Anyone travelling along N.H 47 between Cherthala and Alleppey will not miss the stately building. The arched gate proclaims: St. Michael’s College, Cherthala, Estd. 1967. The college belongs to the Diocese of Alleppey and when Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Arattukulam, the first Bishop of Alleppey, built the college, he also built a hostel for women students. He made no secret of the fact that he wanted the Canossians to be in charge of the hostel, because he appreciated very much the training given by the sisters to the youth. 

St. Michael’s College Hostel was inaugurated together with the Canossian community in Cherthala in November 1967. From its very inception the hostel became a beehive of activities – leadership camps, study classes based on the Bible and on Vatican II Documents, Needle work and craft classes – all with the purpose of helping the participants to find the true source of happiness and fulfilment in life, while they enjoy the benefits of higher education. Apart from the hostel the community was running a tailoring and embroidery centre where about 30 women produce garments, traditional and trendy. It was closed due to unavoidable circumstances.

Three parishes, namely Sacred Heart Church, St. Jude’s Church, Vanaswargam and Fatima Matha Church, Cherthala get the assistance of the sisters to conduct Sunday School. Free coaching classes are conducted for the children from poor families. Regular family visits help build up better relationship among the various religious groups living side by side in the vicinity of the convent.