Rev. Fr. Thomas Poothathil in his great desire, to rehabilitate the physically handicapped women, raised fund through local collection and helps from abroad. He purchased a plot of land by the side of St. George’s Forane Church, Kaipuzha and started St. Thomas Asylum which was blessed on 3rd May, 1925 by Bishop Mar Alexander Choolaparambil. The purpose of the institution was to provide shelter, love and care to the physically handicapped women who struggle in their lives without having anyone to take care of them. By 1928, there were 13 handicapped women in the Asylum from different places. Thommiachan himself met the expense of all the inmates who did not have much means of sustenance. When he admitted members into the Asylum he had a long vision for its sustainability. He wanted to make them self-sufficient. They should have something to do, as the proverb goes, “the lazy man’s heart will be the workshop of the devil”. So he thought that doing some work and earning their livelihood would boost the self-image and self-respect of the inmates. It occurred to his mind that handiworks, such as making baskets, weaving clothes etc. would be best suited for them. He made arrangements to train them in different works in accordance with each one’s talent and taste. He motivated all the inmates and they started to do the work and it had been the source of income to fulfill the basic needs of inmates. Clothes needed for the members were made by themselves.
The traditions of self-reliance through work, is still continuing by the members of Asylum. In tune with the times, new trades have been introduced such as printing technology school, offset printing, book binding, computer training centre, different kinds of stitching and tailoring etc. The inmates are trained in all these trades under the guidance and supervision of the sisters. At present Asylum is having 4.5 acres of land and with the help of workers they do the cultivation for their own needs. This institution is administrated and managed by sisters of St. Joseph’s congregation.
Thommiachan was a remarkable model of personal holiness and selfless service to everybody. He could win the hearts of all classes of people with his total self-gift and selfless service. Today the Asylum stands as a living monument of the ardent love, divine and human, that was ever burning in his heart.
Annachi Vadasseril, Magdalena Vadakkedathh, Augustina Edayadyil, Josamma Chakiriamthadathil, Aley Puthenpurayil, Mariamma, Johannamma are the first inmates of this Asylum. At present there are 71 inmates in our Asylum. Among them 8 of them are bedridden patients.
Sr. Margaret was the first Directress. Srs. Philomena, vimala, Lisieux, Virgin, Aloysius, Nirmala, Felix, Udaya, Vincy, Judsy, Johnsia, Sephy, and Starly have served this Institute as Directress. Now Sr. Francy is the Directress of this institution.
Members are
Sr. Francy
Sr. Ashly
Sr. Betty Jose
Sr. Sibeena
Sr. Sneha
Sr. Udaya
