St Thomas Mission Society (STMS) is the registered charitable and social organization under the Missionary Society of St Thomas, the Apostle founded in Kerala. STMS is a non-profit organization, established in the year 1980, which aims at improving the living conditions and general welfare of the people.
St Thomas Mission Region Mandya
St Thomas Mission Society (STMS) is the registered charitable and social organization under the Missionary Society of St Thomas, the Apostle founded in Kerala.STMS is a non-profit organization, established in the year 1980, which aims at improving the living conditions and general welfare of the people.
St Thomas Mission Region Mandya
St Thomas Mission Society (STMS) is the registered charitable and social organization under the Missionary Society of St Thomas, the Apostle founded in Kerala.STMS is a non-profit organization, established in the year 1980, which aims at improving the living conditions and general welfare of the people.
ABOUT US
The St. Thomas Mission Region, Mandya, part of the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle (MST), began its missionary work in Mandya district in 1978 and now serves Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. With 37 MST priests, 26 missionary priests, and 30 religious sisters, the mission operates 15 centres, focusing on direct preaching, social service, education, healthcare, women and child empowerment, charity, and psychological support. Their efforts impact thousands of people, especially the underprivileged, sharing God's love and the message of Jesus across diverse communities.
MISSION
Our mission is to empower the underprivileged by offering essential services, including education, healthcare, and social welfare. We believe that every individual deserves access to quality education, medical care, and community support, enabling them to lead a dignified life.
VISION
We aspire to create a society where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to opportunities that can transform their lives. Through our ongoing efforts, we continue to expand our reach and impact more lives.
MISSION IMPACT
Missionaries of the Missionary Society of St Thomas the Apostle (MST) have been working in St Thomas Mission Region in the last 46 years for the welfare and development of the people, extending missionary and developmental activities to the social, cultural, economic, civic and political dimensions and thus becoming agents of obvious transformation in the society. The activities, undertaken by them for the wellbeing of the weaker sections of the society like women, children, mentally ill and intellectually challenged, are highly appreciated by the general public and governmental authorities and have been instrumental in bringing the love of Christ to thousands of non-Christian brethren.
Rev. Fr George Aikkarakunnel
Regional Director
THE FOUNDER
MST was the result of the farsightedness and missionary vision of Mar Sebastian Vayalil (1906-1986), the first Bishop of Pala (1950-1980). He was a real visionary with a historical mission. He was well aware of the great missionary mandate that the Syro-Malabar Church had inherited. Bishop Vayalil visualized it as an institute of the Church and gave concrete form to it, with the help of his priests. Bishop Vayalil began to think about the possibility of the formation of a missionary institute of the Syro-Malabar Church while preparing for the Ad Limina visit of 1960. During the visit, Bishop met the Holy Father John XXIII and apprised him of the plan to begin.
ST. THOMAS REGION AND ITS DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS
Santhome Regional House, Mandya
The social work activities under Santhome Regional House, Mandya, have been boosted with numerous activities for the poor and needy in and around the city of Mandya. Regular meetings are conducted for the Self-Help Group (SHG) members, and loan facilities are arranged for them to enable self-sufficiency. With support from the Bridge International Foundation, loans have been distributed among SHG members to buy cows and buffaloes and to start small income-generating initiatives, such as small-scale shops and horticulture. Recently, a photocopying machine was purchased to assist the needy.
Asha Sadan Special School
Asha Sadan Special School, established in 2002 for the differently abled, is located in Kiragandur village. It trains intellectually disabled children aged 4–17. Hundreds of children who have never been cared for are brought under an effective system of training, providing them with a sense of care and respect in society. Currently, there are 167 children at Asha Sadan, receiving training in different skills. Many differently abled children in the area still require special attention and care.
Christalaya, Hadanur
Christalaya mission centre, situated at K.R. Pet Taluk in Mandya district, is renowned for its exceptional treatment of snakebite cases. Fr Augustine Mundyavil, a highly experienced individual in this field, has saved thousands of poor people from the brink of death. The collaboration, selfless service, and sacrifice of the Snehagiri Sisters since the inception of this centre are commendable and unquestionable. Recently, Fr Ashil Kizkkekara, a young missionary, has joined the team. Under his leadership, a tuition programme for 46 poor village children has been initiated and organises youth activities. Many visitors come to enjoy the beautiful Ayurvedic and botanical garden of Christalaya.
MEET OUR LEADERS
General Administration Team
Very Rev. Fr Vincent Kadalikattilputhenpura
Director General
Rev. Fr Joseph Thekkekarott
Vice Director
Rev. Fr George (Ivan) Muthanatt
Second Councillor
Rev. Fr Joseph Ayyankanal
Third Councillor
Rev. Fr Lonappan Arangassery
Secretary General
Rev. Fr Santhosh Olapurackal
Treasurer General
Regional Administration Team
Rev. Fr George Aikkarakunnel
Regional Director
Rev. Fr Jiby Thekkemuriyil
First Councillor
Rev. Fr John Thettalickal
Second Councillor & Procurator
MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES
The St. Thomas Region oversees various institutions dedicated to social work, education, healthcare, and community empowerment across multiple locations. It includes schools, special education centres, vocational training programs, self-help groups (SHGs), healthcare initiatives, and mission centres serving underprivileged communities. Key activities include tuition centres, skill development (tailoring, beauty therapy, computer training), microfinance for SHGs, and medical aid (snakebite treatment, mental health counselling, dispensaries). Institutions like Santhome Public Schools, Asha Sadan Special School, Christalaya Mission Centre, and Karunya Sadan play a crucial role in transforming lives through education, rehabilitation, and economic upliftment, benefiting thousands across Karnataka and Telangana.