Sr. M. Johanna Brandstaetter, Veteran Missionary of India, Dies at 104

Bengaluru, December 31, 2025: Sr. M. Johanna Brandstaetter, SCSC, a pioneering missionary and long-time servant of the poor in India, passed away peacefully on December 30 at the Holy Cross Convent, Kothanur, Bengaluru. She was 104.

Born Maria Brandstaetter in Gruenburg, Upper Austria, she was the second of twelve children and grew up amid the hardships of World War II. Drawn early to a life of total dedication to God, she made a decisive commitment to consecrated life by offering her Vow of Perpetual Virginity on the Feast of the Sacred Heart in 1942.

Inspired by her reading on India, including The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru, Sr. Johanna discerned a missionary call that led her to leave her homeland. She arrived in India in June 1955 and went on to serve across several regions despite cultural challenges and recurring uncertainty about her stay in the country.

Guided by the congregation’s founding principle, “The need of the time is the will of God,” she combined deep prayer with active service. Her missionary work focused on the poor and marginalized, leading to the establishment of balwadis, schools, hospitals, dispensaries, Grihini schools for underprivileged girls, social work centres and mission stations in places including Bettiah, Ambikapur, Hazaribag, Kalyan, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Goa and Bassein.

A woman of strong leadership, she served as Local Superior, Regional Superior and Provincial Councillor, while also promoting vocations and strengthening Christian communities. Even in her later years, her zeal remained undiminished; at the age of 90, she published a booklet aimed at making Jesus known to people of different faiths.

Sr. Johanna is remembered not only for the institutions she helped build, but for a legacy of courageous mercy, deep faith and tireless service that continues to inspire generations.

By Catholic Connect Reporter