Sister Gracy Thombrakudil SCN has made it her mission to serve people of different religions who migrate from one state to another. They help them on a transformative journey that takes them from oppression to empowerment. Their example has inspired many other religious, secular and non-governmental organizations to take up the cause of immigrants.
Sister Florina José, SCN
Kerala, Tuesday, October 22, 2024 (REI): Sister Gracie, the third daughter of the family, is from Thombrakoodil, Kerala and has now become a Sister of Charity of Nazareth (SCN).
In the early years of her religious life, Sister Gracie worked with the Santhali tribal people of Jharkhand, educating and training them.
difficult situation of immigrants
In the late 1990s, India experienced a significant increase in migrants from northern states to the south, especially Kerala, in search of employment and financial stability. Although the education and health systems met their needs, they often faced discrimination from local residents.
Many people lived in small, crowded apartments with minimal amenities provided by landlords at high prices. They often imposed restrictions on visitors, arriving suddenly and counting the number of slippers to make sure no more people were present.
During the work, the contractors demanded too much work and often resorted to abuse for small errors. Immigrants were forced to work without days off and under strict deadlines, without the possibility of rest. Many immigrants had their wages deducted, leaving them vulnerable and facing harassment for the survival of their families, fearing being fired from their jobs and humiliated.
Responding to the call of migrants
Responding to the call of these economic immigrants, Jesuits serving in India, along with the Sisters of Nazareth, began a mission for them.
Sister Gracy was appointed as a social worker and, using her expertise in tribal cultures and languages, especially ‘Santali’ and ‘Ho’, she set out to rescue these people from their distress.
Through their efforts, Sister Gracy began gathering Catholic immigrants for Holy Mass and cultural festivals. It has been serving immigrants, regardless of their religious background, since 2015, ensuring they are aware of government plans, access to healthcare and are protected from any problems at work or in their residence. of any type of abuse.
initial change
In her early work with immigrants in the state of Kerala, Sister Gracie promoted a paradigm shift in the local population’s perception of immigrants.
Initially, these immigrants had to face discrimination from the local Malayali, due to which a huge gap appeared between the local population and the immigrants.
Recognizing this reality, Sister Gracie founded a platform that inspired local residents, who were previously passive observers, to become involved as volunteers in support of migrants.
He visited various areas of Kerala, helping local priests and religious to develop friendly relations with migrants.
obstacles in the way
In her mission among the marginalized, Sister Gracie faces many obstacles. One challenge is the changing number of immigrants, which affects continuity of work.
When she started working, some contractors were unhappy with Sister Gracy and her team working for justice for migrants.
However, after many years of service, immigrants have earned the right to file complaints themselves and have learned not to tolerate injustice at any cost.
mother of immigrants
Immigrants in Kerala have found their home in Sister Gracy, and she has become a mother and beacon of hope to many in Kozhikode district.
Sister Grassi summarizes Pope Francis’ call during his general audience on August 28, 2024. That day the Pope called for a “new and profound vision” that encompasses the faces and stories of those who cross borders in search of hope.
