Ansaldo Illam – Vadakalur

In response to an invitation from the Vadakkalur Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Maria Francis, to start a community in his parish under the Kumbakonam diocese, the Bishop of Kumbakonam, Rt. Rev. Peter Remigius, sent an invitation to the Bishop of Pondicherry Cuddalore. The congregation sent Sr. Nambikkai Mary, Sr. Ignatius, and Sr. Issac to see the place. They were warmly welcomed by the villagers, teachers, and children. The sisters started their mission with the help of the parish priest and began running a school.

Important Events: 3rd June 1991: The sisters arrived, and Sr. Josephine Theresa took charge of the school.

17th June 1991: The provincial secretary and other sisters came to Vadakkalur to support the mission.

19th June 1991: The Mother Provincial visited Vadakkalur and the Bishop blessed the new convent building.

30th April 1992: Cornerstone laid for the convent building.

14th December 1992: The convent building was completed and blessed by Rt. Rev. Peter Remigius.

Ministry:

Sisters engaged in teaching, evangelization, social work, and pastoral work.

Evangelization work included teaching about Jesus, solving family problems, and helping non-Christians grow in their faith.Sr. Josephin conveyed the message of Jesus through drama in nearby villages.Sr. Martha took charge as Headmistress after Sr. Josephin was transferred.

The Ansaldo Illam, Vadakalur community has been actively involved in educational and evangelization work, spreading the message of Jesus to the local communities and providing support and education to the people in the region.