About Us
Good
Shepherd
Convent
We are the Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, following in the footsteps of St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier who founded this order in 1835. Guided by her enduring motto, “One person is of more value than the whole world,” we dedicate our lives to embracing vulnerable, marginalized, and excluded women and girls, affirming their dignity and enhancing their quality of life.
Rooted in a mission of justice and reconciliation, we witness the merciful love of Jesus the Good Shepherd through service that brings healing, hope, and unity. As a reconciling presence, we stand in solidarity with those who suffer injustice, exploitation, or exclusion – especially girls, women, and children – working to restore their sense of worth and belonging.
In Chennai, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd work in close collaboration with Partners-in-Mission, forming a dynamic community inspired by the spirit of St. Mary Euphrasia. Rooted in love, reconciliation, and empowerment, this shared journey ensures that the mission remains vibrant and relevant – touching lives with compassion, justice, and hope, now and for generations to come.
Our History
in Chennai
100 years of Legacy
(1924- 2024)
Five Good Shepherd Sisters – Sr. Paula Nagel, Sr. Marie Cecilia Hefs, Sr. Marie Michael Webster, Sr. Raphail Gormley, and Sr. Bernard Rozario – came from distant countries to Madras at the request of Bishop De Castro of the Archdiocese of Madras – Mylapore to begin the Good Shepherd mission. They first arrived at Luz Church in Madras on November 21, 1924. After spending some years at ‘The Cloisters’ in Teynampet and at Somerford in Adyar, expanding the mission and service, they moved to Moorat’s Garden, Nungambakkam, where they established their first house in November 1929.
Though unfamiliar with the place, culture, customs, people, or language, the Sisters reached out with compassion to young girls, women, and school dropouts. They offered a safe place to stay and provided training in needlework, homemaking, baking, and basic education through the Industrial School established in 1929. These efforts empowered women and girls to lead self-reliant and dignified lives.
With the support of generous benefactors and Chaplain Fr. Murphy, S.J., the Sisters humbly began their education ministry, offering quality education in the Cambridge system for both boys and girls until 1942. Later, the school transitioned to the Matriculation Board, focusing primarily on girls and upholding the motto of our Foundress, “Age Quod Agis” – “Do well all that you do”. This became a hallmark of the Good Shepherd way, reaching out to every student with respect, care, and excellence.
The mission of shepherding vulnerable girls led to the opening of Marian Home in 1955, a safe residence where girls could continue their schooling, learn vocational skills, and enhance their social well-being. The Home also provided vocational training for school dropouts, helping them gain independence and build meaningful lives.
In 1977, responding to the needs of the time, the Sisters initiated a center called Priyavanam for slum children. This program continued until its closure in 1995. In 1996, they re-launched the ministry with the Mottukal Shelter Home – a combined shelter and outreach program serving disadvantaged girls. Today, Mottukal provides short‑stay shelter for street and refugee girls, along with educational support, vocational training, counselling, and community outreach across 12 slums.
In 2000, Roshini Nivas Hostel was established to further strengthen the mission – offering accommodation and basic facilities to young women pursuing higher education or employed in the city, especially those from low-income backgrounds. The Sisters provide not just a place to stay, but a secure, supportive environment that encourages their personal and professional development.
As we mark 100 years of grace-filled presence in Chennai in 2024, we celebrate a legacy rooted in compassion, justice, and education. In response to today’s evolving needs, we launched Good Shepherd Centenary School open to boys and girls, following the CISCE curriculum. This milestone broadens our commitment to inclusive, value-based education, nurturing both girls and boys in the spirit of the Good Shepherd.
The enduring legacy of St. Mary Euphrasia, our Foundress, and the pioneering zeal of our early Sisters continue to inspire us. Through countless challenges, the mission has not only survived – it has flourished, rooted in faith, courage, and compassion.
With deep gratitude, we look back on this extraordinary journey of service and transformation. We thank God for His manifold blessings, and we are profoundly grateful to our loyal alumni, generous benefactors, faithful partners, and all well-wishers who have stood by us. Your continued support strengthens our mission and helps us carry the Good Shepherd legacy forward into the new century and beyond.