The Society of St Mary the Virgin in India

The relationship with the Society of St Mary the Virgin in India (SSMVI) began in the autumn of 1877, when the young CSMV community responded to a request from the Bishop of Bombay, Bp. Mylne, to come and help him in Pune. The schools, hostels and community care facilities which CSMV established in Pune have continued to flourish and are developing under the care and guidance of dedicated staff. The Society of St Mary the Virgin in India is the direct successor to CSMV in India, with the same aims and objectives.

The Panch Howd site in the city of Pune, has two schools: St Hilda’s and Epiphany providing education from 3 to 16yrs. It also includes St Michael’s residential hostel providing education and support for girls and young women. Besides the two schools in Pune, there is also the Shanti Sadan Primary and High School in Lonavala, situated about 75km from Pune.

The Society, working in modern day India, is pioneering outreach work as well as developing the existing services founded by the Sisters of CSMV. Much of the work is aimed at enabling children to emerge from severely underprivileged and marginalised backgrounds in a secure and balanced way. The Wantage Overseas Fund provides annual support and regular reports are received from the Director of SSMVI as well as others.

To view the SSMVI Director’s Annual Report 2022/3 click here.