The Vision of the Founder
Rev. Fr. Abraham Kaippanplackal, while serving as the Vicar of St. Mary’s Church, Lalam, Palai, was deeply moved by the heartbreaking scenes he witnessed during his evening walks. He saw children wandering the streets—without parental care, without love, and often quarrelling among themselves. These painful sights disturbed him profoundly and took away his peace of mind.
He realized that he could not find inner peace unless he provided shelter and care for these abandoned children. Like the Good Shepherd seeking the lost sheep, he began his mission to find, protect, and restore them.
Beginning of Boys Town (1959)
With the support of parishioners and local authorities, including well-wishers such as Mathew Kayyalakkakathu, Cherian Kappan, Kappil Kochettan, and Mathew Elavumkal, Fr. Abraham initiated his mission.
On 5th April 1959, he founded the first Boys Town, offering hope and shelter to many children who would otherwise have been lost to the streets. The initiative received wholehearted support from the parish community. A dedicated young man, Mr. P. J. Thomas Pallankal, also joined him in this noble service.
Expansion to Girls and the Elderly
Soon, Fr. Abraham extended his mission to care for abandoned girls. On 15th August 1963, a home for girls was established at Kozhuvanal. Chinnamma Kaippanplackal (later Sr. Arpitha SMS) and Mary Manjappallil took responsibility for their care.
Recognizing the needs of the elderly, he also founded Dayabhavan, a home for destitute aged people. His mission was rooted in the compassionate love of Jesus, reaching out to all, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. Within a few years, this mission expanded to various parts of Kerala.
Foundation of the Congregation
Inspired by divine guidance, Fr. Abraham envisioned a religious congregation dedicated to serving the poor and abandoned. Responding to this call, ten young women came forward to dedicate their lives to this mission.
With the blessings of Mar Sebastian Vayalil, Bishop of Palai, the congregation was formally initiated.
Founding Members
The first members of the congregation were:
- Valsamma Kaippanplackal (Sr. Vineetha SMS)
- Shemily Ramapurathu (Sr. Vimala SMS)
- Thressiakkutty Melattukunnel (Sr. Pushpa SMS)
- Eleykutty Therettu (Sr. Amala SMS)
- Annamma Puthusserry (Sr. Carmala SMS)
- Ansamma Padamadan (Sr. Karuna SMS)
- Gracy Velloor (Sr. Prasanna SMS)
- Marykkutty Thazhathekkudy (Sr. Nirmala SMS)
- Philomina Chakkittuparambil (Sr. Sushama SMS)
- Rosakkutty Kumbuckal (Sr. Santhi SMS)
Formation and Religious Life
The formation of the first members began at Snehalayam, the first house of Snehagiri. Sr. Mary Ursula and Sr. Rose Mary of the Sacred Heart Congregation guided their formation along with the founder.
After completing:
- 6 months of Aspirancy
- 6 months of Postulancy
- 1 year of Novitiate
The members dedicated themselves fully to religious life.
They entered:
- Postulancy on 1st October 1969
- Novitiate on 10th May 1970
Fr. Leopold CMI served as the Novice Master.