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The request of the local people, Malabar Missionary Brothers came to Kuttikkad to start a dispensary and a Boys’ Home.  Msgr. Zacharias Vazhappilly, the founder of MMB laid the foundation stone for Karunalayam Ashram on April 19, 1970. Bro. Gabriel Pazhayattil, who lived in a shed for the construction of the building, has many stories to say about the hospitality of the people. The Ashram was inaugurated on 25th April 1971 and started a dispensary in the new building. Bro. Berard Thattil was happy to give the people his best service through this health centre. 

Dispensary started functioning in the new building.  Bro. Berard was happy to give the people consolation and health through this centre.  The relevance of Karunalayam dispensary was in question when the Jeevadhara health centre of Dominican Sisters was started nearby with more facilities. The sun set of Karunalayam dispensary was the sunrise of a Boys’ Home.  Started with 10 boys, Karunalayam Boys’ Home provided education to thousands of needy boys within 50 years. The contribution of Bros. Francis Chirayath, Marian Pathiyamparambil and Bro. Joachim Kannampuzha in the development will be remembered forever.

Due to the J. J. of the central government the Karunalayam Boys’ Home was forced to terminate.  Then Karunalayam opened its doors for the youth who are thrown away from the family and society.  Karunalayam Rehabilitation Centre was started on July 20, 2018 with 5 mentally challenged youth.  Now the centre provides shelter for 20 persons.  Training is given to them in rosary making, painting, dairy farm, poultry farm, vegetable farming, pickle making etc.

The institution is run by the help and support of the Parish and local people. CMC and Dominican sisters support us in our ministries. Brothers actively participate in parish ministries like teaching the Sunday catechism, conducting the family unit meetings etc. Manager Bro. Franco Kannampuzha is leading Karunalayam and Bro. Damian Puthur is assisting him.