Kothamangalam Social Service Society

About Us

The Eparchy of Kothamangalam

Erected by Pope Pius XII through the Papal Bull 'Qui in beati Petri Cathedra' of July 29, 1956 separating the protopresbyterates of Arakuzha, Kothamangalam and Mailacombu, of the then Archieparchy of Ernakulam- Angamaly. Mar Matthew Pothanamuzhi was ordained as the first bishop of the eparchy in Rome on November 18, 1956. The inauguration of the eparchy and the installation of the new bishop took place on January 10, 1957, at Kothamangalam. Mar Matthew Pothanamuzhi, who guided the eparchy with paternal care and succeeded in curing the teething troubles of the eparchy, retired after two decades of memorable pastoral ministry.

Historical Background of KSSS

Kothamangalam Social Service Society (KSSS) which is the official social development wing of the Diocese of Kothamangalam was established in 1967 as a registered charitable society. It caters to the Socially and economically disadvantaged sections in the society irrespective of caste, creed and community. Its operational area is spread over the two districts of Kerala namely, Idukki and Ernakulam.

Over the past five decades, the KSSS focused its attention mainly on the development of the highranges, which was newly settled by people from the plains due to poverty and starvation promoted by Grow More food program of state government. The diocese and the society stood by the people and gave leadership for the development of the newly. migrated area paying special attention to the needs of the socially and economically backward, marginal farmers, labourers, women and children, physically and mentally challenged and the tribal prone in this area.

Location

Situated in the centre of Kerala, the KSSS's operational area lies extendsively in Ernakulam and Idukkii districts surrounded by the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, eparchies of Irinjalakuda, Idukki and Pala.The office of KSSS is the Pastoral centre, of the dioicese of Kothamangalam which is located near the Bishop's House at Kothamangalam.

Goals

To promote, conduct and coordinate developmental and social welfare activities for the poor and the marginalized irrespective of caste, creed, gender or community.
Formation and empowerment of people's organization and local leadership for community development.
Empowerment of women and other weaker sections of society in order to ensure their participation and contribution to community development.
Conservation and regeneration of natural resources for sustainable development.
To promote and propagate collective learning and research, sharing of resources, information and technology for sustainable development in collaboration with like-minded people, organizations and Governmental bodies.