In 1961, it was a man of Madurai beseeching the De La Salle Brothers to come over to India to help in educating the poorest of the poor. Fr. A. Simo, a young priest and a former De La Salle Brother in Sri Lanka, later attached to the Archdiocese of Madurai, was aware that the Archdiocesan authorities were considering handing over the newly founded Boys’ Town, Nagamalai to some Religious Congregation. He thought that this kind of educational and social work among the poor would appeal to the zeal of the De La Salle Brothers, and so informed Br Vincent Joseph, Provincial of the District of Colombo, of the possibilities. Based on the information, official contact was made with the diocese, and the De La Salle Brothers made a second beginning in India in August 1961.
The first beginning of the De La Salle Brothers in India had been almost a hundred years earlier, at the request of the Vicar Apostolic of Mangalore and Calcutta, backed by the approval of the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda and the Papal nuncio in France. At the beginning of 1859, four Brothers were sent to this mission. The first house was a novitiate under an American Brother Pastoris, and some promising youths presented themselves. Notable among them were Br Timothy of Mary and Br Anthony of Padua. Soon the Brothers started schools and orphanages in Calcutta, Agra, Tellicherry, Karaikal, Pandicherry, Calicut, Cannanore, and Mahe. Prospects seemed good, but perhaps progress had been too rapid, and one by one, schools had to be closed. The last was that of Cannanore in 1884. The Brothers left for Colombo and Malaysia.
The second coming of the De La Salle Brothers to India created lot of enthusiasm within the congregation. We can look back on the past 50 years with a certain justifiable pride. We have tried to learn from the failures of the previous century, and have aimed at consolidating ourselves in India. It is very satisfying, that today there are 60 Indian De La Salle Brothers most of them less than 35 years of age, young and energetic.
St. Pius Xth Boys Town:
The first Institution, St. Pius Xth Boys’ Town, at Nagamalai, Madurai, had been originally founded by Rev, Viswasam, who was later consecrated as Bishop of Coimbatore. The Brothers took charge of Boys’ Town on 21st of August, 1961. Except for a thatched hut, housing sixteen orphans in 30 acres of arid land, there was nothing else. Bro. Alban Patrick from the USA was the first Director of Boys’ Town. Bro. Cassian Pappu from Malaysia and Bro. Joseph Homan ably assisted him.
The present infrastructure was developed, thanks to the dedicated mission of Brothers such as Bro Norman Ray from the Midwest District of the USA, Bro Ealred from the U.K., Bro Francis Paula from Sri Lanka, Bro Thomas Hammerton from Australia, Bro Thomas Xavier Corera from Sri Lanka, who was also the first novice master and Br Cassian Pappu from Penang District. Brother James Kimpton, from England, who had worked for many years in Sri Lanka, was sent in Dec. 1964 to join the community. He has remained in India ever since apart from attending his mother’s death and funeral in 1967 and a leave of two years from 1969-’71 when he went home to do further studies.
Mr. K.V. Maria Savari, the father of Mr Germanus, was one of the important contractors who helped the Brothers with setting up the initial infrastructures in Boys’ Town. His son Mr Germanus, Managing Director, Hotel Germanus, Madurai acquired his special building skills by closely working with his father Mr Maria Savari here in this Boys’ Town premises. Bro. Cassian Pappu was the first sub-Director of the community and the Vocation Recruiter for the Brothers in India. With limited local knowledge, the Brothers struggled hard to carry on their apostolate.
When the workshops for the various trades were completed in the sixties, the boys in addition to learning trade skills manufactured goods, thus insuring income, to make Boys’ Town financially self-sustainable. Brother James Kimpton, devoted a great amount of energy to develop the farm with the best scientific agricultural innovations very rarely found anywhere in India at that time.
Br Cassian Pappu, moved tirelessly round the parishes inviting young men to this yet unknown Congregation. God blessed his early efforts. Brother Arulsamy was the first fruit of his untiring search for vocations. Br Cassian Pappu left for his home country in 1966 because of ill health, but remained connected to India in many ways till his death in Nov 2009.
Missionaries
The General Chapter of 1966 inspired new interest for missions in newly established Sectors of the Congregation. The Indian Sector was one of the first to benefit, and Spain responded generously by sending many Brothers over a period of fifteen years. The first Brothers from Spain were Br Emiliano Diez (1966-1982), and Br Joaquin Feliciano (1966 – 1977). They rendered valuable and zealous service for a number of years. They acquired a workable knowledge of Tamil to do good work in Boys’ Town. Br Emiliano was responsible for Vocation promotion and the Juniorate. Later he was also appointed as the Chairman of the Indian Sector. Other Brothers included are Br. Benito del Campo (1983-1984) from Peru, a man with high qualifications, Br Castrillo, a man of mature years and teaching experience (1978) and Br Miguel Jose Maria Redundo (1978), a master of all trades. Then there came Br Mark Hoffer (1978) from Switzerland. He graduated at Dies in Switzerland, and joined the staff in the Postulancy in Benildus House and brought a youthful vigour and freshness of mind to his work.
