Canossian convent, Thumba is flanked by such VVIPs like ISRO, St. Xavier’s College, KINFRA Apparel Park, St. Vincent’s Seminary and allied institution. When the Canossians cast anchor at Thumba on 19^th January 1957, it was indeed the realization of the wish of Bishop Vincent Bernard Pereira. The sisters came to give them drugs of the love of God and of their neighbour. The house was founded first and foremost to teach catechism in the parish and for pastoral works. A technical institute and social welfare centre were inaugurated in September of the same year. Gradually other useful crafts like weaving, candle making, tailoring, crochet, embroidery and darning were taught to these women. Through Sodality, Legionof Mary, Canossian Collaborators and the like these women learnt the rudiments of Christian life. A baby-sitting or a creche was started in the convent premises so that the

mothers could leave their infants under the care of the sisters before they started out on the strenuous work of selling fish.

The predecessor to today’s Fatima Maternity and Nursing Home was a small dispensary, which was inaugurated in 1957. From 1973 onwards the hospital flourished under the electrifying presence of M. Angela. A free Boarding House accomodates 50 poor girl who otherwise would never have a chance to learn even the alphabets. St. Jude’s Lower Primary School which was started by the parish in 1994, is run by the sisters.

The sisters in Thumba are fully involved in all the activities to promote Christian life in the parish. Recently Fatima Maternity and Nursing Home is converted into  a Palliative Care Centre where 15 bed ridden patients are given care. Mobile palliative care also is undertaken by our sisters. In fact this is an infirmary for our sick and elderly sisters.