Brothers of St Joseph Cottolengo

St. Joseph Cottolengo founded the Little House of Divine Providence at Turin (Italy), consisting of a shelter for the poor and sick people abandoned by society, where the Priests, Brothers and Sisters living a consecrated life, served them. The Congregation of the Brothers of St. Cottolengo is a lay religious family whose members consecrated themselves to God in the service of the most marginalized people. Founded in 1833, it was approved by the Apostolic See as a Religious Institute of Pontifical Right in 1965. The Brothers are aware that they are humble instruments of Divine Providence. Their commitment is to incarnate the love of the provident God in all activities of the Little House of Divine Providence and their special mission is to follow the example of Jesus, which leads to the giving, sharing and the sacrificing of one’s own life for the benefit of this suffering people.
The first foundation in India is at Palluruthy, Diocese of Cochin (1984) and the second community at North Paravur, Diocese of Kottapuram (1998). Trusting in the Providence of God who takes care of his sons in special way, especially those most in need and to reveal the goodness of the Heavenly Father.

Apostolate: To assist those persons who are affected by incurable diseases, the mentally disabled, physically handicapped, also those in serious and advanced stages of suffering and with no one to look after them.

Community of Palluruthy

Community of the Brothers of St. Joseph Cottolengo consists of three brothers and two formees. Bro. Binoy Peter Kurisingal is the director and superior of the community. Bro. Joseph Thaickalamury and Bro.John Erassery are the members.

Here we take care of 50 inmates. Most of them are mentally, physically challenged and some are senile as well. The monastery at Palluruthy is also the Formation House, having Aspirancy, Petulancy and Novitiate. One brother is engaged in teaching catechism at the parish church.

Today, along with brothers of Cottolengo, there are Cottolengo sisters, a group of Cottolengo mission family, volunteers and benefactors are administering the service for the poor most in need of the centre. Together with taking care of the basic necessities of the inmates they also engage themselves in agriculture and farming, aqua culture, small scale .Inmates here get the opportunity to take part in all the local as well as the important events of the society which makes them to feel that they are not excluded. Annual retreat for the elderly and bed ridden conducted here are always well appreciated by all. A physiotherapy centre is also functioning in our premise for the well being of our inmates and the needy ones of the locality.