Our Congregation of the “Catechist Sisters of Mary Immaculate Help of Christians”, commonly known as Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI) was founded by Bishop Louis LaRavoire Morrow, SDB, fourth Bishop of Krishnagar, West Bengal, India. It was founded with the purpose of Evangelization and Catechesis through home visitation and village apostolate with the motto, “To love God and help others to love God.”

Creation of SMI Guwahati Province:

Our congregation consists of five provinces and a Delegation. Erection of provinces was recommended at our Fourth General Chapter, 1987.

On 31 January 1990 the SMI went into provinces: the first two provinces were Bangalore and Calcutta (Kolkata) Provinces. These provinces were erected by Sr. Pieta Manavalan, Superior General. Besides the two provinces, houses in Africa, Europe and U.S.A. were formed into a Delegation. In ten years it became necessary to further divide the congregation into more provinces for easy administration. Hence, in 2000 May Delhi Province was born. Shortly on 30 September 2000 East African Province (EAP) became the fourth SMI Province. Later in 2008 Guwahati Province came into being by bifurcating Kolkata Province.

Guwahati Province at a Glance:

Our province of Guwahati, the fifth province was erected on 24th May 2008, an event that the SM family expectantly looked forward to. We firmly believe that it was the gift of our Abba Father on the beautiful feast of our Blessed Mother, Mary Help of Christians. It was Sr Lisette Thuruthimattam, our superior general and her councillors who initiated the formation and erection of the province of Guwahati, bifurcating from Kolkata province for easy coordination, animation and administration. At the time of erection the province consisted of eleven communities. It has grown into eighteen communities in the states of Assam, Aruncahal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland, serving in the diocese of Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Miao, Tura and Kohima. The provincialate is at Rukminigaon, Dispur, Guwahati.

Guwahati Province –

Erected on 24 May 2008

Provincials of Guwahati Province:
Sr Sharlene Pulickal 2008 – 2014
Sr Jancy Francis 2014 – 2020
Sr Mary Mathew 2020 –

Address:
Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Provincial House
Kanaklata Path, No.24
Rukminigaon, Dispur
Guwahati-781022

Mobile: 9435731682
Email: smiprosupghy@gmail.com / smiprosecyghy@gmail.com

First Provincial Superior and her team (2008 – 2014)

Sr Sharlene Pulickal (Provincial Superior)
Sr Madeline Miranda (First Councillor)
Sr Linette Kalayathinal (Councillor and Economer, for three years)
Sr Salomy Vettickal (Councillor and Economer, for three years)
Sr Jancy Francis (Councillor and Secretary)

Second Provincial Superior and her team (2014 – 2020)

Sr Jancy Francis (Provincial superior)
Sr Salomy Vettickal (First Councillor for three years)
Sr Jayarani Arulanandu (Councillor and Economer, First Councillor and Economer after three years)
Sr Mary Mathew (Councillor and Secretary)
Sr Nisha Pattamkulathu (Councillor)

Third Provincial Superior and her team (2020 – )

Sr Mary Mathew (Provincial superior)
Sr Gracy Arimpurv (First Councillor)
Sr Selvy Susai Manickam (Councillor and Economer)
Sr Jovita Malaikudil (Councillor for three years)
Sr Bency Panickassery (Councillor and Secretary)

Main Events from 2008–2024

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Communities in Guwahati Province

Community Diocese State Foundation
Dadenggre Tura Meghalaya 21 November 1980
Selsella Tura Meghalaya 12 November 1982
Philobari Dibrugarh Assam 11 February 1984
Kumarikatta Guwahati Assam 26 June 1984
Tongna Dibrugarh Assam 12 August 1987
Debdaru path Guwahati Assam 19 September 1995
Dumnikura Tura Meghalaya 6 February 2003
Rajanagar Tura Meghalaya 17 October 2004
Rajabala Tura Meghalaya 10 January 2006
Tinsukia Dibrugarh Assam 13 July 2006
Rukminigaon Guwahati Assam 24 May 2008
Aghunato Kohima Nagaland 2 February 2009
Uriamghat Dibrugarh Assam 10 April 2010
Bebejia Guwahati Assam 20 February 2011
Zunheboto Kohima Nagaland 3 June 2014
Tura Tura Meghalaya 29 June 2019
Dimapur Kohima Nagaland 29 June 2019
Chessore Kohima Nagaland 13 February 2023

Dadenggre – 21 November 1980

Our first presence in the diocese of Tura began on 19 February 1980 at the invitation of Rt. Rev. George Mamalassery, the Bishop of Tura. The blessing of the house took place on 21 November 1980in the presence of Sr Mary Chalissery, superior general and Sr Pieta Manalavalan, the vicar general; the community was erected on the same day.

