When the Second Vatican Council ushered in a renewed missionary vision and apostolic fervour for the universal Church, the Syro-Malabar Church likewise experienced a fresh wave of renewal. Many young hearts, inspired by the gentle call of God, embraced the path of consecrated life, leading to the birth of numerous new missionary initiatives. Among these was the Missionary Congregation of the Daughters of St. Thomas the Apostle (DST), founded by women who desired to follow in the footsteps of St. Thomas the Apostle and dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the missionary mandate of the Church. The profession of faith made by St. Thomas—”Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (Jn 11:16)—has become the very spirit and guiding vision of the DST Congregation. Young women who generously responded to God’s call were lovingly guided by Fr. Jacob Thazhathil, who instilled in them the beauty of missionary dedication. Through his vision and with the blessings of Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil, the Missionary Congregation of the Daughters of St. Thomas the Apostle (DST) was officially established at Aruvithura on 3 July 1969.With its establishment, a new chapter was opened in the missionary outreach of the Syro-Malabar Church. Bishop Mar Sebastian Vayalil envisioned a congregation that would support the missionary apostolate of the Syro-Malabar eparchies established outside Kerala and across India. The first batch of twenty-six members laid the foundation of the congregation through lives marked by prayer and sacrifice. They imbibed their missionary spirit from the rich spiritual heritage of the SABS and the Sisters of Notre Dame.
What began as a small spiritual seed of hope in the history of the Church gradually grew into a flourishing tree of faith. Today, the DST Congregation is one of the Major Archiepiscopal Religious Congregations of the Syro-Malabar Church. Through prayer, self-sacrifice, and selfless service, the DST Sisters carry the light of God’s love into countless hearts. Their apostolate extends across education, healthcare, missionary ministry, the press apostolate, family visitation, training centres, hostels, homes for the aged, orphanages, and numerous other charitable ministries, bringing the compassion of Christ to both villages and cities. The congregation has long crossed the geographical boundaries of Kerala and now bears witness to God’s love in various parts of India as well as in Italy, Germany, and the United States of America. Today, 410 DST Sisters, serving in 78 convents, continue their ministry in different parts of the world. Their journey is a profound spiritual pilgrimage of hearts wholly dedicated to Christ—living in complete love and total self-surrender, ever ready to walk the path of sacrifice for His sake.
