As we browse through the history of the Institutions in Mugalivakkam we remember with gratitude a few of its founding members Namely Rev Mother. Cyrilla, The then Superior General of the congregation, Sr. Dr.Rexline, Director - St. Thomas Hospital, Fr. Emily Galles, Mr. Mark, Mrs. Christian and Mary John members of Indesch Patenschaften Foundation, Luxembourg, Dr. Claude Fernandez, St. Thomas Hospital and Mr. Balasubramaniam, The then Munsif of Kolappakam. All of them played a major role in establishing our presence here. But we need to mention Dr. Sr. Rexline in a special way as she has been the backbone of this place.
Rev. Mother Mary Cyrilla FSJ
Rev. Sr. Dr. Rexline FSJ
Dr. Claude Fernandez
It all started with the dream Sr. Dr. Rexline had to expand her health Ministry in Mugalivakkam. With this idea she was looking for a small piece of land. In the meantime, she happened to have a casual meeting with Fr. Emily Galles from Luxembourg and she shared her dreams with him. He in turn introduced her to Mark and Christian, The Members of Indesch Patenschaften Foundation. With the positive reply she received from the above-mentioned foundation she started looking for a piece of land with the help Dr. Claud Fernandez and Mr. Balasubramaniam. Finally, they found this piece of land which was beyond their scope. But while negotiations were going on Mary John, another board member of the same Foundation happened to be here in Chennai and she came to their rescue. She contacted the other board members in Luxumburg and got the necessary permissions to go ahead with the deal and finally the land was registered in the year 1995.
Since Sr. Dr. Rexline was interested in giving job opportunities to the poor people. she proposed projects like printing units and accommodation for the poor staff members. Subsequently the projects were approved by the foundation and construction work was completed by the year 1998. In 1998 after the General Chapter of the congregation a new administrative team took over the administration of the congregation under the leadership of Rev. Mother Venantia.
After much discussion the new team cameto the conclusion that the funds received for a particular project is to be used for the same purpose and it is not proper to alter the intention of the donor. As a result after due consultation with experts from the congregation of the Sacred Heart Brothers in Palayamkottai project was started
The project was started in the year 2000 after completing the initial preparations. Sr. Dr. Rexline supported the project until 2010. She had provided a Mini Offset Machine and Heidelberg Machine for printing. In the course time she had provided Bolero Jeep for the use of the press and the sisters. A single clamp binding Machine, a ruling machine and a Manuel cutting Machine also were provided. The work went on a low profile and most of the production work was outsourced. Until 2010 funds for the purchase of paper for notes were provided either by the Generalate or by Sr. Dr. Rexline and subsequently paid off. From the year 2000 to 2010 the Sisters were accommodated on the 1st floor of the Press building.
