History of the Congregation - SABS

The Congregation of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS) was officially founded on 8th December 1908 at St. George’s Church, Edathua. The congregation began through the Eucharistic experience of Venerable Mar Thomas Kurialacherry (1873–1925), the first bishop of Changanacherry, and Rev. Mother Francisca de Chantal (1880–1972), the first member of the congregation.

The initial community life began in a humble cattle shed in Edathua, owned by the Servant of God Puthenparambil Thommachen, also known as ‘Kerala Assisi’. On 10th December 1908, the first convent was established at Champakulam, Alappuzha district, Kerala.

“I am come to cast fire on earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?” — Luke 12:49

Founder's Vision

From childhood, Mar Thomas Kurialacherry longed to form a community devoted to adoring the Eucharist. During his priestly studies in Rome, he spent long hours in adoration and was inspired to begin a congregation of women who would worship the Lord day and night.

Humble Beginnings

Fr. Thomas encountered Philomina Vallayil, a young widow, during a sermon on the Sacred Heart. She became the first to join his vision. The sisters first lived in poverty, imitating the humility of Bethlehem, later moving to a boat house opposite Edathua Church.

Growth of the Congregation

The first six members received the veil on 8th December 1908, and the first convent opened two days later. Bishop Thomas personally conducted the vestition of five aspirants in 1911. By 1925, the congregation had grown to nine convents and 73 professed sisters.

Expansion Across Kerala

From the first Adoration Chapel at Vazhappally (1935), the congregation spread across Kerala. New houses were established in Koratty, Pala, Kothamangalam, and later in Malabar, forming various provinces like St. Joseph’s Province Thalassery.

Unification and Pontifical Status

To be united under one Mother General, the unification process began in 1954 and was completed in 1963 with Mother Espirith as the first Mother General. The Generalate “Cenacle” at Aluva was blessed in 1969. On 11th February 1968, the congregation received Pontifical status.

National & Global Mission

The sisters extended their mission to North and North-East India, opening their first house in Manipur in 1965. Today, SABS serves in 10 countries including Germany, Italy, USA, Switzerland, England, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and East Africa, where a province was established in 2016.

Legacy & Beatification

By 2022, the congregation had 11 provinces in Kerala and 11 outside Kerala, with around 5000 sisters. The beatification process of Mar Thomas Kurialacherry was initiated in 1983. On April 2, 2011, he was declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI.

The tomb of the Venerable Founder at Changanacherry Cathedral is a sacred pilgrim center. The congregation now awaits first-class miracles through his intercession.

SABS continues its mission today: spreading Eucharistic devotion through adoration, education, healing, and social outreach in the spirit of its Founder and Co-Foundress.