In 1987, prompted by the call of God, our Superiors—Rev. Sr. Elena Salarici (Mother General) and Sr. Imelda Malovan (Vicar General)—with the guidance and support of the Guanellian Fathers, Rev. Fr. Domenico Saginario and Rev. Fr. Piero Lippoli, came to India along with Rev. Fr. John Bosco. Guanellian Fathers had already recruited the candidates for priesthood and placed them in different seminaries. At that time, Fr. John Bosco was a seminarian in the Guanellian Major Seminary in Rome and maintained contact with the Indian candidates with the help of many familiar priests of different Dioceses and also by publishing about our Congregation in different Magazines. 

 

With the recommendation of the then Archbishop of Pondicherry-Cuddalore, Most Rev. Selvanathan, our Superiors approached His Grace Most Rev. Alphonsus Mathias, Archbishop of Bangalore, who graciously granted permission to open a formation house in Bangalore.

 

On July 22, 1987, the house officially opened with 9 candidates from various dioceses in Tamil Nadu. The first formation house, in Peazald Road, Bangalore,  was a rented facility owned by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Blue Sisters of Pondicherry (FIHM)). It was a joyful and significant day for our Congregation, marking the fulfilment of our Founder’s long-cherished dream. With great hope and the support of many well-wishers, the seed was finally sown in Indian soil.

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Foundation of the Formation House
In 1988, the community moved to its first owned House at 4/1 John Armstrong Road, Richards Town, Bangalore. The new house was blessed on July 20, 1988, by Fr. Louis, CSsR, the then Parish Priest. On 11th July 1989, 2nd building, 4/1 A, John Armstrong Road, was purchased which was adjacent to 4/1, John Armstrong Road. 

At that time, as we did not have Indian sisters trained for formation, Sr. Barnabas Ubakari, FIHM (1988–1993) was appointed as the Formator, with Sr. Alphonsa, FIHM (1987–1990), and Sr. Amalorpavam, FIHM (1991–1993) as her assistants. Mother Imelda Malovan frequently visited India to oversee the formation process, as they were permitted entry only under a tourist visa.

From 1987 to 1993, many Aspirants were formed in India and sent to Rome for further formation. On 15th August 1990, Sr. Betci Clara Mary Moses, Sr. Victoria William and Sr. Scholastica made their First Profession in Lipomo, Diocese of Como, Italy. 

 

On July 27, 1993, Rev. Sr. Elena Salarici, Sr. Imelda Malovan, Sr. Erina Berzovini (Delegate for India), and Sr. Victoria William arrived in India to begin the Guanellian mission and formation in Bangalore. Sr. Erina Berzovin and Sr. Victoria William were appointed as pioneers of the new formation community.

On September 8, 1993, the Guanellian Community was formally inaugurated with 11 aspirants and 14 candidates. The first group of postulants were admitted on February 2, 1993, and after six months of formation, they entered the Novitiate on September 8, 1994, under the spiritual guidance of Sr. Erina Berzovini and Sr. Victoria William.

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Key Milestones in Formation and Growth

• 1994: The Society of the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence (DSMP) was officially registered as an NGO in India, with the guidance of Fr. Salvador (Sacred Heart Fathers) on 07.07.1994

• September 5, 1996: A landmark moment with the Perpetual  Profession of Sr. Victoria William and Sr. Scholastica Elias at St. Mary’s Basilica, Bangalore.

• September 14, 1996: Sr. Betci Clara Mary Moses made her perpetual profession at St. Joseph’s Church, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.

• September 8, 1996: The first group of Indian novices made their religious profession at Holy Ghost Church, Bangalore. The newly professed included: Annammal Irudhayasami, Arockiamary Chinnappan, Arputhamari Mariadoss , Arul Savariammal James , Mary Chinnappan, Pauline Mary Yacob, Vasantha Thangaraj, Kulandaiammal Arockiam

 

Until then, all formation was held in Rome. After making their Perpetual Profession the First 3 Indian Sisters were assigned with different responsibilities. Sr. Scholastica Elias took in charge as the Formator for the Aspirants. Sr. Betci Clara was transferred to Philipines as Novice Mistress and Sr. Victoria William remained as Assistant to Sr. Erina. The sisters were also actively involved in Vocation promotion.

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Development of Formation Centers

• May 30, 2002: The Novitiate Formation was moved to St. Joseph Nivas Community, Chikkakammanahalli, Bangalore, due to space constraints.

• October 24, 2002: The Postulancy Formation was transferred to Blessed Clara Nivas Community, Geddalahalli, to enhance the standard of formation.

 

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Current Role and Apostolate

Today, the Santa Maria Community serves as:

• Delegation House of the Congregation in India

• Formation House for Aspirants

• Delegation and Administrative Office

• Residence for Sisters pursuing higher studies

• Sisters (Nurses) working in Hospitals and School (St. Alphonsus School)

 

The community actively engages in:

• Parish activities at Holy Ghost Parish, including teaching catechism, distributing Holy Communion, and animating Basic Christian Communities (BCC).

• Pastoral ministry and liturgical involvement

• Regular family visits and outreach

• Educational support and financial aid for children

• Distance adoption programs

• Distributing food, clothing, and provisions to poor families

• Nutritional support for school-going children

• Medical assistance for the sick.