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| Welcome to St. Patrick's Junior College |
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A brief history of St. Patrick’s Junior College
The college, established in 1842, by the sisters of the Congregation of Jesus & Mary, is managed by the Jesus & Mary Educational Society.
A word about the Foundress
St. Claudine Thevenet, the Foundress of the Congregation of Jesus & Mary was born in Lyons, France in 1774. Claudine’s education came to an abrupt end in 1789 when the French Revolution broke out. Claudine’s two brothers were executed during this Reign of Terror. But before they were taken to the place of execution, Claudine had taken a stand on the wayside to have a last glimpse of her brothers. As they passed, one of them whispered “Forgive Glady as we forgive.”
She certainly forgave but as a young girl of 19, she never forgets the cruel sight of her brothers being shot to death.
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Claudine knew that ignorance of God, lack of love and sense of insecurity were the main reasons for the demoralization of men after the French Revolution. She took up the task of caring and educating the unwanted children. Other young ladies followed her example and joined her. By 1818 Claudine was chosen by her companions as the first superior. She is thus the Foundress of the Congregation of Jesus & Mary. Claudine died on 3rd February 1837. Her last words were “How Good God is.”
1841, a call came from distant India, from the Bishop of Agra, Rt. Rev. Dr. J.A. Borgi, to work in the Mission field of Agra for the education of young girls. The call was joyfully accepted and a brave little batch of six Nuns set out for India, facing many dangers on land and sea. They arrived in Agra on the 11th of November 1842.
In December 1842, a School for young girls was officially opened. Soon the foundation for the ground floor of St. Patrick’s was laid in 1846 by Mother Teresa, Provincial Supervisor. Following this, a boarding School at St. Patrick’s high School was established, affiliated to the Cambridge University U.K., which in 1978 was changed into St. Patrick’s Junior College.
More Sisters arrived from France and the work went on in full vigour.
As years passed, many generous and service minded young ladies from India joined the Congregation and continued the work started by the First Jesus & Mary Sisters in Agra. |
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