The Dawn of the Mission
Provincial Chapter Decision
The Italian Province of the Mercedarian Order decides during its Provincial Chapter to open a new missionary presence in India.
Provincial Council Approval
The Provincial Council formally decides to establish a mission in the Diocese of Cochin (Kochi), chosen for its strong Catholic heritage.
Cornerstone Blessed
A plot of land is secured in Edacochin. The cornerstone of the future monastery is blessed on October 28, with support from Bishop Joseph Kureethara.
Missionary Mandate
Three missionaries — Fr. Joseph Kutipurath, Fr. Vincenzo Pennella, and Br. José Furtado — receive their Missionary Mandate in Rome.
Mission Inaugurated
The Mercedarian mission is officially inaugurated with a solemn Eucharistic celebration in St. Augustine's Church, Cochin, presided over by the bishop.
3 Missionaries
First Community
1992
Founded In
7 Dioceses
Serving Across
Our Presence
Diocese of Cochin (Kochi)
The Mother House
The heart of the Mercedarian mission in India. The monastery serves as a center for religious formation, community life, prayer, and pastoral service.
- Parish ministry
- Youth formation
- Vocational promotion
Diocese of Kottapuram
Central Kerala
A formation house in Elanthikkara trains postulants and major seminarians, supporting the steady growth of local vocations.
- Formation house
- Parish ministry
- Youth formation
Diocese of Kannur
Northern Kerala
The Mercedarians assist in addressing the pastoral needs of northern Kerala through varied ministries.
- Parish administration
- Retreat preaching
- Youth ministry
Diocese of Kadapa
Andhra Pradesh
The community serves through pastoral ministry and operates a home for orphaned and semi-orphaned children.
- Pastoral ministry
- Children's home
- Care for the vulnerable
Diocese of Salem
Tamil Nadu
The community focuses on pastoral and social outreach, especially among rural and economically disadvantaged populations.
- Parish ministry
- Youth formation
- Vocational promotion
Diocese of Sultanpet
Pastoral Care
Assisting in pastoral care and sacramental ministry with emphasis on evangelization, family ministry, and youth accompaniment.
- Evangelization
- Family ministry
- Youth accompaniment
Archdiocese of Trivandrum
Southern Kerala
Contributing to the spiritual life of the faithful through parish ministry, Marian devotion, and retreat preaching.
- Marian devotion
- Retreat preaching
- Spiritual guidance
Formation and Inculturation
The Mercedarian communities in India gradually developed a distinctive cultural identity that blended the Order's European spiritual traditions with the rich liturgical and cultural heritage of Kerala.
The formation houses established in Kerala helped nurture local vocations, allowing Indian religious to assume greater leadership within the Order's mission. Over time, early cultural challenges gave way to deeper collaboration and mutual understanding between the missionaries and the local Christian community.
This ongoing process of inculturation continues to shape the Mercedarian presence in India today.
Our Mission
Faithful to the charism of mercy and liberation, the Mercedarians in India are actively engaged in social outreach and community development. Inspired by the Christian principle of the preferential option for the poor, these programs aim to address the deeper causes of poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion.
Particular attention is given to individuals and families from Dalit and socially disadvantaged backgrounds who often face discrimination and economic hardship. Through advocacy, pastoral care, and empowerment programs, the Order seeks to promote justice, dignity, and hope for those most in need.
Join Our Mission of Mercy
Since their arrival in 1992, the Mercedarians in India have steadily expanded their mission through pastoral service, formation, and social outreach. Guided by the spirit of Saint Peter Nolasco, the Order continues to serve the Church and society by bringing mercy, liberation, and hope to communities across India.