was upgraded into a Province, with the Provincial residing in the Mother House for some time. After the Second Vatican Council, the Institute introduced experimental projects. The St. Joseph’s Convent Community was divided into two communities. During the General Chapter of 1973, the two communities were again divided into four groups with one Superior and four leaders.

In 1976, a separate house was secured for the Provincial Community and the Bangalore house continued to be the Mother House. A home for babies to be sent for adoption abroad, was opened. New rooms were constructed for accommodating the Sisters. The Chapel was renovated. Permission was granted to use modified dress. The boys’ boarding was closed.

In 1982, the Centenary Year of the Indian Mission, the Province was divided into two Regions – Bangalore and Mysore. The Community was divided into four Communities. The main Community – the Mother House was named

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