Congregation of the Sisters of Martha (C.S.M.) founded by Fr. John Kizhakkoodan
The Congregation of the Sisters of Martha (C.S.M.) was founded on 15 August 1948 in the then undivided Thrissur Eparchy by Fr. John Kizhakkoodan, an eparchial priest. Inspired by the simple life of Jesus of Nazareth, the Congregation’s charism is to make the compassionate love of Christ tangible to the poor, the abandoned, and the laboring people through humble and selfless service, performing even the most ordinary tasks with extraordinary love. Following the example of St. Martha, who expressed her love for the Lord through service, the members dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to various apostolates such as the care of the aged and sick, family apostolate, pastoral ministry, social welfare, mission work, education, ecumenism, and vocational training.
Guided by the inspiring motto of the Divine Word, “I have compassion for these people,” the sisters follow in the footsteps of their founder, who revealed Christ’s tender mercy to all, irrespective of caste or creed. Today, 425 sisters continue this mission in the Archeparchies and Eparchies of Thrissur, Palakkad, Irinjalakuda, Thalassery, Ernakulam, Kothamangalam, and Idukki; in the mission Eparchies of Bhopal, Sagar, Miao, Balasore, and Ramanathapuram; and among people of various nations and faiths in Italy, Rome, the United States, and Germany.
Drawing inspiration from the humility and charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and from the hospitality and devoted service of St. Martha, their patroness, the sisters sustain their spiritual vitality and community identity through prayer, which gives them strength and light amid the challenges and struggles of life.
Taking into account the signs of the times and the needs of humanity, the members of the Congregation of the Sisters of Martha work with the goal of renewing all things in Christ. With open hearts, trusting faith, and farsighted vision, they keep the flame of hope burning as they continue to flourish within the Church, spreading the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
As a religious congregation in the Major ArchiepiscopalRight, the Congregation of the Sisters of Martha was divided in 2013 into two provinces – Lourdes Matha Province and Good Shepherd Province. Sr. Beatrice C.S.M. serves as the Superior General.
