Our present friary is the second Capuchin foundation in Aluva. The first one Assisi Friary, popularly known as ‘Capuchin Chapel’, meant to be a formation house of philosophy was solemnly blessed by most Rev. Dr. Joseph Attipetty, the Archbishop of Varapuzha on 28th of April, 1937. Later this Friary was freely given over to the Cloistered Nuns of the Poor Clares when they had to flee from Burma during World War II.

It was Cardinal Mar Joseph Parecattil, the Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Arch-Diocese who formally invited the Capuchins to the Eparchy. The present plot of land of Nazareth Ashram was donated by the late Dr. P. J. Thomas, a member of the Indian Parliament. The Friary was canonically erected by Br. Clemens of Milwaukee, the Minister General on 10^th of January 1960 during the feast of the Holy Family, the friary was blessed by him on 27 November 1960.

The foundation stone of the Chapel was blessed on 30^th of August 1961 by the Commissary Provincial. On 15^th of August 1963, the new Church was blessed by His Excellency Mar Sebastian Vayalil, the Bishop of Palai. The house served as the Provincialate of St. Joseph Province from 1972 to 1977. Again, it functioned as the Provincialate of St. Thomas Capuchin Province from 25^th of October 1999 to 15^th of April 2002. The oldest structure of the Ashram was demolished and renovated on 8 September 2013.

Besides the Pastoral activities, Nazareth Ashram from its very beginning is known for its social activities mainly initiated by Br. Ignatius Pettakatt who laid the foundation for Nazareth Club (1960), Nazareth Social Guild (1961), Friendship House, Dharma Deepthi (1968), Housing Scheme and Youth Care and Nazareth School.