A Catholic mother of two has expressed gratitude to the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph for helping her leave what she described as a toxic interfaith relationship and rebuild her life.
The woman, who requested anonymity, said she was supported by the congregation’s Lumina Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre after her relationship turned controlling and abusive. She alleged that the man pressured her for money and valuables and later coerced her to convert and marry him. With the intervention of her parents, she spent six months at the center receiving counseling and spiritual guidance.
Sr. Jinu Thomas Valavanolickal, director of Lumina, said the center has handled 737 cases since its founding in 2017, including 347 involving Christian girls. She claimed many cases involve young women who feel isolated or vulnerable while studying away from home. The center provides psychotherapy alongside prayer, Eucharistic adoration and confession.
The sister said the ministry is not without risk. Some girls initially resist counseling, and young men have reportedly visited the center to threaten staff. Police occasionally provide protection or refer cases through court orders.
Supported by priests from the Thamarassery diocese, the sisters also conduct parish awareness programs. Parents of beneficiaries say the counseling has restored hope and stability in their families. The congregation, which has more than 700 members across India, funds and operates the center as part of its broader health and pastoral ministry.