DE LA SALLE HOUSE, TUTICORIN:
On the invitation of the Bishop of Tuticorin and the parish priest of our Lady of Snows, Rev. Fr. D’Almaida, the De La Salle Brothers accepted an invitation to extend their apostolate in the Diocese of Tuticorin. Br Xavier along with the first three postulants landed at Tuticorin on January 3rd, 1964. The De La Salle House community was officially started in Tuticorin on 1st June, 1964. The first Director of the De La Salle community was Br Lawrence Robless from Malaysia. He was ably assisted by his valiant communitarians namely Br Cassian Pappu from Penang and Br Yesudhasan. Br Cassian Pappu stayed in Tuticorin for five years. During these years he served the Region well as vocation Promoter and teacher. The most remarkable thing was his school-band, which earned a good name in and around the town. In 1967 Br Thomas Xavier, a son of the soil, succeeded Rev. Br Lawrence as the Director of the community.
P.M.O-LA SALLE HR. SEC. SCHOOL, TUTICORIN:
On June 1st 1964 the P.M. Ornellas High School was officially handed over to the Brothers by the Bishop of Tuticorin. (PM stands for Portugese Mission). The new Head Master was Br Yesudhasan. He had been teaching in Sri Lanka as a lay-man in several schools, before becoming a De La salle Brother. The students of P.M. Ornellas School were mostly made up of the “left-overs after the more gifted and better-off pupils had been admitted in other schools. As a consequence, much hard work had to be put in to build up the academic standards of the school. Br Yesudhasan, deserves great credit for his constant and valiant efforts during the two terms totaling ten years of his headship there (1964-1969 & 1975-198). Having been touched by the values of the Saint De La Salle and his commitment to educate the poor, many dedicated teachers like Mr Sankaran, Mr Antony Dasan, Mr Ranjendran, Mr Kalyana Sundaram, and Br Arulsamy visited many remote coastal villages around Tuticorin to meet poor kids and get them admitted in the school in the beginning years. We are proud to say that Saint Lasalle Higher Secondary School is one of the more popular schools in the town now.
De La Salle College, Karumathur:
A great contribution to Catholic education in Madurai Archdiocese was made by the opening of the De La Salle College at Karumathur in 1970, started solely on the initiative of the Archbishop of Madurai and made possible by the fearless determination of Br Ealred of Boys’ Town who took up the task of acquiring the property, procuring funds and establishing the college. The District of Penang generously obliged in the person of Br Calixtus Fernando, to assist in the administration of the College. In 1972 Br Calixtus reached the age of retirement, and as there was no other De La Salle Brother to take his place and a mounting burden of debts, the administration of the college was handed back to the Archdiocese.
ST. JOSEPH’S BOYS’ VILLAGE, GENGUVARPATTI:
The fourth foundation of the Brothers on Indian soil was a home for orphan children in Genguvarpatti which is about 40 miles from Madurai city. In 1968 a group consisting of Fr. Bede Griffiths, Fr. Kaithanji and Mr. Bob Stoole requested the De La Salle Brothers to take charge of the property of 8 acres. Br James Kimpton responded and became the founder of St. Joseph’s Boys’ Village by doing all pioneering works. There were 16 small kids with him and they stayed in a hut. It was a humble beginning and with the able and determined effort of Br James Kimpton, it grew into a model farm as well. The institution retains a rural atmosphere in every sense. The living quarters bear a resemblance to that of an Indian village. The kids make a very happy, enthusiastic, vigorous group who always seem ready to put their whole heart and soul into everything they do.
St. Joseph Novitiate, Mangalagiri:
Br Vincent Joseph, Provincial, along with Br Xavier and Br Hilary Joseph had already moved in and around Tuticorin in search of a suitable place for the novitiate. Providence was always guiding their way, for when news of this came to the attention of Mr. J.M.B. Roche, Director of the firm of Messer’s Pereira and Roche, Tuticorin, he at once offered a sizeable piece of land with the buildings thereon situated just beside his own country house in Mangalagiri. The lovely little family-chapel was among the prize gifts. The tumble-down workshops and other buildings were completely renovated under the critical eyes of Br Xavier and Br Cassian Pappu. On March 8th 1964 St. Joseph’s Novitiate was blessed by His Lordship Bishop Thomas Fernando of Tuticorin, and declared open in the name of the Superior General by Br Vincent Joseph, Provincial. Br Austin Anthony, who had taught for 36 years in Sri Lanka and who had already been in charge of the Novitiate there for a few years, was appointed the Director of Novices, with the veteran, Br Thomas Xavier as his Sub-Director. Brother Arulsamy was one of the first Novice Candidates. On 15th August, 1977, Br Hilary who had many years of service as Director and principal in Mannar, Sri Lanka, became the new novice master. At that time there were five Indian novices and seven Sri Lankan novices. Br Patrick Minus was the sub-director of the novitiate. In January, 1978, Br Joseph Fernando was appointed sub-Director. He was also in charge of the farm and developed it into a profitable one. In 1984 he was appointed as the Novice Master for two years. In June, 1986, Br Thomas Fernando became the novice master for one year. The formation programme was changed. The postulants continued their degree programme and afterwards went to Sri Lanka for the novitiate.
