Divine Word Province (INE)
India East Province • Patron: Divine Word
Divine Word Province (India East) of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit was established in 1992, headquartered at Holy Spirit Convent in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The province oversees missions across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.
History & Mission in Eastern India
The sisters arrived in Eastern India to walk in solidarity with tribal and indigenous communities. Their pioneering work in Sundargarh and Sambalpur laid the foundations for schools, health clinics, and community centres in the heart of tribal India.
Special dedication has been given to the rehabilitation and compassionate care of persons affected by leprosy, education of tribal girl children, and spiritual animation in rural Catholic parishes across the eastern belt.
Our Roots & Founders
St. Arnold Janssen
“A man of vibrant faith and missionary zeal”
Founder of the Arnoldus Family (SVD and SSpS). Motto: “May the holy triune God live in our hearts and in the hearts of all people!”
Bl. Maria Helena Stollenwerk
“Unconditional surrender to God’s will”
Mother Maria gave her heart to the worldwide mission and the Holy Spirit: “To God the honor, to my Sisters the benefit and to myself the burden.”
Bl. Josepha Hendrina Stenmanns
“Both feet on the ground, heart anchored in God!”
Mother Josepha lived with practical love and tireless devotion. Every breath of an SSpS sister is: “Veni Sancte Spiritus”.
Core Apostolic Commitments
Tribal & Rural Education
Operating schools and hostel residences for tribal girls and boys, promoting formal English and vernacular medium education, computer literacy, and leadership skills.
Healthcare & Leprosy Care
Dispensaries, mobile clinics, and specialized medical care for patients with leprosy, tuberculosis, and endemic illnesses across rural Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
Organizing rural and tribal women into micro-finance self-help groups, providing skill training in tailoring, handicrafts, organic farming, and financial literacy.
Pastoral & Catechetical Animation
Faith formation, catechism, Small Christian Community (SCC) animation, family visitation, and preparation for sacraments in interior parish stations.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
A harmonious, just and humane society where the light of the Divine Word illuminates every person's path.
Our Mission
To walk in solidarity with the tribal, marginalized and impoverished, nurturing faith, human dignity, and environmental stewardship.
Provincial House
Holy Spirit Convent, P.O. Box 11, Jharsuguda - 768201, Odisha, India
Phone: +91 6645 272 153
Email: [email protected]
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