Pioneers: Srs. ChristinaKoikakudy (superior), Michael Manickam, Shirley Nariculam and Mercy Joseph.

Ministries: Pastoral assistance, boarding, dispensary, home visitation, village tours and teaching in the parish school.

Selsella – 12 November 1982

Selsella, the second house in Tura diocese was opened on 12 November 1982 and the house was officially blessed on 8 December 1982 by Bishop George Mamalassery. When we took up the mission there were 55 Catholic villages under the parish of Selsella.

Pioneers: Srs. Lydia Kettuparakal(superior), Shirley Nariculam, Claudia and JyothiEkka.

Ministries: Pastoral assistance, village apostolate, home visitation, faith formation, boarding, teaching in the Parish school and healing ministry through dispensary.

Philobari – 11 February 1984

Responding to the invitation of Rt Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, Bishop of Dibrugarh our presence at Philobariwas opened on 11 February 1984. The pioneers were accompanied by Sr Mary Chalissery, superior general. Official erection of the community commenced on the same day.

Pioneers: Srs. Mary Cicily (superior), Mary Regina, CapilaLakra and Jovita Malaikudil.
Ministries: Pastoral assistance, village apostolate, boarding, dispensary and teaching in the parish school.

Kumarikatta – 26 June 1984

Kumarikatta belonged to Tezpur diocese at the time of opening our presence here. At the invitation of Bishop Robert Kerketta, sdb of Tezpur diocese it was opened and erected on 26 June 1984. We were asked to collaborate with the Salesian congregation who had the charge of this parish since 1977.

Pioneers: Srs Ruby Konoor (superior), Stephanie Chazhoor, Maggie Neyyan, and DoreenOviel.

Ministries: Pastoral assistance, healing ministry though health care centre, village and social apostolate, tailoring centre for women, women’s coordination in the diocese of Guwahati.

Our dispensary which was raised to a hospital rendered devoted services to the poor. Though the medical team did well due to lack of doctors later on it was reduced to be a health centre.

Tongna – 12 August 1987

The second foundation of our house at Tongna in Dibrugarh diocese was laid on 12 August 1987.

Poineers: Sr Mary Thomas (superior), Leela Karamakuzhy, Pushpalata Lakra.

Ministries: Pastoral assistance in the parish, teaching Catechism, faith formation in the villages, home visitation, dispensary, boarding and teaching in the parish school.

Debdaru Path – 19 September 1995

Debdaru Path belongs to the parish of Dispur under the Archdiocese of Guwahati. This transit house of our own was blessed on 20 September 1995. It was a real need for us to have a house in Guwahati, as we were delayed indefinitely due to frequent strikes during travels to our distant houses in Meghalaya. Upon receiving the written permission from Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil of Guwahati in 1988, Sr Lisa Kalathil, economer general was assigned by Sr Pieta Manavalan, superior general to look for a suitable property in Guwahati. The sale deed registration was done on 19 September 1995 and on the same day we possessed the house and property. This house was officially blessed on 30th October 1995 by Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil. We made major repairs and used it as our transit and study house, also for formation of fresh candidates and private tuition. The community was canonically erected on 24 May 1997.

Pioneers: Srs Florette Thanickal (sister-in-charge), Sr Seraphine (local superior replacing Sr Florette) Gina Joseph, Leonie Thattuparambil, and Anisha.

The building, being too old and dilapidated was demolished in July 2009. The new building which also serves as a hostel was blessed on……………

Ministries: Home visitation, medical assistance to those coming from other missions, hostel for colleges going girl students, study house, formation of Plus II candidates, private tuitions, administration at Snehalaya for Child Rights in collaboration with Salesians at Guwahati.

