The community of the Josephine Sisters, Villoonni, was founded by Rev. Fr. Cyriac Kottayarikil on 25 November 1953, with the permission and approval of His Grace Mar Mathew Kavukattu, the then Archbishop of Changanacherry. The foundation arose from the sincere desire of several devout women in the Villoonni parish who wished to dedicate their lives to prayer and service but were unable to join existing religious congregations due to educational and financial limitations.
Origin and Establishment
At the same time, Mr. Ouseph Chacko Thuruthumalil, a parishioner of Villoonni, generously offered his land as a memorial of the Golden Jubilee of his marriage. Recognizing this providential opportunity, Fr. Cyriac Kottayarikil initiated the construction of an institution to support women aspiring to consecrated life. With the Archbishop’s consent, the foundation stone was laid on 15 January 1952 by Archbishop Mar Mathew Kavukattu.
Upon completion, the institution was formally inaugurated on 25 November 1953 by His Eminence Cardinal Eugene Tisserant, Prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, during his visit to Kerala. The house later developed into the association known as the Josephine Sisters.
Growth and Eparchial Recognition
A significant milestone occurred in 1978, when Archbishop Mar Antony Padiyara approved the establishment of a novitiate for candidates aspiring to consecrated life. After completing their formation, twenty-nine members made their First Profession of Vows on 15 November 1978.
In 1988, a new cream-colored religious habit consisting of a habit, morris, belt, and veil was officially approved by the Church authorities. In the same year, the Josephine Sisters became an independent religious community, and Sr. Ancy Jose Mundackal was elected as the first Superior General.
Elevation as an Eparchial Congregation
A historic milestone in the journey of the Josephine Sisters was achieved on 16 January 2026, when the congregation was officially elevated to the status of an Eparchial Congregation by His Grace Mar Thomas Tharayil, Archbishop of Changanacherry. This recognition granted the congregation formal ecclesiastical status within the Syro-Malabar Church and marked a new chapter in its spiritual and apostolic mission. The elevation stands as a testimony to the growth, stability, and dedicated service of the congregation to the Church and society.
The Charism and Apostolic Ministries of the Josephine Sisters
The charism of the Josephine Sisters is to embody and share the compassion and mercy of Jesus Christ by serving the poor, the needy, the sick, the elderly, and the destitute. Inspired by this spirit, the sisters are actively engaged in various apostolic ministries, including service to the poor, care for the sick and the elderly, parish ministry, educational services in schools, and other charitable works.
At present, the congregation consists of 85 sisters serving in 25 communities in India and abroad, continuing their mission of compassionate service to society and witnessing Christ’s love through their dedicated ministry.
