ACN Project of the Week

The congregation of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod was founded in France and has been established in India ever since 1886. Today, the religious sisters are present in the capital, New Delhi, and in 17 of the federal states of the country.

They are dedicated to the service of the poor and marginalised. They care for the street children and for abused and exploited women, as well as for children with mental and physical disabilities and the elderly and abandoned. They also run treatment centres for drug and alcohol addiction and care for AIDS patients. They provide computer-based tailoring and embroidery courses for the women, enabling them to gain a level of independence, earn a living and support their families.

Making God’s love known

More often than not, girls from the poorest families cannot afford to complete their schooling. The sisters also support women and families with advice and help and endeavour to convey the love of God to those around them. They provide religious instruction in the parishes, prepare youth for their First Holy Communion and Confirmation, and help the people—especially in the remotest villages—to live out their faith.

At present, the congregation in India has 25 so-called “juniors”—young sisters who have already taken their temporary vows and are now preparing for their solemn profession. These women come from all eight provinces into which the congregation is divided in India. In order to more deeply prepare for their final commitment to a life of poverty, chastity and obedience in the service of God and their fellow men, they require a time of intensive spiritual formation. We are proposing to support this special formation program with a contribution of $15,750.