The
expansion of the diocese of Thalassery to the mission stations in Karnataka
opened a new gateway for our congregation, especially for the Malabar province.
Accepting the request of bishop Sebastian Valloppilly, we started our first
mission house in Karnataka at Iduvally in Shimoga district on 26th
Oct.1979. In those days, the Syromalabar families in remote villages of
Karnataka were not much in touch with the mother church. Sr.Digna Maria S H,
Sr.Rose Pulikkeel S H and Sr.Rose John S H were the first three members of
Iduvally convent. Sisters started their missionary works along with M C B S
fathers who already started their mission in that area.
In 1980, the second convent in
Karnataka was formed at Udane. With
great gratitude and love we do remember Very Rev. Fr.Peter Koottiany, the first
Episcopal vicar of D.K. Mission for his
encouragement and support for the establishment of this house. Rev.Sr.Mary
Augustine S H was first superior of the convent. Later on, more convents sprang
into existence in various places like Mandya, Shimoga , Dakshina Kannada
,Kodagu , Uduppi and Chickmangalur. It was in 1988, Nirmala Province
Mananthavady was formed and Shimoga, Chickmangalur and Mandya mission centres
came under this province. Dakshina
Kannada ,Kodagu and Uduppi mission areas remained under the mother province,
St.Joseph's Province Thalassery. The involvement of our sisters really
influenced the growth of vocations from these areas.
On 4th Aug.1999,the
mission diocese of Belthangady was formed and Mar.Lawrence Mukkuzhy became tha
first Bishop of the newly erected
diocese. On 4th Aug. 2004 Mary Matha region , Belthangady was formed
and Sr.Mary Boniface S H was appointed as the first Regional Superior of the
region. 10 convents in Karnataka which belonged to Thalassery Province became
under this region. Now the region is blessed with 40 permanent members and 21
temporary members.
The main apostolate of the region
are taking care of the sick, aged and orphaned , pastoral work , education ,
running hostels , evangelization , home mission and house visiting. At present
Mary Matha Region has :
Total
number of sisters: 61 Formed
Houses: 09
Perpetually
professed:53 Residences:01
Temporarily professed :08 Service centres :00
Total
membership:40 Mission stations:10
REGIONAL
SUPERIORS WHO LED THE REGION
Rev.Sr.Mary
Boniface S H 2004-2005
Rev.Sr.Rose
Pulikkeel S H 2005-2012
