St Josephu2019s Convent Bathinda, Punjab: (12 .01.1961)
St Josephu2019s Convent Bathinda, Punjab, (Simla-Chandigarh Diocese) was the first Bethany Community in North India.u00a0 Among the eight sisters who pioneered the mission in North India in 1961, Mother Gemma, Sr Florence and Sr Benilda were assigned Bathinda mission. When they reached Bathinda on 8 January 1961, they were welcomed by Fr Rinatto Lucian Baretto, the Parish Priest, and a few Catholics. Bathinda, being one of the largest railway junctions in Asia, had a few Catholics working there. Most Rev. John Burke, the Bishop of Simla, who invited the Bethany Sisters to his diocese, wanted the sisters to extend pastoral care to those Catholics besides starting an English Medium School.
When the sisters reached Bathinda on 8 January 1961 Shri Bhai Sher Jang Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda, had made elaborate arrangements for the sistersu2019 stay at the Rest House. Without much delay, they swung into action and having enjoyed the hospitality of the Deputy Commissioner, on 11 January the sisters moved to a rented house at Civil Lines, Bathinda, which became the first Convent and School.u00a0 The present Convent and School at Bathinda was inaugurated on 12 January 1961 by the then Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda, and blessed by Rt Rev John Burke, the Bishop of Simla. Mother Gemma was the first Superior and Principal.Right from the beginning the large-hearted Punjabiu2019s extended their bountiful hospitality on the sisters and the school and it grew rapidly. The residents of Civil Lines considered the sisters as their own family members. The development of the Convent and School was intertwined.
A Big Leap
Supported by the Finance Commissioner of Punjab, the Congregation bought a plot of land where the foundation stone of theu00a0u00a0 school building was laid on 8 September 1963.u00a0 Step by step in a phased manner the whole campus took shape to the present colossal structure. On 15 July 1971 the construction of a separate convent building was also completed. A boarding house to cater to the educational needs of the villagers offered facility for 250 boarders. The impact of this institution in providing quality education to the surrounding Districts is tremendous.
Initially the school was affiliated to Punjab Education Board and later on in 1975 switched over to Central Board of Secondary Education Delhi. That the students obtained State and All India ranks and teachers being National Awardees speak for the quality education provided.
Extension Programme and Punjabi Medium School
Large number of extension programmes is carried on by the sisters. Education at St Josephu2019s Convent school goes beyond the school walls. From the initial stage onwards village development programme and medical services have been undertaken with trained Social and Medical workers assisting in it. Today, 18 villages and three slums are privileged to have SHG programme, Domestic workers forum, Childrenu2019s Parliament and Kishori group that trains teen agers to be responsible adults. Village exposure programme creates a social consciousness in the students.
The Punjabi Medium School started in 1963 in the same campus is a boon for the less privileged. Reservation for economically backward students in the English Medium School is also one of the core values of St Josephu2019s. At present the hostel facility covers only the economically backward students.
Other features:u00a0 Pastoral work, Bethany Champions, Bethany Lay Associations and formation of candidates are some other areas of sistersu2019 service.The Regional branch of Bethany Social Service Society started in 1997 imparts job-oriented courses to the women.
The Motto of the School: The motto of the school is u2018God is our strengthu2019. It guides the staff and students never to give up in times of stress and difficulties but to depend ultimately on the strength that comes from God to face the vicissitudes of life. St Josephu2019s Convent and School have completed the Silver, Golden and Emerald Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee and Platinum jubilee is marching to the rendering value-based education, pastoral care and developmental activities in the villages