Sister M. Dolly Kunnel

“I have called you by name, you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1

I was born in the Idukki District in Kerala. My parents are Mr. Mathew and the late Mrs. Mariyakutty. I am the fourth of eight children. I have one elder brother, two elder sisters, two younger brothers, and two younger sisters. My father was a farmer, and my mother was a housewife. I was born and brought up in a Catholic family. My parents are God-fearing and attend Holy Mass daily. I received good faith formation at home. My parents and my teachers at school inspired me to practice the Christian faith and live according to its values. The life of the religious Sisters in my parish was also a source of inspiration.

I completed my primary education at a school administered by our diocese. My high school education was at a government school. During my high school years, I developed the desire to become a nun. After completing high school, my desire to become a religious grew stronger. Fr. Thomas Vadakekary, then the parish priest of Pithora, introduced me to our congregation. On September 9, 1985, I arrived at Pithora without knowing anything about the place or the congregation. My parents and teachers played a vital role in my vocation. I thank the Lord for the precious gift of my vocation.

I had a deep desire to become a Sister and a missionary to serve the poor. During my formation, I became more convinced of my choice. I was so grateful that I could join our congregation. During my early days of formation, I felt called to listen to the cry of the poor. This calling remains deep within me even today. The formation period was a time when I deepened my faith in God and experienced God’s immense love and mercy.

I made my first profession to the Lord on January 25, 1990, and my final profession on February 2, 1995. I celebrated the Silver Jubilee of my religious profession in 2015.

After my first profession, I continued my academic studies. I had the opportunity to study for a diploma in Theology and faith formation in Bangalore, as well as a one-year religious formation program at St. Louis University in Missouri, USA. In 2006, I completed my Master’s in Social Work. I also had the chance to attend several short courses, including those on Leadership, Spiritual Direction and Counseling, and Capacity Building.

I was entrusted with the formation ministry for a three-year term. I then served in many of our communities and participated in collaborative ministries with other organizations. At present, I am in the second term of office serving as the Provincial Superior of our province.

I found real joy and satisfaction in working with the poor and marginalized people wherever I served. I was deeply touched in my heart by giving my love to the poor and needy through social service. I am grateful to God that He used me as a blessing to the poor. It was an experience of encountering Jesus through the powerless and poorest of the poor. I realized the joy of my own vocation.

I thank the Almighty God for using me as an instrument for His people. I thank my parents for sowing the seed of faith in my life. Their faith and religious practices in our family enabled me to face the challenges of my missionary journey. I thank the Lord for the love, care, and acceptance I constantly receive from my parents, brothers, and sisters. I thank my Congregation for nurturing me through timely guidance, their trust, support, and prayers. I am grateful to all my superiors and formators for placing their trust in me and supporting me throughout the years of my committed life.

What I am today is a gift from God. I have gained nothing except the joy of belonging to Him. I am grateful to my parents, brothers, and sisters, and especially to my Congregation, for giving me various opportunities to spread His love. I also thank my friends who helped me experience the love of Jesus and supported me in facing the challenging situations of my personal life. May the good Lord bless everyone!