The Canossian sisters were invited to Poonthura to make it really Poovuthura meaning a place where flowers bloom – flowers of education, progress and religious harmony – and spread their fragrance far and wide. The humble beginning of this strong branch of the South Province was in the year 1943. Initially the sisters were engaged in catechism classes, preparing children and adults for the sacraments, and tailoring classes for girls of the locality. Since 1952, St. Philomena’s Girls’ High School has been providing the much-needed education to the girls of this area irrespective of caste, creed or religion.

Today, apart from the school, which provides quality education for 2923 girls, there is a free Boarding House which can accommodate a hundred children. The community also runs two nursery schools: one in the school campus and another in the middle of Poonthura village. The latter is a completely free one, no fee is collected from the children. There is Day Care Centre where the mothers drop their children on their way to work. These children are given food, study materials, free coaching, medical care and value education. A small amount is credited to the bank in the name of a few very deserving children for any future eventuality.

Poonthura is a beehive of activities. The sisters are with the poor, and with the church and that gives them a sense of fulfilment.