DE LA SALLE JUNIORATE:
Search for young men to join the Congregation was in a full swing. Brothers started visiting all Tamilnadu villages to recruit new candidates. Br Cassian Pappu was the first recruiter who laboured hard to recruit Indian candidates. Since the De LaSalle Brothers were almost unknown at that time, the vocations were very few. Later the Brothers witnessed a great sign of hope as more candidates joined the Brothers.
Aspirancy Programme:
At the beginning four aspirants, under the care of Br Thomas Xavier started their Aspirancy programme in Boys’ Town under very difficult circumstance in what afterwards was to become the saw-mill. They had to walk up and down to the Brothers house for their meals and prayers. As there was no electricity, hurricane lamps and sticks were carried along to protect them from snakes and even foxes.
Postulancy programme:
In the initial stages, the Postulancy programme was part of the novitiate programme for the first six months. In 1973 a full pledged Postulancy was started in a separate place at Benildus House, Madurai, with the two postulants, namely, S. James and I. Sebastian. Bro Celixtus Fernando was the first director. Bro Benito succeeded him as director of postulants in 1977. Bro Thomas Fernando who had a winning personality became the director in 1979. In 1980 Bro Emilliano Diez of versatile talents became the director of Postulants. In June 1982 Bro Joseph became the director and organized programmes in a systematic manner.
Scholasticate Program - Arul Thentral:
It was only in the late 70’s that the need for a Scholasticate House for student Brothers was felt. Until then, few Brothers that came out of the novitiate went on directly to one of the colleges, particularly to St. Joseph’s Trichy. When the Junior Novices moved back to Tuticorin in 1973, Benildus House became the abode of the Scholastics under Bro Calixtus Fernando and then Br Benito del Campo. In 1978 the scholastics under Br Benito occupied a house at K.K. Nagar that served this purpose well. Not long after a more suitable house was rented in the N.G.O. colony, Nagamalai where the scholastics moved under Br Patrick Minus. Finally the Scholasticate came into its own and was named ‘Miguel Arul Thentral’, on the Theni Road, Pudukottai, in June 1985. Its architectural layout and style are the result of suggestions from each community in the Region and based on the carefully worked our plan of Br James Kimpton.
ST. JOSEPH’S DEVELOPMENT TRUST:
St. Joseph’s Development Trust was founded by Br I. Sebastian FSC, in 1992. Since its inception the idea of serving the poorest of the poor was the main thrust of the organization. Today St. Joseph’s Development Trust stands tall in serving the humanity with 900 SHGs in 6 districts of Tamil Nadu. The extensive services of SJDT bear witness to the consistent involvement, the organization has had with the society.
Reaching the Un-reached: (RTU)
While Br James Kimpton was in St. Joseph’s Boys’ Village, he extended his service to the poorest of the poor in the Neighbouring villages. We are quite happy to note the very words of Br James Kimpton which prompted him to found ‘Reaching the Un-reached’. Since its beginning R.T.U. aims at developing the village life, getting moral support from the people of the village. It provides schooling, comfort and security to the stranded children. The programmes such as Foster family Programme, Village health care scheme, Formal education schemes, Rural housing schemes, Water development schemes, organized by Br James Kimpton and his staff, stand as tangible testimonials to the growth and development of R.T.U.
ST. JAMES HR. SEC. SCHOOL, SURANAM:
Suranam, a remote, dry area with rugged roads is situated 130 km away from Madurai. It hardly receives any rain even during the monsoon it remains as dry as ever. Even for the basic amenity of drinking water people had to walk miles. To commemorate the twenty five years of the arrival of the Brothers in India, the Brothers were looking for a new venture to serve the poor and the needy. Most Rev. Casimir Gnanathikkam, the Archbishop of Madurai, requested the Brothers to take charge of a school in this remote area.
The Brothers took charge of the school on 4th of June, 1986, the silver jubilee year of the second arrival of the Brothers in India. Br Arulsamy was appointed as the first director of the community and the first Headmaster of the newly started high school. Br Alfred was another member of the staff who gave a helping hand in administering the school. In 1987 Br Thomas joined the community for his first Apostolic Experience. In 1986-87 the Brothers conducted classes in the church premises and the Brothers stayed for the first two years in the presbytery.
