I was born on February 13, 1951, in Thidanad Parish, Pala Diocese, into a large middle-class family. My father’s name was Devasia Thattaparampil and my mother’s name was Rose Pezhumkattil. I am one of nine children—six sisters and three brothers—and the eighth child of my parents. Being the second youngest in the family, I received a great deal of love and affection from my parents as well as from my brothers and sisters.
My baptismal name is Theresa, after St. Therese of the Child Jesus. My parents were deeply religious, and as children, we participated in daily Mass and family prayers. Despite financial difficulties, all of us were educated up to matriculation. I completed my primary school education at Thidanad Government Primary School (1957–1965) and my high school studies at St. George High School, Aruvithura (1966–1969).
My mother had a special love and respect for the priests and Sisters in our parish. Because of my parents’ deep faith and example, six out of nine of us children chose the religious life. From them, I imbibed many values—especially love for the poor, respect for the elderly, and simplicity of life.
The desire to become a missionary Sister grew strong in me from Class 7 onwards. The example of my elder brothers and sisters who had already chosen religious life inspired me deeply. After completing my secondary school, I came across a magazine caption that read, “Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN) in Kerala too.” It caught my attention immediately.
Accompanied by my father, I went to meet the SCNs who came to interview aspiring girls. The simplicity and friendliness of the Sisters, as well as the very name of the Congregation, deeply touched me and influenced my decision to join the SCNs.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil with her parents and siblings during her candidacy period
I left home to join the Congregation on July 19, 1970, accompanied by Sister Josephine Naduvilekunnel (former member), the then candidate director, along with twenty other candidates. Though it was painful to leave my parents and loved ones, it was also one of the happiest moments of my life. As the train was about to leave, I began to weep. My mother’s courageous words still echo in my heart: “Leave happily, my daughter, to work in the vineyard of the Lord. If you are crying, come back home with me.” Though she spoke bravely, I could see tears in her eyes too.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil with her novitiate companions and Novice Director Sister Shalini D’Souza
After three days of travel by train, we arrived in Mokama. During my candidacy period (1970–1974), I completed my Intermediate Arts studies at Nirmala College, Ranchi, along with nine companions. Soon after, we entered the pre-novitiate program, followed by two years of novitiate under the loving guidance of Sisters Patricia Mary Kelley and Shalini D’Souza. The canonical year, was spent in Sokho Ashram under Sister Patricia’s direction, which helped me grow deeper in my vocation. I made my First Vows on September 27, 1977, and my Final Vows on May 4, 1986, along with eight of my companions.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil on her First Profession day with her religious siblings
Missions and Studies
My first appointment as an SCN was as a teacher at Crane Memorial School, Gaya, from 1978–1980. During my two years there, I worked under Sister Sophia Kalapurakal, my first principal, and Sister Philomina Kottoor, my second. I cherish this experience, as it gave me the joy of working with young children and dedicated teachers.
After two years of teaching, I was sent to Kurji Holy Family Hospital (KHFH), Patna for General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) studies in 1981 and completed the course in 1985. My first placement as a staff nurse was at the Community Health Centre, Bakhtiarpur (1985–1987). Under the guidance of Dr. Sister Vinita Kumplankel, SCN, and other dedicated nurses, I had the opportunity to develop my nursing skills.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil watching games in Bakhtiarpur, Dec. 1986
Following this, I pursued my Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, along with Sister Sudha Puthoor, a member of my novitiate group. Upon completion, I was appointed to Nazareth Health Centre, Sangsay (1991–1998). At that time, Sangsay was a remote village without proper roads, electricity, or vehicles. Patients—especially expectant mothers—were carried to our dispensary on stretchers, even at night. With limited facilities and personnel, I used every skill I had learned to care for patients day and night. My community members were a great support, often assisting me during deliveries and emergencies. It was here that I most profoundly experienced God’s providential care, and I found my ministry in Sangsay deeply meaningful and fulfilling.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil checking a pregnant patient in Sangsay
From Sangsay, I was transferred to Almora (1998–2000), where I served as a school nurse and engaged in social ministry alongside Sister Roselyn Karakattu, an excellent social worker. I learned much from her about addressing social issues and empowering women and young girls.
