The establishment of Aquinas College in 1981 was the milestone in the rapid educational progress of the Diocese of Cochin under the guidance and patronage of His Excellency, (Late) Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kureethara, the former Bishop of Cochin (1975 - 1999). The College is named after St. Thomas Aquinas, the great Italian Scholastic Philosopher and Theologian. The College, established and administered by the Latin Catholic Diocese of Cochin, now functions under the patronage of His Excellency, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kariyil, Bishop of Cochin, and stands as an inspiration to all.
The Founder Patron of these Colleges, Rt.Rev.Dr. Joseph Kureethara had the vision to develop the colleges into centres of excellence in study and research to the doctoral level. His Excellency wanted the colleges to provide opportunities for higher education to the under-privileged and the marginalized sections of society, especially the Latin Catholic minority community. His Excellency had also the vision to impart value based education for the holistic development of the personality of young men and women, who are studying in these cluster colleges.
These cluster colleges have been established to provide opportunities for higher education to economically and socially backward communities, especially to the Latin Catholic minority community and also to strive for educational excellence and the development of the whole person. To make this mission fruitful, these colleges are willing to incorporate all innovations and research in the field of higher education, especially the advantages of information technology. The colleges will provide communication and other soft skills necessary to obtain useful employment in today’s highly competitive world. They are also committed to uphold the secular values, envisaged in the Constitution of India.

