During the tenure of Mother Ernestine D Almeida, the Congregation spread its branches to the South, North and North-east of India and continued to expand during the period of Mother Reparata D Souza. In 1986 the first step was laid on German soil during the term of office of Mother Severine Barrows. The initial work of Pontifical Status of the Congregation had been accomplished already in the early 1980s. It bore fruit under the efficient and foresighted administration of Sr Edilburga Monteiro, when the Congregation became the Religious Institute of Pontifical Right in 1995, with Pope John Paul II raising it to the much longed for status. This Decree of Pontifical Right is both a privilege and a challenge. On the one side the Institute can enjoy more freedom in its growth and mission, on the other it must feel itself called upon to accept responsibility in its efforts to march into the untrodden paths towards the growth of the reign of God.
