OUR MISSION
A Journey Toward Freedom
Denahalaya is a national-level institute dedicated to the psycho-spiritual formation and holistic growth of priests and religious.
Rooted in Christian values and guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, the institute offers transformative programs that integrate spirituality, psychology, and pastoral counselling. Through its formation programs, Denahalaya accompanies individuals in their journey toward deeper self-understanding, emotional maturity, and spiritual freedom.
Catholic Roots
Committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church in every programme.
Holistic Care
Integrating psychological maturity with spiritual depth.
Transcendence
&
Transformation
Providing a nurturing environment for personal transformation.
Fr. Anish Ettakakunnel, Ph.D.
Rev. Dr. Thomas (Anish) Ettakakunnel currently serves as the Director of Denahalaya Institute.
Under his leadership, the institute continues its mission of psycho-spiritual formation and clinical counselling, building on the rich legacy of its founders. His dedication to excellence and passion for sharing God's word guides the institute toward deeper transformation and holistic growth.
Our Leadership
Guided by dedicated leadership and service
His Grace Mar Thomas Tharayil
Metropolitan Archbishop of Changanacherry
Very Rev. Fr. Scaria Kanniyakonil
Archeparchy of Changanacherry
Fr. Anish Ettakakunnel, Ph.D.
Denahalaya Institute
Our Legacy
Denahalaya, a venture of the Archeparchy of Changanacherry, is situated in Punnapra on the outskirts of the historic town of Alappuzha in Kerala, India. Punnapra is a coastal village noted for its scenic beauty and solitude-filled atmosphere. The unique building of Denahalaya stands on a small plot of land adjacent to St. Gregorios Parish, Punnapra.
The Institute was founded by late Rev. Dr. Thomas Thyparampil, with the blessings of Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil, and was inaugurated on 1st June 1992. Originally conceived as a centre for psychological and spiritual help for people belonging to the dioceses and religious congregations in India, Denahalaya functions as a house of conscientization, training, affirmation, and healing.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Thyparampil
(1992 – 2011)
Mar Thomas Tharayil
(2011 – 2017)
Rev. Fr. John (Tijo) Pathalil
(2017 – 2023)
