At the kind invitation of Most Rev. Dr. John Mulagada, Bishop of Eluru, the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence (Guanellian Sisters) were welcomed to serve in Andhra Pradesh. The invitation was initiated through the efforts of Fr. Kuriakose, who introduced our Congregation to the Bishop, and supported by Fr. Bosco Rajendran, then Chancellor of the Diocese, who also recommended our presence.

​​

The Sisters were invited to care for the elderly and ailing priests of the Diocese. For this purpose, a residence within the Bishop's House campus was generously provided. The community was officially established on 15th March 2008, on the feast day of St. Joseph, and was named Don Guanella Vianney Prema Nilayam. The inauguration took place with the blessing of Bishop John Mulagada, in the presence of  Sr. Erina Berzovini (Delegate Superior), Sr. Victoria William, Guanellian Fathers and Sisters, and several Diocesan priests.

​​

On 30th July 2010, a piece of land in Janampet, Eluru was generously donated by Archbishop Most Rev. Mallavarapu Prakash, then Administrator of the Diocese of Eluru and Bishop of Visakhapatnam. 

​

The Founding Community and Early Ministries

The first members of the Eluru community were Sr. Shanthi, Sr. Loyola, Sr. Pauline, and Sr. Suji.

• Sr. Loyola was actively involved in the Adoption Wing of the Andhra Pradesh Social Service Centre and also worked with Women Child Line in Eluru. Novices Jancy Rani P. and Shylaja joined the community for a three-month formation experience during its early days.

• Sr. Pauline and Sr. Suji served at Preman Vita Special School, a government school managed by Fr. Moses, Director of the Andhra Pradesh Social Service Centre.

• Later, Sr. Victoria Arul joined the community, replacing Sr. Shanthi, and took charge of the elderly priests ,evening tuition classes for local children. And she was also taking care of the candidates who were placed in different Hostels for Intermediate studies.  

• Sr. Innaciammal and Sr. Prabha served in St. Xavier’s School, managed by the PIME Fathers.

​

Vocation Promotion and Formation

Vianney Home also became a centre for vocation promotion in and around the Eluru Diocese, in collaboration with the Guanellian Fathers. In its early years, the home served as a formation house for young candidates from Andhra Pradesh.

• After initial formation, the candidates were sent to Bangalore for further studies and intermediate education.

• Later some were enrolled at Nirmal Giri College and hosted by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters (Pondicherry Blue Sisters). Others attended colleges run by the same Sisters in Vijayawada.

• During holidays, the candidates would return to Vianney Home, where they were warmly welcomed by the sisters.

​

​Current Apostolate

Today, the Guanellian presence in Eluru continues with dedication:

• The Superior remains at Vianney Home to provide care and support for the elderly priests residing there.

• Two Sisters are serving at St. Joseph Dental College, an institution owned and operated by the Diocese of Eluru.

 

The Guanellian Sisters in Eluru remain faithful to their charism—serving with love and compassion, especially those most in need—and continue to be a living presence of God’s providence in Andhra Pradesh.