FOUNDATION OF
ST. JOSEPH'S MONASTERY
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Established in the early 1962 by the Sylvestro-Benedictine Congregation, St. Joseph’s Monastery in Tondarnad, Kerala, stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and community service. Born out of necessity and driven by a mission, the foundation has grown into a spiritual and educational sanctuary in the heart of Wayanad.
OUR HISTORY & ROOTS
The Calling
In the early 20th century, a surge of missionary enthusiasm inspired many young men from Kerala to join the Sylvestro-Benedictine Order in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon).
The Transition
Changes in Sri Lankan residency laws in 1960 required foreign missionaries to leave. This prompted the Indian monks to return home and search for a site to establish a new monastery in India.
Founding in Tondarnad
On March 19, 1962, the Feast of St. Joseph, the founding monks settled in Tondarnad, North Wayanad. Overcoming severe financial constraints, harsh monsoon conditions, and dense wilderness, the pioneer community established their temporary house and laid the groundwork for a permanent monastery.
PIONEERS
Fr. Boniface Valiaparambil OSB
17/05/1912 - 15/08/1974
Bro. Michel Thaikuttathil OSB
1907 - 09/01/2004
Fr. Paulinus Vadakepattany OSB
15/04/1914 - 10/05/2003
Fr. George Kuthukallunkal OSB
21/12/1916 - 24/05/1990
Fr. Ephrem Vakamala OSB
19/04/1919 - 08/12/2005
Fr. Joseph Kulathinal OSB
27/10/1928 - 17/02/2006
Fr. Jacob Panackel OSB
30/08/1928 - 10/07/1987
Fr. Luke Chengalikavil OSB
11/05/1945 - 14/08/1998
Fr. Aloysius Kochumuttom OSB
01/01/1947 - 27/12/1998