My Life and Vocation Story
I was born on the July 3, 1951—the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle—into a loving and happy family. My parents named me after Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the Little Flower, whose simplicity and faith have always inspired me.
My father, Chakochen, and my mother, Mariakutty, raised us with deep love and Christian values. I was blessed with three brothers—Cyriac, Jose, and George—and three sisters—Kunjamma, Lilly, and Rosamma. I am the third among them. Ours was a close-knit family, living joyfully together with my beloved grandfather, whose life of faith and love deeply influenced me. He taught us our daily prayers and showed us how to love and care for the land, trees, and animals. His reverence for God’s creation left an enduring mark on my soul.
Sister Suma Muthukattuparampil’s parents, Chakochen and Mariakutty
I completed my primary education in a government school and continued my high school studies in an N.S.S. (Nair Service Society) Hindu School. Although I had little contact with nuns during those years, my cousins who were religious sisters quietly planted the first seeds of my vocation.
Family prayer was an essential part of daily life. Honesty and respect for others were values instilled in us by our parents. Their generosity toward the poor and the dignity with which they treated those who worked on our land made a lasting impression on me. As a child, I found great joy in nature, caring for flowers in our garden and watching the cycle of planting and harvest unfold.
Sister Suma Muthukattuparampil’s brother, Cyriac, who died
My childhood was a happy one, free from major sorrows, except for the illness of my elder brother, who suffered from a heart condition, and the tragic death of my uncle, a priest, who died in a train accident.
Sister Suma Muthukattuparampil with her family
From as early as grade five, I felt a deep desire to become a missionary. I would often pray to be one, even though I did not fully understand what it meant. To me, it simply meant serving the poor and the needy—those who slept under trees and lived with little. Stories and magazines about mission lands further fuelled this longing. I shared this secret only with my priest uncle, who encouraged me; sadly, he passed away before I completed high school.
Two of my cousins were nuns at Sophia College in Mumbai, where some of our SCN Sisters—Josephine Naduvilekunnel, Josita Eniakattu, and Olive Pinto—had studied. Through them, my cousin Sister Mary Mathew shared my vocational desire with the SCNs, who began writing to me, inviting me to join Nazareth Convent in Mokama. The very name “Nazareth” attracted me deeply.
After my SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), I expressed my desire to join the convent, but my father strongly opposed it. I was heartbroken. Seeing my tears and distress, my family finally relented and gave their permission. Filled with joy and anticipation, I joined fifteen other girls on our journey to Mokama—the land I had long dreamed of—on June 21, 1968.
Mokama was like a new world to me. The harsh weather, unfamiliar food, and surrounding poverty were initially overwhelming. Yet, witnessing the simple, faith-filled lives of the people confirmed my missionary call.
During my pre-novitiate, I went through a period of deep vocational struggle. I felt empty and confused and even decided to leave the convent. I wrote home, and my father lovingly replied that the door was always open for me, promising to support me in whatever path I chose. His understanding strengthened me, and through prayer and reflection, I found renewed purpose.
One day, while reading the words of Jesus—“Those who save their life will lose it”—something stirred within me. That moment became a turning point in my life. With the help of Sister Margaret Rodericks, who taught me to look at life positively, and Sister Shalini D’Souza, who helped me recognize my inner gifts, I regained clarity and peace.
My first mission experience as a pre-novice in Chatra gave me the confidence to be a teacher. Under the guidance of Sister Ann Roberta Powers and Sister Rosemarie Lakra, I learned classroom teaching and village outreach. Living among the poor, sharing their struggles, and experiencing their resilience confirmed that this was the life to which God had called me.
On September 27, 1975, I made my first profession with my dear companions—Amala Valayathil, Sabina Mattappallil, and Sujatha Maliakal—followed by two months of juniorate under the guidance of Sister Gail Collins, SCN.
Sister Suma Muthukattuparampil with members of her group, Sisters Amala Valayathil, Sujata Maliakal, and Sabina Mattappallil
My first ministry assignment was in January 1976 at Bakhtiarpur Parish School in the Diocese of Patna. With no proper classrooms, we held classes under trees and in the church. The conditions were challenging—dust, dirt, and the lack of facilities—but when a new parish priest arrived, things began to change. A new school building was constructed and entrusted to the SCNs. I loved my mission there and cherished the guidance of Sister Mary Frances Sauer, whose faith and spirit of reconciliation left a deep impact on me.
Through the years, I served in various parish schools—Bakhtiarpur, Mokama, Jamtara, Sokho, and in cities like Mumbai, Kathmandu, and Bangalore and later as Administrator at Nazareth Convent, Chandapura. My time with differently-abled children in Kathmandu was especially life-changing. Their joy and resilience taught me gratitude for God’s many gifts.
Sister Suma Muthukattuparampil
I also had the privilege of serving on two international committees—The Environmental Sustainability Committee and The Vision for Nazareth Committee. These experiences deepened my understanding of our Congregation and strengthened my connection to our Motherhouse at Nazareth. Working with Sisters like Sister Susan Gatz was an enriching experience.
Throughout my journey, Jesus has been my constant companion and friend. I have felt His hand guiding me through moments of darkness and uncertainty, especially during my years in remote missions where life was simple and facilities scarce. Yet, I was always sustained by faith, joy, and a sense of purpose.
Sister Suma Muthukattuparampil
My friends and companions in the Congregation have been precious gifts—sources of love, support, and encouragement. Their presence has strengthened my faith and mission.
As I look back today, my heart is filled with peace, joy, and deep gratitude. I thank God for calling me to Nazareth and for the gift of being an SCN. Life has taught me that what truly matters is one’s relationship with God and with others. I have learned to respect and value every person, regardless of their status or background.
My love for nature has also been a continuing source of joy. From art and painting, I moved to gardening—first with flowers, then with vegetables and trees. Many Sisters say I have a “green thumb.” In Bangalore and Kakavayal, our gardens produced abundant fruits and vegetables, enough to share with our neighbours and community. Collecting seeds, nurturing saplings, and sharing them with others has become my cherished hobby—a small way of building community and caring for our common home.
Sister Suma Muthukattuparampil tending to flowers
In my various roles—as principal, coordinator, and administrator—I have tried to serve God, my community, and the people with wholehearted dedication. Though the path was not always easy, it has always been rewarding.
As I reflect on my life as an SCN, I am filled with immense gratitude. God has been my guide, mentor, and faithful companion. I have received far more than I ever deserved. Truly, my life is a testimony to God’s gentle and abiding presence.
“Thank you, Lord, for every blessing—seen and unseen—that fills my life with your grace.”
Sister Suma Muthukattuparampil