Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church -123
Rev. Mother Romuald FCC

Rev. Mother Romuald, a dedicated and radiant personality, has rendered commendable service at various levels, including as the Superior General of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, Provincial Superior of the Pala Alphonsa Pro-Vincent’s Province, and as a prominent educational worker. She was born on November 22, 1930, in the ancient and distinguished Vellarengatt family of Pala, to Thomas and Eliamma, the fourth child in the family. She was baptized in the Geovali church in the Pala diocese. Her early name was Alice. She received her education at Geovali, Kadanadu, and Pala St. Mary’s. In June 1947, she entered the Pala Clarist Monastery and received the religious habit. On November 17, 1952, she made her final commitment as C. Romuald.

She excelled in both studies and character traits, and for higher education, she was sent to St. Mary’s College in Thrissur, St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam, and Mount Carmel College in Kottayam. After completing her degrees, she served as a teacher at institutions such as Kanadiyurumpu and Pala St. Mary’s High School. In her roles as boarding mistress, teacher, and headmistress, she formed deep friendships with her students and had a significant influence on their intellectual, mental, spiritual growth, and character formation. Her exemplary life led many to religious vocations and others to become exemplary family-oriented individuals.

During this time, she went to Rome for further studies and received a theology degree from the Regine Mundi Theological Institute. Upon returning to Kerala, she was appointed the General Councilor of the Clarist Congregation. While she paid significant attention to the spiritual renewal of the congregation, she also made notable contributions to areas like social welfare, mission centers, and education. Under her leadership, the Pala Province took over the administration of Sneh Bhavan, a home for the elderly, and established Ashabhavan, a home for the differently-abled. She also oversaw the construction of 150 houses for the homeless.

On February 3, 1980, she was elected as the Superior General of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation at the General Chapter meeting in Aluva. Through her global apostolic activities, she encouraged and led the congregation to serve people worldwide, expanding their spiritual missions. She also established Alphonsa Mount, a prayer center, for the members of the congregation to lead a life of solitude and prayer.

In February 1986, upon being appointed as the Superior General, Rev. Mother Romuald met Pope John Paul II in Vatican City, where she was blessed and received divine grace. Later, in March 1986, she retired from her role as Superior General and was re-elected as the Provincial Superior of Pala Alphonsa Province. During this time, she was instrumental in overseeing the centenary celebrations of the congregation and the division of the province for better growth and progress.

In 1990, after retiring from teaching at the age of 60, she spent a year in prayer at Alphonsa Mount, which was established in memory of the beloved Alphonsa. Later, she worked as the Superior of the convent for two years. Following this, she was appointed to lead the Punjab Mission as the Mission Superior in the Jalandhar diocese, where she served for four years, despite extreme weather conditions.

A scholar in mathematics and theology, known for her deep prayer life, true Franciscan spirituality, and humility, Rev. Mother Romuald was deeply loved by all in her sphere of influence. Her life exemplified spiritual awakening and vitality, and she continued to serve humbly, reflecting on the past with gratitude and remaining dedicated to her prayerful duties at the FCC convent in Puliannur.