They were not suspects when they washed the feet of poor lepers, helped the poor, or built hospitals and other institutions for the betterment of society. Yet, due to the complaint raised by a local Bajrang Dal worker, accusing them of conversion and human trafficking. They are now suspects in the eyes of society and law. It’s shameful that after spending their lives serving the poor and leaving a legacy of service that dates back to 1953. Now two of them are imprisoned for the third day, with their life’s work and legacy being called into question.
Two ASMI religious sisters, Sr. Preethi and Sr. Vandhana, belonging to the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (Green Gardens) headquartered in Cherthala, Alappuzha, have been arrested and imprisoned on allegations of forcefully converting three women and trafficking them from Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district. But the truth is always embossed because there is no colour, race or creed for these religious community they have been doing various activities. We should not forget the services these sisters did for the lepers and the poor who were abandoned by everyone!
The Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI) congregation was founded by Monsignor Joseph Kandathil, a servant of God and a born missionary. He dedicated his life to serving lepers, travelling from the northern parts of Kerala to the southern parts, begging money for their care. In 1942, he started a hospital for lepers in Cherthala, which was followed by the establishment of the ASMI congregation in 1949.
Monsignor Kandathil’s vision for the congregation was inspired by a dream in which Christ on the cross was embracing St. Francis of Assisi. This vision led him to start a religious congregation named after St. Francis.
Sr. Hyacinth, who joined the community in 1953, shares with Catholicnews.in, on the areas of ministry of the ASMI sisters and how they have been actively involved in various activities envisioned by their founder.
On inspiration from Monsignor Kandathil leadership, the congregation reached out to people in need, providing them food, clothing, medical care, and shelter to lepers. They built houses for them and worked tirelessly to improve their lives. The ASMI congregation has continued to serve the poor and marginalized, carrying on the vision and legacy of its founder.
In order to serve the patients at the leprosy hospital in Cherthala, the sisters, along with Father Kandathil, would walk from village to village, begging for public support for the running of the hospital. The donations they received were used to care for the leprosy patients. As the hospital’s reputation grew, it started to attract patients with other diseases seeking treatment. As the leprosy hospital was overwhelmed with patients, a general hospital was established, which was later expanded to include additional facilities such as a nursing school.
The nuns retained the same spirit and carried on the charism given by Fr. Kandathil, such as building houses for the poor and providing marriage assistance to those in need. Their activities are primarily aimed at uplifting the poor and marginalized, including leprosy patients, AIDS patients, the deaf, mute, blind, and mentally challenged.
The Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate are actively involved in mission work across India, with presence in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. They also have a global presence, serving in countries like Germany, Italy, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
On April 28, 1986, the congregation was elevated to pontifical status, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The following year, in 1987, the first province was formed. Today, the ASMI community of nuns comprises approximately 750 nuns serving across four provinces and three regions.
In recognition of his dedication and service, Monsignor Joseph Kandathil was elevated to the rank of Servant of God by the Catholic Church in 2019. Despite the passage of time since the congregation’s inception, the nuns remain committed to serving the poor and marginalized. While they initially focused on caring for lepers—a task often shunned by others—they have since expanded their services to address the evolving needs of society, including ministering to other sick and vulnerable populations
The Assisi Sisters work tirelessly, day and night, to bring those suffering from life’s hardships into the mainstream of society, bringing a touch of Christ’s merciful love to those in need. Driven by the conviction that this is the mission entrusted to them by Christ, they consider it their sacred duty to serve. With the vision of Christ in their hearts, the Assisi sisters continue to walk in His footsteps, serving the poor and marginalized.
Though this may be their first experience of such a painful hardship, the Assisi Sisters remain undeterred. Nothing – not tribulation, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or sword – can separate them from the love of Christ. With courage and strength, they will continue to move forward, trusting in justice and mercy of God and working tirelessly for the uplift of the needy.
They worked in silence, and now their contributions resonate loudly across India. They remain steadfast, unafraid, and unwavering, just as they were in their charitable works for the society. Even in prison, they maintain their silence, but their service is now being spoken of loudly by the people. Whether they are granted bail today or tomorrow, they will remain silent, much like Jesus before Pilate. Yet, they believe that, there will be a third day for them; a day of resurrection with Him.
Sunisha V. F.Â
(This article is originally written in Malayalam by Sr. Saumya Muttappallil DSHJ with reference to Sr. Hyacinth ASMI and published in www.lifeday.in)