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 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 secular stidies 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 to `render 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 materialized when she was raised to sainthood in 2008. He also worked as the headmaster of St.Sebastian 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, insigt 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 member's personal sanctification and the souls salvation are the Congregation's objectives.

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. Much is owed to the dynamic and charismatic personality and stewardship of the founder 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. For 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 the retirement of Bishop  Mar  Valiamattam, Mar George Njaralakattu was appointed Archbishop of Tellicherry. Bishop Njaralakattu was installed as the Archbishop in October 2014. The Nazareth Sisters are aiming at new goals and horizons under the inspiring guidance of Mar George Njaralakatt. Bishop Emiratus Mar Njaralakatt is now residing at the regional bishop house, Kunnoth. At present he ignites like a resource of spiritual light for the Congregation of Nazareth Sisters.

Mar Joseph Pamplani

On 15th January 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 concecration was held on 08th Nov. 2017. At the retirement of Archbishop Mar George Njaralakattu he was installed the Archbishop of Tellicherry on 20th April 2022. Archbishop Mar. Joseph Pamplany is a well known writer and a versatile orator Our present Bishop Mar Joseph Pamplani is a person who is responsible and ready to offer a helping hand at anytime. Being a spiritual leader he acts like a visionary and spiritual guide of our sisters.