History of SSpS Presence in India North East
India’s Northeast is a rainbow country, extraordinarily diverse, colorful and mysterious. At the time of independence and partition of India, the whole of Brahmaputra valley and the hills beyond was called Assam. The Northeast region was then comprised of Assam and the kingdoms of Manipur and Tripura, now this part of India which is fondly called the “Seven sister states” consists of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya, Recently, the state of Sikkim was added as a ‘Brother’, to the ‘Seven Sisters’ because of its proximity and affinity to the region.
Geographically and radically, this region is situated between the two great traditions of the Indic Asia and the Mongoloid Asia. This geographical-cultural condition of “in-between-ness” is an important factor for the crisis of identity-politically Indian whereas racially and culturally mongoloid. North East is predominantly a tribal area with approximately 300 distinct tribes who speak 400 dialects.
The Christian missionaries began their work in the North East from second half of the 19th century. They began in the relatively backward and remote areas. Though, initially the mission met with very little success, it flourished during the course of the 20th century. Most tribal groups became Christian and many Christian denominations spread their roots among them. Christianity has come to stay here and it continues to grow and bring more people into its fold despite the many obstacles on its path.
The India North East Province also known as Divine Spirit Province (INN) of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) traces its beginnings to the India East Province, which discerned the call to extend its mission to the North East region of India.
In response to this discernment, the India East Province sent Sr. Mary Palatti, Sr. Valsina Enthunkal, Sr. Pushpa Ekka, and Sr. Ashrita Dung Dung as pioneer missionaries to Tripura. On 21 July 1995, the first SSpS community in the North East was established in Ambassa, Tripura, under the leadership of the then Provincial, Sr. Therese Regine of India East province, in collaboration with the SVD mission in Ambassa.
This foundation marked the beginning of the SSpS presence in the North East and laid the groundwork for a growing missionary journey that would later take shape as the India North East Province, responding to the pastoral and social needs of the region through Spirit-led service. Each of the four pioneering sisters played a vital role in shaping the foundation: The community in Tripura community was formed naming the convent as Helena Sadan one of the Co- foundress of SSpS Congregation.
Sr. Mary Palatti served as the first community leader of Helena Sadan
Sr. Valsina Enthunkal offered her service as a nurse, bringing compassionate care to the local community.
Srs. Pushpa Ekka and Ashrita Dung Dung began their ministry as teachers in the school started by the SVDs in the same year in Ambassa.
With steady growth and commitment to mission, the SSpS presence in the region was officially raised to the status of a Region in 2004, with Sr. Bernadetta Paatathuparambil as the first Regional Superior (2004–2010). In 2010, it was elevated to a Province, and Sr. Prabha George was appointed the first Provincial Superior (2010–2016). Since then, the province has steadily grown in number and outreach.
Sr. Bernadette Pattathuparambil SSpS
First Regional of INN
Sr.Mary Palatti SSpS
First Leader of Ambassa Community
Sr.Prabha George SSpS
First Provincial Leader of INN
Sr.Pushpa Ekka SSpS
Ministry as teacher in the school
Sr.Valsina Enthukal SSpS
Ministry as Nurse
The Land We Serve
The province serves across the richly diverse and vibrant states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. The region is known for its rolling hills, bamboo forests, and indigenous tribal communities, each with a unique cultural identity and language. The sisters live and minister among these communities, often in remote and challenging locations, embracing the spirit of intercultural living, dialogue, and mission.
Our Mission Territory
The Land We Serve
The province serves across the richly diverse and vibrant states of Northeast India. The region is known for its rolling hills, bamboo forests, and indigenous tribal communities, each with a unique cultural identity and language.
The sisters live and minister among these communities, often in remote and challenging locations, embracing the spirit of intercultural living, dialogue, and mission.
"Where the mist meets the mountains, we find our calling to serve with love and humility."
Assam
Land of the Red RiverArunachal Pradesh
Land of the Rising SunTripura
Land of Fourteen GodsMeghalaya
Abode of the CloudsMizoram
Land of the HighlandersIntercultural Living
Dialogue
Mission
OBJECTIVES
1.To transform our communities into life-giving communities with the values of transparency, participation, inclusiveness, accountability and evaluation based on our vision and mission.
2. To take responsibility to develop personal spirituality through prayer, reading inspiring books, self-discipline and self-evaluation.
3. To focus on primary evangelization and socio pastoral ministries like; family apostolate, small Christian communities, faith formation, value based education, women empowerment and health care.
4. To network with the SVDs, other religious congregations, like-minded NGOs and GOs, to promote socio economic development of the people in NE and work for justice peace and integrity of creation.
5. To give priority to the poor and less privileged children in our schools and hostels and help their holistic growth.
6. To promote local vocations.
7. To promote holistic health by preventive and curative methods.
8. For sisters to take responsibility to acquire adequate knowledge on current issues.
FOUNDERS
Arnold Janssen
FOUNDER
“A man of vibrant faith and missionary zeal”
St Arnold Janssen was born in Goch in the German Lower Rhineland on November 5, 1837. His parents were simple folks whose religiosity was influenced.
Helena Stollenwerk
CO-FOUNDRESS
“Unconditional surrender to God’s will”
To God the honor, to my Sisters the benefit and to myself the burden”, writes Helena Stollenwerk in her notes; “This is to be my motto and also my earnest goal.
Hendrina Stenmanns
CO-FOUNDRESS
“Both feet on the ground, heart anchored in God!”
Every breath of a Servant of the Holy Spirit is to be –“Veni Sancte Spiritus”. Hendrina Stenmanns, whose longing is to
Our Ministries
Bringing fullness of life to all through compassionate service and transformative presence
Education
The SSpS run schools that offer quality education and foster holistic development in young minds, nurturing both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Healthcare
In Haflong, Assam, the sisters run the Holy Spirit Hospital—a center of healing and compassionate care. The campus also houses the ANM School of Nursing, where young women are trained for service in healthcare with professionalism and heart.
Pastoral & Collaborative Ministry
The sisters collaborate with other religious congregations in education, faith formation, and pastoral work, offering spiritual accompaniment and support in parishes, mission stations, and among marginalized families.
Social Outreach
Guided by the charism of bringing fullness of life to all, the province is engaged in various social development initiatives:
- Empowering domestic workers through training and awareness programs
- Running hostels for girl children, providing safe accommodation and education opportunities
- Organizing social development programs that uphold justice, dignity, and equality
Through these ministries, the sisters of the India North East Province strive to be a compassionate and transformative presence—faithfully walking with God's people, especially those on the margins. Rooted in the Spirit, enriched by diverse cultures, and strengthened by community, the SSpS Sisters continue their journey of mission with dedication, courage, and hope.