Sr. Raphaela was born of Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Mariamma Malieckal , at Palai, Kerala, on 3rd July 1937 as the 8th child among 9 siblings, a family rooted in Christian faith. From her young age Sr. Raphaela developed a missionary zeal to serve the poor and needy in an unknown land. She had untold struggles in convincing her family which at all cost wanted her to join only a local congregation. Fortunately, her cousin Priest intervened and convinced the family. On February 18, 1959, she joined a group of six other girls recruited by Rev. Fr. Joseph Maliparambil who accompanied them to St Anthony’s Convent, Paharganj. New Delhi.