Santa Teresa Convent, Mekkad, Nedumbassery
On 14th May 1938, the Congregation of Franciscan Handmaids of the Good Shepherd began to sprout by the Foundress Mother Teresa Napoli in Calabria, Italy. The vision of the Mother, to spread the message and life of Gospel throughout the world, also inspired the presence of Indian Mission with the charism of the Good Shepherd. In the year 1982, Sr. Rosily Kolencherry and Sr. Crucifisa arrived in India with the blessings of the Foundress of the Congregation. A land was purchased with the assistance of Fr. George Kottakal, at Nedumbassery adjunct to the the National highway, in the parish of Akaparambu, Ernakulam-Angamaly Arch-diocese. Justice Joseph Vithayathil provided the necessary directions for the registration of the land. Thus on 15th June 1983, the first House of the FHGS in India – Santa Teresa Convent was blessed by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Sebastian Mankuzhikary at Nedumbassery, in the state of Kerala. The late Cardinal Mar Joseph Parekattil also extended the valuable guidance and support for this initiative. Thus, the Santa Theresa community in Kerala became a symbol of God’s providence for us.
Then, in 1984, Rev Srs. Immaculata and Maria Theresa took charge of the convent and Sr. Rosily returned to Rome. From the very beginning days of the convent, two candidates were given formation here. Unfortunately, by the reformed laws of Indian Union, the foreign missionaries were not allowed to stay in India and had to go back to Italy. Consequently the the convent was temporarily closed for a while and the candidates were sent back to home. But after three months, with the special interest of the Foundress, Srs. Rosily Kolanchery and Crucifisa were sent back to the community and Sr. Rosily took in-charge of the candidates. In 1984, under the special direction of His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Parecattil, the Congregation appointed Sr. Stephanie, member of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, as the Novice Mistress. Soon the first batch of novices committed their First Profession and were sentto the Mother House in Rome, Italy. Then the Indian candidates Sr.Veronica, Sr. Anna and Sr. Jessy, who had completed their formation in Italy, came back to India and joined as members of Santa Teresa convent.
There were many eminent and unforgettable persons who helped us in the beginning wholeheartedly for the growth of our congregation in India -His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Parekattil, Bishop Sebastian Mankuzhikary, Rev. Fr. Augustine Kolanchery Pallottain, Rev. Fr. Justinian OFM Capuchin, Rev.Fr. George Karakunnel, Rev.Fr. Njarakkal V.C.,Dr. Joseph K. Joseph (MD,L.F Hospital) etc.
Rev. Sr. Crucifisa rendered around nine years of her fruitful service in India.In 1986, late Rev. Fr. George Kammettil V.C. was appointed as Director of
the Congregation with the permission of His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Parekattil. Late Rev. Fr. Alex Ikara V.C. and the Rev. Fr. Augustine VallooranV.C. were appointed as our first chaplains respectively and Rev. Fr.Antony Paraveli and Rev. Fr. Justinian as our first Spiritual Fathers. Late Sr. Veronica Vettiyadan was appointed as Novice Mistress of the third batch and the Superior of the community. Gradually in the rich land of India, the branches of the Congregation were spread to many parts of the country. The Santa Teresa Convent is known as the first community of Indian Mission. The invisible hand and unconditional love of God was with us in times of all hardships and pains.
In the coming years, the community was led by our Late Rev. Sr. Crucifisa, Rev. Sr. Rosily Kolanchery, Late Rev. Sr. Veronica Vettiyadan, Rev. Sr. Jessy Payyappilly, Rev. Sr. Joisy Chittinappilly, Rev. Sr. Darly Puthussery, Rev. Sr. Grazia Parappilly and the councillors who collaborated with them. Santa Teresa Convent, formerly known as a Formation house is now the Provincial House of the Indian Province. Following the footsteps of the earnest desire of our Foundress and His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Parekattil, we opened a Working Women’sHostel, known as the Mother Teresa Napoli Center attached to the provincial house. Recently, we opened Napoli Care Home and Good Shepherd Counselling center in the same compound.
