Our Founder

Bishop Mar Sebastian Valloppilly, our founder, was a visionary and messenger of God. He was enthusiastic about 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 August 04 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 ValloppillyRoad as a tribute to him. He completed 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 August 24 1945.

Priestly Ministry

Rev. Fr. Sebastian, as assistant parish priest at Bharananganam parish, was privileged to render his spiritual service to St. Alphonsa, witnessing her sufferings and sincere devotion to God. As she was elevated as Blessed Alphonsa, he longed for her sainthood. His long-cherished dream materialized when she was raised to sainthood in 2008. He also worked as the headmaster of St. Sebastian High School, Kadanad.

The Apostolic Administrator

Rev. Fr. Sebastian Valloppilly was appointed as the first Apostolic Administrator of Tellicherry on December 31 1953. He took charge of the diocese on March 19 1954. He was appointed as the first bishop of Tellicherry diocese on October 16 1955, and was consecrated on January 08 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 September 15 1975, he founded the religious Congregation of Nazareth Sisters, fighting against the odds. The member's sanctification and the soul's salvation are the Congregation's objectives.

The paternal love, care, and concern of the founder—father—were the nutrients for the Congregation to bloom in the valleys and hilltops of Malabar according to the will of God. Much is owed to the founder's dynamic and charismatic personality and stewardship for the steady and vibrant growth of the Congregation

Mar George Valiamattam

Following the retirement of Bishop Mar Sebastian Valloppilly, Mar George Valiamattam was appointed Archbishop of Tellicherry. His paternal guidance and support were remarkable. The Nazareth Sisters are indebted to Mar Valiamattam for its current growth. Because of his keen and warm concerns, the present growth of the Congregation would have been unimaginable. During his time as Archbishop, the Congregation achieved its present heights. Mar Valiamattam was always there to guide and oversee the Congregation's functioning. His timely visits and inspiring presence created great encouragement in the hearts of sisters. Even after his retirement, Mar Valiamattam is still very much interested in the growth of the mission of the Nazareth Sisters.

Mar George Njaralakatt

Following Bishop Mar Valiamattam's retirement, Mar Njaralakattu was appointed Archbishop of Tellicherry. He was installed as the Archbishop in October 2014. The Nazareth Sisters are aiming for new goals and horizons under the inspiring guidance of Mar George Njaralakatt. Bishop Emirates Mar Njaralakatt resides at the regional bishop's house, Kunnoth. At present, he ignites like a resource of spiritual light for the Congregation of Nazareth Sisters.

Mar Joseph Pamplani

On January 15, 2022, Bishop Mar Joseph Pamplani was elected by the Holy Synod of Syro Malabar Church as the first auxiliary Bishop of Tellicherry, and his Episcopal consecration was held on November 08, 2017. Archbishop Mar George Njaralakattu retired, and he was installed as the Archbishop of Tellicherry on April 20, 2022. Archbishop Mar. Joseph Pamplany is a well-known writer and a versatile orator. As a spiritual leader, he is our sisters' visionary and spiritual guide.