The school admitted all the students who sought admission. Since most of the students were from the rural areas the standard of education was rather low. Because of the hard and dedicated service of the Brothers and the staff the standard of education was raised rapidly and it became one of the best schools in that area. In order to promote social Justice, literacy and to regain the forgotten identity, the Brothers at Suranam launched a development programme namely LARES in 1992. LARES whole heartedly promotes complementary education, adult literacy and youth programme many villages surrounding Suranam. The tuition centers create a conducive atmosphere with light facilities, writing and reading materials, for a better productive education.
BISHOP JOSEPH THUMMA JUNIOR COLLEGE, KEESARA, ANDRA PRADESH:
On 24th February, 1993 the Brothers received a letter from his Lordship, Joseph Thumma, Bishop of Vijayawada Diocese in Andra Pradesh, who requested the Brothers to come and take over a residential intermediate College in Keesara. The Brothers responded to the invitation and extended their educational apostolate in July 1993. Keesara is in Krishna district 40 km away from Vijayawada. The Brothers started a Junior college named Bishop Joseph Thumma Junior College.The B.J.T. College caters for the educational needs of the students of Keesara and its 20 surrounding villages. The pioneers were Br Alfred, Br Paulraj, Br Sekar and Br Arulsamy. In 1997 the Brothers started the La Salle English medium school in the college premises.
KEELAMUDIMAN:
Keezhamudiman is a hamlet situated about 30 km towards northwest of Tuticorin. The Community which was named as LaSalle Deepam was officially formed on June 01, 2003, and the Brothers assumed the responsibility of Valan Hr. Sec. School. At present the school has a student population of more than 900 with 3 Brothers and 19 staff. The Brothers run a hostel for poor students. The specialty of the school is the premise itself with the great educational conditions.
LAN NOVITIATE:
The Novitiate, situated in India, is named as “La Salle Arpana Nivas”. The name Arpana (a Tamil word) denotes the commitment which the novices intend to make at the end of their novitiate formation. La Salle Arpana Nivas was officially inaugurated on June 12, 2004. By establishing the Novitiate in 2004, in Bangalore, the Brothers return to the State after 136 years, with a heart full of gratitude and hope. Br. Heldon Fernando as the first Director, and Br. Amalan as Dean of Studies & Sub-Director were assigned to this new Community. We appreciate these two Brothers for their willingness and generosity in offering themselves to be members of this new community. Brother Mark Murphy the former Delegate was the instrumental person for the establishment of the Novitiate.
LASALLE PUTHUMANAM DINDIGUL:
St La Salle Industrial School was started in 2002 at Dindigul to provide vocational skills training to poor and destitute youth living in acute circumstances in that area. Puthumanam Industrial School provides vocational training to the youth of Dindigul Town and its suburbs. Puthumanam gives preference to admitting poor students. Mr. Pon Ravi who was then Principal of La Salle School, Tuticorin was instrumental in securing government recognition for La Salle, Puthumanam. The new community was officially inaugurated on 01 June 2005. Later in the same month another new building was constructed to improve the educational facilities.
KADALISAI IN NAGAPATTINAM:
Our involvement in Tsunami services followed after the devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami that hit South India, and led us to have our permanent presence and educational ministry to the victims of the tsunami particularly in Nagapattinam. We have named the new mission as “LaSalle Kadalisai”. The new community was officially inaugurated on June 26, 2005.
THE DELEGATES OF INDIA:
In 1987 India became a separate Delegation, Bro Superior General appointed Br Dominic Berarrdelli being the first Delegate. Since he was also the director of SECOLI he was able to assist financially through projects in all our Indian institutions. His presence in the Delegation was indeed a boon to the newly found Delegation.
In 1994 Br William Mann was appointed as the Delegate for India. He strengthened every aspect of formation programs with the utmost care and concern In 1996 Br Mark Murphy from the District of San Francisco came to assist the Brothers in India. Having seen his valuable service in India, the Superior General appointed him as the Delegate for India. He took the initiative to provide substantial animation programmes for the progress and development of the Delegation. The Delegation owes a lot of gratitude to Br Mark Murphy for his untiring and relentless service in improving the Delegation.
At present, the Delegation is being administered pastorally and professionally by Brother David Hawke.
THE STATISTICS AT PRESENT IN THE INDIAN DELEGATION
The first beginning of the De La Salle Brothers in India had been almost a hundred years earlier, at the request of the Vicar Apostolic of Mangalore and Calcutta, backed by the approval of the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda and the Papal nuncio in France. At the beginning of 1859, four Brothers were sent to this mission. The first house was a novitiate under an American Brother Pastoris, and some promising youths presented themselves. Notable among them were Br Timothy of Mary and Br Anthony of Padua. Soon the Brothers started schools and orphanages in Calcutta, Agra, Tellicherry, Karaikal, Pandicherry, Calicut, Cannanore, and Mahe. Prospects seemed good, but perhaps progress had been too rapid, and one by one, schools had to be closed. The last was that of Cannanore in 1884. The Brothers left for Colombo and Malaysia.
