Our Legacy

The Little Flower Education Society was registered on 03 June 1972, establishing Lisieux Matriculation School with 40 students (KG–G6) on 05 June 1972. The school was formally inaugurated by Mar Joseph Kundukulam on 31 July 1972. A collaborative effort between the members of the monastery and the nearby CMC Sisters helped the school gain CBSE recognition in 1975.

On 25 November 1973, the foundation stone for the main school block was laid, and in the same year, the school was renamed Lisieux Higher Secondary School. In 1974, the main building was blessed, and Fr. Thomas Prakash Palathingal CMI joined as a teacher. On 19 March 1975, the CBSE Commission visited for recognition, which was granted on 18 October 1975. On 27 October 1975, the foundation stone for the science block was laid by Dr. G. L. Bhakshi, and the construction was completed in 1976.

In April 1977, the first batch appeared for the CBSE Board Examination with excellent results. Between 1975 and 1977, students engaged in practical learning in agriculture and electronics. From 1979 to 1982, the second floor was constructed under the leadership of Fr. Zachaeus Edakkalathur CMI, Principal. Between 1982 and 1993, a new primary block, the second floor of the science block, and a compound wall were built under Fr. Francis Thaivalappil CMI.

On 19 July 1983, renowned mathematician Shakuntala Devi visited the school. Under the leadership of various principals, Lisieux School expanded with new buildings, including a science block and administrative block, and transitioned to the Tamil Nadu Matriculation System in 1993. From 1993 to 1996, the administrative block and modernized laboratories were built, and the Silver Jubilee Stage was constructed. The hostel, originally located near NSR Road, was later closed, and a new nursery building was established.

Between 1998 and 1999, a toilet block was constructed, and a legal crisis was successfully managed. From 1999 to 2008, Fr. Xavier Elinjickal CMI served as Principal, leading developments such as the auditorium, educational park, and campus beautification. In 2004, Fr. Xavier CMI was awarded the Rashtra Pratibha Award, and in 2006, he received the Tamil Nadu Best Teacher Award. In the same year, Lisieux College of Education was established and developed by the monastery.

Fr. Raphael Kanjirathingal CMI, who served as Vicar of Little Flower Parish from 2008 to 2014, was also the Correspondent of Lisieux School. The Lisieux College of Education was handed over to Lisieux Bhavan, Saravanampatty, in 2008. During the same period, Fr. Varghese Manjaly CMI served as the Principal of Lisieux Matriculation Higher Secondary School and led significant infrastructural developments.

In October 2009, construction of a new school building began, and the new school block was completed in 2010. As Education Councillor of the province, Fr. Varghese Manjaly CMI also played a key role in facilitating the purchase of land in Kenya and Avinashi, contributing to the expansion of the institution’s vision. Fr. Thomas Thottungal CMI served as the Administrator of the House and Bursar of Lisieux School from 2008 to 2009. He actively collaborated in the reconstruction efforts and oversaw the construction works.

Between 2011 and 2017, Fr. Philips Pontheckan CMI provided dynamic leadership at the school. His forward-thinking initiatives included the renovation of the stage and the construction of an auditorium seamlessly connected to the main campus via a bridge in 2011. The main entrance underwent a remarkable redesign with elegant pillar work, statues of St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, and enhanced landscaping. The third floor was reinforced with truss work, and new facilities such as a canteen, badminton court, meditation hall, and AV room were introduced. The campus also witnessed comprehensive improvements, including renovations to the church, basketball court, library, parking area, and beautifully designed gardens.

Fr. Philips Pontheckan CMI, the Principal of Lisieux MHSS, took additional charge as the first Principal of Lisieux CMI International School in 2013. Fr. Nimish Chundankuzhiyil CMI served as the Bursar of Lisieux Schools in Saibaba Colony from 2013 to 2015. From 2015 to 2016, Fr. Lintesh Vellappady CMI took charge as the Bursar of both schools. In 2017, Fr. Francis Thaivalappil CMI assumed responsibilities as the Vicar of Little Flower Parish, Correspondent of both schools, and Prior of the monastery.

