By Sr. Aruna George, Community Leader, Good Shepherd Convent, Nungambakkam, Chennai, India (Province of Central East India-Nepal)

“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress that women have achieved.”

Dr. Ambedkar, Indian economist, jurist, social reformer and political leader

The Good Shepherd Convent in Chennai, India – beacon of service and compassion since 1924 – marked its centenary on February 15, 2025. As part of this historic milestone, the institution hosted the Homecoming Celebration, bringing together women and children who have been nurtured and empowered by the Marian Home (vocational training center for girls) and Mottukal Institute (shelter for street children and girls) The event was a heartfelt reunion, filled with joy, gratitude, and cherished memories, as beneficiaries enthusiastically participated in the celebration.

The Congregation expanded its mission to India in 1854 and established its first convent in Chennai in 1924. Guided by St Mary Euphrasia’s profound belief that “One person is more precious than the whole world,” the Congregation has devoted itself to transforming lives, reflecting her vision through a century of steadfast service and dedication.

During a time when the call for women’s liberation and emancipation was growing louder, leaders passionately advocated for women’s education, property rights, gender equality, and the abolition of dowry oppression. Poets, too, played their part, using their words to raise awareness and inspire change.

Amid this period of change, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd began their mission of zealous service. They dedicated themselves to the empowerment of vulnerable women, offering support and guidance when they faced challenges and hardships in a conflicted society.

The Marian Home

The Marian Home was established by the Congregation with the noble mission of offering refuge and protection to those most in need. Through its undaunted commitment, the Marian Home has become a symbol of safety, empowerment, and a new beginning for those facing life’s deepest struggles.

The sisters provided the children who sought refuge under their care with not only quality education but also essential life skills. Alongside academic excellence, the sisters instilled in their students profound values of compassion, humanity, ecological awareness, and loyalty, shaping them into responsible and empowered individuals.

The Mottukal initiative

The Mottukal initiative, established in 1970, was known initially as Priyavanam. Here, the sisters provide young children with the necessary resources to pursue their education from primary to higher studies. Beyond academics, they nurtured courage, self-reflection, solidarity, and self-reliance within these children, empowering them to face life’s challenges with resilience and confidence, even in the face of adversity.

The Homecoming Celebration

The Homecoming Celebration, which was held on February 15, 2025, as part of the centenary celebrations, honored the legacy of the Good Shepherd Congregation’s dedicated service.

Deputy Secretary of The Children Home of Hope in Chennai, Mrs. Shobana Thomas, was chief guest, while Province Leader of Central East India-Nepal, Sr Pushpa Louis, was guest of honor. Other special invitees included Child Welfare Committee Chairperson, Mr. Rajkumar and local Police Inspector Mr. Karunakaran.

The festival gathered OLC Good Shepherd sisters from across India and hundreds of alumni from Marian Home and Mottukkal Institute, marking a heartfelt reunion. Videos and images showcasing the journey of these homes were screened, while the alumni shared their stories in interviews, reflecting on the lasting impact of their experiences.

The alumni of Marian Home and Mottukal participated with immense enthusiasm in the . The event included games organized by the parent-teachers association of the Good Shepherd Matriculation Higher Secondary School, ending with a prize ceremony. All guests were presented with a souvenir of the event.

We extend our deepest wishes to the Marian Home and Mottukal, which has long been committed to empowering girls and women to transform society. May they flourish for another hundred years – and more – impacting lives and shaping futures for generations to come.

For more information and photos, visit: A Legacy of Compassion and Transformation