“The reunification movement is a milestone in the history of the Kerala Church.'' Mar Ivanios, the saintly saint, set foot at the gate of the Catholic Church. Our Beloved Saint Mar Ivanios prayed, “May the light of comfort guide me from the darkness that afflicts me.”
light will continue and if that bell goes out, the sound of the peyusha waves will soothe the people. That charming flower will dissolve in the dust and the fragrance of maya will last forever."
The above verse of Muttathu Varki is so meaningful that even today it resonates in human hearts all over the world. Even if great men die, they live on in their deeds. Memorials to the service will perpetuate that memory. The monks and nuns of the monasteries and ashrams he founded would certainly call for his vitality, prowess and fame.
Not only in India, but in Europe, America and Australia, the "Lion of Nasrani" is only a small ray of it within Kalayavanika. With its headquarters in Bathery, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Tripura. It is spreading to the regions of the above-mentioned states. Sisters who are willing to sacrifice, do a lot of work, and work hard have reached here. The proclamation of God's kingdom and its establishment are constantly ongoing.
A REMINISCENCE ABOUT THE MOST REV: ARCH BISHOP MAR IVANIOSE
He had profound knowledge of Malayalam, Syriac and English languages. He was a scholar in every aspect.
Many of the political leaders of the country have talked to most Rev Arch Bishop about the complicated political issues and found solutions. It is doubtful whether he has known the taste of rest during his lifetime. The most Rev Arch Bishop was always seen as active. He was dragged into restlessness by the post-Kritya multiplicity. Each one of us are the beloved children of the saint who achieved complete success in this worldly life and the divine spirit, spirit and bravery that flourished in that holy spirit became visible in his descendants. A few young nuns who are willing to proclaim their faith to face any crisis, to bring many to light, to spread literal light, to spread the spirit of the Gospel, and to lay down their lives for the sake of the Messiah, returned to the soil of Malabar.
The church grew rapidly. Bathery Diocese was announced on 28 October 1978 and inaugurated on 2 February 1979. Reverend Cyril OIC, the Superior General of Bethany Ashram, was ordained as Rev Father Cyril Mar Baselios. Bathery Bhadrasanam was established as a Bathery center with the addition of a few parts in the states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Father Cyril, the visionary, did not have to think long enough to realize how much the Bethany Sisters were needed for the growth and spiritual development of this diocese.
His Holiness, who was a scholar, seer and pious man, was an expert architect in diocesan construction. He utilized all possibilities, big and small. And not itself, but the seemingly unimportant stones brought closer together, held together and strengthened, It was a time when people who left their country, home and family in search of a greener life, migrated to the soil of Malabar in search of food for their hungry stomachs, took all the hardships and difficulties on their shoulders! Syrian Christians came to Malabar from different parts of the country and especially from Central Trivandrum. A burning beacon of faith even in the inadequacy of material circumstances It was burning inside them. They kept their faith life intact even in the midst of difficulties. Priests and Sisters who dedicated their whole lives to God, the Church and the community worked tirelessly to build the kingdom of God. He was then a living being with unity, love and good understanding. Served like members of a family. The most Rev Arch Bishop tried to meet and encourage people despite his busy schedule. Sisters who come from far places do not return without seeing him . If he did not find it, His Holiness would enquire about them . They saw each other's lack and weakness and tried to solve it. Priests and Sisters worked together as members of a family.
While still part of the Diocese of Thiruvalla, the Bethany Sisters worked here to grow the congregation, focusing on various parts of Malabar and Tamil Nadu. The main centers of activities of the sisters were Kuppadi (Wayanad), Velamcode, Narangathode (Kozhikode), Uppatti (Nilagiri) and Pulikalodi (Malappuram). All these were the monasteries that were part of the Tiruvalla Province. Staying in these monasteries, the sisters worked round the clock for the growth of the Church. The Diocese of Bathery that we see today is the result of the sacrificial priests and Sisters working together for the spiritual and material upliftment of God's people. Despite the rain, snow, extreme cold and wild animals, the sisters had only God's help to overcome the unfavorable weather and enable them to live with the people of the forest of Wayanad, who were very backward socially and economically.
