Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-117
Rev. Sis. Franco, C.H.F.
Rev. Sis. Franco, who worked in the field of education with a long-term vision to create awareness among co-workers and students that social work is an integral part of Christian education, was born on August 8, 1930, as the daughter of Joseph and Thresia in the Ambookan family in Kuzhikattussery, Thrissur district. She was affectionately called “Kocha Mary” at home. She completed her education at Kuzhikattussery St. Mary’s High School, Thrissur St. Mary’s College, and Perunn N.S.S. Training College, earning a B.A. and B.Ed. degree. After obtaining an M.A. degree from Vimal Hriday College in Los Angeles, USA, she gained qualifications in pastoral counseling at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, USA. Later, she earned a diploma in theology from St. Michael’s University in Toronto, Canada.
In 1954, she joined the Holy Family Congregation and took the name Franco after making her vows in 1955. She began her professional career as a teacher at the same St. Mary’s High School, Kuzhikattussery, where she had studied. From 1964 to 1990, she served as the principal of the first college of the Holy Family Congregation, St. Joseph’s College in Irinjalakuda. Serving as principal at the same college for such an extended period was indeed a fortunate achievement. She also served as the General Councillor of the Holy Family Congregation from 1974 to 1977 and was elected as the Provincial Superior of the Pavanathma Province in 1984 and again in 1992. During these years, she played a crucial role in the growth of the congregation.
Sis. Franco also contributed to the field of higher education. In 1974, she served as the Secretary of Catholic Colleges of Calicut University for three years and was a member of the Academic Council of Calicut University. She worked to create a Christian atmosphere at the college and, with the cooperation of her colleagues and students, took up the task of working in the nearby Shanmukham Colony, providing services for the Harijans and the marginalized. She established a cultural center and successfully promoted the awareness that social work is an integral part of Christian education through the “Scope” project.
Through various courses and seminars, she conducted programs on value-based education, family life education, and social awareness for staff and students. In 1983, she built a beautiful chapel attached to the college, which became a place of prayer for all students regardless of caste. The Bible classes and Mission-oriented classes she conducted helped instill missionary zeal in the students.
Sis. Franco initiated practical activities through the College Extension Service, where courses in tailoring, painting, and typewriting were offered. She also established a section at the Apollo Tyres company in Chalakudy.
The 10th anniversary of these efforts was celebrated on a large scale with the cooperation of the local community and the municipality. Every year, free food, care, and educational training were provided for 33 children. A crèche was also started. On the occasion of the college’s silver jubilee, Sis. Franco succeeded in constructing 25 houses for the poor with an investment of Rs. 50,000. She also worked with the municipality to build 33 toilets for the colony residents. To guide the students in life, she started the “Darshana” institution for counseling.
She organized various spiritual, social, and academic programs to update the teachers. Sis. Franco encouraged the staff to participate in programs organized by the All India Association of Higher Education (AIACHE) and the Savior Board. Under her leadership, the college achieved significant success in academics, sports, and cultural activities. The college secured numerous ranks in exams and received awards from the Kerala State Music and Drama Academy and the DHIVA JOSTAVA awards. National sports champions emerged from the college, excelling in events such as shuttle, badminton, volleyball, and kho-kho. The N.S.S. and Women’s Cell programs were also actively run during this time.
Sis. Franco had a close relationship with AIACHE and participated in training courses organized in Bangalore for principals, which proved very beneficial for her work. She played a major role in organizing women’s leadership camps, seminars, and discussion classes that greatly benefited women in the community. With the aim of empowering women, she formed a Women’s Cell to work on the upliftment of marginalized women. AIACHE provided essential support for all these activities.
When Sis. Franco took over as the Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Irinjalakuda, she had no prior experience in administration. However, through the training she received from AIACHE in Bangalore, she was able to work with confidence and success. She worked tirelessly to organize numerous extension programs, including a typing center, Women’s Cell, and activities for the regeneration of rural areas.
Despite facing financial challenges, Sis. Franco never took any personal fees for appointments or admissions. She received financial support from the public. As a result, she was able to construct a large auditorium, library, and three new buildings, along with an open stadium. The relationship between the faculty and students at the college was marked by love and respect, and Sis. Franco took pride in this.
On the Silver Jubilee year of AIACHE, several prominent principals from Kerala were honored as “Eminent Ecumenical Educators” in a ceremony held at the Ernakulam St. Teresa’s College Auditorium, where the Governor awarded Sis. Franco for her contributions.
As the founder of the Holy Family Congregation, Sis. Franco continues to serve in the field of family spirituality. After retirement, she focused on this area, working with the Navachetanya Drug Awareness Counseling and Assistance Center in Alloor. She has also been a part-time counselor at Sanjo Sadan Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Anandapuram since 1994. She served as a religious educator for many years.
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