In 1914, St. Mariam Thresia founded the Congregation of the Holy Family (CHF) in Puthenchira, Kerala, with a singular purpose: to bring Christ into every household through prayer, compassion, and presence. She, canonized in 2019, was a mystic and a tireless servant of families. She believed that the family is the cradle of holiness, and that healing the world begins with healing the home.
The Home Mission Programs of the Congregation of the Holy Family (CHF) are a vibrant expression of the Charism—compassionate love rooted in deep union with the Crucified Lord, lived out through the family apostolate. These programs are designed to spiritually renew families and communities by bringing the Church into the heart of the home. During Home Mission days, CHF Sisters stay with parish families, embracing a simple lifestyle and visiting homes to truly become one among them
CHF sisters, in the spirit of St. Mariam Thresia, carry out Home Missions rooted in simplicity and deep compassion.
They enter each household as instruments of grace—to pray with and for families, to bless homes, and to invoke the peace of Christ.
They offer spiritual guidance in moments of conflict, illness, or grief, standing beside those who are weary and burdened.
They foster sacramental life, encouraging confession, the celebration of the Holy Mass, and Eucharistic adoration, helping families reconnect with the heart of the Church.
They seek to restore unity and reconciliation, gently guiding families to rediscover love, healing, and mutual forgiveness.
These visits are not isolated acts; they reflect an ongoing pastoral mission that transforms ordinary homes into domestic churches—places where faith takes root and holiness flourishes.
St. Mariam Thresia once walked barefoot to reach the suffering, bearing nothing but a crucifix and a heart full of mercy. Today, her legacy lives on in every CHF sister who steps into a home not as a visitor, but as a vessel of Christ’s peace and presence.
Here’s how the CHF Sisters typically carry out a Home Mission:
- Spiritual Renewal of Families
CHF Sisters visit homes to rekindle faith and unity within families. They lead:
- Family prayers and rosaries
- Scripture reflections
- Blessings of homes and individuals
- Sacramental Preparation and Healing
In collaboration with local parishes, the mission may include:
- Confession and Holy Mass
- Anointing of the sick
- Counseling and spiritual direction
- Faith Formation and Catechesis
They conduct sessions for:
- Children and youth on values, discipline, and faith
- Parents and couples on Christian family life and parenting
- Elderly and caregivers for comfort and encouragement
- Community Building
The mission fosters reconciliation and unity by:
- Mediating family conflicts
- Encouraging forgiveness and dialogue
- Promoting a spirit of service and charity
- Living the Spirit of the Holy Family
The CHF Sisters model the simplicity, love, and holiness of the Holy Family, helping families transform their homes into “domestic churches.”
These missions are often held over several days and may include night vigils, Eucharistic adoration, and cultural or devotional gatherings. The goal is not just to visit homes—but to ignite hearts with faith, hope, and love.