Dumnikura – 6 February 2003

Dumnikurawas carved out of Dalu parish, which included 43 villages at the time of its becoming a parish. On accepting the invitation of Bishop George Mamalassery of Tura diocese sisters arrived at Dumnikura on 23 January 2003. The house built by the diocese was blessed on 6 February 2003 and the official erection of the community took place on 11 March 2004 by Sr. LisetteThuruthimattam on her canonical visitation.

Pioneers: Srs Paulina Basumatary (superior), Janice Appathara, SelvieSusai, Alice Joseph and Sheeba Jose.

Ministries: Village tours, pastoral assistance in the parish, boarding, dispensary, and teaching in the parish school.

Rajanagar – 17 October 2004

It is the first house in the diocese of Miao in Arunachal Pradesh. We work among the Nocte community. We began our presence here on 17 October 2004. The canonical erection of this community took place on 28 September 2006.

Pioneers: Srs. MaryjoVayalil (superior), ShibyPanthalanickal, Mary NirmalaLakra, SuniannKarimbil and Gemma Marutholil.

Ministries: Village tours, home visitation, pastoral assistance, boarding, dispensary and teaching in the parish school.

Rajabala – 10 January 2006

Our house at Rajabalais situated in the east of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. It was at the invitation of Rt Rev. George Mamalassery, Bishop of Tura that we opened our presence under in the parish of Rajabala. House was blessed on 10 January 2006 by Bishop George in the presence of Sr Melanie Vadakemury, the provincial superior and other sisters and people. Canonical erectionof this house was done on 18 November 2006 by Sr Melanie.

Pioneers: Srs. Lily Alka Xess, Bency Panickassery, Therese Sebastian, Crispina Sangma, Jyoti Xalxo. Sr. Salomy Vettickal was installed the first local superior of this house on 24 May 2006.

Ministries: Pastoral ministry which includes village tours, home visits, preparation for the reception of sacraments, daily liturgical preparations, boarding and teaching ministry in the parish school.

Tinsukia – 13 July 2006

Our Tinsukia presence serves as transit house for our sisters in Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. With the permission of Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind, he bishop of Dibrugarh we began this presence in July 13, 2006. We collaborate with the Salesians parish of Don Bosco, Tinsukia. At the invitation of provincial of Salesians in Dimapur we have made the agreement to collaborate with them in pastoral and teaching ministries.
Agreement concerning the sale and purchase of land ad property was signed between Mr. Hazarika, the owner and Sr. Rosita Chengazhacheril authorized by Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam, our superior general. On 19 may 2006.
The house was blessed by Bishop Joseph Aind on 13 July 2006 and the community was erected on 21January 2008.

Pioneers: Srs Rosita Chengazhacherril, (superior), Maryrose Kujur, Sunitha Lakra, Jessintha Anthony and Prabha Kujur.

Activities: Pastoral assistance, home visitation, village apostolate, teaching, boarding, study house for candidates and transit house.

Agreement of collaboration:

Agreement of collaboration was signed between Bishop of Dibrugarh and Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam, superior general on 3 July 2007 and another agreement was made between Sr. Melaie Vadakeury and rev Fr James Poonthuruthil, sdb, the Salesian provincial of Dimapur on 22 January 2008 with the condition of renewing it every three years.

At the renewal of agreement in January 2011 between Sr. Sharlene Pulickal, the provincial and Rev. Fr. Poonthuruthil we were asked to discontinue the pastoral ministry at the request of Fr. Nazarius Lakra, rector of Salesian community at Tinsukia due to lack of fund to pay for our sisters their remuneration.

Tinsukia community was canonically erected on 21 January 2008. Sr Rosita w s installed on the same day as local superior.
The house was later renovated and new boarding was built in the adjacent plot of land which the community bought in 2009. The new boarding was blessed by Bishop Joseph on 11 February 2012.(photo)

Rukminigaon – 24 May 2008
Our hosue at Rukminigaon which serves as our provincial house is situated along the Guwahti –Shillong national highway. This house was blessed ad erected as provincial house community on 24 May 2008 by Most Rev. Thomas Menamaparambil, the Archbishop of Guwahati in the presence of our superior General, Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam and many sisters working in this region and novices who were in regency in different communities in Northeast and many priests, religious and people of the locality. Sr. Lisette installed Sr Madeline Miranda as the first locals superior of this house. An agreement of collaboration was signed between Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati Archdiocese and Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam, our superior general on 1 January 2009.