FORMATION OF THE BATHERY BETHANY VICE PROVINCE
Bathery Vice Province was formed as part of Thiruvalla Province for mission work in Bathery Diocese. The General Chapter, which met on 12th April 1980, sanctioned and approved the Bathery Vice-Province. The General Council set the first Vice Provincial Chapter to begin on June 27, 1980. On the morning of the 27th, the Archbishop of Bathery, Cyril Mar Baselios, had a meeting. Here 35 members, Venerable Mother General and Mother Vincent participated in it. Bathery Vice Province is bordered by a few parts of the states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Sisters of various monasteries as mentioned earlier and who were born and brought up in those areas and were members of Thiruvalla Province were given option to Bathery If any other Sisters wanted to move to a new Vice Province, they could also accept the transfer with the permission of their respective Mother Provincials. Thus, the number of those who came as members to the Vice Province
At the beginning of Bathery Province, the income received from the hostels run by the Velamcode, Kuppady, Pulikalody convents and the salaries of the sisters who taught in Uppatti and Velamcode schools was minimal. The milk powder, fish powder and wheat received through Shreyas, the Social Service Center of the Diocese, was a great relief to those who were in dire poverty and suffering. In their early days, the sisters lived in houses with mud walls, dung waxed floors and thatched roofs like the natives of Malabar
First Synaxis of Bathery Vice Province: -
The first Synax of Bathery Vice Province was started on 28th June 1980 which was presided by Mother General, Mother Vincent at Uppatti convent. 18 Synaxis representatives also attended. It is with this synaxis that the Bathery province begins. In the said conference, Sister Nirmala was elected as the Vice Provincial, Sister Stanislavus and Sister Prisca were elected as the first and second councillors respectively and Sister Agnes was elected as the Procurator. The office-bearers assumed office immediately after the election.
Inauguration of Vice Province: -
The formal inauguration of Vice Province took place on 25 July 1980. The most Rev Arch Bishop himself inaugurated the event at St. Joseph's High School Auditorium under the chairmanship of His Excellency Cyril Mar Baselios of Bathery Diocese. A large crowd of friends, well-wishers and returning locals had come to wish Bethany branch. Being a sub-branch, His Holiness himself blessed the branch for its smooth maintenance and service. Which led to the strong growth and development of this sub-branch.
If we examine the role of Bethany Sisters in the growth of Bathery Diocese, we cannot forget the fact that Bethany, the heart of Malankara, has the most potential to maintain and grow its appearance, culture and culture in Malankara. Bethany, without deviating from its ideal goals, took into account the geographical, historical and cultural characteristics of the Wayanad terrain and paved a new path through the hills and forests. All aspired that the Bathery branch of Bethany, which is progressing with the goal of eternal peace, spiritual revival, reunification, evangelization of India, and women's upliftment of the Malankara Church, should be fully involved. The special apostolate and apostolic work of the Diocese of Bathery was acceptable to the new vice-province.
Bathery Bethany Vice Province has jurisdiction over Bathery Diocese covering multiple states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Adivasis belonging to different groups such as Karimbalas, Paniyars, Moopers, Kurichis, Kurumars, Kushavars, Naikans, Chettiars, Kalanadi and Adiyars, who are illiterate and have no modern lifestyles or reforms, migrant families who have come from different parts of Kerala for various reasons, officials and owners of various institutions, are diverse in dress, language and customs. People live in these areas. Due to these peculiarities, the working styles of Bathery Vice Province differed from the working styles of other provinces.
Prior to the Provincial Chapter to be held in 1983, Sisters Scholastica, Pavithra, Regina and Micah from Thiruvalla Province and Sister Tabitha from Thiruvananthapuram who were serving in Bathery Diocese had accepted the membership of Bathery Province in writing. Sisters Helena and Felicia, who are members of the Thiruvananthapuram province, received permission from the community authorities to serve in the archdiocese for the next three years.
But a defect in the voters' list of Battery Vice Province prepared for the regular provincial chapter that was supposed to be held in 1983 prevented the chapter from taking place here. The General Council sought the help of the Eastern Church to remedy these defects. According to this Canonist Hon.Betram CMI Rev Fr, who was a professor of Bangalore Dharmaram College from the Eastern Church, was appointed for this. It was through his mediation and suggestions that things progressed. In late March 1985, Sister Helena and Sister Felicia, who were members of Thiruvananthapuram Province, accepted the membership of Bathery Province in writing. In May 1985 on May 29, 1985 at Moolankavu Formation House.
A second normal synaxis of the province took place. In the election, Sister Helena was elected as the Vice Provincial, Sister Scholastica and Sister Pavitra as the first and second councilors and Sister Stani Slawus was elected as the procurator. The administration of the vice-province thus proceeded.
To Province status: -
Bathery was a self-governing vice-province. For its smooth and diversified growth, it was necessary to get the status of a province. That was also the desire of the sisters. The subject was discussed at length in the 1986 General Synaxis of the Common Era. As a result of deep study and discussion it was decided to elevate Battery Vice Province to the status of an independent province. On April 15, 1986, General Synaxis declared this vice-province a province. Thus, Bathery Vice-Province came into existence as an independent province.
