Welcome to Kristu Dasis

The Society of Kristudasis (Handmaids of Christ) is founded by His Grace, Emaritus Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy in 1977, the then Bishop of the Diocese of Mananthavady. It was a response to the pressing pastoral and missionary needs of the Diocese of Mananthavady that came into existence on 1st March 1973. Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacob Thoomkuzhy was appointed as the first Bishop of the Diocese. He took upon himself all the travails until Christ be formed (Gal 4: 9) in the lives of the people of God entrusted to his pastoral care.

The Diocese of Mananthavady was established for the migrant population from central Kerala. As people continued to migrate, the Diocese recognized the need for a group of dedicated women who would directly serve the people in local parish communities. This idea, strongly supported by many, especially the priests, was acknowledged as a necessity. Convinced of this need and discerning the will of God in the voices of many, and encouraged and confirmed by the then Pastoral Council of the Diocese, Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mananthavady, initiated the Kristudasi Society as a pious association on May 19, 1977.

The envisioned plan came to fruition on the Ascension day of Our Lord Jesus, 19th May 1977, when the inaugural group of 18 candidates arrived at Seminary Villa in Nedumpoyil, the cradle of Kristu Dasis. In that same year, on 1st November, All Saints Day, the Pious Association was christened Kristudasikal (Handmaids of Christ). Its titular feast became the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with her renowned response, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord" (Lk 1:38), serving as our guiding motto.

May 1981 holds a special place in our memories, marking the day when 15 individuals from the initial cohort made their First Profession.The SKD is a community of sisters called to humble service in the pastoral, liturgical, catechetical, spiritual, and social aspects of the lives of the people of God. What makes SKD unique is its origin in the heart of the local Church, founded by the local hierarch, nurtured, and patronised by the same, extending its existence to meet the needs and requirements of the Church and the people of God.

"Considering its growth, varied apostolic activities, and the increasing possibility of rendering services in different dioceses within and outside India, along with the need for better coordination and more effective organisation of pastoral activities, His Beatitude Late Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, elevated the Society of Kristu Dasis to Major Archiepiscopal Status on 25th March 2006. In the past 46 years, the Society has been blessed with flourishing vocations. Currently, SKD sisters are engaged in apostolates such as pastoral activities, faith formation, education, healthcare, social services, and caring for the poor and destitute, especially women and children. This is done according to the needs of the Church and the people, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion."

The SKD has organised its administrative structure into three regions: St. Mary's Region Thrissur, St. Joseph's Region Thalassery, and Mary Matha Region Mananthavady. It is gratifying to note that across 76 convents, 318 dedicated sisters are actively involved in spreading the Good News in 18 Dioceses both within and outside India. In a strategic move, the 10th General Synaxis decided to relocate the Generalate of the Society of Kristu Dasis from Thonichal in the Eparchy of Mananthavady to Calicut in the Eparchy of Thamarassery, citing practical considerations and requirements.

We express profound joy and gratitude, recognizing the continuous work of the Holy Spirit over these years. Let us offer praise to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, acknowledging that all things exist from Him, through Him, and for Him. Glory be to Him forever. Amen (Rom 11: 36).