Pavanathma Province, Kothamangalam
" Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!" (Ps: 66/5)
Retracing the footsteps that lead a precious young sapling to grow into a fruitful tree - Pavanathma Province, Kothamangalam, reminds us of the wondrous works of the Almighty. The first milestone was marked in the year 1956 with the bifurcation of the Ernakulum Archdiocese and the establishment of Kothamangalam Diocese. In 1961 the sisters of Ernakulum were divided into two provinces under one Mother General (Mother Agnes) as Vimala Province, Ernakulum and Pavanathma Province, Kothamangalam .Mother Angelus and Mother Mary Visitation were elected as mother provincials of Pavanathma Province and Vimala Province respectively. God's ways are so unique and His plan for us is wonderful and fascinating. Though the Formation of Pavanathma Province was declared through a decree from the Holy See on 16th February 1961, it was only on 28th August 1961 that the Pavanathma Province came into existence and started its grace filled journey trusting in the steadfast love of the Almighty making a golden epoch in the history of CMC.
As we reel back the annals of Pavanathma Province,the presence of the Holy Spirit ,the wonderful helper can be traced at each moment of history guiding our path .The words of the Psalmist resounds in our hearts "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground"(Ps :143/10). Pathways were made level as the spirit led us step by step.
The Province started with only 9 houses and 278 members including novices and aspirants. Under the able guidance of our first Provincial, Mother Angelus and the paternal care of our Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathew Pothanamuzhy, the Province made rapid progress. Pavanathma Province became one among the five provinces subsequent to the amalgamation of the Diocesan Congregations. A Provincial house cum Novitiate house was established at Kozhippilly in the year 1964. Now the house at Kozhippilly, Kothamangalam is the provincial house and the Novitiate house is at Ramalloor.
Like a small lamp longing to spread out its radiance, the fervent daughters of Pavanathma Province ventured to radiate their light even into the dark and desolate areas. From 1968 onwards, the Province stepped out into the rich and vast mission fields in North India, especially in Bihar, M.P., Gujarat and West Bengal. On 17th February 1987 the Carmel Matha Region was formed comprising 8 houses in Bihar and M.P. In 1988, the houses in Gujarat were also included in Carmel Matha Region. In 1989 the Region started a house in Calcutta, West Bengal. At the synaxis of 1995 Carmel Matha Region was declared as Hazaribag Province excluding the houses in Gujarat. Gujarat was maintained as part of Pavanathma Province, Kothamangalam.
On 14th September 2003, consequent to the formation of Idukki Diocese, Pavanathma province Kothamangalam was bifurcated and Carmelgiri Province Idukki was formed. Simultaneously, including six houses in Gujarat, Vimal Jyoti region Rajkot was established.
Many a tide has sped by, the seeds sprouted grew, and spreading its branches far and wide.At present the Province has 27 houses in Kerala and 9 houses in Rajkot Region. There are 446 sisters in the Province and 33 sisters in the Region. Enthused by the love of God and galvanized by the spirit of service, sisters continue to make earnest efforts to reach the Good News to the periphery, through different apostolate. Through our education ministry we have formed and reformed innumerable children coming from multifarious backgrounds .Heedful of the signs of the time, now more and more sisters are engaged in faith formation such as evangelization, family and individual counselling, family visit, Campus Ministry, jail ministry, etc.Sanjo Bhavan, our prayer house was started to rejuvenate religious and laity by the Word of God. Sisters rendering their service in Social work elucidate our Charism by their efforts for empowering women and children.Darshana Charitable Trust was constituted and many new endeavours are coming forth. Invigorating themselves and revitalizing the church and society at large, the members of the Pavanathma Province remain as a fruitful branch in the divine vine, enlivened by the Charism of CMC, and thereby vitalizing the Holy Mother Church. Our hearts brim over with love and thankfulness to the Heavenly Father for His boundless gifts we received in the past and we sing with unfeigned gratitude -'We Thank You Lord'!