The origin of St. Mary’s Convent dates back to 1951 when the Railway Workshop was relocated from Nagpur to Kharagpur. Recognizing the increasing need for education, Father Richer SJ, the parish priest of the Sacred Heart Church, urged Mother Sylvia to establish a Convent school in Kharagpur. She agreed, on the condition that he finds a suitable house for the Sisters close to both the Church and the school.
With approval from Mother Joan, a house in Japatapur outside the Railway grounds was rented for the Sisters. The first group of Sisters from Mangalore, including Mother Fridolin and Sisters Augusta, Xaviera, Firmina and Louisine arrived and settled there. The Convent was blessed by Mgr. Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Calcutta, who suggested the name St. Mary’s Convent. The school was named St. Agnes School, with approval from the Superior General.
After three years of perseverance by the Sisters and following instructions from the Railway Board in Delhi, the General Manager in Calcutta leased a 5-acre plot near the Sacred Heart Parish Church. This plot was formally handed over to the Sisters on 14th July 1955.
Following the transfer of Mother Fridolin, Mother Bernard took charge and secured financial aid for constructing the new building. His Grace F. Perier SJ, Archbishop of Calcutta, blessed the Convent on 29th March 1957, and the Sisters moved in on 30th April 1957.
It is through the sheer dedication and hard work of the Sisters that the mission has been carried to out very successfully.
