Mission Timeline
| Year | Location | Diocese/Archdiocese | Mission Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Prieska | Diocese of Keimoes–Upington | Parish ministry, preschool education, catechism, family visits, faith formation, community outreach. |
| 2002 | Upington | Diocese of Keimoes–Upington | Youth ministry, HIV/AIDS pastoral care, prison ministry, juvenile detention ministry, parish pastoral work, non-formal education, preschool education. |
| 2006 | Pretoria | Archdiocese of Pretoria | Parish ministry, parish office, catechetical instruction, sacramental preparation, family visitation, faith formation, community outreach. |
Our journey
1998 – Fatima Convent, Prieska
The mission began with an invitation from Rev. Fr. Romeo Galeazzo, OSFS, to Superior General Rev. Mother Josephine Alphonsa in 1995. After visiting the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington in 1997, the Congregation accepted the call to serve.
On 12 March 1998, Fatima Convent was officially established with Sr. Maria Philomine Rani, Sr. Celine Ebenezer, and Sr. Lilly Flower as the first missionaries. The sisters immersed themselves in the community, learning Afrikaans, visiting families, and serving through catechesis, preschool education, and parish ministry.
2002 – St. Augustine Convent, Upington
Inspired by the sisters’ work in Prieska, Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, OMI, invited the Congregation to establish a second community. On 2 April 2002, St. Augustine Convent was founded in Bellvue, later relocating to St. Augustine Church Mission in 2018.
The founding sisters — Sr. Celine Ebenezer, Sr. Josephine Sahaya Mala, and Sr. Sahaya Rani — dedicated themselves to pastoral ministry, youth outreach, HIV/AIDS care, prison ministry, and education.
2006 – St. Joseph Convent, Pretoria (Eersterust)
Following the departure of the Little Company of Mary Sisters, Rev. Fr. Albertus Joseph, OSFS, invited the CIC Sisters to continue pastoral ministry at St. Joseph’s Parish. With Archbishop George Daniel’s approval, the convent was inaugurated on 12 August 2006.
The pioneer sisters — Sr. Josephine Sahaya Mala and Sr. Sahaya Rani — were warmly welcomed by the parish community. Their ministries include catechetical instruction, sacramental preparation, family visitation, and parish outreach.
Growing in Faith and Service
From one convent in Prieska to communities in Upington and Pretoria, the CIC Mission in South Africa remains a living witness to God’s love. Through prayer, education, evangelisation, and compassionate service, the sisters continue to build faith-filled communities and respond generously to the needs of God’s people.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.” — Psalm 127:1
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” — Mark 16:15
The sisters who worked in South Africa are:
Sr. Lilly Flower
Sr. Celine Ebenezer
Sr. Ruby Sahaya Rani
Sr. Kulandai Therese
Sr. Antony Xavier
Sr. Maria Jansi
Sr. Lilly Pushpam
Sr. Anthonyammal
Sr. Suganya
Sr. Jane Ann Sarojini
Current Sisters:
Sr. Maria Philomin Rani
Sr. Josephine Sahaya Mala
Sr. Sahaya Rani
Sr. Remsi Rani
Sr. Saral Rani
Sr. Maria Sesuvin Sheela
Sr. Arockia Hilda
