One of the first members the Kurisumala Ashram, Vagamon, Fr. Nadamala Philipose, arrived at Angamoozhi, a hilly village of the Pathanamthitta District on April 2, 1972. It was an underdeveloped region situated between two major pilgrim centers of Kerala, namely Sabarimala (Hindu) and Nilackal (Christian). With the blessing of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Metropolitan of Trivandrum, Fr. Nadamala, clothed in suffron tunice reached this mission centre. With the intention of the renewal of the Nilackal church (one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas, the Apostle) Fr. Nadamala started residing in this forest area, where there were many wild animals. Along with this mission, he was also involved in the social development activities of the locality. When he reached the place, there was only a small chappel made of grass belonging to the Archdiocese of Trivandrum. But the people of the location, including Hindus, Christians and Muslims jointly built a hut thatched with grass for him to reside. He gave the name to his new hut, ?Chayalpadi? which means ?entrance (Padi) of Niackal (Chayal)?.

The Metropolitan of Trivandrum visited the place and blessed the ashram. Within a short time, Nadamala achan (Fr. Nadamala) become most dear to the people, because his zealous leadership for the developmental activities of the local people by constructing roads, establishing schools, carrying out works of social upliftment and participating in cultural activities, along with the renewal activities of the Nilackal church. The Chayalpadi Malankara Catholic Community started with 13 families had grown to more than 100 families and a spacious and beautiful church was constructed for this community. Now it is a piligrim centre for many believers. With the support of the Archbishop of Trivandrum, Fr. Nadamala established three more communities namely Moolakkayam, Pampavali and Kottamonpara near Angamoozhi. Fr. Nadamal continues his ministries with the assistance of Rev. Fr. James Illitharayil OIC.

       Founder : Rev. Fr. Nadamala Philipose 

       Foundation : 22 May 1972

Chayalpadi Ashram
Angamoozhy P. O.
Pathanamthitta 689 645
Kerala
Tel: 04735 279084, 279025