First Provincial Synaxis: -
On 12 May 1986, the first Provincial Synaxis of Bathery Province convened at the Moolankavu Formation House. As the then Superior General Mother Vincent was not there. The election was held at the Synaxis Conference presided over by Superior General Sister Philomena (TVM). Mother Helena, who was the then Vice Provincial, was elected as the Provincial Superior. Sister Scholastica, Sister Nirmala, Sister Josetta and Sister Rosetta were appointed as Councillors one to four respectively, Sister Teresa as Procurator and the third Councilor Sister Joseta as Secretary. In May 1986 Bathery assumed the leadership of the first Provincial Governing Body of the Province.
Provincial House: -
In 1979, the 17th cent land adjacent to Kuppadi convent was bought along with a very small house. In 1980-8 when the Bathery Vice Province was formed, Mother Nirmala, who was elected as the Vice Provincial Superior, along with two councilors and the procurator stayed in this small house. In 1997, the new provincial building was built in Battery and this small house was used as the provincial building. It was not possible to build a provincial house or buy the necessary land. Because this vice-province was experiencing severe financial stress. But for any need of the sisters (Vice Province) Cyril Mar Baselios, Bishop of Bathery was a great support and comfort.
In 1982 His Excellency Cyril Mar Baselious took the initiative to arrange six sisters Sr. Servia, Sr. Severia, Sr Pavitra, Sr. Lucina, Sr. Tracy, Sr. Leo to serve in an old people's home in Staatlon, Germany. This helped to some extent in relieving the province from financial stress. The necessary formation building, other buildings and places had to be taken care of. Remembering with thanks Fr Castaner and Mr. Freeler who helped us for this.
The old building, which was used as a provincial house until 1997, was converted into a bakery to create employment opportunities for some. The bakery ran
beautifully for a year. It was led by Sister Felicia. Later the bakery had to be shut down due to some technical reasons. Later the building was renovated and beautified and became a shelter home since 2001 under the name 'Tripadam'. It became a refuge for women and children seeking refuge. Sister Felicia was also in charge of the shelter.
Tailoring Center Kupadi: -
At Kuppadi convent, a tailoring center was started as part of the province. This tailoring center was started to educate and provide employment to the children and unemployed women around. Sister Felicia's vision and attitude of social service made this possible. Along with this, the clothing which is used in the church is being tailored here.
Provincial House:-
Origin of the New Provincial House: -
On knowing that Rev Fr Samuel Nilakkal was selling the building built by him and the two acres of land on which it stands, the sisters visited the Reverend Rev Fr and talked about it. This turned out to be a great intercession for Bethany.
As Bathery Province did not have much money, it was very difficult to find the sum of 85 lakhs. In the absence of money, let alone a place that has been provided with facilities, such a place will not be available in the future. If the land is far away from the church headquarters in the future, it will cause a lot of inconvenience. With this in mind, while thinking, praying, and searching, the good Lord opened up a way. German Caritas helped a good number as loans. The remaining amount was gradually collected. With permission from Mother General Bathery Bethany Province purchased the building and land from Rev Fr Samuel Nilakkal. On 02/02/1998, His Holiness Arch Bishop Divannasios consecrated this house.
Mother Provincial Mother Nirmala, Councillors, Sr. Rosetta, Sr. Joyce, Sr. Tracy, Sr. Kusumam and Sr. Servia moved to the new Provincial building. These were the first members of the new Provincial House.
The Fifth Ordinary Provincial Synaxis of the Province was held on April 29, 1998 at the new Provincial Building. In this election, Mother Nirmala herself was re-elected as Provincial Superior. Sr. Felicia, Sr. Tabitha, Sr. Geetha and Sr. Servia as counsellors and Sr. Tresa was also elected as procurator.
Since February 2, 1998, the Mother Provincials, secretaries and procurators of the respective periods have been living as permanent members of the Provincial Building. The authorities of each era have worked round the clock for the proper development of Bathery province. The visions and ideas of each of them should be written down in the history books. The difficulties, problems and poverty experienced by Sisters in the early days of Bathery Province were only aimed at the good of the Church and society.
Subsequent changes in the growth of the province
1994- On June 2, Sr. Infant Mary became a member of this province, coming from Thiruvalla. Sr..Regina, Sr..Servia, Sr.Joseena and Sr.Shainameri joined the newly formed Muvattupuzha Province in 2004 after their selfless service in Bathery Province. In 2006, Sr. Helena and Sr. Felicia returned to Thiruvananthapuram Province, rendering their tireless service in Bathery Province.