Pioneers: Srs. SharlenePulickal (provincial superior), Madeline Miranda (first councillor and local superior), Jancy Francis (councilor and secretary), Jocelyn Kunnathu, Miriam Barket Masih, Pribola Narzary, Asha Panna, Arockia Michael and Yamuna Arokyadoss.

Ministries: Co-ordination and animation of the province, pastoral ministry, liturgical preparation, faith instruction, home visitation, prison ministry, assistance of sick, study and formation house.

Aghunato -2 February 2009

Our presence at Aghunato belongs to the Kohima diocese; it is in the district of Zunheboto, Nagaland. We began our service among the SemaCatholic community of Aghnato on 2 February 2009. Responding to written invitation of rt. Rev JoséMukala, of Kohimadiocee dated 5 September 2008 to open our presence in his diocese we agreed to collaborate in the pastoral and educational apostolate in the parish of Aghuanto. It is 9-10 hours fromDimapur by road, and the journey is tedious as roads are in very bad condition and the weather is extreme, specially in winter. After much prayer, study and reflection by Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam and her councillors, Sr. Sharlene Pulickal and her councilors the new presence was opened on 2 February 2009 and was erected on 31 May 2009. Our people are grateful that we have responded to their prayers and sacrifice to have group of sisiters to serve among them and lead them closer to God by our presence an service Sr Della Thundathil was installed as its first local superior on the same day.

Pioneers: Srs Della Thundathil (superior), Maryjo Vayalil, Mary Chrisostom and Kalpana Toppo.

Ministries: Teaching ministry, pastoral assistance (looked after by the sisters, who are teaching in the parish school), home visitation, assisting in the dispensary run by the diocese.

Uriamghat – 10 April 2010

Uriamghat is located in Northeast Assam, southwest of Dibrugarh in the civil district of Golaghat, Assam. After receiving invitation letter from Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind, the bishop of Dibrugarh the SMI entered Uriamghat scenario on 10th April, 2010. Sisters then onward stayed in a newly built hall in the parish from 6 May 2010 until we built a house of our own in the property of 8 bigas offered by the diocese. This house was blessed on 6 May 2010. Sr Sharlene Pulickal, the provincial superior canonically erected this community and installed Sr Marceline Nedumapar as the first animator of the community on 30 June 2010.

Pioneers: Srs Marceline Nedumapra (superior), Chandrika Kujur, Arulmary Louis ad Jayarani Arulanandu.

Ministries: Pastoral assistance, village tours, home visitation, faith formation, teaching in the parish school, boarding and health care through dispensary.

Bebejia–20 February 2011

Bebejia belongs to the district of Nagaon, Assam under the archdiocese of Guwhati. We serve among the Tiwa community with our evangelizing ministries. At the invitation of archbishop Thomas Menamparambil dated on 10 December 2010 we began this fourth mission in the archdiocese. On 20 February 2011 sisters began to stay in a rented house and carried our home visitation and teaching in the school. Agreement of collaboration between SMI and the Archbishop was signed by Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam, superior general and Archbishop Thomas Menamaparambil respectively on 19 March 2011. Community was officially erected on…….

Poneers: Srs Mary Nirmala, Sarojini Topno and Jessy Antony.

Ministries: Evangelization through home visitation, village tours, teaching ministry, boarding, tailoring classes, tuition for school children.

Zunheboto – 3 June 2014

Zunheboto house comes under the district quarters of Zunheboto, Nagaland in Kohima diocese. This house, which is situated in the town itself was opened as a sister community for our Aghunato community and to look after the substation, which had been cared by Aghunato. It was agreed upon by Rt Rev. Jose Mukala, the Bishop at the time of opening the presence at Aghunato that this substation would be given to us later. We collaborate with the parish in teaching ministry and pastoral assistance. The community was erected on 3 June 2014. A concrete house and a small property is purchased by the diocese and given to us for our use. Agreement of collaboration was signed between the present Bishop James Thoppil and Sr. Lisette Thuruthimattam on 24 October 2015.

