Since the commencement of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann of Providence in India in the year 1871, the hither to one Province was bifurcated into two as North-West Province and South-East Provincve in the year 1979. Hence North-West Province was born on 21st February, 1979 with its headquarters at Bandra, Bombay, under the leadership of Sr. Benjamin Joseph. As the first Provincial Superior, Sr. Benjamin did everything in her power to build the newborn Province. It consisted of 171 Sisters who were spread out in 17 communities in 5 States and one Union Territory of India. The Sisters worked in 7 Dioceses.
The Province had its own seats of formation. Sr. Benjamin nurtured, built and developed the Province adding many new Communities, new Apostolic ventures, new Frontier Ministries, especially in rural areas. She was a dynamic leader with a vision, mission and prompt action.
In the year 1991 June Sr. Patricia Fernandes shouldered the responsibility of the Province of North-West India as the Provincial Superior. Her vision for the Province was to build a happy family spirit in the Communities. Her human approach and personal touch were experienced by all those who encountered her. As the Provincial Superior, she was committed to the cause of the poor and the needy. She expanded the mission by opening six more houses in under developed areas.
The South-East and North-West Provinces were re-organised in the year 1997 April into three Provinces. The newly formed Province was named as Province of St. Ann - Northern India with its Provincial house at Vikaspuri, New Delhi once again under the charismatic leadership of Sr. Benjamin Joseph.
Sr. Anita Coutinho was appointed Provincial Superior in the year 2003. Resolute in her mission, open to the Spirit she worked for God's Kingdom with preferential love for the least in the Society. Her compassionate solidarity to the poorest and the powerless has left an indelible mark in the hearts of all. In 2005 due to her ill health, she tendered her resignation as the Provincial Superior.
At this juncture Sr. Doreen D'Souza was appointed as the Provincial Superior to lead the Province of Northern India. She assumed God given responsibility willingly and spread His fragrance by sharing and caring. She was an epitome of efficiency and vibrancy and a person of enriched, enthused, encouraged and edified indomitable courage. She was empowered with authenticity, sensitivity and generosity for all that is noble and true.
In the Year 2009, she passed on the baton to Sr. Eulazia Fernandes who led the Province. With a heart filled with deep love for the Congregation, Sr. Eulazia lead the Province with a clear vision to take the Province forward by strengthening its apostolic endeavours. Under her able guidance the Province made steady progress at all levels. As a skilled artisan she identified the abilities and potentialities of the Sisters, and created opportunities for growth enabling each to blossom.
Sr. Rosily Paul took up the responsibility of the Province in the year 2015. Following in the footsteps of our Founders she lead the Province to greater hights. Her simplicity, cheerfulness and accommodating nature enabled the Sisters to be open and free. She exercised her authority with a sense of service and openness to the Will of God.
On May 18, 2022, Sr. Jaya Julia Victor assumed the leadership of the Province, taking up her responsibility with faith and dedication. With a spirit of service and trust in Divine Providence, she guided the Province through its mission of education, pastoral work, and social outreach particularly reaching out to the poor and the needy. Her leadership was marked by commitment to the charism of the Congregation, fostering life of prayer, unity among the Sisters, and encouraging them to live their vocation with renewed zeal and joy in the service of God.
On June 7, 2025, Sr. Ashly Jose took up the responsibility of the Province as the Provincial Superior, accepting this mandate with humility and trust in God’s guidance. She continues to carry forward the legacy of her predecessors with dedication, fostering communion among the Sisters, encouraging them to live their consecrated life with renewed commitment and to work with greater zeal in their apostolic undertakings.
Formation: The Province has one formation house at Varanasi.
Educative Ministry: The Province has 17 schools comprising of Kindergartens, Primary and Higher Secondary Schools, Senior Secondary Schools and one Degree College catering to around 22000 students. The Sisters and Staff work with commitment and dedication for the Education of the future generation. During this sessennium more emphasis was laid on ‘the Pedagogy of the Heart’ in our mission of education, the path exemplified by our Founders. The overall goal of our educative mission is the all-round development of the students particularly those of the weaker sections of the society.
Healing Ministry: As partakers of the healing ministry of Jesus, the Sisters have passionately given their best in this apostolate. The Province has 2 hospitals and one health care Centre. The Sister nurses reach out conducting health camps, mobile clinics and health education programmes in different villages, schools, clinics and collaborate with the Diocesan Social work Centres.
Compassionate Ministry: The works of mercy continue in the Province through the Sisters working in the villages, empowering women, young girls etc. In some places Sisters are involved in Prison ministry. The Project of 'Meals on Wheels' is carried out at Arambhada serve the abandoned mentally ill people.
Faith Formation: The Sisters in the Province are engaged in teaching catechism in all the Parishes. They prepare children and adults for reception of Sacraments. Besides they conduct BCC/BEC meetings, intercessory prayers and adoration in the Parishes.