The Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy celebrated their 375th anniversary in Visakhapatnam on October 11, 2025, honoring their legacy of love and service.

.                         by Sharma K.V. Editor
 The religious congregation, founded in Le Puy, France in 1650, was commemorated with heartfelt prayers and cultural programs at the Saint Joseph campus. The event was inaugurated by Cardinal and Archbishop of Hyderabad, Most Reverend Dr. Poola Anthony, along with Bishop Emeritus Most Reverend Mallavarapu Prakash, Provincial Superior Father Suresh Babu, and Sister Rose, Provincial Superior of Visakhapatnam Province. Many dignitaries from the Visakhapatnam Archdiocese and MSFS Provincial community attended.

The celebration acknowledged the courage and dedication of the six founding women and their founder Jean-Pierre Médaille (SJ). Archbishop Udumala Bala expressed gratitude for the spiritual and social contributions of the Sisters worldwide over nearly four centuries. The sisters’ continuing focus on education and social upliftment, especially of women, for 175 years in Visakhapatnam was especially praised.

About 600 local leaders, clergy, and community members participated in prayers, reflections, and cultural performances, expressing thanks for the sisters’ enduring legacy of love, unity, and service. The event concluded with a sincere vote of thanks, highlighting the jubilee as a moment of joyful gratitude.