THE HISTORY OF ST. ALOYSIUS CONVENT – KATHAMPALLAM
St. Aloysius Convent in Kathampallam is established in 1999, belongs to the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. The convent was initially set up as a formation house and later transitioned into various ministries.
The history of the convent dates back to 1998 when the Franciscan Sisters were invited by the Bishop of Dharmapuri to serve the poor in the area. They acquired land in Kathampallam to construct the convent. Initially, a formation house for novitiate trainees was established, along with educational and evangelical ministries. Over time, the sisters expanded their activities to include education, house visits, parish ministry, catechism, and more.
In response to the underdeveloped nature of the area, the congregation opened Gonzaga College Arts & Science for Women to provide higher education opportunities to rural girls. The community has been actively engaged in educational, spiritual, and developmental activities, including building renovation and providing various classes for the local parish children.
Important events include the blessing of the convent, project proposals, installation of an inverter, and celebrations related to their founder’s recognition as a servant of God. The initial community members included Reverend Sr. Sangthus as Superior, Reverend Mother Noel Rani, and other sisters involved in various roles.
The report showcases the evolution of St. Aloysius Convent from its establishment as a formation house to its current diverse ministries in education, spiritual guidance, and community engagement.
Communities under the Generalate
- Bluemen House – Puducherry
- Novitiate – Tindivanam
- Sugantham – Puducherry
- Gonzaga Geriatric Home – Puducherry
- St. Aloysius Convent – Kathampallam
- Maghizham Hostel – Kathampallam
- St. Joseph Convent – Pagalpatty
- St. Aloysius Illam – Pagalpatty
- Ansaldo Convent – Chetpet
- Fathima Convent – Pattinampakkam
- Vazhvagam – Vakkampatty