SAN PIO SPIRITUAL CENTRE

In the Jubilee Year of the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 2025, and on the 800th Anniversary of the Canticle of Brother Sun, the Capuchin Order has received a Heavenly Blessing in the form of San Pio Centre, the declared Perpetual Adoration Centre of the Order.
In 2018, we received an invitation from Mr. VJ Thomas Vengalil from Mylacombu, the most ancient Catholic centre within the territory of our Province, also known as the Mother Church of the East due to its historical importance tracing back its Origin to the evangelical works of St. Thomas the Apostle. They were willing to donate their land as a property to be used for the future ministry of the Order. Br. Somi Abraham was entrusted to clear all legal formalities and register the land in the name of St. Joseph Province.
On 23rd September 2019, on the Feast Day of St. Padre Pio, the land was accepted by Fr. Joseph Puthenpurackal OFM Cap as it was registered for the Province. On 15.12.2019, the land was blessed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Puthenpurackal, OFM Cap (Minister Provincial-2019), on the Feast Day of Mary, Mother and Queen of the Seraphic Order.
Due to the after-effects of the great flood in 2018 and the Covid-19 pandemic, the accomplishment of the project was delayed. Finally, in 2022, the project for San Pio Centre as a Perpetual Adoration Centre was approved, and the foundation stone was laid by Rev. Fr. George Antony Assarisseril, OFM Cap (Minister Provincial 2019-2026), on Portiuncula Indulgence Day.
On 03.01.2023, the doorstep was blessed by Rev. Fr. Mathew Malieckal (Vicar, St. Thomas Forane Church, Mylacombu) on the Feast Day of the Holy Name (JESUS).
On 15.02.2025, the Consecration and opening of SAN PIO CENTRE were done by Mar George Madathikandathil (Bishop, Eparchy of Kothamangalam) during the Jubilee Year 2025 and the 800th Franciscan Centenary. Project design and fundraising were done by Fr. Somi Abraham OFM Cap during the years 2018-2026.
Perpetual Adoration began on March 19th 2025 on the Feast Day of St. Joseph by Fr. George Antony Assarisseril. On 16th May 2026, the Franciscan Heritage Centre  was blessed by Fr. George Antony.
Within a short time, San Pio Spiritual Centre has become a centre of attraction for all kinds of people, irrespective of caste and creed. ” Within a short span of time  _San Pio Spiritual Centre: has become a place where  Heaven awaits hearts”_

Sanjoe Capuchin Ashram, Parasala 

Sanjoe Capuchin Ashram, Parasala, fulfilled a long-cherished dream of the Capuchins to establish an Ashram in the Diocese of Parasala within the Syro-Malankara diocese. This initiative followed the relinquishment of the friary, parish, and school in Balaramapuram. Responding to the invitation from His Excellency Thomas Mar Eusebius, the Bishop of Parasala, we chose to build an Ashram in Aruvikkuzhy.

On September 28, 2022, Brother George Antony Assaricheril, the Provincial Minister, laid the foundation stone for the new Capuchin Ashram, named Sanjoe Capuchin Ashram. The ceremony took place in the presence of Msgr. Jose Konnathuvilla, Vicar General of Parasala, the District Vicar, religious figures, priests, and laity.

The construction project was supervised by Brother Joseph Keeprath, with Brother George Kochuparambil joining him towards its completion. On September 4, 2023, the newly constructed ashram was blessed by His Excellency Thomas Mar Eusebius. The unveiling of the stone plaque was gracefully conducted by Joshua Mar Ignatious, the Bishop of Mavelikara Diocese.

Brother John Aikkara was appointed as the first Guardian, with Brother Thomas Padipura and Brother Jorlin Kumbilimoottil serving as members of the Ashram.

Laverna Ashram, Vagamon (2022- Palai Diocese):

It was only by chance that the idea of a house at Vagamon got evolved towards the end of the last triennium, when a plot of five acres of land was offered to us for a token amount by Dr. Mrs. Mercy Murickan, sister of one of our friars, Br Sebastian Thottumkal.
On 04-01-2017, this plot was registered in the name of St Joseph Province and Fr Sebastian Thottumkal was appointed to take possession of the property. He started the construction work in 2019, staying in the outhouse of the Prayer House of Clarist sisters at Vazhikkadavu, Vagamon. The foundation stone was laid by Fr Joseph Puthenpurackal, the then provincial superior on 20 November 2019

As soon as the house was habitable the community began to reside there on the 16th of April 2021, though the formal blessing had to be postponed since the construction of the road to our premises was delayed due to prolonged adverse weather. The Laverna Capuchin Ashram, Vagamon was eventually blessed by Mar. Joseph Kallerangat, Bishop of Palai, on the 17th of May 2022, in the presence of Br George Antony, Provincial Superior.
This house envisages providing accommodation and facilities for individuals or small groups who wish to spent some days in prayer and meditation.

