The Technical Ministry - Lace Making and Embroidery

The initial lace and embroidery work developed far beyond the original purpose for which it was begun. When the orphan girls got married, they were equipped with a worthwhile skill. They carried on the work in their houses with the Convent providing them the materials and marketing outlets. At that time poverty and unemployment in Mulagumoodu and the neighboring villages were acute. Not only women but even young girls came to the Convent to learn the craft and continued to work in their homes. Thus the work extended to the economically poor of the area.

For the same purpose of providing women jobs and for economic security, the same lace and embroidery work was introduced in the following:

St. Francis Xavier’s Convent, Srivilliputtur in 1911, Mary Immaculate Convent, Kanyakumari in 1908,St.Ursula’s Convent , Kulasekharam in 1916,St.John Vianney’s Convent , Palliyady in 1921.These communities are situated in rural areas, villages where the people were poor, with large families, and alcoholism prevalent.

The Belgian Sisters who started the work and even those after them, many of whom had studied fine arts, were very enthusiastic about this apostolate because it not only provided the women with a regular income, but also gave them an opportunity to develop their talents. Hence, they promoted and spread the work to the following villages specializing in a particular art.They also paid special attention to the faith formation of the women. The Sisters worked hard, putting their heart and soul into the work because they considered this as a real missionary and social work, helping the poor to earn their living. Though the work is varied everywhere, the goal remains the same : provide employment to the poor women of the area. For many of our young girls, their earnings are their dowry for marriage. For the older women who continue to work, their wages are their sole income. In a fast changing society where excellence in every field is aimed at, we felt that our young girls should have a more thorough training in lace and needlecraft. From 1st August,1983, we introduced a Comprehensive Four Year Training Programme.

We offer you a great choice of exquisite hand embroidery and bobbin lace articles, made by our rural women.

• Table linen: Tea cloths,Table cloths,Napkins, Cocktail Napkins,Chota Sets, Luncheon Sets, Glass Mat ,Sofa Backs,Dinner&Tea Napkins, Runners, Tray Cloth, Table Centers.
• Bed Linen: Single Bed Sheet with Pillowcase, Double Bed Sheet with two pillowcases, Bed covers,Duchess set.
• Baby Articles: Vest ( Applique work)Sleeveless Vest ,Sleeveless Vest with Lace, Bibs, Feeders, Wrappers, Matinee Coats, Yoke Dresses, Cot sets, Blankets, Limerick Collars, Baptismal Dress, Pyjama Suit, Frock, Baby Napkins ,Knickers, Open Shoulder Vest, Baby Bath Towel, Wrapper, Weekday Hankies for boys and girls, Smocked Dress,Baby Towel.
• Lace Lace Hankies, Full Lace Mat, Meter lace, Rosaline Mat, Lace Sari, Lace Purse, Double Basket Lace, Lace Collars, Lace Motifs, Glass Mat Set, Lace Tea Napkins, Cloth Mat with lace border, Lace Runner.
• Women’s Dress CollectionEmbroidered Shirts, Necklace, Embroidered Chudithar Top , Embroidered Duppatta, Carickmacross Duppatta, Embroidered Sari,Lace and Embroidery Sari,Carickmacross Sari, Net Shawl, Lace and Carickmacross Sri, Full lace Sari, Lace Hand bag, Net Gown, Lace Sari Border, Ear Studs.
• Hankies: Embroidered Ladies Hankies, Alphabet Initial Hankies, Cut work Design Hankies, Gents Hankies.
• Other articles: C.M .Purse, Face mask, Sandwich Cover, Toilet Roll, Tissue Bag, Glass Mat, Bottle Holder, Big Hand Towel, Smocked Purse, Casa towel, Organdie mat,(Petit point – Round and oval), Cross Stitch Towel, Wedding Veil, Sofa Back, Round Towel, Cushion Cover, Chota set, Wall Picture, Lavender Bag, all of arious designs and sizes
• Orders will be accepted for embroidery of all kinds on Saries, Duppattas,Specialty Net Borders.