Places · Convent / Ashram
Calvary Ashram, Poothole
A Capuchin friary at Poothole, founded in 1954, known for retreats, youth camps, social work, drama and a college of philosophy.
Photo to come
Calvary Ashram is the house of the Capuchins, a branch of the Franciscan order, at Poothole in Aranattukara.
How it began
The Capuchins came to Thrissur district in 1954, at the wish of Bishop George Alappatt. The book records that Chevalier Inchodikkaran Iyyappan let them have 72 acres at Poothole for a token price of one anna a cent. The land, known as Kollipparambu, had earlier belonged to the Koola family of Kuruthukulangara.
Work among the people
The friars were known for retreats and for going from house to house with the cross, praying with families. The book credits them with helping to end many old superstitions. Their leadership camps for young people trained many who later became prominent in Thrissur district.
In 1961 the ashram opened a social centre to give poor women paid work, from making umbrellas to rolling beedis (the beedi work was later stopped). It also became a home for drama: under the banner Assisi Arts, the friars staged Bible plays and social plays.
The ashram’s college of philosophy was renamed the Calvary Institute of Philosophy and Religion in 2021. The book describes the ashram as a lively presence in Aranattukara to this day, with worship, care for the poor and social work.
If you took part in the youth camps or the Assisi Arts plays, we would love to hear your memories.