San Damiano Ashram, Chenkal, Vazhoor (2021 – Diocese of Kanjirapally):

The land was donated by Mr Thomas Mulakeel and his wife Gracykutty Thomas, who were the friends of Br. Joseph Puthenpurackal, the then Minister Provincial.  The land was registered on October 17, 2016. Three years later the work for an Ashram started with the intention to live a life among the people. The foundation stone was laid on December 1, 2019 by Br. Joseph Puthenpurackal, the Minister Provincial. The construction of the house was supervised by Br. Jijo Kurian Moolayil. Later, on February 7, 2021, His Excellency Mar. Jose Pulickal, the Bishop of Kanjirapally Diocese, blessed the house and Br. George Antony Assaricheril, the Minister Provincial, inaugurated the house. Br. Francis Ponnumpurayidom and Br. Jose Velachery were appointed as the pioneer members of the community.

  Address:

San Damiano Ashram, Vazhoor East P.O., Chengal, Ponkunnam-686504

St. Antony’s Mercy Home, Purapuzha : (2018 – Kothamangalam Diocese)

13 May 2017 is to be remembered as a day of great blessing in the History of St. Joseph Province. It is then that the long cherished dream of the province came into its fulfilment, in the form of St. Antony’s Mercy Home: A Psycho-Spiritual Rehabilitation centre of the Province at Purapuzha near Karikunna, Thodupuzha. The land was donated by Mr Ulahannan Nakasseril for the remembrance of his late wife Ithamma Teacher. The foundation stone was blessed by Br. Joseph Puthenpurackal, Minister Provincial, on 03 June 2016 on the feast day of the Sacred Heart. On 13 May 2017 the centre was blessed under the Patronage of St. Antony of Padua by Bishop Mar George Madthikandathil and on 26 April 2018 the centre was inaugurated by Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt. On the same day Br. Joseph Puthenpurackal, Minister Provincial, received the first inmate.

Amala Ashram, Thopramkudy

Mr. John Puthiyakunnel, popularly known as “Thadiyachan” who is a close relative of our Br. Francis Dominic had constructed a spacious building in view of opening a senior citizens resort at Thopramkudy. Due to various reasons he had to give up the project and the building remained vacant for a few years. Mean while the lord inspired Br. Francis Dominic to approach Thadiyachan to get the land and building to be used as a Retreat Center. We bought the property measuring 1.45 acres at a substantially subsidized price. On 28 June 2001 His Excellency Mar George Punnakkotil blessed the Retreat Center and thereafter Br.Francis Dominic used to conduct retreats here. It proved to be a source of spiritual solace to countless people in the High ranges of Kerala. In view of opening an Ashram an adjacent plot of land measuring 3.41 acres was purchased in the year 2001. On 17th Nov. 2002, Br. John Vazhappanadiyil was appointed the director of this center with Brs. Antony Snehadas and Varghese Kottukappally as members of the Ashram. The blessing and the formal inauguration of the new ashram was held on 2nd October 2003. His Excellency Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil the eparchial bishop of Idukki officiated at the function. However the retreat programmes could not be continued for long. 50 cents of land was sold back to Mr. John Puthiyakunnel in the year 2009. After the provincial chapter of 2011 attempts are being made to repair and extend the building and re-start the retreat programmes once again.

Address:

Amala Ashram, Thopramkudy P.O., Idukki – 685 515 Tel. 04868 – 264862

CAPUCHIN ASHRAM, PALLICKAMURY (2014 – Kothamangalam diocese)