Care and Service.
The Nurse Sisters of the Bathery Province serve mainly in Germany. It is a remarkable mission scene of Bathery Province. Dr. Sr. Scholastic, Sr.Regina, Sr.Pavitra etc. have all rendered steadfast service in the early days. Sr. Pavitra, Sr. Pelagia had performed selfless service while staying at Lakadi convent. Effective palliative work was carried out under the leadership of Dr. Sr.Scholastica through Santhvanam Clinic, Kalpetta and Munderi Batsaida Clinic; The next generation continues to do so. This service has the importance it deserves in Wayanad. Dr. Sr. Scholastica, who has been working in the field of Santhvanam palliative care since 2000, has received two awards for distinguished public service.
Dr. Sr. Scholastica and C. Regina have served in various hospitals. The services rendered by them through the Community Health Center are worth mentioning. Our nurses and sisters are serving in hospitals and old age homes at home and abroad.
Various mission scenarios
In the name of Navajeevan, 6 of our sisters visited all the houses in the different parishes of the Diocese and proclaimed the message of the Millenium. This initiative in connection with the Great Jubilee gave a new spirit to all the parishes. Bathery Province is taking over the management of Diocesan Nirmala Women's Hostel, built in connection with Pulpally Pazassiraja College. From 2007 to June 2017, the Sisters served at the Sneha Bhavan under the Diocese until the disbandment of the Sneha Bhavan.Since 2003, our Sisters have been serving in Thapovanam Rehabilitation Center, an institution of the Diocese.The Sisters have been ministering at St. Joseph's School, which was under the Bethany Sisters before the Bathery Province was established in 1979, and at Rupatavaka Pulpally LP School since 1984.In 1999-2000on the occasion of Bethany’s Platinum Jubilee and Mahajubilee the construction of 16 houses and the marriage of 30 girls were partially assisted in as directed by General Synaxis.
Field of Service: -
The first floor of the Provincial House and the adjoining 'Guru Sruthi' and Library were constructed in 2010.Sr. Tabitha, Sr Pushpa, Sr. Bhagya and Sr. Maria Therese were appointed to serve in the Baroda Mission for a short time. They came back after a year of ministry. Sisters Sada Nanta and Kripa were sent to serve in Milan. In 2018, the sisters ended their ministry there and returned to the Provincialate. In the East African country of Ethiopia, Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa) accepted the invitation of the Sisters, the then Superior General of the Bethany nun community, Reverend Mother Benjamin, along with Councillor Sr Nirmala, visited Ethiopia in September 2005, and the authorities realized that Bethany's presence was needed there and sent 5 Sisters from different provinces of Bethany (Sr. Suzanne as Superior Thiruvananthapuram Province, Sr. Surabhila- Bathery, Sr. Piyusha-Thiruvananthapuram, Sr Nistula-Pathanamthitta and Sr Grace-Tiruvalla) were selected and sent to Ethiopia on 15th May 2006 along with Sr. Scholastica (Bathery).Sr.Susan (Thiruvananthapuram) and Sr .Grace (Thiruvalla) returned home after 3 months of coming to Ethiopia. Sr. Surabhila was given the position of Mother General and Mother Benjamin as Superior.After 10 months of stay with the Sisters of Mother Teresa accepted the invitation of Bishop Musie Gebeeghearghase in Emdibir Diocese, Sr. Surabhila, Sr. Piyusha and Sr. Nistula arrived at Sr. Sisancho Village on 17 March 2007. On the feast day of Father Joseph Labor Arbiter March 19, Sisancho Mission was inaugurate. In this way, the Sisters from the Provinces came and performed service under the General House. After 13 years of selfless service a new mission was formed on 08/09/2020 at Mecha in Diocese of Nekkamte in Ethiopia under Bathery Province and a clinic and school were functioning very well there under the leadership of Sisters Surabhila, Sister Tessa and Sister Uthitha. Mission Burat in Diocese of Emdeber was started after Mecha Mission was stopped due to some technical reasons.
Sister Surabhila, Sister Tessa and Sister Uthitha are doing various services there. Our health center at Burat is expanded with good facilities and Sisters attend to patients both day and night. About 24 staffs are working in our institution. Once a year eye camp and dental camp are provided free of charge with the help of doctors from other countries. Working in a special school under the leadership of Sister Tessa. In addition to this, the sisters’ parish activities include home visits, prayer groups, mother societies, classes for youth and children together, and special care for the elderly. On January 30, 2010, Sr. Tessa was sent to the new ministry in South Africa under General. Now Sr. Merin also comes to minister.
