History of Blessed Alphonsa Centre

In commemoration of Blessed Alphonsa’s 50th death anniversary, a trust was formed with 11 members ( Rev Fr Philip Chavara then the Vicar of St Mary’s Church Kudamaloor, Rev Fr Tom Kunnupuram S B College Trust member, Rev Fr Kurian Muttathupadam (Chancellor of Jalandar Diocese), Thommen Devassia Manayatha (Land donor), Colonel P T Kuruvila Puthen Kaduppil, ), James Issac Lachanthara, Georgekutty Joseph Valiaveetil, Martin Joseph Mathirappallil, M C Mathews Muttathupadam, John D Chavara, T M Cherian Thengumpally) led by Rev. Fr. Philip Chavara in the year 1997. The mission of the trust was to establish an old age home for the destitute. One of the trust members Thommen and Mariyamma Manayathara graciously donated 70 cents of land for the construction of building.

After completing the Kitchen and sister’s quarters building, the trust members prayed for guidance for a year. However, they faced challenges in moving forward and sought assistance from the Archdiocese of Changanacherry.

Great Jubilee Memorial Blessed Alphonsa Centre

In honour of the Great Jubilee Year 2000, the diocese wanted to create a memorial. Fortunately, the generous land donor couple, Manayathara Thommen and Mariyamma Sebastian, donated an additional two acres of land adjacent to the already constructed building.

To raise funds for the old age home, the Changanacherry “Archdiocesan Educational and Charitable Trust” initiated a unique campaign. They distributed tin containers to all families in the diocese of Changanacherry, encouraging them to save money for the noble cause. This effort yielded a remarkable result, with a total collection of ₹85 lakhs. With these funds, the main building was constructed, and the work was completed in 2002. The facility was formally blessed and inaugurated on 26 th January 2002

To ensure the effective administration and service of the old age home, the SMMI(Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate) Sisters were invited to collaborate. In January 2001, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Changanacherry Archdiocese and the SMMI Sisters of the Tamilnadu Province.

The house was managed by the first Director Rev.Fr. Philip Chavara and a managing committee consists of 7 members ( Mar Joseph Powathil, then the Arch bishop of  Changanacherry, very Rev Fr Mathew Vellanickal, very Rev Fr Jose P Kottaram, very Rev Fr Gregory Paruvaparambil, Rev Fr Thomas Thumbayil, Rev Fr Gregory Onamkulam, Rev Fr Thomas Kochelechamkalam,) Following the demise of the first Director Rev Fr Philip Chavara, the responsibility of the home was entrusted to the Parish Priest of Kudamalur St Mary’s Forane Church. Such as Rev Fathers Thomas Thumpayil, George Koodathil, Abraham Vettuvayalil, Mani Puthiyidam. Later, on June 7th, 2022, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kochelechamkalam took charge of the home as director. Mean time several priests served as spiritual directors. They were Rev Fathers  Mathew Thekedam, Mathew Pathiparambil, and Thomas Puthenpurackal (Aji).

SMMI Sisters Who Rendered Service were: Sr. Jovita, Sr. Agnes, Sr. Rosy Cherian, Sr. Patrick, Sr. Noel, Sr. Sagaya Lawrence, Sr. Rosario, Sr. Emma, Sr. Pauline, Sr. Elsy Jose, Sr. John Maria, Sr. Prasanna, Sr. Tinu Antony, Sr. Vianney, Sr. Theresa, Sr. Therese Pauline, Sr. Theresa, Sr. Britto.

Organogram

Governance Structure

Archdiocesan Educational and Charitable Trust

1. Managing Trustee -Archbishop of Changanacherry

His Grace Mar Thomas Tharayil

2. Trustees Two Vicar Generals
3. Very Rev. Fr. Antony Ethackad,

2.Very Rev. Fr.Mathew Changankary

3. Finance officer / Procurator

Very Rev. Fr. Antony Maliakel

Great Jubilee Memorial Bl. Alphonsa Abhaya Bhavan 

Director         –      Rev. Fr. Thomas Kochelechamkalam

Manager        –      Rev. Sr. Rosy Cherian

F & B Manager     –     Rev Sr Therese Pauline

Staff – Mrs Rosamma Suresh, Mr Prodip Hasda, Mrs Maicka Murmu, Miss Sangeeta Murmu, Mr Joseph

Volunteers