Sr. Jincy Othottil Revives Female Monasticism in India’s Chaldean Church

Sr. Jincy Othottil, a Sunday school teacher from Kerala, India, dedicated her life to reviving female monasticism in the Chaldean Syrian Church in 1998. Her commitment filled a void left by the loss of ancient traditions within the church, which had struggled to preserve its Mesopotamian heritage amid colonial influences and historical upheavals.

The Chaldean Syrian Church, one of nine Eastern Rite churches in Kerala, traces its origins to St. Thomas the apostle, who, according to tradition, evangelized the western Indian coast in 52 AD. The church resisted Latinization efforts by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century and maintained independence from Antiochian bishops in the 17th century. It established an organizational connection with the Assyrian Church of the East in 1995, preserving its historical roots and traditions.

The ancient tradition of female monasticism within the Chaldean Church was lost in India. However, Othottil’s decision to embrace monastic life marked a significant revival. She emphasized the importance of restoring this traditional calling, noting that the late Patriarch Mar Dinkha IV had encouraged the establishment of a monastic branch in the Indian Chaldean Church.

During a Patriarchal Council in Chicago in 1996, Dinkha urged then-head Mar Aprem Mooken to find a way to establish a convent. Othottil described the challenge of starting such an initiative, as there were no living examples to follow. She began her journey into monasticism in an exceptionally humble manner, laying the foundation for a renewed tradition.

Metropolitan Mar Awgin Kuriakose praised Othottil’s efforts, calling her a guardian of the church’s sacred Mesopotamian heritage in an era where ancient traditions face modern pressures. Her work reflects a broader commitment to preserving the church’s identity and spiritual practices.

Othottil’s dedication underscores the importance of maintaining historical continuity in religious communities. Her efforts highlight the role of individual commitment in reviving lost traditions and reinforcing the church’s cultural and spiritual legacy. This revival aligns with the biblical call to uphold justice and mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.

Source: Read the original report