NEW ESTABLISHMENT

St Joseph Convent at Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, the new mission station of the North (05 April 2016) Province of the UF Congregation is born out of two objectives – re-visioning the charism of the Congregation and fulfilling the mandate of the VI Province Chapter the latter was held on 10-14 November 2015. While the former determined to respond radically to the signs of the times through all apostolic activities of the Province, the latter resolved to extend the services of the Sisters to those on the margins and preferably outside the state of Uttar Pradesh. The new establishment evidences the commitment of the Provincial Sr Shanthi DSouza and the Team to actualize the objectives of the Province. It is an undertaking of collaboration with the Diocese of Bareilly. Teaching in the School, evangelization, and social development are key activities of the Sisters at Bageshwar. 
The Convent building was officially inaugurated by a ribbon-cutting ceremony which was performed by Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly Diocese, Sr Helen Dantis Vice-Provincial of the North Province, and Mr Rajender Singh Negi, the availer of land for the mission. In his address, the Bishop said that the Diocese of Bareilly is committed to imparting quality education in the Diocese and in particular in its underdeveloped regions. The Chief Development Officer (CDO), Mr Himanshu Joshi voiced the aspiration of the parents, including himself, that they look forward to their children being fashioned as an embodiment of love and compassion, which is basically the mission of an educational institute besides the task of imparting education.
Bishop Ignatius, Fr Maurice DSa the Principal, and Fr Julian D’Souza, Vicar for the Religious in the Bareilly Diocese have been instrumental greatly in establishing the new convent. The inaugural ceremony of St Joseph Convent and School has gripped both the guests and hosts with a strong conviction that a great deal of work is yet to be accomplished in the service of the Kingdom. It entails hardships; however, it also brings a deep sense of fulfilment. May God’s Kingdom be established at Bageshwar, which literally means the Garden of God.
The district of Bageshwar is located 556 kms north of Lucknow and 300 kms north of Bareilly. Nestled amidst misty hills at a height of 960 metres above sea level, and situated at the confluence of rivers Saryu, Gomti and latent Bhagirathi, Bageshwar occupies holy significance. Journey to Bageshwar is extremely tedious not only due to the distance but also owing to the winding roads which are poorly maintained. We pray that we be able to stand all odds in our attempt to serve God and God’s people.