The role of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate in the college’s consolidation and growth, 1936–1953

St. Berchmans College owes a significant debt to the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), then known as TOCD, for their timely and transformative service during a critical phase in its early history. Between 1936 and 1953, the congregation provided leadership, and administrative stability, that helped the institution recover from organisational difficulties and move steadily toward growth. The contributions of Rev. Fr. Romeo Thomas, Rev. Fr. Thomas William, and Rev. Fr. Joseph Hadriyan were especially important in shaping the college during this formative period.

The Circumstance that Called for CMI Leadership

The need for such intervention arose when the tenure of the founding principal, Rev. Fr. Mathew Purackal was cut short abruptly. St Berchmans College founded in 1922, affiliated with the University of Madras, expanded its science programmes in 1927 and it was required to build additional laboratories and classrooms. Although Fr Purackal began the ambitious science block, financial constraints prevented its completion. As pressure from the university increased and resources remained scarce, salaries of the staff were reduced. Complaints from the staff reached the University of Madras, and a syndicate-appointed commission found that funds had been mismanaged. The university then removed the principal and ordered corrective measures in financial administration. Thus, the founder principal, Fr. Mathew Purackal, had an unfortunate exit.

The CMI Response

 At this crucial juncture, the Diocese of Changanacherry sought the assistance of the CMI congregation. The congregation responded generously by deputing Rev. Fr. Romeo Thomas and, later, Rev. Fr. Thomas William to serve as principals of the college, while Rev. Fr. Joseph Hadriyan joined the Syriac Department and served as bursar. Together, these three priests played a decisive role in stabilising the institution, completing major construction projects, and strengthening both its academic and administrative foundations.

Administrative reform, institutional recovery, and early expansion

Rev. Fr. Romeo Thomas, then a member of TOCD and later identified with the CMI congregation, was appointed principal of St. Berchmans College in 1936 following the departure of Rev. Fr. Mathew Purackal. A disciplined and capable administrator, he insisted on order, accountability, and effective governance in every sphere of college life. During his tenure, the Managing Board and the College Council were reconstituted, and the college administration was brought into line with the directives of the university commission.

With the support of Bishop Mar James Kalacherry, he oversaw the completion of the unfinished tower building in 1937. Several important structures also took shape during his principalship, including Christ the King Chapel, Kallarackal Hall, and the St. Joseph and St. Thomas hostels. His period of leadership thus marked a phase of visible infrastructural development and renewed institutional confidence.

Academic Strengthening and University Transition

Another important milestone during his tenure was the transfer of the college’s affiliation from the University of Madras to the newly established University of Travancore in 1938.

Rev. Fr. Romeo Thomas also demonstrated foresight in strengthening the academic life of the institution by bringing in distinguished scholars such as Prof. M. P. Paul, Prof. C. A. Sheppard, and Prof. O’Brien.

Legacy and Departure

After laying a strong administrative and academic foundation for the college, Rev. Fr. Romeo Thomas was relieved to take charge as principal of CMI’s newly established Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Ernakulam. He was succeeded at St. Berchmans College by Rev. Fr. Thomas William of the same congregation.

Consolidation, academic growth, and wider educational outreach

Rev. Fr. Thomas William, who hailed from the Neriamparambil family of Changanacherry, continued and consolidated the work begun by Rev. Fr. Romeo Thomas. An experienced educationist and efficient administrator, he combined personal simplicity with steady leadership. Known for his accessibility and dedication, he spent much of his time in the office and maintained close coordination with the vice-principal, ensuring smooth day-to-day administration.

During his tenure, affiliation for B.Sc. programmes in Physics and Chemistry was secured, and Newman’s Hostel was constructed, adding further strength to the academic and residential life of the college.

Nurturing a New Institution

On the initiative of Bishop Mar James Kalacherry, Assumption College for Women began functioning as an annex of St. Berchmans College on 4 July 1950. While serving as principal of St. Berchmans, Rev. Fr. Thomas William also led Assumption College during its formative years, and the auditorium of Assumption College was later named in his honour.

Celebrating Scientific Achievement

One notable event during his principalship was the silver jubilee celebration of the Science Department in 1952. As part of the celebration, a Science Exhibition was organised on the campus and inaugurated by H. H. Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore, in the presence of H. H. Amma Maharani Sethu Parvathy Bhai.

Legacy of Service

Rev. Fr. Thomas William retired in 1953 after nearly a decade of dedicated service, leaving the college academically stronger and broader in its educational reach. He was succeeded as principal in 1953 by Rev. Fr. P. C. Mathew of the Changanacherry Diocese.

Bursarial service, construction oversight, and practical support

Rev. Fr. Joseph Hadriyan TOCD joined St. Berchmans College in 1936 as a lecturer in Syriac and succeeded Rev. Fr. Koshy Mampalam as bursar. In this dual role, he contributed both to the academic life of the college and to its material development.

The design of the college’s tower-cum-science block had been finalised in 1927. Its architecture, reminiscent of St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, is attributed to Rev. Fr. Honore, S.J., a noted Jesuit priest, educator, and architect. Construction of this central block began in 1927 but was delayed by a lack of funds.

Completing the Landmark Tower Building

Under Fr. Hadriyan, and with financial support from the diocese, the construction suspended in 1934 was restarted  finally finished in 1937. He rendered valuable service in bringing this major project to completion and earned the affectionate title “Engineer Achen” for his practical skill in overseeing construction work.

Service Beyond the Classroom

Although Rev. Fr. Joseph Hadriyan was relieved of his teaching duties in 1939, he continued as bursar until 1941. During his period of service, the construction of Christ the King Chapel and Kallarackal Hall was also completed. He was succeeded as bursar by Rev. Fr. K. V. Joseph.

A Legacy Collaboration

As St. Berchmans College completed its centenary, gratefully acknowledges not only the vision of its founders but also the devoted service of those who sustained and strengthened it in times of difficulty. Among them, the contribution of the CMI congregation stands out with particular distinction. For nearly two decades, their stalwarts lent leadership, administrative skill, and commitment that helped to shape the college’s development and secure its place as a leading institution of higher learning.