Respecting the generous invitation of His Excellency Mar George Madathikandathil the Bishop of Kothamangalam to open a house of the Province in his diocese and in keeping with the suggestion of the friars’ gathering the provincial definitory decided to start a house of the province in the diocese of Kothamangalam. As per the suggestion of the Bishop, we started looking for a plot of land for the Ashram between Muthlakodam and Udumpannoor. Fortunately the FCC sisters of Kothamangalam Province came forward to offer a plot of one acre of land free of cost. On December 07, 2013, a contract was drawn between the FCC Province of Kothamangalam and St.Joseph Province and the terms and conditions of our ministry to FCC sisters of Pallickamury. Rev. Fr. Augustine Vattakatt, the Parish Priest of Pallickamury took the initiative to find a temporary house for us to stay and start our ministry in the diocese. A house was found for our stay in Pannur near Pallickamury. On 02^nd March 2014, the then Provincial Minister, Fr. Mathew Paikada blessed the temporary house in the presence of a few friars and the local people. Bro. Alex Vachaparambil and Bro. Somi Abraham Panamkatt were assigned as members to the new house. The foundation stone for the construction of the new Ashram was laid on 26 August 2015 by Provincial Fr. Joseph Puthenpurackal. It was blessed on 07 October 2016 by his Excellency Mar George Madathikandathil, the Bishop of Kothamangalam.

Address:

St. Michael Capuchin Ashram, Pallickamury, Pannoor P.O., Karimannoor, Idukki- 685 581
Tel: 04862-261888

RANIGIRI ASHRAM, MANNANTHALA (1991 – Changanacherry Archdiocese)

The Renewal Chapter of 1989 had decided to open a house in Thiruvananthapuram. Br. Lawrence Paruthapara was deputed to find a suitable site for theAshram.A plot of land, 65.3 in area, touching M. C. Road was purchased. The permission to open a house in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry was given on condition that we look after the parish attached to the Ashram. Br. Cuthbert of happy memory, volunteered to look after the new foundation at Mannanthala. Due to his untiring and dedicated work a small Ashram with a chapel was built. The Ashram was officially blessed by Br. Provincial on 08 Dec. 1991. The formal inauguration of the filial church at Mannanthala took place on 17 Feb. 1991, by Mar Joseph Powathil, Archbishop of Changanacherry. A contract between Archdiocese and province was drawn up, stipulating the conditions and policies to be followed in the administration of the filial church. It was signed on 31 Jan. 1992. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil raised Ranigiri to the status of a parish on July 3, 2001 and Br. Jose Vettikatt was appointed as the first vicar. The new property of 20 cent was bought in 1999 during the guardianship of Br. Jose Suresh Maroor. Another property of 10 cents was bought in 2011 during the guardianship of Br. Chacko Mannicherry.

Address :

Ranigiri Ashram, Mannanthala P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695 015 Tel: 0471- 2530840 (Ashram), 2543525 (Parish)

ALPHONSA CAPUCHIN ASHRAM, S. RAJAKUMARY (2008 – Idukki Diocese)

During the triennium of 2002 – 2005 our Province had purchased a plot of land for anAshram in Idukki district at Edamattam, nearRajakumari.The initial stage was managed by Brs. Royson Menolickal, Dominic Cheradil and the Portiuncula fraternity. In April 2008 Br. Kuriakose Kannamkara was deputed to go there to start the work for the Ashram at Edamattam. On July 28, 2008 on the feast day of St. Alphonsa, the foundation stone was laid for the Ashram by the Provincial Minister Br. Thomas Jacob Thekkumkattil and it was officially named as Alphonsa Capuchin Ashram. Ashram was blessed by His Excellency Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil on 8 Dec.2009. Seminary was blessed and inaugurated by Br. Thomas Jacob Thekkumkattil on 15, June 2010.

Address:

Alphonsa Capuchin Ashram, Edamattom, Rajakumary South P.O., Idukki – 685 619, Kerala,
E-mail: [email protected],
Tel: 04868 – 243018

SHANTI NIKETHAN (NADUKANI), KARIPPALANGAD (1976 – Palai Diocese)

Shanti Nikethan was started as a house of prayer on 10th August 1976 by Br. Gratian, Br. Kristudas and Br. Vincent for the spiritual renewal of the province with a contemplative accent. It is a beautiful place conducive for contempla- tion and prayer and is situated within the parish of Kulamavu of the diocese of Palai. The house was rebuilt in 2011 by Br. Thomas Jacob Thekkumkattil.

Address:

Shanti Nikethan, Karippalangadu P.O., (Nadukani),
Idukki, Kerala – 685 601, Tel. 04862- 259783

LORETO ASHRAM, MUVATTUPUZHA (1961 – Kothamangalam Diocese)

It was Br. Ignatius who took the initiative to buy the site for Loreto Ashram. The foundation stone of the Ashram was laid on 25 March 1961 and that of the chapel on 5 August of the same year. By the efficient and hard work of Br. Bernardine, who was assisted by Br. Emmanuel, the main part of the Ashram was completed and was blessed on 14 May 1962. On that very day the house started its existence as the Novitiate, with the vestition of 28 novices. Ayearlater, the construction of the friary was completed, and it was blessed on 16 May 1963.