Fr. Philips Pontheckan CMI secured Minority and ISO certifications for Lisieux MHSS, acquired a school bus, and facilitated the construction of small quarters for the monastery cook. His exceptional dedication to education and holistic development earned him the prestigious Dr. Radhakrishnan Award, recognising him as a distinguished educator and visionary leader.

Fr. John Thattil CMI served as the Prior of the monastery and Correspondent of both schools from 2020 to 2023. During this period, Fr. Paul Thekkiniyath CMI served as the Principal of Lisieux MHSS, while Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI held the position of Bursar. It was during this tenure that the Saint Chavara Exemplar Award for students and the Saint Chavara Inspirational Educators Award for principals and teachers were instituted.

The Golden Jubilee of Lisieux School, marking five decades of excellence in education, was celebrated in 2023 during the tenure of Fr. Paul Thekkiniyath CMI, with assistance from Fr. Anson Ollukkaran CMI, Bursar. Fr. Paul’s leadership also witnessed the flourishing of the Alumni Association of Lisieux School, strengthening the bond between alumni and their beloved alma mater.

Fr. Jose Paul Edakkalathur CMI served as the Prior of the monastery and Correspondent during 2023–24. In 2023, Fr. Joy Arackal CMI assumed office as the Principal of Lisieux MHSS. He was supported by Fr. Antony Vazhappilly CMI (2023–24) and Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI (2024– ) as Bursars.

During this period, a School Adoration Service was introduced in collaboration with parishioners, fostering a spiritually enriching atmosphere on campus. In November 2023, an international educational conclave titled Edu-Con was organised as an innovative platform to empower educators across India.

In May 2024, Fr. Shaju Pellissery CMI became the Correspondent of both schools. In July 2025, Fr. Prathap Thuruthumalil CMI assumed charge as Correspondent of both schools. During the same month, Fr. Mathew Kodappanamkunnel CMI took over as the Principal of Lisieux MHSS and is currently assisted by Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI as Bursar. Together, they continue to uphold the school’s rich legacy while introducing progressive initiatives for the future.

Correspondents

• Fr. Eymard Uruvath CMI (1972–1975)
• Fr. Callistus Maliekal CMI (1975–1977, 1987–1990)
• Fr. Oliver Inchody CMI (1977–1978)
• Fr. Martin Kidangan CMI (1979–1984)
• Fr. Reginald Alappatt CMI (1984–1987)
• Fr. Jose Maprani CMI (1990–1993)
• Fr. George Hadrian Ambooken CMI (1993–1996)
• Fr. Raphael Pullokkaran CMI (1996–1999, 2005–2008)
• Fr. Thomas Cheeran CMI (1999–2002)
• Fr. Francis Thaivalappil CMI (2002–2005, 2017–2020)
• Fr. Raphael Kanjirathingal CMI (2008–2014)
• Fr. John Thattil CMI (2020–2023)
• Fr. Jose Paul Edakkalathur CMI (2023–2024)
• Fr. Shaju Pellissery CMI (2024)
• Fr. Prathap Thuruthumalil CMI (July 2025 – Present)

Principals

• Fr. George Hadrian Ambooken CMI (1972–1977)
• Fr. Edward Aynickal Padikal CMI (1977–1978)
• Fr. Thomas Prakash Palathingal CMI (1978–1979)
• Fr. Zachaeus Edakkalathur CMI (1979–1982)
• Fr. Francis Thaivalappil CMI (1982–1993)
• Fr. George Mariadoss Panthananickal CMI (1993–1999)
• Fr. Xavier Elinjickal CMI (1999–2008)
• Fr. Varghese Manjaly CMI (2008–2011)
• Fr. Philips Pontheckan CMI (2011–2020)
• Fr. Paul Thekkiniyath CMI (2020–2023)
• Fr. Joy Arackal CMI (2023–2025)
• Fr. Mathew Kodappanamkunnel CMI (2025 – Present)

Bursars

• Fr. Thomas Thottungal CMI (2008–2009)
• Fr. Nimish Chundankuzhiyil CMI (2013–2015)
• Fr. Lintesh Vellappady CMI (2015–2016)
• Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI (2020–2023, 2024 – Present)
• Fr. Anson Ollukkaran CMI (2023)
• Fr. Antony Vazhappilly CMI (2023–2024)

