On 22 June 1978 His Holiness Pope Paul VI, by the Bull "Trichuriensia Eparchiae", bifurcated the Diocese of Thrissur and the Diocese of Irinjalakuda was formed. Consequent to the division of the Diocese, Assisi Province Thrissur was also subjected to division to facilitate better administration excluding the mission centers, was divided into three. Thus Alvernia Province Irinjalakuda established on 4 October 1979 with 382 members and 21 houses. Sr. Stella was appointed as the first Provincial. The formal declaration was made only 2 February 1980 during the General Chapter held at Portiuncula,