Our Founder

Bishop Mar Sebastian Valloppilly, our founder was really a visionary and messenger of God. He was enthusiastic in presenting God's light to the people by leading a life of simplicity and industriousness, besides being a model after St. Joseph of Nazareth.

Childhood 
Bishop Mar Sebastian Valloppilly was born on 4th August, 1911 at Kudakkachira, the diocese of Palai. He had his primary, upper primary and high school education at Kurichithanam Malayalam School, Uzhavoor English School and St. Thomas School, Palai respectively. In 1928, though he was a 9th standard student, he toiled hard with the elders for the construction of the Kudackachira- Andoor Road. Eighty years later, the Government of Kerala, named it Bishop Valloppilly Road as a tribute to him. He completed his secular studies at SB College, Changanacherry and St. Xavier's College, Palamkottai. He did his ecclesiastical studies at Papal Seminary, Kandy and was ordained a priest on 24th August, 1945.


Priestly Ministry

Rev. Fr. Sebastian, a zealous young shepherd, served as assistant parish priest at Bharananganam. He was lucky enough torender his spiritual service to St. Alphonsa there. He witnessed her sufferings and sincere devotion to God. When she was called Blessed Alphonsa, he longed for her sainthood. His long cherished dream was materialized when she was raised to sainthood in 2008. He also worked as the headmaster of St. Sebastian's High school, Kadanad. His life as a priest was highly appreciable.

 The Apostolic Administrator

 Rev. Fr. Sebastian Valloppilly was appointed as the first Apostolic Administrator of  Tellicherry on 31st December 1953. He took charge of the diocese on 19th March 1954. He was appointed as the first bishop of Tellicherry diocese on 16th October 1955 and was consecrated on 8th January 1956 at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, by his Eminence Cardinal Eugene Tissarent.

Foundation of Nazareth Congregation

God chose great but humble servants to manifest His mysterious ways. Mar Sebastian Valloppilly was among one of them. God used him as an instrument to make the Congregation of Nazareth Sisters a reality.

For the establishment of the Congregation, the Nazareth Sisters are obliged very much to the zeal, insight and deep-rooted prayer of Mar Sebastian Valloppilly. On 15th September, 1975, he founded the religious Congregation of Nazareth Sisters fighting against the odds. The personal sanctification of the members and the salvation of the souls are the objectives of the Congregation.

The paternal love, care and concern of the founder-father was the nutrient for the Congregation to bloom in the valleys and hilltops of Malabar according to the will of God. For the steady and vibrant growth of the Congregation, much is owed to the dynamic and charismatic personality and stewardship of the founder.

Mar George Valiamattam

Following the retirement of Bishop Sebastian Valloppilly, Mar George Valiamattam was appointed as the Archbishop of Tellicherry. His paternal guidance and support was remarkable. The Nazareth Sisters are very much indebted to Mar Valiamattam for its current growth. But for his keen and warm concerns, the present growth of the Congregation would have been unimaginable. It was during his time as Archbishop that the Congregation achieved its present heights. Mar Valiamattam was always there to guide and oversee all the functioning of the Congregation. His timely visits and inspiring presence created a great encouragement in the hearts of sisters. Though Mar Valiamattam, since retired as archbishop, is still very much interested in the growth of the mission of the Nazareth Sisters.

Mar George Njaralakatt       

On 29th August, 2014  Bishop Mar Njaralakatt was elected by the Holy Synod of Syro Malabar Church as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tellicherry. Bishop Njaralakatt was installed as the Archbishop in October 2014. Presently, the Nazareth Sisters are aiming at new goals and horizons under the inspiring guidance of Mar George Njaralakatt.