Pioneers: Srs. Bency (superior), Alma Soreng and Anitha Aiyamathra.

Ministries: Pastoral assistance, home visitation, teaching ministry, teaching catechism.

Tura – 29 June 2019

Our house at Tura is situated in Walbakgre near Tura town. We were invited by Rt. Rev. Andrew R. Marak, bishop of Tura diocese to cater to the needs of the newly built diocesan pastoral centre. On 29th June 2019, Srs. Crispina Sangma and Elizabeth Tudu our pioneers began their stay in the pastoral centre along with Sr Shiny Arangathkuzy as first sister-in-charge. We collaborate with the parish in the teaching ministry and visiting the families of parish. A new concrete house was built by the diocese and on 31stMarch 2020 Rt. Rev Andrew R. Marak bishop of Tura blessed new convent along with Rev. Fr. C.J. Jose the auxiliary bishop elect, Fr. Rikseng the secretary of Bishop. Then onwards sisters started staying in this new convent. On July 15th joined the community as Sister-in- charge and headmistress of the Holy Cross Parish school. The community was erected on 29 July 2022 by Sr Dina Vellamaruthunkal, superior general and installed Sr Madhura Bilung as its first superior.
Presently our sisters are engaged in pastoral ministry, teaching in the school and overseeing the programmes of the Pastoral Centre.

Pioneers: Sr. Shiny Arangathkuzy (Sister –in –charge and Srs. Crispina Sangma and Elizabeth Tudu as members.

Dimapur – 29 June 2019

New Foundation in Dimapur, Nagaland

It was a long-awaited dream that fulfilled when our new foundation at
Our house at Dimapur, is situated in the Ikishe village near to St Joseph’s University run by the DMI Sisters and MMI Fathers. It was purchased with a concrete house surround by little land. On 23rd June, 2019 it was blessed by Most Rev. James Thoppil D.D., Bishop of Kohima and inaugurated by Sr. Jane Nadackal first general councillor in the presence of Sr. Margaret Ranjitham, general councillor and Sr. Jancy Francis, provincial superior. This house serves as a transit house for our sisters serving in Aghunato, Zunheboto and Chessore, a study house for the sisters who study in St Joseph’s University and also a hostel that serves the needs of the girls who come from remote villages to pursue their studies. The community was canonically erected on 14 October 2029 by Sr Dina Vellamaruthunkal, Superior General and Sr Della Thundathil was installed as its first superior.

Pioneers: Sr Della Thundathil (Sister-in-charge), Srs. Asrita Bolbondia and Anitha Soren.

Chessore – 13 February 2023

Our house at Chessore belongs to the district of Tuensang, Nagaland. At the invitation of Most Rev. James Thoppil, the bishop of Kohima diocese we began our presence there on 13 February 2023. Sisters share two rooms of the old parish school for their stay. A new convent building is being built. Presently sisters serve in the parish run school, take care of the patients and visit the families of neighborhood as well as far villages.

Pioneers: Sr Archna Kujur and Roysam Sumta

Addresses of Various Communities and Centres:

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Provincial House
Kanaklata Path No.24
Rukminigaon, G.S. Road
Dispur, Guwahati
Assam 781 022

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Aghunato P.O.
Zunheboto Dt.
Nagaland 798620

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Debdaru Path, Dispur
Guwahati
Assam 781 006

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Kumarikatta P.O.
Bagsa Dt.
Assam 781 360

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Philobari P.O.
Tinsukia Dt.
Assam 786 160

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Rupok Nagar, Gellapukhri Road
P.O. & Dt. Tinsukia 786 125
Assam

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Tongna Bazar
Via Kakopathar
Tinsukia Dt.
Assam 786 152

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Selsella P.O., Garo Hills Dt.
Meghalaya 794 105

Sisters of Mary Immaculate
Dumnikura P.O.,
Kapasipara (Via)
South Garo Hills Dt.,
Meghalaya 794 103