The second coming of the De La Salle Brothers to India created lot of enthusiasm within the congregation. We can look back on the past 50 years with a certain justifiable pride. We have tried to learn from the failures of the previous century, and have aimed at consolidating ourselves in India. It is very satisfying, that today there are 60 Indian De La Salle Brothers most of them less than 35 years of age, young and energetic.
St. Pius Xth Boys Town:
The first Institution, St. Pius Xth Boys’ Town, at Nagamalai, Madurai, had been originally founded by Rev, Viswasam, who was later consecrated as Bishop of Coimbatore. The Brothers took charge of Boys’ Town on 21st of August, 1961. Except for a thatched hut, housing sixteen orphans in 30 acres of arid land, there was nothing else. Bro. Alban Patrick from the USA was the first Director of Boys’ Town. Bro. Cassian Pappu from Malaysia and Bro. Joseph Homan ably assisted him.
The present infrastructure was developed, thanks to the dedicated mission of Brothers such as Bro Norman Ray from the Midwest District of the USA, Bro Ealred from the U.K., Bro Francis Paula from Sri Lanka, Bro Thomas Hammerton from Australia, Bro Thomas Xavier Corera from Sri Lanka, who was also the first novice master and Br Cassian Pappu from Penang District. Brother James Kimpton, from England, who had worked for many years in Sri Lanka, was sent in Dec. 1964 to join the community. He has remained in India ever since apart from attending his mother’s death and funeral in 1967 and a leave of two years from 1969-’71 when he went home to do further studies.
Mr. K.V. Maria Savari, the father of Mr Germanus, was one of the important contractors who helped the Brothers with setting up the initial infrastructures in Boys’ Town. His son Mr Germanus, Managing Director, Hotel Germanus, Madurai acquired his special building skills by closely working with his father Mr Maria Savari here in this Boys’ Town premises. Bro. Cassian Pappu was the first sub-Director of the community and the Vocation Recruiter for the Brothers in India. With limited local knowledge, the Brothers struggled hard to carry on their apostolate.
When the workshops for the various trades were completed in the sixties, the boys in addition to learning trade skills manufactured goods, thus insuring income, to make Boys’ Town financially self-sustainable. Brother James Kimpton, devoted a great amount of energy to develop the farm with the best scientific agricultural innovations very rarely found anywhere in India at that time.
Br Cassian Pappu, moved tirelessly round the parishes inviting young men to this yet unknown Congregation. God blessed his early efforts. Brother Arulsamy was the first fruit of his untiring search for vocations. Br Cassian Pappu left for his home country in 1966 because of ill health, but remained connected to India in many ways till his death in Nov 2009.
Missionaries
The General Chapter of 1966 inspired new interest for missions in newly established Sectors of the Congregation. The Indian Sector was one of the first to benefit, and Spain responded generously by sending many Brothers over a period of fifteen years. The first Brothers from Spain were Br Emiliano Diez (1966-1982), and Br Joaquin Feliciano (1966 – 1977). They rendered valuable and zealous service for a number of years. They acquired a workable knowledge of Tamil to do good work in Boys’ Town. Br Emiliano was responsible for Vocation promotion and the Juniorate. Later he was also appointed as the Chairman of the Indian Sector. Other Brothers included are Br. Benito del Campo (1983-1984) from Peru, a man with high qualifications, Br Castrillo, a man of mature years and teaching experience (1978) and Br Miguel Jose Maria Redundo (1978), a master of all trades. Then there came Br Mark Hoffer (1978) from Switzerland. He graduated at Dies in Switzerland, and joined the staff in the Postulancy in Benildus House and brought a youthful vigour and freshness of mind to his work.
DE LA SALLE HOUSE, TUTICORIN:
On the invitation of the Bishop of Tuticorin and the parish priest of our Lady of Snows, Rev. Fr. D’Almaida, the De La Salle Brothers accepted an invitation to extend their apostolate in the Diocese of Tuticorin. Br Xavier along with the first three postulants landed at Tuticorin on January 3rd, 1964. The De La Salle House community was officially started in Tuticorin on 1st June, 1964. The first Director of the De La Salle community was Br Lawrence Robless from Malaysia. He was ably assisted by his valiant communitarians namely Br Cassian Pappu from Penang and Br Yesudhasan. Br Cassian Pappu stayed in Tuticorin for five years. During these years he served the Region well as vocation Promoter and teacher. The most remarkable thing was his school-band, which earned a good name in and around the town. In 1967 Br Thomas Xavier, a son of the soil, succeeded Rev. Br Lawrence as the Director of the community.
