The Sisters of St. Martha's Congregation (SMC) is a Major Archiepiscopal Religious Congregation belonging to the Syro-Malabar Rite. It was founded on March 11, 1958, in the parish of Moolamattom in the Diocese of Pala. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mar Sebastian Vayalil the Bishop of Pala, and Sri. Mathew Joseph Kalappura, the founders, gave the congregation a unique character and authenticity, like a lily flower in the garden of the Holy Church. The Sisters of St. Martha 's Religious Congregation was elevated to a Diocesan Congregation on February 2, 1998, and then to a Major Archiepiscopal status on February 2, 2020. The congregation currently has 245 sisters in 45 houses and 4 areas of ministry across the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab, as well as in Germany and Italy. Charism and Spirituality The congregation's charism is to provide humble service to the people of God, especially to poor women and children, based on the biblical verse, ''For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (St. Mt 20:28). The religious community ' s motto is "To serve is glory" The unique identity of the Sisters of St. Martha's Congregation is rooted in St. Martha of Bethany. Areas of Ministry The core components of the dedicated life undertaken by the members of the congregation are: harmoniously integrate prayer and activities, maintain a spirit of prayer through constant contact with God amidst of activities, lead a simple and hardworking life, have a ministerial attitude at all times everywhere, spirit of service, finding joy in performing humble services, and contributing to the ministry of the local church is also a key part of the dedicated life embraced by the members. The members are engaged in various apostolic fields of work, including nursery schools, daycare centers, tailoring centers, childrens homes, hostels for girls, dispensaries, health care, and apostolates in press, education, evangelization, counselling, women's empowerment, family, and social welfare.