OUR CO-FOUNDER

Josephine was born on December 13, 1880. The fire of God’s love was enkindled in her and she said goodbye to the worldly pleasures and gave her entire life to God in His love and service. Away from the pleasant climate of France, in a strange land among strangers, in the harsh, extreme desert climate of Rajasthan, hers was indeed a life of heroic sacrifice.

Mother Mary Matilda loved challenges. She experienced hardships which lasted for 10 years while bringing up the congregation of the M.S.A. Her faith in God was tremendous due to which she could overcome the worst difficulties. She had long periods of waiting, watching and praying. Before the dawn of India’s freedom, she laid stress on the study of Hindi and highly appreciated Gandhiji’s Wardha system of education.

Her Motto was: “Seek ye wisdom, wisdom that comes from God”.

She was efficient and enthusiastic and encouraged the all round development of children. In Ajmer, she was acclaimed the first lady in the line of education. In 1925, she was appointed on the Girl Guides Commission. In 1926, she was appointed Inspectress of all the Girl’s High Schools in Ajmer – Mewaran, which brought her into contact with many local schools encouraging this noble work of women’s education. In the Second World War, she co-operated with the Government giving valuable advice to Women’s League to step up the production of woollen garments and gifts for Jawans.She was the member of the Board of Education of Rajputana; and an Examiner of English and French. She was also an Examiner of Needlework at Lady Irwin College, New Delhi. Mother Mary Matilda took keen interest in all India Women’s League Ajmer branch and was elected Vice President. All these honours were of little importance to her but they showed her devotion to the noble cause.She was indeed a valiant woman who gave a word of encouragement to all.In 1950, the Mission Sisters were planning a grand celebration for the Golden Jubilee year of Mother Mary Matilda’ s Religious Profession. However, the Lord willed it differently.She celebrated her jubilee with Jesus on August 19, 1950. The Congregation of the Mission Sisters of Ajmer has completed its centenary on 26th April, 2011.