Our Community
ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT SCHOOL
KARACHI, PAKISTAN
The story of St. Joseph’s Convent School began in 1862 when five Daughters of the Cross arrived in Karachi to begin their mission. On 18 March 1862, they opened a small school with just ten pupils. As enrollment grew, a larger building was constructed to support the expanding educational work. Additional Sisters joined the mission in 1863, and in 1869 an upper floor was added to accommodate boarding students. In January 1871, the institution officially became known as St. Joseph’s Convent. Today, it continues its legacy of faith, learning, and service in Pakistan.
ST. JOSEPH’S FORMATION HOUSE
LAHORE, PAKISTAN
Established in 2002 through the vision of Sr. Maria Beatrix FC, St. Joseph’s Formation House serves as the center for the formation of Candidates and Novices of the Daughters of the Cross in Pakistan. Located at 28 Masson Road in Lahore, it provides an ideal environment for spiritual, academic, and personal growth. The house enables young Sisters to access formation centers, libraries, lectures, and opportunities for collaboration with other religious congregations. Made possible through the support of the English Province and generous benefactors, the Formation House is dedicated to St. Joseph, patron and protector of the congregation.
AMRAT NAGAR COMMUNITY
Mian Channu, Pakistan
The Daughters of the Cross began their mission in Amrat Nagar, Mian Channu, on 14 September 1965, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The pioneering community, led by Sr. Maria Beatrix, Sr. Anna Xavier, and Sr. Delecta, arrived during the Indo–Pakistan War and later welcomed Sr. Clarisa Mary and Sr. Mary Stella. Inspired by their charism of service, the Sisters worked among the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. Within a few years, they established a sewing center for women, a boarding house for girls, and a school named after St. Joseph. Through education, pastoral ministry, family visits, and parish service, the Sisters have faithfully shared Gospel values and transformed the lives of countless families in the community.
PROVIDENCE HOME
Karachi, Pakistan
Providence Home, located in Korangi, Karachi, was established to provide shelter, care, and security to children from disadvantaged and broken families. Its beginnings date back to 1958 when Sr. Philip Mary purchased a bungalow known as St. Joseph’s Villa. The convent was officially opened on 18 December 1961 under the leadership of Sr. Leonardina Maria and Sr. Clarissa Mary.
The Sisters dedicated themselves to caring for children through education, guidance, and pastoral support. In 1971, Sr. Maria Henrica acquired another house near Christ the King Church and named it “Providence,” reflecting her deep trust in Divine Providence. Today, Providence Home continues its mission of compassion, offering hope, care, and opportunities to children in need while preserving the legacy of Mother Marie Thérèse Haze.
MARIE THÉRÈSE CONVENT
Badin, Pakistan
Marie Thérèse Convent in Badin was founded by Sr. Marie Beatrix FC, a pioneer of the tribal mission, following her transfer from the Multan Diocese to Nawabshah. In 1992, she arrived in Badin with two Sisters to begin a new mission among the local communities. Initially, the Sisters lived in a rented house for four years while engaging in pastoral and social outreach. On 15 December 1992, additional Sisters joined the community, and together they began active ministry in schools, churches, villages, and clinics. Sr. Marie Beatrix later purchased a house in Bag Mahala for the community and acquired land on Bypass Road in 1994 for a permanent convent. Construction was completed within two years, and in December 1996 the Sisters moved into the new convent, named Marie Thérèse Convent in honor of St. Marie Thérèse.
ST. BENEDICT CONVENT, KUNRI
Kunri, Pakistan
St. Benedict Convent in Kunri was entrusted to the Daughters of the Cross in 2017, following its transfer from the Columban Sisters. The community was established after an invitation from Bishop Samson Shukardin, Bishop of Hyderabad, which was accepted by Sr. Zeenat Shanghira FC, the Provincial at the time. The first community consisted of Sr. Mariam Faqir FC, Sr. Nusrat Barkat FC, and Sr. Mary Rose FC. Together, they began their mission of service in the region, responding to the needs of the local people. The Sisters’ main apostolate in Kunri focuses on education and pastoral ministry, especially among the Punjabi and Parkari communities. Through their presence, they continue to promote faith formation, community development, and spiritual growth in the area.
MARYAM CONVENT
Nawabshah, Pakistan
Maryam Convent in Nawabshah was established in 1937 through the efforts of Rt. Rev. Bishop Monsignor Lemmens. Sr. Dymphna, Sr. Mary Alphonsia, and Sr. Mary Dolores arrived from Karachi to begin the mission. On 31 March 1937, Maryam Convent Hospital officially started its services. The Sisters worked in healthcare and education despite harsh weather and limited resources. They also established a school and traveled to nearby villages to care for the sick using various means of transport. In 1947, additional Sisters joined and strengthened the mission. Their dedication made the hospital a respected center of service in Nawabshah.
CHRIST THE KING CONVENT
Fatehgarh, Sialkot, Pakistan
The history of Christ the King Convent, Fatehgarh, began in 1965 when the Daughters of the Cross arrived in Sialkot at the invitation of Fr. Ligori. They initially served at St. Anthony’s Parish before choosing to work among the poor in Fatehgarh. During the Indo–Pak War of 1965, they temporarily moved to Mian Channu and later returned to continue their mission. Construction of the convent began in 1966, and by 1967 the Sisters had settled there under Sister Anna Xaveria’s coordination. The community focused on education, pastoral ministry, family visits, boarding care, and a sewing center empowering local women and girls.
ATTRI CONVENT
Sialkot, Pakistan
The history of Attri Convent, Sialkot, began on 27 August 1966 when Sr. Anna Xaveria, Sr. Mary Dalecta, and Sr. Josepha arrived from Karachi and stayed with the Jesus and Mary Sisters. Inspired by a missionary spirit, they began serving the people of Sialkot as hopes for peace grew after the war. In the early years, they visited St. Anthony’s School in Attri, opened a boarding house, and started informal adult education programs. The original convent building was later rebuilt with support from German benefactors, with a new foundation laid in 2006. The Sisters continued education, parish work, and pastoral ministry in the area.