THE HISTORY OF THUMBAL
St. Louis Convent in Salem Thumbal was established on June 27, 1975, under the permission of Rt. Rev. Bishop Michael Bosco Duraisamy. The primary purposes of the establishment were education, health ministry, catechism, and social work. The community started an English Medium School with a hostel for rural people’s benefit. They began their health ministry with a mobile clinic van to assist the sick at their doorsteps. Catechism classes were initiated to impart faith and prepare people for sacraments, and social work involved teaching skills like typing, rope-making, and handloom training.
The first community members were Sr. Corlin (Superior), Sr. Kulandai Therese, and Sr. Amal Roselin, under the leadership of Mother Dennis Mary.
Over the years, the house underwent renovations, including the construction of new rooms with tiles, purchase of a new van and car, and decoration of the chapel with wallpaper pasting.
The present ministries of the sisters in the community include education, evangelization, teaching catechism, preparing people for sacraments, and house visiting.
The community has participated in significant events such as the combined celebration of their patron Saint Gonzaga with other communities, providing Corona relief food and condiments, and participating in evangelization training conducted by St. Michael community.
