Mananthavady Norbertines

In 1978, with the help of Bishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy, then Bishop of Mananthavady, the Norbertines of Stift Tepl in Villingen, under the initiative of Abbot Wolf Gang Bohm, arrived in Mananthavady. The new community flourished under Abbot Böhm's care and guidance.

Bishop Thoomkuzhy's goodwill and support played a crucial role in the Mananthavady Norbertines' growth. However, a declining number of German confreres necessitated sending Indian confreres to the Abbey in 1986. Subsequently, the German community relocated to Obermedlingen in 1986 and formally joined the Diocese of Augsburg in 1987. The confreres gradually became involved in various pastoral activities around Augsburg. Abbot Böhm's sudden passing on April 13, 1988, plunged the community into panic and uncertainty. The first batch of three priests were ordained in 1990. Following Abbot Böhm, Fr. Norbert Schlegal and Fr. Gilbert Rudolf Vogt served as Prelate and Abbot of Obermedlingen, respectively. Within Mananthavady, Fr. Francis Allumpuram became the first Prior in 1992, followed by Fr. Jose Anthanattu (1996) and Fr. Norbert (2000). After Abbot Vogt's resignation in 1995, Fr. Gottfried Menne from Hamborn Abbey served as administrator, succeeded by Fr. Roman Vanasse of the Abbey of De Pere. In 2001, Fr. John Nelluvelil became the first Indian administrator of the Canonry. On November 20, 2007, the Mananthavady foundation officially gained autonomy as a Canonry of the Order. Rev. Fr. Alois Jose Anthanatt became its first Prelate, succeeded by Fr. Vincent Mattammel on October 10, 2013. As of October 20, 2022, Rev. Dr. Jose Murickan serves as the current Prelate. The Canonry currently consists of 87 final professed members, 12 juniors, 7 novices, and 30 candidates in the minor seminary.