Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist

On September 26, 1878, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist is born in Angri in the province of Salerno, Italy. It was founded by a zealous priest Don Alfonso Maria Fusco. He had great love and compassion for the poor especially the orphan children and youth. The fundamental option of Don Alfonso: Evangelize, educate and promote youth, especially those who are poor, abandoned, and at risk. The Congregation of the Sisters of Saint John the Baptist is today an international family of 850 sisters, belonging to different nations and races, speaking many different languages. The Bapptistine sisters continue to be passionate about the project of Don Allfonso and work in 16 nations. In 1977 the Baptistine Sisters landed in India and opened our first house in Madurai, Tamilnadu. Today we have 16 communities in 5 states A.P., Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Chattisgargh.

THEJAS

Deeply moved by the spirit of our Founder Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco and whole heartedly supported by each sister of the Indian delegation, two sisters arrived in Sulthan Bathery to open a house for the most marginalized people of the locality on 17 May 1995. Two weeks they stayed with the Holy Spirit Sisters at Poomala, who were very kind and hospitable. Then they rented a small house, close to the town as their residence. Two more sisters joined them. The sisters took up the mission of teaching, parish work and social welfare animation among tribals (indigenous people) in collaboration with the Diocese of Bathery.
In 1997 they purchased one acre of land and a small house at Pazhoor, eight kilometers away from the town, and started living there continuing the apostolate. The house was named ‘THEJAS' after the Transfiguration of our Lord to manifest the glory of God through our life and service.

In the same year in the month of August, five Tribal children were welcomed to the small house to share the love and service of the sisters. They were orphans and children of the same parents. After the arrival of these children and after a detailed study of the signs of the time, they community was inspired to start a house for the destitute tribal children. This was to deliver them from child labor and child abuse and to make their life dignified and happy. IN the year 1998 we have officially opened the house and thirteen more children were received to the house and they started their schooling.

In 1999 the convent building was constructed in which the sisters and children shared their residence. In the year 2004 the house for children was constructed. The community continues with teaching and social welfare activities. Today we have 40 children with us. They study in different classes in different school and enjoy their life.

Thejas Convent, Pazhoor
Cheeral P.O., Sulthan Bathery
Wayanad Dt., 673 592, Kerala.
Sr. Sheela Vadakkumchery (Superior)
Sr. Annis Aikkaramattam
Sr. Rosily Njerinjampilly
Sr. Merlin Ponmalakkunnel
Sr. Nisarani Madanthaniyil

Activities:
Teaching in the Diocesan school
Hostel for tribal girls
Nursery