Marian Province, Muttikulangara
Administration
Rev. Sr Valsa Therese CHF (Provincial Superior), Sr.Regi Alappat (Vicar Provincial), Sr. Liya Bastin, Sr. Flower Jose, Sr. Prima (Councillors), Sr. Tessy Ambookkan (Auditor), Sr. Shine Rose (Tresurer), Sr. Jolly (Secretary)
Province History
The Congregation of the Holy Family was reorganized into three regions—Pavanatma, Navajyothy, and Marian—in 1976. These regions were elevated to the status of Provinces in 1978. The Blessed Virgin Mary, our beloved Patroness, continues to protect and guide us in all our endeavors. St. Thomas Convent, Olavakkode, was initially chosen as the temporary headquarters of the Marian Region. Later, the headquarters was permanently established at the Marian Provincial House, Muttikulangara. A significant milestone in the history of the Congregation was its elevation to Pontifical Status on 1st August 1978. Rev. Sr. Mary Loretta, who served as the Regional Superior, was appointed as the first Provincial Superior of Marian Province in 1978. At the time of its formation, Marian Province comprised 175 sisters and 15 houses, with Bharathpur Holy Family Convent as its sole mission house.
Within a span of 35 years, the Marian Province expanded its presence across several dioceses, including Palakkad, Thalassery, Thamarassery, Ramanathapuram, Mandya, Chanda, and Salem. The Family Apostolate, which is the special charism of the Congregation, has been the cornerstone of its mission and outreach. A long-cherished dream of the Province was realized in 1995 when the Agra Mission Centre was established as a Region, later elevated to the status of a Province named “Mary Matha.” Following this division, and at the invitation of Mar. Vijayanand CMI, Bishop of Chanda Diocese, the Marian Province undertook a new mission in Chanda. Sisters began their service at Christ Hospital, Chandrapur, and on 7th August 2002, extended their mission to Jiwati. The Province has remained deeply committed to Family Apostolate activities. These initiatives are coordinated by IFDF at Palakkad and include programs such as Basic Counselling Courses, Teens Wellness Programme, Santhwanam, AA Programme, Rajagiri Outreach Programme, Blossom Group, and Jeevan Group.
In 2008, the Holy Family De-Addiction Centre at Palakkad was established, fulfilling a long-awaited dream. This centre focuses on rehabilitating individuals affected by addiction through counseling, treatment, and family support. Follow-up initiatives such as “Jwalanam,” a vibrant support group, continue to strengthen recovered individuals. Home Mission Units are actively conducted in parishes to foster strong, faith-filled families. The Province also manages several significant institutions, including Mother Josephine Memorial Hospital at Malampuzha, which serves countless patients, and an orphanage at Malampuzha that cares for 92 inmates. “Anandha Bhavan” provides shelter and care for abandoned children.
The sisters also render remarkable service in specialized ministries such as snakebite treatment in Halagur, Hunsur, and Thandavapura, where many lives have been restored.
The year 2003 marked the Silver Jubilee of Marian Province, celebrated with deep gratitude to God for His abundant blessings. Over the years, the Province has established and administered numerous institutions, including Direct Family Apostolate Houses, Counselling Centres, Colleges of Education (B.Ed.), Parallel Colleges, Self-Financing Colleges, Higher Secondary and High Schools, Special Schools for the mentally challenged, Homes for the Aged, Sneha Bhavans, hospitals, homoeo clinics, and social centres.
The sisters also serve in various diocesan institutions in Palakkad, Thalassery, Mississauga, and Thamarassery, including Yuvakhethra, Kripasadan, and Paalana Hospital. The Provincial Synaxis of 2009 deliberated on administrative restructuring, leading to the formation of the Marian Region. For better spiritual growth and effective administration, convents in Karnataka and Thalassery were reorganized into Marian Region on 14th May 2011.
In 2017, the Province extended its mission internationally by establishing a new house in the Diocese of Mississauga, Canada. In 2022, Marian Province underwent another significant reorganization with the formation of a new Vice Province named “Arokiamatha,” comprising regions in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In the same year, the Marian Region (Thalassery and Karnataka) was dissolved and merged back into the Marian Province. At present, the Province has grown to 299 sisters serving in 35 communities. A notable recent development is the establishment of Marian Arts and Science College, Koduvayur, in 2023, affiliated with the University of Calicut. In 2024, the Province further expanded its mission to the Diocese of Adilabad. With profound gratitude, we remember our Major Superiors, benefactors, and spiritual directors for their dedicated and selfless service. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary remains a defining characteristic of Marian sisters, guiding and inspiring their mission. With hearts full of joy and thanksgiving, we join our Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Foundress St. Mariam Thresia, and Venerable Fr. Joseph Vithayathil in proclaiming: “My soul praises the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”