The Beginning

At the invitation of Most Rev. Dr. Leon Tharmaraj, Bishop of Kottar, the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence (DSMP) began their mission in South Thamaraikulam. The land on which the community stands has a unique history. It was originally donated by Fr. Dias to another religious congregation for the purpose of serving the village children through education and healthcare. A community, school, and dispensary were built on this land. However, due to conflicts between the sisters, parish priest, and parishioners, the mission was discontinued and the institutions were left abandoned.

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In this situation, Fr. Joseph Romauld, then parish priest of Our Lady of Snow Church, encountered Sr. Vanmathy, a native of the parish, and shared the condition of the parish with her. With his recommendation and the support of Bishop Leon Tharmaraj, the DSMP Sisters established a new community . The inauguration of Panimaya Annai Illam took place on 8th December 2002, and was blessed by Fr. Joseph Romauld in the presence of Sr. Erina Berzovini (Delegate Superior), Sr. Victoria William, Sr. Christy, Sr. Mary, and parishioners.

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They were entrusted with the care of a diocesan-run nursery school that was operating from a rented building near the parish. The children and teacher were soon shifted to the newly reopened school.

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The founding members of the community were Sr. Christina Santiago, Sr. Mary Chinnappa and Sr. Loyola . In addition to managing the nursery school, they also organized evening tuition classes attended by nearly 100 children. A dedicated teacher was hired to assist with the classes. The Sisters actively contributed to parish life by teaching catechism, leading youth programs, and animating Basic Christian Communities (Anbiyams).

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Apostolate and Services

Early Childhood Education (2003–2008)

From January 2003 to April 2008, the Sisters ran a pre-KG and kindergarten for the village children, providing foundational education and pastoral care in the school building which was already existing. 

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Tsunami Relief (2004)

Following the devastating tsunami in 2004, many people from nearby Manakudi sought refuge in Thamaraikulam. The Sisters responded with courage and compassion. Sr. Antoniammal Michael, Sr. Lourdu Manickam, Sr. Shanti along with Sr. Sweety, Sr. Antony Mary, and Sr. Antoniammal John Joseph, who were just new professed junior sisters , provided emergency relief. The church, school, and convent were opened for shelter, and the Sisters distributed food, clothing, medicine, and offered counseling and spiritual support. They also assisted with the burial of the deceased, offering comfort to those grieving the loss of loved ones.

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Founding of the Special School 

As the kindergarten admissions declined—due to parents opting for schools offering higher classes—the sisters noticed that children with special needs were left behind. Recognizing this, they conducted a village survey and decided to open a Special School for the Differently Abled.

The school was officially inaugurated on 11th February 2009, and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Remigius, Bishop of Kottar. The pioneering Sisters for this mission were Sr. Christy Santiago, Sr. Innaciammal, Sr. Vinita, and later followed by Sr. Loyola who worked for the registration of the School. When they faced difficulties registering the school due to land ownership issues, the sisters approached the Bishop. With his intervention, the land was transferred from the former owners to the Diocese and then to the DSMP Congregation ( Society ), allowing for successful registration of the school.

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We registered a Society called Don Guanella Anbagam on 9th March 2011. 

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Ongoing Ministries and Pastoral Involvement

Beyond educational initiatives, the Sisters of Panimaya Annai Illam continue to serve the local community through:

• Pastoral collaboration with the parish priest

• Animation of Anbiyams (Basic Christian Communities)

• Sunday Catechism, and preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation

• Youth ministry, including altar server training, liturgical preparation, and choir participation

• Home visits to the sick and elderly, offering spiritual and medical support

• Parish counseling and participation in parish committees

Through their wholehearted dedication, the Sisters continue to be a source of light, comfort, and strength to the people of South Thamaraikulam.