P.M.O-LA SALLE HR. SEC. SCHOOL, TUTICORIN:
On June 1st 1964 the P.M. Ornellas High School was officially handed over to the Brothers by the Bishop of Tuticorin. (PM stands for Portugese Mission). The new Head Master was Br Yesudhasan. He had been teaching in Sri Lanka as a lay-man in several schools, before becoming a De La salle Brother. The students of P.M. Ornellas School were mostly made up of the “left-overs after the more gifted and better-off pupils had been admitted in other schools. As a consequence, much hard work had to be put in to build up the academic standards of the school. Br Yesudhasan, deserves great credit for his constant and valiant efforts during the two terms totaling ten years of his headship there (1964-1969 & 1975-198). Having been touched by the values of the Saint De La Salle and his commitment to educate the poor, many dedicated teachers like Mr Sankaran, Mr Antony Dasan, Mr Ranjendran, Mr Kalyana Sundaram, and Br Arulsamy visited many remote coastal villages around Tuticorin to meet poor kids and get them admitted in the school in the beginning years. We are proud to say that Saint Lasalle Higher Secondary School is one of the more popular schools in the town now.
De La Salle College, Karumathur:
A great contribution to Catholic education in Madurai Archdiocese was made by the opening of the De La Salle College at Karumathur in 1970, started solely on the initiative of the Archbishop of Madurai and made possible by the fearless determination of Br Ealred of Boys’ Town who took up the task of acquiring the property, procuring funds and establishing the college. The District of Penang generously obliged in the person of Br Calixtus Fernando, to assist in the administration of the College. In 1972 Br Calixtus reached the age of retirement, and as there was no other De La Salle Brother to take his place and a mounting burden of debts, the administration of the college was handed back to the Archdiocese.
ST. JOSEPH’S BOYS’ VILLAGE, GENGUVARPATTI:
The fourth foundation of the Brothers on Indian soil was a home for orphan children in Genguvarpatti which is about 40 miles from Madurai city. In 1968 a group consisting of Fr. Bede Griffiths, Fr. Kaithanji and Mr. Bob Stoole requested the De La Salle Brothers to take charge of the property of 8 acres. Br James Kimpton responded and became the founder of St. Joseph’s Boys’ Village by doing all pioneering works. There were 16 small kids with him and they stayed in a hut. It was a humble beginning and with the able and determined effort of Br James Kimpton, it grew into a model farm as well. The institution retains a rural atmosphere in every sense. The living quarters bear a resemblance to that of an Indian village. The kids make a very happy, enthusiastic, vigorous group who always seem ready to put their whole heart and soul into everything they do.
HOUSES OF FORMATION:
St. Joseph Novitiate, Mangalagiri:
Br Vincent Joseph, Provincial, along with Br Xavier and Br Hilary Joseph had already moved in and around Tuticorin in search of a suitable place for the novitiate. Providence was always guiding their way, for when news of this came to the attention of Mr. J.M.B. Roche, Director of the firm of Messer’s Pereira and Roche, Tuticorin, he at once offered a sizeable piece of land with the buildings thereon situated just beside his own country house in Mangalagiri. The lovely little family-chapel was among the prize gifts. The tumble-down workshops and other buildings were completely renovated under the critical eyes of Br Xavier and Br Cassian Pappu. On March 8th 1964 St. Joseph’s Novitiate was blessed by His Lordship Bishop Thomas Fernando of Tuticorin, and declared open in the name of the Superior General by Br Vincent Joseph, Provincial. Br Austin Anthony, who had taught for 36 years in Sri Lanka and who had already been in charge of the Novitiate there for a few years, was appointed the Director of Novices, with the veteran, Br Thomas Xavier as his Sub-Director. Brother Arulsamy was one of the first Novice Candidates. On 15th August, 1977, Br Hilary who had many years of service as Director and principal in Mannar, Sri Lanka, became the new novice master. At that time there were five Indian novices and seven Sri Lankan novices. Br Patrick Minus was the sub-director of the novitiate. In January, 1978, Br Joseph Fernando was appointed sub-Director. He was also in charge of the farm and developed it into a profitable one. In 1984 he was appointed as the Novice Master for two years. In June, 1986, Br Thomas Fernando became the novice master for one year. The formation programme was changed. The postulants continued their degree programme and afterwards went to Sri Lanka for the novitiate.
DE LA SALLE JUNIORATE:
Search for young men to join the Congregation was in a full swing. Brothers started visiting all Tamilnadu villages to recruit new candidates. Br Cassian Pappu was the first recruiter who laboured hard to recruit Indian candidates. Since the De LaSalle Brothers were almost unknown at that time, the vocations were very few. Later the Brothers witnessed a great sign of hope as more candidates joined the Brothers.
