St. Vincent de Paul Society, Aranattukara
The parish charity started in Aranattukara by Chakkoru Master, which helps the poor and once built ten houses for families in need.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a worldwide Catholic charity in which lay people visit and help the poor. Its Aranattukara branch has a long and warm history.
Started by Chakkoru Master
The book credits Chakkoru Master with starting the Society in Aranattukara. He was also its president for the whole diocese, and through it he reached out to the hungry and to families in hardship.
He handed the work on to Kuruthukulangara Koola Varu Master, a teacher remembered for his endless charity. The book recalls that hungry pupils could get a snack and tea at a local tea shop on Varu Master’s account, and that he was present at every funeral in Aranattukara, carrying his long-handled umbrella.
Ten houses
The Society’s best-known work is Vincent de Paul Nagar, where it built ten houses and gave them to families in need. A statue of the saint put up when the houses were blessed later became the St. Vincent de Paul Chapel.
We do not yet know when the branch was founded. Members, past or present, are warmly invited to help us complete this page.