AMALI ILLAM, PALLIYAGARAM – 1971

In response to the church’s call to serve the needs of the time, the Apostolic Carmel sisters came to Sancta Maria Mission Palliagaram in 1970-71. The house which welcomed them was a cow shed with a few minor modifications. The house reminded our pioneer sisters of the stable in Bethlehem. The sisters of Christ King Convent at Tambaram were a great support to the mission in the beginning. While the parish ministry was the main focus of this mission, the Health Centre, Mother and Child care, People-based community health programme, and crèches at Palliagaram and Kumaravadi villages were also part of their mission.

The new health centre was blessed and inaugurated in 1977. In order to make healing services available to people, a Mobile Clinic was started at different centres. Twenty-four-hour emergency and ambulance services are available at the health centre. Patients who need specialized care are taken to Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital in the ambulance. Community Health workers are given thorough training in herbal medicines and are encouraged to use herbal remedies more than allopathic medicines. They work as a team and are helpful to one another.

The crèches at Palliagaram and Kumaravadi villages provide the much-needed childcare. Children who were earlier undernourished and underweight are now healthy and free from diseases. The parents are happy because these children not only enjoy safety but also grow happy, healthy, and strong. The year 1993 marked another important milestone in the history of Amali Illam when the programme for the disabled was initiated, and in 1994 a community-based rehabilitation programme was also started. At the Udayam Rehabilitation Centre, regular classes continue, and special educators receive training to develop the skills of mentally challenged children.

Amali Illam celebrated its silver jubilee and was blessed with many tangible signs of God’s approval of the work and mission in 1995–1996. In 2017, half an acre of land was bought for the Udayam vocational training centre, with an amount of one crore rupees donated for the same by Mr. Koucheouseph Chittilapilly. The silver jubilee of Udayam was celebrated on 19th April 2017. May our Mother of Carmel and our Foundress, Venerable Mother Veronica, be our guide and support as we continue our journey.

Health Centre: The new health centre was blessed and inaugurated in 1977. To make healing services available to people, a Mobile Clinic was started at various centers.

Emergency and Ambulance Service: Twenty-four-hour emergency services are available at our health centre. Patients needing specialized care are transported to Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital in our ambulance.

Community Health Workers and Medical Services: Community health workers are thoroughly trained in herbal medicines and are encouraged to use herbal remedies over allopathic medicines. They work as a team and support one another.

Childcare and Development: The crèches at Palliagaram and Kumaravadi villages provide essential childcare. Previously undernourished and underweight children are now healthy and disease-free. Parents are pleased because their children not only enjoy safety but also grow happy, healthy, and strong.

The year 1993 marked another milestone in the history of Amali Illam with the launch of the programme for the disabled. In 1994, a community-based rehabilitation programme was initiated. At the Udayam Rehabilitation Centre, regular classes continue, with special educators trained to develop the skills of mentally challenged children.

Amali Illam Convent celebrated its silver jubilee and was blessed with many tangible signs of God’s approval in 1995–1996. As we continue the mission at Amali Illam, we recognize the responsibilities ahead. We, the sisters, rededicate ourselves to walk with Jesus, who sought out the weak and marginalized. May our Mother of Carmel and our Foundress, Venerable Mother Veronica, be our guide and support as we journey forward.