My story began in Aroor, in the Verapoly diocese of Kerala, on the 2nd of February 1950. My parents are late Mathew and Fulgaria Puthukkatt. We were ten siblings: Jose, George, Chinnamma, Mary, Philomina, Esly, Lucy (myself), Babu, Annie, and Annie (Sister Annie of the Congregation of Sisters of Charity, known as Bambina Sisters.) All except four of us, Chinnamma, Philomina, Babu, and I have gone to be with our parents in heaven. The first Annie died in her infancy, and so the youngest one was named after her.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt with her mother and sisters Chinnamma and Philo

I studied in a Catholic school run by religious Sisters. When I was studying in the 7th or 8th Class, the Sisters used to visit our class, and I fell in love with them. Because of my love for them, my interest in studies increased, and I began to study well.

From my childhood, I had a desire to serve in the missions as during our catechism classes and parish activities, we used to hear a lot about missions in North India. So, when I heard that some Sisters were coming to Kerala to look for girls to join their congregation, I told my father about my desire. The next day itself we went to meet our Sisters Marita Ann (Teresa Rose Nabholz) and Mary Chackalackal. It was already too late for the Sisters to accept me immediately because time had come for them to leave Kerala. They suggested that I complete my studies, but I was adamant and insisted that I wanted to go with them. I was only sixteen years old then and totally inexperienced, but I was accepted and I began my missionary journey in 1966.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt as a student nurse (second from the right)

After the initial phase of learning English, I completed my RNRM (Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife) studies as a candidate. After I completed my studies, I began my initial formation programme as a postulant in 1972. After two years of novitiate, I made my first vows in September 1974.

Once I completed my novitiate, Sister Mary Joseph Pamplaniel asked me whether I would go to the United States for anesthesia training. I told her if the studies were available in India I would do them there, but not in the States. So, she agreed to it after much discernment. It seems that the Province was planning to get my passport. Ultimately, I went for anesthesia studies to Punjab in 1980 and I did my practical training in Ferozepur in Punjab. I did my training and practical work very well.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt with her vow class, making their first vows

I completed my studies in anesthesia and began working in the operation theatre (OT) till 1990. I worked as the chief anesthetist and supervisor of OT while simultaneously functioning as the community coordinator.

I was asked to go to Bakthiarpur after that to work as an ordinary nurse, and there too, I was given a job with great responsibility, taking care of the patients and serving as superior of the house. I used to have eighty to ninety patients per day. Besides the regular visits by the patients, there were some cases of deliveries too. In Mokama and Bakhtiarpur I got to know many Sisters, but I specially remember with gratitude Sisters Mary Frances Sauer and Mary Jude Howard. Their missionary spirit greatly inspired me.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt with a mother and her sick child in Bakhtiarpur, November 1995

In 1996, I was sent to Sale in Mahuadanr in the Daltonganj Diocese, an interior village of the then Palamau District of Jharkhand. I can vouch that although it was a very tough mission, for me it was the most enjoyable ministry that I have had because I could go to the really marginalized and isolated village people there. I enjoyed my previous missions, but somehow Sale was different. Dealing with the tribal communities is quite a unique experience. I learned cycling there and I used to go to the villages with a nurse assistant from the locality so that I could communicate with the people better with her help. Sometimes we would stay overnight in the villages. People were happy to provide us hospitality in their simple style, and we enjoyed our stay with them. Five years flew by quickly, but my memories of Sale still remain fresh and happy even today.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt with the Nazareth Hospital OT staff

I was back at Nazareth Hospital Mokama in 2001, and stayed there till 2012, as Supervisor and In-Charge of the operation theatre. From 2010 to 2012, I also served as the Health Coordinator of the Province.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt during her visit to Nepal as Health Coordinator

In 2004, I was privileged to take part in the East West Exchange (Global Exchange) programme of the Congregation. It was a memorable opportunity to visit the roots of our Congregation, and to meet many Sisters in the USA. I am grateful to the Congregation for this unforgettable opportunity given to me. In 2011, I had another once in a lifetime experience to visit Paris with Sister Lilly Luka Vayampallitharapel, to have a personal experience of the birth and ministry place of St. Vincent de Paul. I consider myself quite lucky to have had these milestones of my life.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt during her visit to the United States

The Bangalore Province was established in 2012, and I joined as a member of this Province then. I was sent as the administrator and caregiver at Asha Kiran, a shelter home for children in Dharuhera in the Haryana State. The children there were from vulnerable backgrounds and they needed twenty-four-hour care and attention, with much love and compassion. I believe that the seven years I spent there made some difference in the lives of those children. Some of them have completed their studies, gotten jobs, and live independent and meaningful lives now. Being with them and caring for them were fulfilling experiences for me.

Once I completed my mission in Dharuhera, I was called to Chandapura in Bangalore to be the School Nurse for Nazareth School, Chandapura, and to take care of the health needs of the senior and sick Sisters who either reside in or come to Chandapura for medical attention.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt celebrating her silver jubilee

The need for my service was felt in Musunuru in Andhra Pradesh in 2021. I was the Health Coordinator at PSDC (Prerana Social Development Centre). I provided my services there till 2023.

Since my health was declining, I had to bid goodbye to Musunuru, but I was able to be of assistance at Kallanode in Kerala for a year. I helped the community with whatever was possible in the pastoral or medical fields. Kallanode community has started a day care centre for the elderly. It is called Asha Nilayam (Home of Hope). I helped there during the day.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt helping a woman learn to sew in Bakhtiarpur

It is now time for me to take it a bit easy with life and spend my time in prayer and contemplation. My health needs are getting more severe, too. So, since May 2024, I am in Chandapura, spending my time with the other senior Sisters in the house and doing whatever is possible in my capacity. I celebrate the Golden Jubilee of my first profession this year, so reminiscing through my life is a journey of faith and gratitude. I thank God for whatever has been, look forward to whatever may happen in the future with faith and confidence, and live in the present trusting in the Providence of God for my life, for the meaningful ministries I have served and for God’s abundant blessings in my life. Deo Gratias.

Sister Lucy Puthukkatt with OT staff

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