Kochi: Mon is the founder and founder of the Green Garden Institutions of the Assisi Nunnery Society (ASMI) of the Mother of Amalothabhava and a priest of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. Joseph was a servant of God. Mon, better known as ‘Kerala Damian’, dedicated his life to lepers. The Synod of Rome, on the recommendation of the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Bishop, gave sanction to the Consecration of the Church on October 24.
He was born on October 27, 1904, at Cherappukandam, Vaikom, as the third son of Varkey Thomas Klarmamma. He was ordained priest on 17 December 1933 from the Archbishop of Mar Augustine. His first assignment was as an associate at Cherthala Muttam Mosque. The ache of the lepers who visited the houses and the poverty, ignorance, and unemployment of the then Cherthala region grieved him.
In 1942 a leprosy hospital was established at Cherthala. The ASMI was founded on April 2, 1949, by the nuns. He initiated leprosy hospitals, hospitals, nursing schools, schools, blind deaf schools, orphanages and destitute mansions in Kerala and many other parts of the country. In 1969, the Vatican honored him with the title of Monsignor, honoring the services of the neglected. On December 12, 1991, the late Mon. Burial will be in Cherthala Mathilakam SH Chapel.
Established in 1986 by the Pontifical Order of ASMI, the nuns now serve over 900 nuns in various Indian states, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Italy, and Germany. ASMI Superior General Sister Celestine Francis has announced that the Archdiocese for naming will begin soon.
