By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
NEW DELHI, April 21, 2026: Sister Elite Mattappilly, widely known as a loving “mother” to countless children with intellectual and developmental challenges, has been honoured by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India for her extraordinary 54 years of service.
The award was presented during the 12th National Conference of the Association of Catholic Rehabilitation Centers in India (ACRCI) at Suchetna Pastoral Centre in Bareilly Diocese. Organized by Carmelite Father Roy Kannanchira in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, the event drew 122 religious and priests from more than 21 states.
From Kerala roots to global mission
Born in 1950 in Mattappally, Kottayam district, Elite Mattappilly’s journey began with a decision that surprised many. Though excelling in arts and sports, she chose religious life in 1969, joining the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel’s Holy Queens Province in Changanassery, in the Kottayam district of Kerala.
By 1971, she had professed her vows in the Syro-Malabar congregation and was asked to take up the challenging mission of serving children with intellectual disabilities.
She began training five children in a small room before the completion of Asha Bhavan Special School in 1975. What started with 15 children grew to more than 100, with Sister Elite personally carrying sick children to hospitals. Later, she established Anugraha Special School and Deepthi Special School, which today serve hundreds.
Her studies abroad, including advanced training at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and St. Coletta Special School, equipped her to introduce modern practices in India. She also visited Canada, Germany, Singapore, and Sri Lanka to learn and adapt international models of care.
Ten years in South Africa
In 1997, Sister Elite, as she is popularly called, accepted a missionary call to South Africa, where she founded three special schools and an English medium school. She acquired land, built facilities, and expanded education to higher secondary level. Her mission extended beyond classrooms, reaching villages, hospitals, and HIV/HAIDS patients with compassion.
Returning to Kerala in 2008, she recognised the need for adult rehabilitation. In 2012, she founded Angel Home in Aruvikkuzhi, offering women above 35 years with special needs training in poultry, gardening, tailoring, and candle making. “They live happily, bringing great comfort to their families and visitors alike,” the community noted.
Beloved mother to many
Her influence inspired about ten young women staff members to join the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel. After her golden jubilee in religious life, she returned to Angel Home in 2022, continuing her mission of seeing “in every child the face of Christ’s love and compassion.”
The recognition at Bareilly was a moment of collective gratitude. Canossian Sister Juliette Rebello, Principal of Canossa Special School, said, “The meeting uplifted my spirit. We were praised and honored by bishops, priests and resource persons. It also helped my spiritual growth. For me it was like a retreat.”
Brother Sunnylal Avarappattu of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate Brothers added, “We inspired, enriched, filled with lots of insights and inspirations and anointed with Holy Spirit and enlightened with wisdom. Let us continue with the same spirit and enthusiasm to carry on the mission to serve our beloved differently abled children.”
Legacy of compassion
The presence of bishops, priests, and religious leaders underscored the significance of Sister Elite’s work. Cardinal Antony Poola of Hyderabad, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi, and Archbishop Raphy Manjaly of Agra were among those who praised the mission.
For Sister Elite, the award is not an end but a milestone in a lifelong journey of service. Her legacy continues to shape institutions, inspire vocations, and bring dignity to those often overlooked.
(Photo supplied)