Sr. Dr. Helen Mary, of the Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore, took over as the Director General of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) on May 1, 2026. A qualified medical doctor with a specialization in gynaecology, Sr. Helen brings with her extensive experience in hospital management and a deep commitment to medical ministry across India.

CHAI is an organization where nearly 80 percent of its members serving at the grassroots level are women. Yet, for the past 83 years, it has been led exclusively by male leaders. It was the vision of Fr. Mathew Abraham, the former Director-
General, to see a woman lead the organization. As part of a thoughtful succession plan, he intentionally nurtured and transitioned by mentoring a woman leader to succeed him.

In preparation for this role, Sr. Helen served as Associate Director General for a year under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Mathew Abraham, C.Ss.R, gaining valuable administrative and organizational skills and experience.

Reflecting on her inspiration, Sr. Helen shares, “I look to Venerable Mary of the Sacred Heart Glowrey as my role model. Her life beautifully integrates religious vocation with medical mission.”

She will continue to fulfil the association’s vision and mission and implement the goal to reach the unreached.

I wish her all the success in her new assignment.

Fr. N L Thomas
President, CHAI