Education

VISION FOR LORETO EDUCATION IN SOUTH ASIA PROVINCE

We empower Loreto students to discover their full potential and Uphold the values of Humanity as Global Citizens

Loreto Education Board – South Asia Province

The Loreto Education Board, South Asia Province, draws inspiration from Venerable Mary Ward, whose conviction that “women in time to come will do much” continues to guide Loreto’s

mission. Rooted in the core values of Freedom, Sincerity, Justice, and Joy, Loreto education seeks to empower young women and form responsible global citizens grounded in humanity— this remains our Vision.

To achieve this, the School Excellence Framework is followed as a structured compass with eight directions, each with a specific descriptor.

Our Inspiration

The Loreto tradition of education draws its inspiration from the vision of the Institute’s Founder, Venerable Mary Ward, whose prophetic belief that “women in time to come will do much” continues to guide and energise our mission. Rooted in this vision, Loreto education seeks to empower women through the enduring values of Freedom, Sincerity, Justice, and Joy.

Loreto Education is committed to nurturing confident, compassionate, and courageous individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

Historical Journey

In 1821, an Irish nun, Mother Teresa Ball, established the first house of the Institute in Ireland. From there, in 1841, a group of pioneering Sisters led by the young Mother Delphine Hart brought the Institute to India. In January 1842, Loreto House, Kolkata, was founded, marking the beginning of Loreto education in South Asia.

Simultaneously, the Loreto Sisters reached out to underprivileged children in Moorgihatta, near the Portuguese Cathedral in Kolkata. From its earliest days, Loreto education has remained

inclusive—serving girls from all sections of society, irrespective of class, creed, or community— while maintaining a preferential option for the poor and marginalised.

India became the first overseas mission of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM).

Responding to the needs of changing times, Loreto later expanded into Nepal and Bangladesh, where its mission continues to flourish.

A Historic Milestone

On 4 November 2025, the IBVM Congregation canonically merged with the Congregation of Jesus (CJ) during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of the Sanctuary of Loyola, Spain. This sacred site, closely associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola, reflects the Ignatian spirituality that profoundly shaped Mary Ward’s mission.

Through this merger, the CJ family now carries forward the rich legacy of Mary Ward with renewed unity and strength.

Loreto Institutions in South Asia

Today, Loreto Education in South Asia includes:

A. Mainstream schools

  • Loreto House, Kolkata
  • Loreto Convent, Entally
  • Loreto Day School, Bowbazar

  • Loreto Day School, Dharamtala
  • Loreto Day School, Sealdah
  • Loreto Day School, Elliot Road
  • Loreto Convent, Shimla
  • Loreto Convent, Delhi Cantt.
  • Loreto Intermediate College, Lucknow
  • St. Agnes’ Loreto Day School, Lucknow
  • Loreto Convent, Ranchi
  • Loreto Convent, Asansol
  • Loreto Convent, Darjeeling
  • St. Teresa’s Girls’ High School, Darjeeling
  • Loreto Convent, Shillong

B. 1 postgraduate college

  • Loreto College, Kolkata

c. Outreach and literacy programmes embedded within mainstream schools

  • Rainbow Homes, Kolkata
  • Dharan Social Centre for Outreach Programmes, Nepal
  • Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre, Kolkata
  • Darjeeling Mary Ward Social Centre, West Bengal

Outreach Initiatives

Outreach initiatives such as Pushpa Vidyalaya, Jagriti Loreto Vidyalaya, Ankur Vidyalaya, and literacy centres in Loreto House focus on education, health awareness, vocational training, and empowerment of underprivileged communities.

Notable initiatives include:

  • Pushpa Vidyalaya, Lucknow
  • Jagriti Loreto Vidyalaya, Lucknow
  • Ankur Vidyalaya, Asansol
  • Literacy Centre, Loreto House, Kolkata

These centres focus on academic support, health and hygiene education, vocational skills, and holistic development.

CJ-Run Schools in India

Additionally, the Congregation of Jesus now runs many schools across India, spanning Delhi, Allahabad, Patna, Bangalore Region, and Nepal Region.

Role of the Loreto Education Board

While the Loreto Education Board, established in 2011, ensures quality and uniformity across institutions, it is guided by the Province Leader, Sr Monica Suchiang, along with her team of Consultors, and with Education headed by Sr Igora Pinto. The Board works towards:

  • Upholding CJ ethos and faith formation
  • Promoting child safety and protection
  • Supporting principals and school leadership
  • Encouraging networking, professional growth, and lay leadership
  • Ensuring excellence in teaching and learning
  • Driving social transformation and zero tolerance for failure

Detailed Objectives of the Board

Established in 2011, the Loreto Education Board provides vision, guidance, and support to ensure excellence and uniformity across all Loreto institutions. Its key objectives include:

  • Promoting and nurturing CJ ethos and philosophy
  • Giving priority to faith formation while encouraging interfaith dialogue
  • Supporting principals and school leadership
  • Ensuring child safety and protection
  • Promoting excellence in teaching and learning
  • Empowering lay staff in leadership roles
  • Encouraging collaboration and networking at national and international levels
  • Fostering personal and professional growth
  • Driving social transformation and a zero-tolerance approach to failure
  • Advising the Provincial Council on educational matters
  • Developing and updating policies aligned with global educational trends

Commitment to Excellence

Through workshops, policy manuals, leadership summits, and evaluations, Loreto Education remains committed to holistic, value-based education inspired by the Gospel, Mary Ward charism, and Catholic Social Teaching, while remaining inclusive of all faiths and cultures.

To ensure quality education for all, the Board monitors curriculum implementation and institutional functioning through:

  • Regular workshops and orientation programmes
  • Annual summits for Principals and school leaders
  • School evaluations and policy reviews

While encouraging decentralisation, the Board remains firmly anchored in its Vision, Mission, and Compass on the School Excellence Framework.

Loreto Education draws its strength from Jesus, the Gospel, and the Mary Ward charism,

offering a holistic, value-based education inspired by Catholic Social Teaching. This approach enables students of all faiths and cultures to experience God as the true source of humanity— “in whom we live and move and have our being.”

Motto

BE SEEKERS OF TRUTH AND DOERS OF JUSTICE

Mrs. Nandini Bhattacharjee Director, Education Board