The Medical Sisters of St. Joseph (MSJ) is a Religious Congregation is founded by Servant of God Joseph Panjikaran
The religious Congregation of the Medical Sisters of Saint Joseph (MSJ) was established by the Servant of God Joseph Panjikkaran. The mission of the Congregation is to comfort and heal the suffering human race through dedicated patient care, devoting their lives to this noble cause.
Servant of God Joseph Panjikkaran was a historian, journalist, and healthcare worker within the Kerala Catholic Church, and he was the visionary behind the formation of the Medical Sisters of Saint Joseph (MSJ). In 1929, he acquired land in Kothamangalam to establish a healthcare center that he named “Charity Mount,” also known as Dharmagiri. The Dharmagiri Hospital opened in 1934, followed by the inauguration of a dispensary in a rented building in Angamaly in 1936. In 1946, the Medical Sisters of Saint Joseph was formally established, choosing Saint Joseph the Worker as their heavenly patron. The Congregation began with seven sisters on July 3, 1946, and has since grown to over 800 members.
The mission of the community is fundamentally rooted in the service of the soul’s salvation through patient care, guided by principles of clarity of purpose, effective healing, and exemplary service. The Congregation strives to cultivate members who embody the qualities of love, sacrifice, and humility-traits characterized by maternal patience, gentleness, tireless work, a cheerful disposition, and unwavering attention to the care of the sick, all following the example of Christ.
On the 50th anniversary of the foundation’s approval by the Archeparchy of Ernakulam- Angamaly, the Congregation underwent reorganization, dividing into four provinces: St. Joseph Province (Kothamangalam), Nirmala Province (Ernakulam), Little Flower Province (Lucknow), and St. Thomas Province (Kozhikode). With the expansion of the provinces, the Generalate headquarters relocated from Kothamangalam to Kozhippilly nearby. Today, the Congregation operates 90 centers across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, as well as internationally in countries such as the United States, Germany, Austria, and various regions in Africa.
The MSJ sisters are deeply committed to extending their healing ministry globally, embracing the call of their venerable founder to serve the sick and needy wherever they may be found. Their medical missions abroad stand as a testament to this vision.
In addition to general hospitals, the Congregation operates mental health institutions, dispensaries, cancer care centers, rest homes for the elderly, orphanages, centers for the differentlyabled, meditation centers, and social welfare institutions. The MSJ also implements health and wellness programs aimed at rural development. Their training programs offer robust courses in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory technology, and rehabilitation for children with special needs, thereby preparing individuals for impactful service.
On November 4, 1949, following the passing of Servant of God Joseph Panjikkaran, Fr. George Menachery assumed the role of director of the Dharmagiri institutions. Monsignor Menachery passed away on January 31, 1969, and the process to elevate Servant of God Joseph Panjikkaran to sainthood commenced in 2010.
On February 19, 1990, the MSJ Congregation was elevated to Pontifical status, and to date, it has been guided by 13 Superior Generals. On October 31, 2019, the Congregation proudly celebrated its Platinum Jubilee.
Sr. Philomy MSJ, Superior General