After two years in Almora, I was called by provincial leadership to serve in the Partnership Ministry at Kurji Holy Family Hospital with the Medical Mission Sisters and SCNs. Sisters Sangeeta Ayithamattam and Sujita Muthalakuzhy were my companions in this new venture. I served as a Ward In-Charge there from 2000–2003. This was a wonderful opportunity to experience inter-congregational collaboration and to develop a spirit of teamwork.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil seeing a patient
In 2003, I was appointed to Nazareth Health Centre, Mandair, where I worked as a nurse and social worker until 2010. Here, I cared for many poor patients and helped empower women and girls through Kishori (teenage) programs, Self-Help Groups, and other initiatives. Despite challenges, our community and co-workers worked as a team with dedication and commitment.
Later, I was given an opportunity to gain experience in geriatric care for six to eight months in different centres. I was also sent to our Motherhouse in Kentucky to update my knowledge and skills while caring for our senior Sisters. It was a grace-filled experience to live with and learn from our Sisters in the U.S., and to grow in compassion and understanding for the elderly.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil leading a health education class on typhoid
After this, I was appointed to care for our senior Sisters residing in Shalom, Mokama (2010–2014). I thank God for this privilege to accompany our Sisters during their sunset years and final moments on earth. I cherish the memories of Sisters Xavier Valiakunnackal, Shalini D’Souza, Olive Pinto, and others with whom I lived and cared for during those years.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil in Mokama caring for the elderly Sisters
From 2014 to 2019, I served in the Surkhet Mission as Health In-Charge, managing the Mobile Health Clinic in collaboration with the Kathmandu Jesuits and supported by Mr. Chris Fussner, an American donor. It was a deeply meaningful ministry, reaching out to poor patients in the most remote villages of Nepal.
Janga and Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil seeing patients in Surkhet
After completing my ministry in Surkhet, I was appointed to the SCN Provincial House, Patna, as Nurse Sister (2019–December 2020). There, I had the opportunity to accompany many SCNs who came for medical checkups and hospitalization. Since 2021, I have been ministering once again at Sangsay Mission as Nurse In-Charge.
Faith Experiences
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil with her group members
Some of my deepest faith experiences were the sudden and unexpected death of my father while I was a second-year nursing student at KHFH, and the sudden death of my mother while I was preparing for my Final Vows. The passing of my own group members—Sisters Anjili Olickal and Prema Muthukattil—also touched me deeply. These moments of loss brought me closer to God and strengthened my bond with the community.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil with Sisters Anjili Olickal and Prema Muthukattil, her two deceased companions
I have continuously experienced God’s providential care in remote missions such as Sokho, Sangsay, Almora, Mandair, and Surkhet. While caring for patients, I often witnessed miracles and moments of divine help. In times of uncertainty, people appeared at just the right time to guide or assist me. These experiences have deepened my relationship with God, my community, and the people I serve.
What Makes Me Proud to Be an SCN
I am proud to be an SCN because we are a group of women who are daring, loving, and committed to serving the poor—especially women and children. Our charism, handed down by Bishop David and Mother Catherine Spalding, and the virtues of St. Vincent de Paul, inspire me to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. The SCN motto, “The Love of Christ Urges Us,” continues to motivate and guide me in my life and ministry.
Sisters Marcelline Indwar, Kiran Kaniyamkandathil, Elsa Ezhaparambil, and Jyoti Thattaparampil
Hopes and Dreams for the Congregation
My dreams and hopes for our Congregation are that we continue to move forward with courage and dedication, trusting in Divine Providence and responding to the signs of the times in our ministries and community life.
And we the committed members joyfully live out our charism, nurturing team spirit.
The biggest challenge I see today is the lack of perseverance in religious life and dropouts during initial and ongoing formation are increasing.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil
Concerns about SCN Life Today
We need to witness our holy vocation with deep spirituality, following a simple lifestyle, giving priority to quality community living. As we are emerging as a new way of being it is necessary to balance prayer, community, and mission.
Message to the Young Members
By reading the signs of the times we need to be more relevant in ministry and cultivate a spirit of stewardship in community.
Sister Jyoti Thattaparampil with her assistant, Bindu Chetri in Nazareth Health Centre, Sangsay
Edited by Priya Kalapurayil, SCN
November 9, 2025