Maghizham Hostel – Kathampallam

Maghizham Hostel, also known as Gonzaga Illam, was established in 2009 by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. The primary aim of the hostel is to provide character and intellectual formation to the students, enabling them to grow as integrated women in all aspects of life.

The hostel encourages all Catholic students to attend daily Mass in the church. Monthly sacrament of Reconciliation is available, and both Catholic and Hindu girls participate in evening prayers at the hostel church. The hostel also provides a prayer hall for overall personality development during the students’ stay.

Students engage in discussions, recreation, and utilize the reading room that offers daily newspapers and periodicals. Indoor and outdoor sports activities are encouraged to promote physical fitness and focus on education. Yoga is also practiced regularly to maintain physical and mental well-being.

The sisters in the hostel provide counseling services to assist students in college applications, career guidance, and finding financial aid. Good Night Talks are delivered by Sr. E. Glitta Sumangali, instilling calmness, happiness, and motivation among the students. Special occasions such as Fresher’s Day, Hostel Day, Christmas/Easter, and Pongal are celebrated to create a friendly and festive environment for the students.

On September 19, 2012, a new hostel building named Magizham was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius, the Bishop of Dharmapuri Diocese, and inaugurated by Rev. Mother C. Noel Rani, the Superior General. The hostel building consists of three floors, offering good boarding facilities and solar water. The hostel provides accommodation for students from distant villages, emphasizing their multi-dimensional development.

Since its establishment, the hostel has been led by various sisters, including Sr. E. Glitta Sumangali, Sr. T. Agnes, Sr. Mary Pauline, and Sr. Sagayamary. In 2019-20, the Magizham Hostel started functioning as a separate community for sisters to deepen their religious practices and focus on youth formation. Sr. Sagayamary serves as the Superior of the community, with Sr. Santha Maria as the Assistant Hostel Directress.

The hostel community engages in house visits, parish ministry, Anbiyam prayers, teaching catechism, and education as their present ministries. They celebrate important events such as the feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the congregation’s recognized day, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Founder’s Day, and the feast of St. Joseph.

The establishment of Maghizham Hostel aims to provide preferential love and care to rural young girls and to foster religious practices within the community. The sisters continue their dedicated ministry in the hostel, nurturing and guiding the students towards a brighter future.