THE HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH HOME FOR GIRLS – OULGARET, PUDUCHERRY
St. Joseph Home for Girls in Oulgaret, Puducherry, was established on 1st August 1984 under the leadership of Rev. Sr. Celine Mary, during the period of Rev. Mother Barbara Mary. The cottage aimed to uplift economically poor and downtrodden girls through education, providing them with shelter, food, and education.
The cottage’s main ministry is focused on education and various extra-curricular activities, including yoga, moral education, prayer, counselling, spoken English, health and hygiene, outings, and medical checkups.
Special events and celebrations such as Cottage day, Founder’s Day, national festivals, Diwali, Christmas, New Year, Pongal, Women’s Day, and St. Joseph Feast are conducted for the children’s joy and well-being.
The first members of the cottage were Sr. Celine Mary, Sr. Lyon Mary, Sr. Monica, and Sr. Lilly Pushpam. Over the years, various repair and maintenance works were undertaken, including providing bench desks, repairing toilets, and bathing rooms, and building a dormitory.
In April 2021, the cottage’s name was changed from an orphanage to St. Joseph Home for Girls, Oulgaret, Puducherry, to reflect a healthier and more inclusive name for the facility. The cottage continues to fulfill its mission of providing a nurturing environment and education to underprivileged girls, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.