The foundation stone of the chapel was blessed on 10 December, 1965. It was built up by Br. Oswald as Guardian with Br. Emmanuel helping him in the construction work. The chapel was blessed and consecrated on 18 May 1969 by Mar Mathew Pothanamuzhi, Bishop of Kothamangalam.

Address

Loreto Ashram,
Muvattupuzha Market P.O.,
Ernakulam, Kerala 686 673,
E-Mail: [email protected],
Tel: 0485-2835663,0485-2830806 (Novitiate)

The land for the chapel and theAshram at Kavalam were donated to us by late Mr. Joseph Murikummood. The chapel was blessed on 14 October 1956 and the friary was blessed on 21 December 1957. Br. Leo, who was a great friend of Mr. Joseph, was instrumental in the starting of this Ashram. The permission to accept this house and to have a foundation in Changnacherry Archdiocese was given to us by His Grace Mar Mathew Kavukatt.

Kavalam is located in the backwaters of Alappuzha, Kerala. Since it is re- claimed land it is susceptible to gradual sinking. Due to the nature of the soil, and surrounded by water, heavy buildings sink down at the rate of 19 mm per annum. Our Church and Ashram have gradually sunk ca. 650 mm from its original level, so that the floor of the Ashram and Church were on the ground level. The renovation of the church and Ashram by raising the floor level was done by Br. Kuriakose Kannankara. Mar Joseph Powathil, Archbishop of Changanacherry, blessed Church and Ashram on Oct. 2, 1999.

Address

St. Thomas Ashram, Kavalam P.O., Alapuzha, Kerala- 688 506 Tel:0477 2747276

PORTIUNCULA  ASHRAM,KATTAPPANA (1974 – Idukki Diocese)

This Ashram is in the diocese of Idukki in the High Ranges. It was begun and built up by Br. Gerard. Brs.Aegidius, and Thomas Kalappura were his able co- workers. The house was blessed by Br. Hippolytus on 16 June 1974. On an adjacent but separate plot, a small building had been constructed and used as a house of recollection as recommended by our Renewal Chapter of 1973.

The Initiation Course in Sulthan Bathery was shifted to Portiuncula in the year 1986 and ever since Portiuncula is functioning as the centre of the Initiation Course. The newly built block of Portiuncula Ashram was blessed on 24th March 2011 by His Excellency Mar Mathew Anikuzhikkattil. It was inaugu- rated by Br. Thomas JacobThekkumkattil.

Snehashrams: The High Ranges of Kerala bears in her bosom large number of wandering migrants who live on the streets and sleep on the pavements or shop verandas at night. The miserable plight of these poor people evoked compassion of the friars and the local prayer group. In November 1995, under the leadership and guidance of Br. Francis Dominic Arayil, they contacted other prayer groups of Idukki district and pledged themselves to take care of these people who live on the fringes of the society. This marked the beginning of a new ministry of the Capuchins to serve the destitute and the disabled. Those who decided to give up begging on the streets were accommodated in our building for social centre and club attached to the PortiunculaAshram.

A good number of volunteers – lay people and Religious Sisters – came for- ward to take care of these destitute and this was the beginning of the first Snehashram. The provincial chapter of 1996, after long discussion on this new form of ministry, empowered the provincial definitory to take appropriate steps to support and encourage this ministry. Gradually new centres were opened in Nariampara, Moolamattam, Kumily, Thopramkudy, Nedumkandam and Theni (TN). Snehashram Trust was registered as an NGO with a Director Board consisting of friars, sisters and lay people.

As the project grew with many branches the service of a stable group of sisters was felt necessary and many women volunteers requested that they be allowed to lead a consecrated life for the service of the destitute. Re- sponding to this request brought to the definitory by Br. Francis Dominic, the provincial definitory granted him the permission to found a Pious Association in view of growing into a Religious Institute. Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil, the bishop of Idukki, granted the necessary ecclesiastical permission and bless- ings for this new venture. At present about 25 sisters of this Congregation “Franciscan Sisters of the Destitute” and many volunteers serve the inmates of the Snehashrams under the leadership of Br. Francis Dominic and Sr. Anita FSD, the Superior of the new Congregation.