On 01-02-2018 His Excellency, Arch Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas, Bathery Diocese added a building to the existing building of the Provincial House in 2018, including rooms for the Provincial and Procurator, offices, hall, kitchen and sleeping rooms for about 20 people. His Holiness Joseph Mar Thomas was consecrated the same. As there was a shortage of drinking water, he bought a 10-cent field at the back of the Provincial House, dug a pond, and laid a pipe system to bring the water to the monastery. A grotto of the mother was erected in the garden of the Provincial House in 2023 to commemorate Bethany's centenary.
In memory of the Most Rev Father: -
Mother Parimala was lucky enough to witness the service when the tomb was opened as part of the canonization of the Servant of God, Mar Ivanios, and in the afternoon, a few sisters from Bathery had the opportunity to pay a prayerful obeisance to the physical relics placed on public view, and to be part of the services.
Provincial administration in Bathery Province till date
Committee Members:
1980-1983
Provincial Synaxis - Vice Province
Mother Nirmala SIC - Vice Provincial
Sister Stanislavs SIC - Counsellor
Sister Prisca SIC - Counsellor Secretary
Sister Agnes SIC - The Procurator
1983 – 1985 - Synaxis did not occur.
1985 - 1986
Mother Helena SIC - Vice Provincial
Sister Scholastica SIC - Counsellor
Sister Pavitra SIC - Counsellor Secretary
Sister Stanislavs SIC - The Procurator
1986 - 1989-First Provincial Synaxis
(Elevated to Province Status)
Mother Helena SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Scholastica SIC - Counsellor
Sister Nirmala SIC - Counsellor
Sister Rosetta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Josetta SIC - Counsellor Secretary
Sister Teresa SIC - The Procurator
1989 – 1992
Mother Helena SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Scholastica SIC - Counsellor
Sister Nirmala SIC - Counsellor
Sister Rosetta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Josetta SIC - Counsellor Secretary
Sister Teresa SIC - The Procurator
1989 - 1992
Mother Scholastica SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Nirmala SIC - Counsellor
Sister Josetta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Prasantha SIC - Counsellor
Sister Geeta SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Teresa SIC - The Procurator
1992 - 1995
Mother Scholastica SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Prisca SIC - Counsellor
Sister Joyce SIC - Counsellor
Sister Geeta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Tara SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Teresa SIC - The Procurator
1995 - 1998
Mother Nirmala SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Rosetta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Joyce SIC - Counsellor
Sister Tracy SIC - Counsellor
Sister Kusumam SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Servia SIC - Procurator
1998 - 2001
Mother Nirmala SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Felicia SIC - Counsellor
Sister Tabitha SIC - Counsellor
Sister Servia SIC - Counsellor
Sister Geeta SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Teresa SIC - The Procurator
2001 - 2004
Mother Tabitha SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Scholastica SIC - Counsellor
Sister Merlit SIC - Counsellor
Sister Thejus SIC - Counsellor
Sister Prisca SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Geeta SIC - The Procurator
2004 - 2007
Mother Rosetta SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Tabitha SIC - Counsellor
Sister Scholastica SIC - Counsellor
Sister Thejus SIC - Counsellor
Sister Parimala SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Ajaya SIC - The Procurator
2007 - 2010
Mother Thejus SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Tabitha SIC - Counsellor
Sister Joice SIC - Counsellor
Sister Lucina SIC - Counsellor
Sister Utama SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Ajaya SIC - The Procurator
2010 - 2013
Mother Parimala SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Nirmala SIC - Counsellor
Sister Geeta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Thejus SIC - Counsellor
Sister Kripa SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Thanuja SIC - The Procurator
2013 - 2016
Mother Parimala SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Tabitha SIC - Counsellor
Sister Geeta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Merlit SIC - Counsellor
Sister Kripa SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Thanuja SIC - The Procurator
2016- 2019
Mother Geetha SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Thanuja SIC - Counsellor
Sister Kusumam SIC - Counsellor
Sister Thracy SIC - Counsellor
Sister Mary Prabha SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Kripa SIC - The Procurator
2019- 2022
Mother Parimala SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Thanuja SIC - Counsellor
Sister Rosetta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Mary Prabha SIC - Counsellor
Sister Kiran SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Kripa SIC - The Procurator
2022 -2025
Mother Thejus SIC - Mother Provincial
Sister Geeta SIC - Counsellor
Sister Mary Kanchana SIC- Counsellor
Sister Kiran SIC - Counsellor & Secretary
Sister Leena SIC - Counsellor
Sister Litty SIC - The Procurator
