Dominican Sisters of The Holy Trinity

One of the first significant acts St Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers, known as the Dominican Order, was the establishment of a convent in Prouille, France, in 1206. This foundation came about as a response to a pressing historical need. The heretical group known as the Albigensians greatly relied on the involvement of women in spreading their heretical teachings and doctrines to future generations. Recognizing this challenge, St. Dominic preached the true Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the Church. His inspiring words led some women to convert to the true faith and place their trust in him. Through prayer and penance, these women provided crucial support to St. Dominic's mission. Like the Dominican Friars, the Dominican Nuns adhered to the Rule of St. Augustine and were governed by the Constitutions established by St. Dominic.

During this period, something new began to happen across Europe. Devout and spiritually-inclined women started forming communities known as Beguines. The Beguine movement primarily consisted of upper and middle-class laywomen who began to promote the transition to urban life, which began in the 11th century. These communities stood apart in that they were autonomous. They were not affiliated to any established religious Order or Congregation. They voluntarily banded together to live in communal settings, embracing a life of poverty.

  One such group of devout women originated in Augsburg, Germany, in the year 1335. Six young girls came together on the Schwall and, driven by a shared desire for a common religious life of poverty. They pooled their resources to purchase a house with a courtyard and a garden. These women, Adelheid Hiltprand, Augnes auf dem Stein, Gertrud Bornitzin, Margareth, Agnes, and Gertrud Ludwig, called themselves the "Sisters of Voluntary Poverty". Their primary focus was on caring for the sick and serving those in most need. It is worth noting that they chose to live in a communal setting without affiliating themselves with any traditional religious Order or adhering to recognized convent rules, thus showcasing their distinct autonomy and independence in pursuing their spiritual journey.

For 60 years, the community thrived as a beguinage, identified as “Sisters of Voluntary Poverty”, living a life of simplicity and service. However, in 1394, Bishop Burkhard of Erbach ordered that the sisters adopt the Rule of St. Augustine and the Constitutions of the Dominican Order. This marked a significant turning point for the community as they embraced a more structured religious life.
Following the Bishop's directive, the Sisters of Voluntary Poverty became the Dominican Sisters of St. Ursula and came under the spiritual guidance of the Dominican Friars of St. Magdalena, located in Augsburg. The friars provided them with mentorship and support, offering them the help needed to navigate  the complexities of their newly adopted religious Order.
This transition allowed the Dominican Sisters of St. Ursula to deepen their spirituality and further dedicate themselves to serving others. Despite their newfound affiliation, it is important to note that the sisters still maintained a sense of unique autonomy and independence within their community, continuing to care for the sick and exhibit their unwavering compassion.
Their life attracted many, and in a matter of fifteen years,their number became so great that they had to open new places. During the 17th century, the main community in Augsburg expanded to establish new communities in various locations. Interestingly, each of these new communities evolved into independent congregations. This decentralized structure allowed the Dominican Sisters of St. Ursula to adapt and flourish in their respective regions, while still maintaining a shared devotion to their religious calling.
In 1431, Pope Eugine IV officially recognized and approved the community of the Dominican Sisters of St. Ursula. The sisters were now bound by the Rule of St. Augustine and the customs of the Order of Preachers. The main convent in Augsburg was designated as the Convent of St. Ursula.
In 1845 six sisters from St.Ursula in Augsburg moved into Landsberg on Lech in answer to a request by the Municipality.  They dedicated themselves to the teaching and educating of girls in schools which provided a general education as well as professional training. 
In1966, the Dominican Sisters of Landsberg received six girls from India into their community. Four of them entered and made first profession in 1970 and in 1975they made their final profession. They are: Sr.KlaraMalliakkal, Sr.Daniela Vasupuraththukaran, Sr.Martina Enchodikaran and Sr.Sebastiana Kariyatty.
 

In 1975, the Dominican Sisters returned to India and established their first convent in Mannarkkad, Kerala. Over time, the community continued to expand, adding more convents to their original number. In 1998, they achieved the status of an independent congregation with the recognition of Major Archiepiscopal Right. As a result, they also adopted a new name, becoming known as the Dominican Sisters of the Holy Trinity. This milestone marked a significant step forward in their journey as a religious community dedicated to serving and spreading the teachings of the Catholic faith in India.