Foundress of the Congregation of Jesus

We, the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus have, as our inspiration and inheritance, the vision of Mary Ward, who is our Prophetic Foundress (1585-1645).

Mary Ward was born on January 23rd 1585, in Elizabethan England, at a time of great religious intolerance. As a woman of great faith, she saw the need for a sound education for young women who would assume responsibilities in society and in the church, for she said, “women in time to come will do much”.

A woman of vision, Mary saw the potential of women and the need for their education. In 1609, she left her homeland with a small group of companions to open a school at St. Omer (now in France) where girls were taught reading, writing, and sewing, as well as the principles of Christian life.

From this modest beginning came Mary Ward’s world-wide congregation, its two branches known today as the Congregation of Jesus and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters). This work expanded throughout five continents. In 1853 this mission was started in India, Patna which further branched out to various parts in India. The Congregation was initially known as IBMV and from 2002 the Congregation came to be known as CJ (Congregation of Jesus).

Mary Ward was declared venerable by Pope Benedict XVI on 19th December 2009.

It was a dream of late Archbishop of Delhi, Rt Rev. Alan De Lastic, to start a good Catholic school in the Trans Yamuna area. The Archbishop had been requesting the provincial of CJ (then IBMV) in Allahabad, Sr. Celine, to send sisters to open a school in his diocese.

In response to this request, on 25th January 1996, the pioneers reached Trilokpuri Parish with Sr. Coletta as the animator of the community. The sisters stayed in a rented house in Mayur Vihar Ph.1 and began preparations for the new school. Sr. Adelaide was very active in contacting people and getting the initial work done.

The dream of Archbishop of Delhi Rt. Rev. Alan De Lastic came true when he blessed and inaugurated the school in the presence of Bishop Vincent Concessao, parish priest Fr. Alex Toppo, Priests, CJ sisters, and parents on 15th April 1996 at the basement of Prabhu Prakah Girija, Trilokpuri with 115 kids.

The administration of the school was handed over to CJ Sisters with Sr. Mary John as the first Principal and Fr. Alex Toppo as the first Manager. Within a year, the number of students increased to 400. On 10th April 1997, the school was shifted to Mayur Vihar Phase III with KG and Class 1. St. Mary’s Sr. Sec. School, Mayur Vihar, Phase III had its humble beginnings and started to function in a temporary building while the plan for the new building was submitted to DDA.

Archbishop Rt. Rev. Alan De Lastic, Bishop Vincent Concessao, Vicar General Fr. Victor, and Manager Fr. Alex Toppo guided and supported the CJ sisters for the progress and smooth functioning of the school along with the pioneer teachers. On 14th April 1998, the CJ sisters shifted to SFS Flats and on the same day, the foundation stone for the new building for St. Mary’s Sr. Sec. School was laid by Rt. Rev. Alan De Lastic in the presence of priests, sisters, and well-wishers.

The successive CJ Provincials of Allahabad - Sr. Salesia and Sr. Mariette extended their wholehearted support to the sisters. The CJ sisters, with their tireless commitment to impart quality education, also took keen interest in overseeing the construction of the school building. The number of admissions to the school steadily increased. The Allahabad Province of CJ Sisters was later divided into Allahabad and Delhi Provinces. The CJ sisters belonging to the Delhi Province continue to be an integral part of St. Mary’s Sr. Sec. School, Mayur Vihar, and continue the legacy imparted by their forerunners.