ST.JOSEPH PROVINCIAL HOUSE, KOTTAYAM (2000 – Changnacherry Archdiocese)

With the bifurcation of St. Joseph Province, Kerala, into two Provinces (St. Joseph Province and St. Thomas the Apostle Province), by the Decree (Prot. No.00899/99) the General Definitory constituted and declared established the Province of North-South Kerala, under the Patronage of St. Joseph, with all the rights and obligations of a Province of the Order. In the Decree of the erection of the Province, we were directed to build a new Provincial House in the territory of the Province within three years. Since the existing houses did not suit the purpose of a Provincial House, we had to purchase a plot of land. The Brothers’ Meeting (Nov 11-13, 1999) held at Capuchin Vidyabhavan, Thellakam, requested the Provincial Definitory to purchase a plot of land near Kottayam town, which is centrally located and provides travelling convenience by road and rail. Although, we were looking for a plot of land which is a little more than one acre, in view of the urgency to complete the work in three years, we had to buy a plot of 2 acres 50 cents, that was up for sale. Br. Jovinus Kazhuthuveettil supervised the construction of the Provincial House, and made great sacrifices to complete the construction in time. Brs. Cyriac Vazhayil and Joseph Keeprath were ever available to collaborate with the various aspects of the construction, together with Br. Jovinus Kazhuthuveettil. The newly constructed St. Joseph Capuchin Provincial House was blessed by Mar Joseph Powathil, Archbishop of Changanacherry, and inaugurated by Br. John Corriveau, Minister General of Capuchins, in the presence of Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry, Bishop of Kottayam, Mar Symphorian Keeprath, Bishop of Jalandhar, Br. Mathew Paikada, Provincial Minister, our brothers from various houses, priests and sisters and a good number of local people, on 29 April 2002.

ST. FRANCIS ASHRAM, UZHAVOOR (1997 – Kottayam Archdiocese)

The Provincial Chapter of 1993 had endorsed the idea of starting a house in the diocese of Kottayam. In pursuance of this commitment we accepted a plot of one acre 67 cents in Uzhavoor, donated by his Excellency Mar Kuriakose Kunnachery, bishop of Kottayam. Br. Stephen Poyyanil was deputed to build an Ashram. The foundation stone was laid by His Excellency Mar Kuriakose Kunnachery,onOctober04,1997. Thehousewasblessedandinaugurated by Mar Kuriakose Kunnachery on Dec. 27, 1998. The Ashram Church was blessed on January 26, 2004 by His Grace Mar Kuriakose Kunnassery. An adjacent property measuring 75 cents was bought in the year 2001. 

Address:

St. Francis Ashram, Uzhavoor P.O., Kottayam, Kerala – 686 634 Tel. 04822 – 241678,241614

Assisi Ashram: is the first house to be established under the jurisdiction of the Syro-Malabar sui juris Church. The initiative to start the house came from the people. But the house owes its origin to the efforts of Br. Ignatius Pettakkat. His Excellency Mar Sebastian Vayalil, Bishop of Palai, gave his kind permis- sion to start the foundation. The present site of the Ashram was part of what is known as ‘Meenkuzhy’ property, belonging to Kuruvinakunnel (Kolapath) family. This property had been donated to the Clarist sisters of Bharananganam and was in their possession. Rev. Fr. Francis Thudippara (popularly known as Fr. Vadakel) was managing it for them. Hence, when the site was donated to us, it was done with the joint consent of these three parties, namely, Mr. Thomas Joseph Kuruvinakkunnel, Rev. Mother Mary Ursula, the Superior of the Clarist convent and Fr. Francis Thudippara, and thus we are equally indebted to all of them. Besides the land, it may be noted, Mr.Thomas Joseph Kuruvinakunnel also contributed a substantial sum towards the building of the friary. Br. Berchmans, who was put in charge of building, arrived at Bharananganam in October 1952. The foundation stone was laid on 01 November 1952. After few months Br. Samuel came to his help. Shortly afterwards, Br.Alphonse too joined the fraternity and all of them worked hard to complete the main portion of the friary by June 1954. Although the foundation stone of the Chapel was laid by Mar Sebastian Vayalil on 01 March, 1953, it was completed and blessed only on 21 June 1963. Br. Alphonse, who remained for 17 years at Bharananganam, worked hard for the development of the Assisi Ashram and the Seraphic Seminary.

Address:

Assisi Ashram
Bharananganam P.O., Kottayam, Kerala – 686 578
Tel: 04822-236242,237418 (Ashram),
04822 -236148 (Seraphic Seminary),
04822-238335, 8590124063, 8330884331 (Renewal Centre),
04822-236487 (Assisi Magazine),
04822-237474 (Seraphic Press & Jeevan Books)