When Mar Lawrence Mukuzhy, the Bishop of Belthangady was looking for some Congregation to start a hospital in the diocese, we responded positively. Belthangady is a forest area in S. Karnataka inhabited by immigrants from different parts of S.India, speaking different languages like Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, Malayalam etc. Among them there are so many Syro Malabar Catholics who are mostly farmers, both rich and poor. But predominantly this is a Hindu centre following many rigid religious customs and misled by superstitions, that they resort to pooja, witchcraft etc.instead of seeking medical help when they get sick, resulting in high death rate of children and pregnant ladies.Those who sought genuine medical treatment had to go to Mangalore, about 65 kms away. So a hospital was a felt need and cherished dream of the Diocese and of the common folk.
As we agreed to the request of the Bishop he gave us four acres of land free of cost. Sr.Georgitta and Sr. Celia began to stay in a rented house at Laila on 15 October 2002 and began the construction works. The convent was completed and blessed on 15 December 2003, and Jyothy hospital on 19 June 2004. Srs. Anna Maria (Superior), Mercitta, Caroline, Cicilia, Deena Jose, Subin Jose and Sneha Maria were the pioneers. Sisters provide medical care to the poor people who are living in ignorance and superstition and conscientize them through awareness programs and medical camps. The 60 bedded Jyothy Hospital is well equipped with modern facilities. A Palliative care unit and De addiction section are also at work here.
Sisters are fully active in all the activities of the Cathedral church and the Bishop’s house. They are also entrusted with the responsibility of two wards of the cathedral Parish and of the whole Kuthallur Parish.