THRISSUR: Sister Mary Joseph (71), a Malayali, was elected the fourth superior general of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa. She is the first Indian to hold this position. The election was held at the Mother House of the Church in Kolkata on March 12. She was the regional superior of the organisation in the southern states, including Kerala. She had served in the Philippines, Poland, and Papua New Guinea. She returned to Kolkata at the time of the canonization of Mother Teresa and took charge of the southern region.

Mary, who was born as the daughter of Mala native Devassy and Kochuthresia, joined Missionaries of Charity at the age of 20. She had worked with Mother Teresa.