Milestones

• 03 June 1972 – Little Flower Education Society was registered.
• 05 June 1972 – Lisieux Matriculation School was established with 40 students (Std. VI).
• 31 July 1972 – The school was formally inaugurated by Mar Joseph Kundukulam.
• 1973 – Foundation stone for the main school block was laid, and the school was renamed Lisieux Higher Secondary School.
• 1974 – Main school building was blessed, and Fr. Thomas Prakash CMI joined as a teacher.
• 1975 – CBSE Commission visited on 19 March, and recognition was granted on 18 October. The foundation stone for the science block was laid on 27 October.
• 1976 – Construction of the science block was completed.
• April 1977 – The first batch appeared for CBSE examinations with excellent results.
• 1975–1977 – Agriculture and electronics were introduced for practical learning.
• 1979–1982 – Second floor construction was completed under Fr. Zachaeus Edakkalathur CMI.
• 1982–1993 – A new primary block, second floor of the science block, and compound wall were constructed under Fr. Francis Thaivalappil CMI.
• 19 July 1983 – Renowned mathematician Shakuntala Devi visited the school.
• 1993 – The school transitioned to the Tamil Nadu Matriculation System.
• 1993–1996 – Administrative block, modern laboratories, and Silver Jubilee Stage were constructed.
• Late 1990s – Hostel near NSR Road was closed, and a nursery building was established.
• 1998–1999 – Toilet block was constructed, and a legal crisis was successfully managed.
• 1999–2008 – Fr. Xavier Elinjickal CMI served as Principal. During this period, the auditorium, educational park, and campus beautification projects were developed.
• 2004 – Fr. Xavier Elinjickal CMI received the Rashtra Pratibha Award.
• 2006 – Fr. Xavier CMI received the Tamil Nadu Best Teacher Award, and Lisieux College of Education was established.
• 2008 – Lisieux College of Education was handed over to Lisieux Bhavan, Saravanampatty.
• 2008 – Fr. Varghese Manjaly CMI became Principal, and construction of the new school building began.
• 2008–2009 – Fr. Thomas Thottungal CMI served as Bursar and Administrator.
• 2010 – The new school block was completed.
• 2011–2017 – Fr. Philips Pontheckan CMI served as Principal. Major developments included the auditorium, redesigned entrance, statues, canteen, badminton court, gardens, AV room, and overall campus renovation.
• 2013 – Fr. Philips CMI became the first Principal of Lisieux CMI International School.
• 2013–2015 – Fr. Nimish Chundankuzhiyil CMI served as Bursar.
• 2015–2016 – Fr. Lintesh Vellappady CMI served as Bursar.
• 2017 – Fr. Francis Thaivalappil CMI became Vicar, Correspondent, and Prior.
• 2017 – Minority and ISO certifications were secured. A school bus and monastery staff quarters were added.
• 2017 – Fr. Philips CMI received the prestigious Dr. Radhakrishnan Award.
• 2020–2023 – Fr. John Thattil CMI served as Prior and Correspondent.
• 2020–2023 – Fr. Paul Thekkiniyath CMI served as Principal, while Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI served as Bursar.
• 2023 – Saint Chavara Awards were instituted, and the Golden Jubilee Celebration was held.
• 2023 – The Alumni Association flourished and strengthened alumni relations.
• 2023–2024 – Fr. Jose Paul Edakkalathur CMI served as Prior and Correspondent.
• 2023 – Fr. Joy Arackal CMI was appointed Principal, assisted by Fr. Antony Vazhappilly CMI (2023–24) and Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI (2024– ) as Bursars.
• 2023 – Edu-Con, an international educational conclave for educators across India, was launched.
• 2024 – Foundation courses for NEET, JEE, and CA were introduced.
• 2024 – A new computer laboratory and conference hall were completed.
• May 2024 – Fr. Shaju Pellissery CMI became Correspondent.
• July 2025 – Fr. Mathew Kodappanamkunnel CMI was appointed Principal, assisted by Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI as Bursar.
• July 2025 – Fr. Prathap Thuruthumalil CMI assumed charge as Correspondent of both schools.