Sr M Anugraha BS
Superior
2020-2023
Bethany Convent Thyckal-2021- 2022
Sr Vinaya BS
Superior
Members of the Community
Convent building
Educational Ministry
Pastroral Ministry
First Holy Communion - Thyckal
Ever since the formation of the Southern Province, it has been the aspiration of the Province to open a branch of Bethany in the Varapuzha, Alappuzha dioceses of central Kerala. In November 2006 the efforts to set up a Bethany community at Thyckal in Alpauzha Diocese was realized with the consent of Sr Jyoti, the then Superior General. The sisters bought 94 cents of land lying close to St Francis Convent for six lakh rupees.
About 90% of the people at Thyckal are fishermen. They are industrious and simple in their living. A good majority of women work in coir factories. The parish has about 360 families. Most children work in distant places. There are also rich families here. Bethany has decided to work in this parish giving stress to pastoral ministry, education, social welfare and to encourage vocations.
The decision of the sisters was to begin the convent after a one-year interval on 1st May 2008. The pioneering members were Sr Josia (superior) Sr Vinaya and Sr Anitha Stephen. By the end of April 2008, with the purpose of making preparations for the commencement of the work Sr Josia, Sr Vinaya, Sr Roshni and Sr Sophie Maria reached Thykkal.
Sisters dwelt in a rented house owned by Mr Sebastian Puthenveettil, for the time being. It was decided to have erection of the Convent by Sr Jyoti on 1 May 2008 at 3 pm during the holy Mass presided over by the Bishop. Unfortunately, in the absence of the contract in accordance with the Congregation, Bishop would not be present for the function on the day. On 6 May, Fr. John Kalathil celebrated Holy Mass in the room prepared for the same in the rented house and installed the Blessed Sacrament. The term of Sr Theresild as Provincial ended on 7 June 2008 and Sr Lillis became the Provincial. Sr Theresild for her future mission joined the Thykkal Community and the pioneering members were now four in number.
Right from the beginning sisters took active participation in the diocesan and Parish activities. Sr Anitha Stephen got appointed as the clerk in Kalavoor CBSE School for one year. Sr Vinaya was taken into the Alappuzha Educational Counselling team and was appointed as the Counsellor in St Francis School Arthunkal. Sr Theresild was elected as a member of the Alappuzha Educational Steering Committee. Superior Sr Josia was busy with the affairs of the parish and Sunday school. On 1st October 2008, Sr Lillis, the Provincial Superior, officially declared the opening of the Convent during the Mass celebrated by the Bishop Rt Rev. Stephen Athipozhi.
In 2009, Sr Theresild and Sr Anitha Stephen got transferred from here and they were replaced by Sr Ancita and Sr Diana. The activities like manufacturing of paper carry bags, umbrella assembling, coir spinning etc. started by the pioneers are carried on with added enthusiasm. In the meantime under the supervision of the land by Sr Josia was enclosed with a compound wall and building for the Convent was constructed. On 25 March 2010, the new Convent building was blessed by the Bishop. Asst. General Sr. Lillis was present during the occasion. Inmates of the Convent Sr. Vinaya, Sr. Josia, Sr. Ancita and Sr. Diana are happy and contented that they have been instrumental in the growth and development of the Parish and the people during the past 3 years.
In the year 2014 a request was made from the Diocese to lend the service of a Sister at Kalvoor – Little Flower School as the Principal. In 2015 Sr Leema Mathew was transferred to Thyckal and she started working as the Principal of the said school. Sr Vinaya BS is the dynamic leader of this community at present. She along with her band of sisters continue to serve the people of God at this place.
They cater to the need of the parishioners particularly in pastoral care, faith formation, liturgy, education and social service. With their concerted effort St Francis Parish grows to greater heights.
Year of establishment – 01.10.2008