THE HISTORY OF ST. LOUIS CONVENT – THENKARAIKOTTAI
St. Louis Convent in Thenkarai Kottai, originally known as Our Lady of Lourdes Convent, was established on July 16, 1956, under the leadership of Mother Berckmans Mari. The community’s purpose was to strengthen the faith of Catholics and provide education for their growth. The primary ministry of the community is teaching, and evangelization is also part of their responsibilities. They prepare students for sacraments like the first Holy Communion, confirmation, and marriage. They actively engage in teaching, leading prayer groups, guiding the faithful in saying the rosary, and preparing couples for marriage ratification.
The community has four sub-stations in their parish where they teach prayers and prepare people for sacraments. They have been involved in various initiatives, including digging a well, planting coconut trees, and helping build a church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health in Kongarapatty.
Over the years, the community has undergone renovations and improvements, including the construction of a new building that was blessed and inaugurated in 1982. They also made room divisions and built a compound wall around the convent.
Important events include the registration of lands to the society in 1978 and 1992.
The first community members were Mother Justin Mary, Sr. Martha Mary, Sr. Mary Louis, Sr. Josephine Mary, and Sr. Mary Philomine. The community continues to serve in education and evangelization in Thenkarai Kottai.