Aspirancy Programme:
At the beginning four aspirants, under the care of Br Thomas Xavier started their Aspirancy programme in Boys’ Town under very difficult circumstance in what afterwards was to become the saw-mill. They had to walk up and down to the Brothers house for their meals and prayers. As there was no electricity, hurricane lamps and sticks were carried along to protect them from snakes and even foxes.
Postulancy programme:
In the initial stages, the Postulancy programme was part of the novitiate programme for the first six months. In 1973 a full pledged Postulancy was started in a separate place at Benildus House, Madurai, with the two postulants, namely, S. James and I. Sebastian. Bro Celixtus Fernando was the first director. Bro Benito succeeded him as director of postulants in 1977. Bro Thomas Fernando who had a winning personality became the director in 1979. In 1980 Bro Emilliano Diez of versatile talents became the director of Postulants. In June 1982 Bro Joseph became the director and organized programmes in a systematic manner.
Scholasticate Program - Arul Thentral:
It was only in the late 70’s that the need for a Scholasticate House for student Brothers was felt. Until then, few Brothers that came out of the novitiate went on directly to one of the colleges, particularly to St. Joseph’s Trichy. When the Junior Novices moved back to Tuticorin in 1973, Benildus House became the abode of the Scholastics under Bro Calixtus Fernando and then Br Benito del Campo. In 1978 the scholastics under Br Benito occupied a house at K.K. Nagar that served this purpose well. Not long after a more suitable house was rented in the N.G.O. colony, Nagamalai where the scholastics moved under Br Patrick Minus. Finally the Scholasticate came into its own and was named ‘Miguel Arul Thentral’, on the Theni Road, Pudukottai, in June 1985. Its architectural layout and style are the result of suggestions from each community in the Region and based on the carefully worked our plan of Br James Kimpton.
ST. JOSEPH’S DEVELOPMENT TRUST:
St. Joseph’s Development Trust was founded by Br I. Sebastian FSC, in 1992. Since its inception the idea of serving the poorest of the poor was the main thrust of the organization. Today St. Joseph’s Development Trust stands tall in serving the humanity with 900 SHGs in 6 districts of Tamil Nadu. The extensive services of SJDT bear witness to the consistent involvement, the organization has had with the society.
Reaching the Un-reached: (RTU)
While Br James Kimpton was in St. Joseph’s Boys’ Village, he extended his service to the poorest of the poor in the Neighbouring villages. We are quite happy to note the very words of Br James Kimpton which prompted him to found ‘Reaching the Un-reached’. Since its beginning R.T.U. aims at developing the village life, getting moral support from the people of the village. It provides schooling, comfort and security to the stranded children. The programmes such as Foster family Programme, Village health care scheme, Formal education schemes, Rural housing schemes, Water development schemes, organized by Br James Kimpton and his staff, stand as tangible testimonials to the growth and development of R.T.U.
ST. JAMES HR. SEC. SCHOOL, SURANAM:
Suranam, a remote, dry area with rugged roads is situated 130 km away from Madurai. It hardly receives any rain even during the monsoon it remains as dry as ever. Even for the basic amenity of drinking water people had to walk miles. To commemorate the twenty five years of the arrival of the Brothers in India, the Brothers were looking for a new venture to serve the poor and the needy. Most Rev. Casimir Gnanathikkam, the Archbishop of Madurai, requested the Brothers to take charge of a school in this remote area.
The Brothers took charge of the school on 4th of June, 1986, the silver jubilee year of the second arrival of the Brothers in India. Br Arulsamy was appointed as the first director of the community and the first Headmaster of the newly started high school. Br Alfred was another member of the staff who gave a helping hand in administering the school. In 1987 Br Thomas joined the community for his first Apostolic Experience. In 1986-87 the Brothers conducted classes in the church premises and the Brothers stayed for the first two years in the presbytery.
The school admitted all the students who sought admission. Since most of the students were from the rural areas the standard of education was rather low. Because of the hard and dedicated service of the Brothers and the staff the standard of education was raised rapidly and it became one of the best schools in that area. In order to promote social Justice, literacy and to regain the forgotten identity, the Brothers at Suranam launched a development programme namely LARES in 1992. LARES whole heartedly promotes complementary education, adult literacy and youth programme many villages surrounding Suranam. The tuition centers create a conducive atmosphere with light facilities, writing and reading materials, for a better productive education.
BISHOP JOSEPH THUMMA JUNIOR COLLEGE, KEESARA, ANDRA PRADESH:
On 24th February, 1993 the Brothers received a letter from his Lordship, Joseph Thumma, Bishop of Vijayawada Diocese in Andra Pradesh, who requested the Brothers to come and take over a residential intermediate College in Keesara. The Brothers responded to the invitation and extended their educational apostolate in July 1993. Keesara is in Krishna district 40 km away from Vijayawada. The Brothers started a Junior college named Bishop Joseph Thumma Junior College.The B.J.T. College caters for the educational needs of the students of Keesara and its 20 surrounding villages. The pioneers were Br Alfred, Br Paulraj, Br Sekar and Br Arulsamy. In 1997 the Brothers started the La Salle English medium school in the college premises.
