Superiors General
Superior General is the highest authority in the congregation. She is elected by the members of the General Chapter by an absolute majority of votes. Her term is for six years and she can be re-elected for a second term.
Sr. Julia Narayan was the first Superior General of the congregation. She was entrusted with this responsibility by the Father Founder Bishop Morrow: she was not elected but was appointed by the Father Founder.
The first General Chapter of the congregation was held in July 1964. Sr. Teresina Gonsalves was the first Superior General. Besides being Superior General she was also the Novice Mistress.
Before the General Chapter of 1964 Sr. Teresina was acting Superior General, a responsibility entrusted to her by Father Founder Bishop Morrow. Before her Sr. Julia Narayan was acting Superior General for some time.
During the time of Sr. Teresina, the young congregation grew rapidly. On 7 June 1966 the SMI got the Decrem Laudis (Decree of Praise), raising the congregation to Papal status. In 1966 the SMI extended their service to West Germany in Bayreuth; in 1971 sisters opened communities in Bangalore and Jashpurnagar, and in 1972 in Captainganj and Delhi, responding to the invitations of Bishops outside Bengal.
Sr. Mary Chalissery took up the reigns from Sr. Teresina in 1974 and was re-elected for a second term. She worked at consolidating as the congregation which kept expanding had to have a breathing space to recollect. Heavenly Birth of the Founder Bishop Morrow on 31 August 1987 was the biggest shock the congregation experienced.
Sr. Pieta succeeded Sr. Mary Chalissery as Superior General in October 1987. The congregation was divided into Provinces and Delegation during the time of Sr. Pieta as Superior General on 31 January 1990 Calcutta (Kolkata) and Bangalore Provinces came into being and also a delegation comprising of all communities in Africa, Europe and the U.S.A.
The fourth Superior General was Sr. Marie Pothanamala. Her tenure was two terms from October 1993 to October 2005. In 1997, houses in Tanzania, Africa were grouped as East African Delegation. Delhi and EAP (former East African Delegation) became provinces in 2000. The first four sisters from Tanzania made their first profession of vows on 30 August 2000.
A lot of change in the prayer life of the congregation was introduced: personal prayer was given importance and slowly an hour of personal prayer became part of the SMI daily schedule. Daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and adoration was also introduced in all the communities. Major superiors and their teams and local superiors with their assistants/councillors praying for the sisters in their care became part of the routine. Reading of the word of God was given more importance.
Having had a lot of experience as secretary to the Founder, Sr. Marie helped the congregation in keeping records up-to-date to the smallest detail.
Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam became the fifth Superior General in October 2005 and was re-elected in October 2011. In response to the need of the hour, under the guidance of Sr. Lisette the congregation has started to do their bit in the field of anti-trafficking of women, girls and children; Krishnagar Bishop Morrow Foundation was started for the purpose. Sisters are being trained to take up greater responsibility in this area.
To implement the proposals of GC VIII during her second term as Superior General, Sr. Lisette gave new impetus to the study of the Scripture through Bible Quizes. Little Flower League became part and parcel of the communities.
The mantle of Sr. Lisette fell on Sr. Dina Vellamaruthunkal on 3rd October 2017, during the ninth General Chapter of the congregation. Shortly after becoming the Superior General she was privileged to lead the congregation to celebrate the 70th Foundation Day of the congregation on 12th December 2017 and 125th birthday of the Founder, Bishop LaRavoire Morrow on 24th December 2017. Sr. Dina with her team is all set to implement the deliberations of the ninth General Chapter - To revitalize the Little Way of Spiritual Childhood in our Life and Mission, thus leading the SMI for a worthy celebration of the platinum jubilee of the congregation.
Sr. Dina, in October 2011, while she was the Provincial Superior of East African Province was elected as General Councillor in the team of Sr. Lisette. In her younger days she had been in formation and many young SMI have been trained by her at different stages. All the SMI look up to her to lead the congregation to greater heights of holiness.
Sisters of Mary Immaculate 
