The history of Santhom Province begins where the adventurous step of our mother province Pala opens its door towards the fear filled hills and valleys of Malabar. Mar Sebastian Valloppilly, the first Apostolic Administrator of the Malabar mission approached Rev.Sr. Kochuthresia Paimpally the Superior General of Pala, and requested the service of Sacred Heart Sisters. Trusting in the Providence of Sacred Heart, Rev. Mother Kochuthresia cordially accepted the invitation of Malabar mission as a Divine call. Without demanding any conditions, trusting in the Divine mercy, Rev. Mother sent six of our professed sisters to the unknown wilderness to join the apostolic mission of Mar Sebastian Valloppilly. Mar Sebastian Valloppilly blessed the first convent at Mariapuram and dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thus the Sacred Heart Congregation reached the land of Malabar with the spirit of Apostle St. Thomas. The one Malabar was later developed as diocese of Thalassery, Mananthavady and Thamarassery.
When the new Diocese of Thamarassery was formed on 28th April 1986 under the patronage of St. Alphonsa, by God's grace the Mariapuram parish with the first Convent of Sacred Heart Congregation in Malabar mission became the part of Thamarassery. The powerful paternal guidance of Bishop Mar. Sebastian Mankuzhikary the first Bishop of Thamarassery inspired us to think of formulating a Region for the effective spiritual animation and pastoral care.
The Santhom Region of Thamarassery was inaugurated on 27th May 1988. The first Regional Superior was Rev.Sr.Tresa Martin S.H. By the abundant blessings of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Santhom Region grew into a Vice Province on 18th Dec 1991. In response to the call of the Church we widened our mission and stepped in to the Diocese of Chanda and opened the first mission station at Tarsa on 7th July 1993.
On 28th October 1995, Superior General declared Thamarassery Vice Province as the 7th Province of S.H Congregation. S.H Convent Koorachundu was the Provincial House of Santhom Province until a better convenient house is found. Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy, the second Bishop of Thamarassery blessed the new Convent at Asokapuram in Kozhikode city on 10th January 1997 and shifted the provincial House to Asokapuram. Since we faced many inconveniences in Asokapuram as a Provincial House, by the Divine Providence the provincial house was shifted from Asokapuram to Marikunnu on 8th February 2003.
Now we have 24 houses in the Diocese of Thamarassery. Two houses in Ernakulam diocese, one house in Bangaloru, five mission stations in the Diocese of Chanda and three houses in Germany. We thank the Lord for the abundant gifts we received from His hands during this short span of time. At present the Province has:
Total No. of Sisters : 231
Perpetual Professed : 210
Temporary Professed : 21
Apostolates :-
Orphanage Old-age home, De-addiction Centre, Teaching in schools, Teaching M.R. School, Day care centre, Boarding, Charitative & Social Welfare activities, mission services in M.S.(Chanda), Bangalore and also in Germany.
Major Superiors who led the Province
Rev. Sr. Tresa Martin S.H. 1988-1997
Rev. Sr.Johnes S.H. 1997-2000
Rev. Sr. Mary Thekkel S.H. 2000-2006
Rev. Sr. Johnes S.H. 2006-2009
Rev. Sr. Elsy Augustine S.H. 2009-2012
Present Provincial Team 2012-2015
Rev. Sr. Elsy Augustine S.H. Provincial Superior
Sr. Gracy Cyriac S.H. Vicar Provincial, Evangelization
Sr. Seena Anto S.H. Education
Sr. Amala James S.H. Charitative Activities
Sr. Anila Mathew S.H. Social Welfare Activities
Sr. Tersitta S.H. Provincial Auditor
Sr. Ann Mary S.H. Provincial Procurator