KEELAMUDIMAN:
Keezhamudiman is a hamlet situated about 30 km towards northwest of Tuticorin. The Community which was named as LaSalle Deepam was officially formed on June 01, 2003, and the Brothers assumed the responsibility of Valan Hr. Sec. School. At present the school has a student population of more than 900 with 3 Brothers and 19 staff. The Brothers run a hostel for poor students. The specialty of the school is the premise itself with the great educational conditions.
LAN NOVITIATE:
The Novitiate, situated in India, is named as “La Salle Arpana Nivas”. The name Arpana (a Tamil word) denotes the commitment which the novices intend to make at the end of their novitiate formation. La Salle Arpana Nivas was officially inaugurated on June 12, 2004. By establishing the Novitiate in 2004, in Bangalore, the Brothers return to the State after 136 years, with a heart full of gratitude and hope. Br. Heldon Fernando as the first Director, and Br. Amalan as Dean of Studies & Sub-Director were assigned to this new Community. We appreciate these two Brothers for their willingness and generosity in offering themselves to be members of this new community. Brother Mark Murphy the former Delegate was the instrumental person for the establishment of the Novitiate.
LASALLE PUTHUMANAM DINDIGUL:
St La Salle Industrial School was started in 2002 at Dindigul to provide vocational skills training to poor and destitute youth living in acute circumstances in that area. Puthumanam Industrial School provides vocational training to the youth of Dindigul Town and its suburbs. Puthumanam gives preference to admitting poor students. Mr. Pon Ravi who was then Principal of La Salle School, Tuticorin was instrumental in securing government recognition for La Salle, Puthumanam. The new community was officially inaugurated on 01 June 2005. Later in the same month another new building was constructed to improve the educational facilities.
KADALISAI IN NAGAPATTINAM:
Our involvement in Tsunami services followed after the devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami that hit South India, and led us to have our permanent presence and educational ministry to the victims of the tsunami particularly in Nagapattinam. We have named the new mission as “LaSalle Kadalisai”. The new community was officially inaugurated on June 26, 2005.
THE DELEGATES OF INDIA:
In 1987 India became a separate Delegation, Bro Superior General appointed Br Dominic Berarrdelli being the first Delegate. Since he was also the director of SECOLI he was able to assist financially through projects in all our Indian institutions. His presence in the Delegation was indeed a boon to the newly found Delegation.
In 1994 Br William Mann was appointed as the Delegate for India. He strengthened every aspect of formation programs with the utmost care and concern In 1996 Br Mark Murphy from the District of San Francisco came to assist the Brothers in India. Having seen his valuable service in India, the Superior General appointed him as the Delegate for India. He took the initiative to provide substantial animation programmes for the progress and development of the Delegation. The Delegation owes a lot of gratitude to Br Mark Murphy for his untiring and relentless service in improving the Delegation.
At present, the Delegation is being administered pastorally and professionally by Brother David Hawke.
| No | Name of the Institutions | Place | Year of Establishment |
| 1 | St. Pius X Boys Town | Madurai | 1961 |
| 2 | St. Lasalle Higher Secondary School | Tuticorin | 1964 |
| 3 | St. Joseph's Juniorate | Tuticorin | 1964 |
| 4 | St. Joseph's Boys' Village | Ganguvarpatti | 1974 |
| 5 | Reaching the Unreached | Ganguvarpatti | 1975 |
| 6 | St. Miguel Arul Thentral | Madurai | 1984 |
| 7 | St. James Higher Secondary School | Suranam | 1986 |
| 8 | St. Joseph's Development Trust | Ganguvarpatti | 1992 |
| 9 | B.J.T. Degree / Junior College | Keesara - AP | 1993 |
| 10 | St. Joseph Higher Secondary School | Keelamudiman | 2001 |
| 11 | Lasalle Arpana Nivas | Bangalore | 2004 |
| 12 | Lasalle Pudumanam | Dindigul | 2005 |
| 13 | Lasalle Kadalisai | Nagapattinam | 2005 |
THE STATISTICS AT PRESENT IN THE INDIAN DELEGATION
| 1 | Number of Brothers | 67 |
| 2 | Number of Communities | 11 |
| 3 | Number of Schools | 06 |
| 4 | Hostels | 06 |
| 5 | Number of Developmental Projects | 02 |
| 6 | Number of Vocational Training Centres | 05 |
| 7 | Number of Teachers in Schools | 250 (to be updated) |
| 8 | Number of Staff in Vocational Training Centres | 37 (to be updated) |
| 9 | Number of Staff involved in Developmental Projects | 1430 (to be updated) |
| 10 | Number of Target Clientele | 51350 (to be updated) |
