FIHM Congregation
Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary — the congregation behind Immaculate English Higher Secondary School.
Our Sacred Story
The FIHM Congregation, formally known as the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Indigenous Women, is one of the earliest and most transformative religious orders founded for the education and empowerment of women in India.
Established on 16th October 1844 in Pondicherry by Rev. Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis, M.E.P., a French missionary and education reformer, the Congregation emerged in direct response to the social inequalities faced by women in 19th-century Tamil Nadu.
At a time when women were systematically denied education, dignity and civic participation, Fr. Dupuis recognised that educating girls would be the most effective way to transform family life and elevate entire communities.
Our Origin
Founded16th October 1844
FounderRev. Fr. Louis Savinien Dupuis, M.E.P.
Founded atPondicherry, India
Inspired byThe Synod of Pondicherry (1844)
Our Divine Mission
The founding of the Congregation was inspired by the resolutions of the Synod of Pondicherry (1844), led by Mgr. Clément Bonnand, which called for a native religious order dedicated to women's education and Christian formation.
The sisters engage in teaching, social work, healthcare and pastoral ministries, inspired by the Gospel values of humility, service and the nurturing of human dignity. Their apostolate includes schools, orphanages, women's vocational centres and health institutions across rural and urban areas.
Our Mission
To educate, empower and uplift women and children through value-based education rooted in Christian principles.
Our Global Family
The Generalate of the Congregation is headquartered at St. Therese Street, Pondicherry, with four provinces in India and a region in East Africa.
| Region | Convents |
|---|---|
| Our Lady of Lourdes Province (Pondicherry – Cuddalore) | 39 |
| St. Joseph's Province (Trichy) | 43 |
| Infant Jesus Province (Madurai) | 39 |
| Assisi Province (Andhra Pradesh) | 29 |
| Dupuis Region (East Africa) | 11 |
FIHM @ Immaculate
Our Beloved School
The Immaculate English Higher Secondary School, T.R. Pattinam is a proud educational ministry of the FIHM Congregation. Established on 10th June 1998 under the leadership of Rev. Mother S. Regina Mary, the school embodies the charism and values of the Congregation.
The school carries forward the founder's dream by offering high-quality education to both boys and girls, with a strong focus on academic excellence, moral integrity, social awareness and holistic development.
Core Values We Live By
Wisdom
Faith
Compassion
Growth
Service
Charity
Devotion
Excellence
Facts About FIHM
“Empowering Women, Enriching the World”
Explore Our History