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Preachers of Divine Mercy Monastery, Ruha Mount, Attappady

The Preachers of Divine Mercy Monastery, Ruha Mount, Attappady (PDM) is a Catholic monastic community located in Attappady, Palakkad District, Kerala, India. Established as a clerical pious union within the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, PDM is dedicated to the spiritual renewal of priests and religious, the conversion of sinners, the salvation of souls, and global evangelization through prayer, penance, deliverance, and the ministry of the Word, utilizing the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. The monastery serves as the central hub of the Preachers of Divine Mercy (PDM), a priestly community founded with the vision of preparing the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It is closely associated with the Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries (AFCM), its missionary arm, and operates under the ecclesiastical oversight of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Palghat.

History

Foundation and Early Development

The Preachers of Divine Mercy (PDM) was formally established on 24 April 2018 by Mar Jacob Manathodath, then Bishop of the Palghat Diocese, as a pious union of priests. The founding members included Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil, who serves as the Superior General, Fr. Binoy Karimaruthinkal, and Sr. Amy Emmanuel ASJM (from the Anointing Sisters of Jesus and Mary, a related congregation). The community’s initial formation began four days later, on 28 April 2018, with the first candidates entering the seminary.

The first house of the pious union, known as PDM Hills, was established on 4 December 2018 in Attappady. This marked the beginning of a structured formation program for seminarians. The seminary itself was blessed by Bishop Jacob Manathodath on 15 October 2020, coinciding with the vestition ceremony of the inaugural batch of seminarians. The community’s growth necessitated further expansion, leading to the designation of Ruha Mount as the central monastery.

On 6 January 2021, Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil relocated to Ruha Mount to oversee its development as a dependent monastery, solidifying its status as the spiritual and administrative heart of PDM. The name "Ruha," derived from the Syriac word for "Spirit," reflects the community’s emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s role in its mission.

Expansion of Monasteries

Due to an increasing number of vocations, PDM established additional dependent monasteries:

• PDM Hills Monastery: Managed by Fr. Binoy Karimaruthinkal, who was appointed its Superior, this monastery continues to serve as a key formation center.
• PDM Monastery, Kuravilangad: Established on 1 January 2022 in Kuravilangad, Kottayam District, Kerala, under the leadership of Fr. Binoy Karimaruthinkal, it supports the growing community’s needs.
• PDM House, Mannuthy: Blessed on 28 February 2023 by Mar Jacob Manathodath, this house in Thrissur District accommodates seminarians pursuing philosophical and theological studies at Mary Matha Major Seminary. Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil oversees its operations, assisted by Fr. Samson in his absence.

By 24 April 2024, PDM celebrated six years of existence, highlighting its rapid growth and the establishment of these dependent houses to accommodate its expanding membership.

Mission and Charism

The Preachers of Divine Mercy Monastery is guided by a mission to "build up the mystical body of Christ" through a multifaceted approach:

• Prayer and Penance: Emphasizing a contemplative life rooted in intercession and sacrifice.
• Deliverance Ministry: Addressing spiritual afflictions through exorcism and healing, a specialty associated with Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil’s broader ministry.
• Ministry of the Word: Preaching and evangelization, often leveraging modern media such as television, radio, and online platforms.
• Charismatic Renewal: Utilizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aligning with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement within the Syro-Malabar Church.

The community’s ultimate goal is to prepare the world for the Second Coming of Christ, a theological emphasis that underscores its eschatological orientation. This mission extends beyond the monastery walls through the Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries (AFCM), which conducts global outreach among Malayali Catholic communities.

Leadership and Membership

As of 2025, PDM consists of 56 members, including:

• 3 solemnly professed priests: Fully committed members who have taken perpetual vows.
• 10 temporarily professed members: Those who have made initial vows and are pursuing further formation.
• Candidates: Seminarians in various stages of training.

The leadership structure includes:

• Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil: Founder-director and Superior General, widely known as "Vattayilachan" for his evangelistic work through Sehion Ministries and television programs like Abhishekagni (Shalom TV) and Thunder of God (Shalom World TV).
• Fr. Binoy Karimaruthinkal: Superior of PDM Hills Monastery and overseer of the Kuravilangad monastery.
• Mar Jacob Manathodath: Bishop Emeritus of Palghat and co-founder, providing ecclesiastical guidance.

Seminarians undertake philosophical and theological studies at prestigious institutions such as Vadavathoor Seminary in Kottayam and Mary Matha Seminary in Thrissur.

Ruha Mount Monastery

Located in Attappady, Thavalam P.O., Palakkad District, Kerala (PIN: 678582), Ruha Mount serves as the primary monastery and headquarters of PDM. Its serene, mountainous setting is conducive to contemplation and retreat, aligning with the community’s focus on prayer and penance. The monastery’s contact number, +91 8086200057, is widely publicized for those seeking spiritual assistance or vocational inquiries.

Ruha Mount is not only a residence for priests and seminarians but also a center for retreats, catechesis, and charitable activities organized by PDM and AFCM. The monastery’s newsletter, Ruha Mount Times, published monthly since at least January 2024, provides updates on events, ministries, and spiritual reflections.

Ministries and Outreach

PDM’s outreach is extensive, reflecting its commitment to evangelization and social good:

• Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries (AFCM): The missionary arm of PDM, AFCM organizes retreats, conventions (e.g., Abhishekagni Convention), and intercessory prayer groups worldwide. It collaborates with the Anointing Sisters of Jesus and Mary (ASJM) to extend its reach.
• AFCM Village: A charitable initiative aimed at supporting the poor and marginalized, though specifics remain limited in public records.
• Mizpah Foundation: Another outreach program, likely focused on spiritual or social welfare, though details are sparse.
• AFCM Media: Produces content for television, radio, and online platforms, amplifying PDM’s evangelistic efforts.
• Monthly Events: Ruha Mount hosts regular religious events, including catechesis, charity drives, and donations to the poor, fostering community engagement.

Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil’s media presence, particularly through programs like Maranatha (Jeevan TV) and Thunder of God, has garnered a significant following, reportedly attracting large audiences among Malayali Catholics globally.

Significance in the Syro-Malabar Church

PDM represents a fusion of traditional monasticism and the charismatic renewal movement within the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Its emphasis on deliverance and media-based evangelization distinguishes it from more conventional religious orders, aligning it with the broader legacy of Fr. Xavier Khan Vattayil’s Sehion Ministries, founded earlier in Attappady. The community’s rapid growth—from its founding in 2018 to managing multiple houses by 2023—underscores its appeal amid a perceived vocational crisis in some Catholic contexts.

Critically, PDM’s heavy reliance on charismatic practices and media might raise questions about its long-term sustainability within the traditional structures of the Syro-Malabar Church. While its eschatological focus resonates with certain Catholic circles, it may also limit its appeal to those favoring a less apocalyptic spirituality. Nonetheless, its integration of prayer, penance, and outreach reflects a dynamic response to contemporary spiritual needs.

External Links

• Official Website: ruhamount.org
• PDM Kuravilangad: pdmkuravilangad.org
• PDM Hills: pdmhillsattappadi.org