OUR LEGACY

The Little Flower Education Society was registered on 03 June 1972, establishing Lisieux Matriculation School with 40 students (KG-G6) on 05 June 1972. The school was formally inaugurated by Mar Joseph Kundukulam on 31 July 1972. A collaborative eff ort between the members of the monastery and the CMC Sisters nearby helped the school gain CBSE recognition in 1975.

On 25 November 1973, the foundation stone for the main school block was laid, and in the same year, the school was renamed Lisieux Higher Secondary School. In 1974, the main building was blessed, and Fr. Thomas Prakash Palathingal CMI joined as a teacher. On 19 March 1975, the CBSE Commission visited for recognition, which was granted on 18 October 1975. On 27 October 1975, the foundation stone for the science block was laid by Dr. G. L. Bhakshi, and the construction was completed in 1976.

In April 1977, the first batch appeared for the CBSE Board exam with excellent results. Between 1975 and 1977, students engaged in practical learning in agriculture and electronics. From 1979 to 1982, the second floor was constructed under Fr. Zachaeus Edakkalathur CMI, Principal. Between 1982 and 1993, a new primary block, the second floor of the science block, and a compound wall were built under Fr. Francis Thaivalappil CMI.

On 19 July 1983, renowned mathematician Shakuntala Devi visited the school. Lisieux School, under the leadership of various principals, expanded with new buildings, including a science block and administrative block, and transitioned to the Tamil Nadu Matriculation System in 1993. From 1993 to 1996, the administrative block and modernized labs were built, and the silver jubilee stage was constructed. Its hostel, originally located near NSR Road, was later closed, and a new nursery building was created.

Between 1998 and 1999, a toilet block was constructed, and a legal crisis was successfully managed. From 1999 to 2008, Fr. Xavier Elinjickal CMI served as Principal, leading developments such as the auditorium, educational park, and campus beautification. In 2004, Fr. Xavier CMI was awarded the Rashtra Pratibha Award, and in 2006, he received the Tamil Nadu Best Teacher Award. In 2006, Lisieux College of Education was established and developed by the monastery.

Fr. Raphael Kanjirathingal CMI, who was Vicar of Little Flower Parish from 2008 to 2014, was also the Correspondent of the Lisieux School. The Lisieux College of Education was handed over to Lisieux Bhavan, Saravanampatty in 2008. In 2008, Fr. Varghese Manjaly CMI served as the Principal of Lisieux Matriculation Higher Secondary School, where he led significant infrastructural developments.

In October 2009, construction of a new school building began. The new school block was completed in 2010. As Education Councillor of the province, he also played a key role in facilitating the purchase of land in Kenya and Avinashi, contributing to the expansion of the institution’s vision. Fr. Thomas Thottungal CMI served as the Administrator of the House and Bursar of Lisieux School from 2008 to 2009. He actively collaborated in the reconstruction efforts, overseeing the construction works.

Between 2011 and 2017, Fr. Philips Pontheckan CMI provided dynamic leadership at the school. His forward-thinking initiatives included the renovation of the stage and the construction of an auditorium seamlessly connected to the main campus via a bridge in 2011. The main entrance underwent a remarkable redesign with elegant pillar work, statues of St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, and enhanced landscaping. The third floor was reinforced with truss work, and new facilities such as a canteen, badminton court, meditation hall, and AV room were introduced. The campus saw comprehensive improvements, including renovations to the church, basketball court, library, parking area, etc., all enriched by beautifully designed gardens.

Fr. Philips Pontheckan CMI, the Principal of Lisieux MHSS, took additional charge as the first Principal of Lisieux CMI International School in 2013. Fr. Nimish Chundankuzhiyil CMI’s journey of service as the Bursar of Lisieux Schools in Saibaba Colony was from 2013 to 2015. From 2015 to 2016, Fr. Lintesh Vellappady CMI took charge as the Bursar of both schools. Fr. Francis Thaivalappil CMI took over in 2017 as Vicar of the Little Flower Parish, Correspondent of both schools, and Prior of the monastery.

Fr. Philips Pontheckan CMI secured Minority and ISO certifications for the Lisieux MHSS, acquired a school bus, and facilitated the construction of small quarters for the monastery cook. His outstanding dedication to education and holistic development earned him the prestigious Dr. Radhakrishnan Award, recognising him as a distinguished educator and visionary leader.

Fr. John Thattil CMI was appointed as the Prior, monastery, and Correspondent of both the schools in 2020–2023. Fr. Paul Thekkiniyath CMI served as Principal of Lisieux MHSS in this period while Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI was the Bursar. During this period, Saint Chavara Exemplar Award for students and Saint Chavara Inspirational Educators Award for Principals and teachers was instituted. The Golden Jubilee of Lisieux School, a momentous occasion that marked five decades of excellence in education, was celebrated in 2023 in Fr. Paul Thekkiniyath CMI’s tenure, with assistance from Fr. Anson Ollukkaran CMI, Bursar. Fr. Paul’s tenure saw the Alumni Association of Lisieux School flourish, nurturing a heartfelt connection among alumni and reinforcing their bond with their cherished alma mater.

Fr. Jose Paul Edakkalathur CMI served as Prior, monastery, and Correspondent in the year 2023–24. In 2023, Fr. Joy Arackal CMI assumed the role of Principal of Lisieux MHSS. He was supported by Fr. Antony Vazhappilly CMI (2023–24) and Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI (2024–) as Bursars. School adoration service was introduced in collaboration with the parishioners, fostering a spiritual environment on campus. In November 2023, an international educational conclave, Edu-Con, an innovative platform designed to empower pan-India educators, was organised. In May 2024, Fr. Shaju Pellissery CMI became the Correspondent of both the schools. In July 2025, Fr. Prathap Thuruthumalil CMI took over as Correspondent of both schools. In July 2025, Fr. Mathew Kodappanamkunnel CMI took charge as Principal of Lisieux MHSS, and he is currently assisted by Bursar Fr. Linjo Arangassery CMI. Together, they are working to uphold the school’s legacy while introducing progressive initiatives for the future.