Our Identity
We are Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) also known as Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, Steyler Missionary Sisters, or Steyler Sisters are an international religious congregation dedicated to mission in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rooted in a deep responsiveness to the Holy Spirit and the needs of peoples, our Congregation was founded in Steyl, the Netherlands on December 08, 1889, by Saint Arnold Janssen, together with Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk and Blessed Josepha Hendrina Stenmanns.
Called by Christ and animated by the Spirit, we live as a religious-missionary community consecrated to the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. In communion with the Father and following Jesus, we seek to bring the fullness of life to all people especially where life is fragile, hope is threatened, and dignity is wounded.
Sent across cultures, borders, and realities, we witness to God’s love through prayer, community life, and mission, trusting that the Holy Spirit continues to renew the face of the earth.
SSpS Presence in India
On 6 February 1933, the SSpS mission in India began with the arrival of four pioneer sisters Sr. Frederica, Sr. Friburgis, Sr. Fridolina, and Sr. Sixteena who landed in Bombay as the first Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit to set foot in the country.
Soon afterwards, they journeyed to Indore, where they established the first SSpS community and mission house. This simple foundation in Indore became the birthplace of the SSpS presence in India and the starting point of a growing missionary journey across the land.
As the Sisters encountered India for the first time, they were deeply moved by its vibrant diversity its people, cultures, and the stark realities of poverty. These early experiences touched their hearts and affirmed their call to be a life-giving presence among those most in need.
From these modest beginnings emerged a vibrant missionary presence. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Sisters gradually expanded their mission, responding to the needs of the people through education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and social outreach. What began as a small missionary step has unfolded into a rich and life-giving journey across diverse regions of India.
