Canossa Niketan, located on Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai, was established in 2004 as the Inter-Province Novitiate House of the Canossian Daughters of Charity in India. The establishment of this common novitiate marked a significant milestone in the history of the Canossian mission in India, bringing together the formation of novices from the India North Province, India Centre Province, India South Province, and the South East Delegation under one roof. This initiative reflects the Congregation's vision of fostering unity, intercultural communion, and a shared commitment to the Canossian charism.
Named Canossa Niketan—"Niketan" meaning home or dwelling—the house has become a sacred space where young women discerning the religious life are formed in the spirit and legacy of St. Magdalene of Canossa, Foundress of the Canossian Daughters of Charity. Here, they are gradually initiated into the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, while deepening their relationship with Christ through prayer, study, community life, apostolic experiences, and personal accompaniment.
Rooted in the spirituality of St. Magdalene, the novitiate invites each novice to be "born at the foot of the Cross," contemplating the immense love of the Crucified Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows allowing that love to shape her heart for a life of total self-giving. Inspired by the charity of the Crucified Lord, the novices are prepared to become joyful, compassionate, and mission-oriented religious, ready to serve wherever the Church and the Congregation call them.
For over two decades, Canossa Niketan has continued to be a cradle of Canossian formation, nurturing generations of religious who carry the Gospel of charity and hope to diverse missions across India and beyond, faithfully continuing the vision of St. Magdalene of Canossa: "To make Jesus known and loved."