Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -111 Mother Merina C.T.C

Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church- 111
Mother Merina C.T.C
Mother Merina C.T.C, who served as the Superior General of the Congregation of Teresian Carmelite Sisters, played a pivotal role in the growth of the congregation through her service over a period of several years. She was born on May 29, 1930, in the Chakkalakkal family of Karuthedam village in Vaipinkara, to parents Augustine and Elizabeth. Her education was completed at St. George L.P.S. Karuthedam, Government School Elakunnapuzha, Little Flower Convent High School in Njarakkal, and the Government Training School at Anapra, Thrissur.

From a young age, she had an interest in spiritual matters and grew up with a deep sense of devotion. Her spiritual name, after a profound experience of knowledge, was Kochuthresya. In 1950, she joined the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites. On November 28, 1951, she made her vow and took the name C. Merina. She served as a teacher at Chathath Mount Carmel School for 21 years and was known as a well-rounded educator. She also pursued further studies in Rome at the Regina Mundi Institute.

Alongside her teaching, Mother Merina carried out various small and significant tasks within the congregation with great dedication. As the Superior of Chathath Mount Carmel Convent, she carried out the training of novices with excellence and helped nurture young women to serve the church. From 1974 to 1988, she served as the convent’s Superior in Germany, where she established four convents in Germany and three in Ireland. During this period, she made significant contributions to the growth of the C.T.C congregation.

In 1988, after returning from Germany, she was elected the Superior General of the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites. She held this position for 12 years, a period during which she guided the congregation toward growth and spiritual development. Notably, she was also the Manager of the well-established St. Saviour’s College in Kerala. Her time as Superior General marked a phase of significant growth for the congregation. During this time, Perpetual Succour Mission Hospital in Ernakulam, a leading healthcare institution, was entrusted to the C.T.C congregation, and under her leadership, it grew into one of the prominent hospitals in the region.

Mother Merina worked tirelessly to make the congregation known globally. She utilized modern electronic media during this time, including the production of the documentary “Kadavilak,” which documented the history of the congregation’s founders. She also ensured that the spiritual legacy of the founders was preserved, including renovating a shrine in their honor.

As a mother figure, she was deeply devoted to prayer and spiritual life, often leading by example. She emphasized the importance of prayer for the congregation members, helping them maintain a deep spiritual connection. Her life served as an inspiration for those around her, as she embodied the virtues of deep prayer, selfless service, and love for humanity.

Even at the age of 75, Mother Merina continues to serve as the director of Perpetual Succour Mission Hospital and remains an important figure within the community, working relentlessly without rest. Her life exemplifies unity, compassion, and service, making her beloved to the people and communities she has touched throughout her life.