Edapuzha, in Kannur District is a remote area of the diocese of Thalassery close to the Karnataka border. The Catholics who settled here raised a fund and purchased one and a half acres of land.To this was added a further 50 cents donated by Mr. Joseph Kottarathil. They invited the CMI fathers of Calicut to start an ashram there.The then provincial Fr. James Pallivathukal responded to their request. He exchanged this plot for five acres from Mr.Peter Kallunkal,and an ashram was started there in 1970.Fr.Bartholomew started living in a small hut there. It was Fr. Xavier Pullankavil who constructed a small building for the ashram in 1971. Later more land was added to the ashram property.

The ashram chapel, which is also a parish church has 210 families under its care. In 1996, Fr. Mariadas Kuzhuppil built a new church also. The foundation stone of the church was laid by Fr. Justin Koyippuram, the then Provincial, on 8th September, 1995.The church was consecrated on 8th April, 1996 by Archbishop George Valiyamattam. When Fr. Lucas Poondikulam was the superior and parish priest, he took the lead in constructing a new road from Karikkottakari to Valathode, the people contributing free manual labour. When Fr. Chacko Puthukulangara was the secretary for the social apostolate in the province in 1990, he helped about 100 families reconstruct their houses with help from a funding agency. He also helped them in various other ways to deal with their basic needs. To the people of Edapuzha, the name of Fr. Chacko Puthukulangara is synonymous with the growth and development of the area.A new house with moderate facilities was built by Fr.John Panamthottathil under the supervision of Fr. George Kochuvelikkakath. It was blessed on 8th December, 2010.

Apostolates

1. St Joseph’s Parish

2. St Joseph’s LP School, Ph: 0490- 2454558

Inmates

Fr Paul Kureekattil :

Superior & Vicar