Holy Cross Bengaluru

ABOUT US

Excellence in Education Since 1950

Founders

Our Story

The Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross was founded in 1856 by Father Theodosius Florentini OFM Cap. and Blessed Maria Theresia Scherer in Ingenbohl, Switzerland.

Father Theodosius recognized the urgent social needs during the Industrial Revolution and envisioned a religious congregation that would combine contemplative spiritual life with active service to those in need. His deep compassion for the poor drove him to respond to their plight and advocate for their dignity and care. To address these needs and to transform the society through Christan values and principles, he laid the foundation of the new Congregation.

Mother Maria Theresia Scherer, who became the first Superior General, was instrumental in shaping the congregation's mission and spirituality. Together with Fr. Theodosius, she pursued a mission to serve the needy, driven by the self-sacrificing love of Jesus. Her spiritual journey, marked by significant collaborations, relentless work of charity and profound spiritual experiences continue to inspire countless individuals to lead lives of compassion and service.

Founders and Foundress

Pillars of Our Faith

Our Founder

Fr. Theodosius Florentini

1808 – 1865

Fr. Theodosius Florentini was born on 23 May 1808 in Munster, Switzerland. He was a Swiss Capuchin, a committed pastor, a famous preacher, an ardent apostle of social reform, and an advocate for the poor.

"As long as there is a poor child under the sun, I cannot rest."

Fr. Theodosius dedicated his life to serving the marginalized and creating lasting social change. His vision for education and healthcare reform shaped the mission of the Holy Cross congregation, emphasizing compassion, justice, and dignity for all.

As a Capuchin friar, he lived simply but thought boldly, establishing numerous institutions to address the pressing social needs of his time. His innovative approach combined spiritual guidance with practical solutions to poverty and injustice.

Fr. Theodosius Florentini, a visionary leader, passed away on 15 February 1865, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and reform that continues to inspire the mission of the Holy Cross Sisters today.

Fr. Theodosius Florentini
Blessed Maria Theresia Scherer
Our Foundress

Blessed Maria Theresia Scherer

1825 – 1888

Blessed Maria Theresia Scherer was born on 31 October 1825 at Meggen, Switzerland. She was a woman of deep faith, tremendous courage, daring spirit, and commitment. She was gifted with an outstanding social awareness and was known for her great faith and compassion.

From an early age, Maria Theresia demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a profound commitment to serving others. Her spiritual journey led her to join the Sisters of Mercy, where she found her true calling in addressing the needs of the vulnerable.

In 1857, she was elected as the first Superior General of the congregation. She remained in office for 31 years until her death. Under her guidance, the congregation expanded its mission across borders, establishing schools, hospitals, and care centers for the underprivileged.

She led the congregation in the spirit of the gospel, emphasizing humility, service, and unwavering faith. To the sisters and to the people, she was a loving sister and a mother, providing spiritual guidance and practical support during challenging times.

Her legacy continues to inspire generations of sisters who follow in her footsteps, carrying forward her vision of compassionate service and social justice.

Our Presence in India

A journey of service rooted in over a century of mission in India

5
Provinces

Serving across the states in India

1,091
Sisters

Dedicated to our mission throughout India

22
States

Serving from north to south and east to west

149
Communities

Active communities across India

58
Diocese

Ministries spread across various dioceses

Patron and Patroness

Our Patron and Patroness embody compassion and generosity, inspiring us through their unwavering dedication, faith, and service.

St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi

1181 - 1226

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan Orders. He is known for his deep love for all creation and his commitment to a life of poverty and service to the poor. We belong to the Third Order of St. Francis and follow the Franciscan Spirituality.

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Patron of Animals Patron of Environment Patron of Merchants
St. Elizabeth of Hungary

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

1207 - 1231

St. Elizabeth of Hungary was a princess who became a symbol of Christian charity. She devoted her short life to serving the poor and sick, giving away her royal wealth to help those in need.

"How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!"
Patron of Hospitals Patron of Nurses Patron of Charity

Our Spirituality

The congregation's spirituality is centered on the Paschal Mystery- the Self-Emptying Love of Jesus on the Cross, His Death and Resurrection, emphasizing:

Mercy and Compassion in Action

Jesus demonstrated compassion by his sacrifice on the cross-so Compassion is rooted in the Cross and we make His love visible by extending God’s mercy through the mission of compassion.

Service to Those in Need

Drawing strength from a deep union with God, we respond to the call to serve the marginalized, by recognizing the sacredness of each person, with concrete acts of mercy without boundaries.

Community Life

Strengthened by the Spirit of the Gospel, living in supportive communities, we share the saving mission of the Church, by witnessing to Gospel values through our Christ-centred life of prayer, work and suffering.

Prayer and Contemplation

Nourishing our commitment through a deep spiritual life we make the Good News visible by responding to the need of the time.

Following Christ

Walking in the footsteps of Christ we embrace the Cross as a source of strength in our vocation to attain spiritual growth and deeper communion with Christ.

Our Charism

The source of our Charism lies in the compassionate love of God, who emptied himself in Christ Jesus even to the point of dying on a cross. (Phil. 2:7-8) This love deeply affected St. Francis and our Founders and urged them to take concrete action. It also inspires us to make something of this love visible to others in our time and world.

As Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross, we are aware that we are loved, called and sent:

  • ➤ To grow more deeply in the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection and draw trust, hope and strength from it
  • ➤ To see the world as God's creation and all persons as God's image, to respect their dignity and support them
  • ➤ To practice sisterliness and live the attitudes of Franciscan Minor more deeply
  • ➤ To be with and for people, especially the less privileged, in compassionate love and solidarity
  • ➤ To hear the call of God in the varied needs of the present time and to respond with openness and enthusiasm

Through our Charism, we take part in the Mission of the Church.
We attempt to prepare space for the coming of the reign of God,
where all people are brothers and sisters

We live our charism through the Five Basic Spiritual values

  • — Living in, with and for God
  • — Our universal relationship as brothers and sisters
  • — Being sent to meet the needs of the time
  • — Being poor among the poor
  • — Being ecclesial persons