St. Mary's Thazhathupally Kaduthuruthy
Kaduthuruthy 686604
Kottayam Dt, Kerala state
Phone 04829282373
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St. Mary’s Church Kaduthuruthy known as “Cheriyapally” or “Thazathupally” belongs to the Diocese of Palai and is one of the most famous traditional Churches in South India. Kaduthuruthy 26 Kilometer North of Kottayam is on the side of Kottayam Ernakulam bus route . Kottayam Ernakulam railway line passes through this parish and Vaikom road station is the nearest railway station. Kaduthuruthy is well known as the ancient abode of a rich culture and is known in history books as ‘Carturute”, “Caduthurutha” and Sindudeepam’ Which means a place surrounded by sea. The importance of Kaduthurhty as commercial and agricultural center attracted large numbers of inhabitants including Christians who afterwards migrated to several other places like Kuravilangad and Palai.
The other Church in Kaduthuruthy known as “Valiapally” came in to existence in fourth centuary A.D. and was the natural flowering of the community of St. Thomas Christians centered around Kaduthuruthy. After the end of Cheraman perumal Dynasty, the church enjoying the patronage of Vadakumkoor Dynasty further flourished with the immigration of “Knanaya Christians’ following the decline and fall of Kodungalloor in 9th century A.D.While these two sections of Christians jointly shared the glory of the church, Archbishop Yohannan turned against the priorities and privileges enjoyed by the former group. Unhappy about the decision, the privileged group, under the leadership of a venerable woman called “Malana Aley Muthy” built a temporary shrine of the same name across the road. The stone is believed to have been laid on 15th August 1009 A.D. This Church continued to be renewed from time to time. The present existing old church took its shape in 1590 with all its artistic splendor and characteristics of Gothic Art. “The altar of this church shows the excellence to which altar carving has ever reached” (Ref. Thomas Christian ArchitectureP.145). Through out its history from 1009 A.D. The church has remained the very embodiment of Christian spirituality, profound faith and communal harmony . The church played its historic role when it participated in the synod of Diamper in 1599.
The Dominican congregation started a seminary under the expert guidance of father Francis Donathy in 1624, in continuation of the Malpanate, which existed here in those days. Famous Dignitary Alexis Dom Menesis who visited the church on the 2nd Februvary 1599 , blessed the artistic ‘Kurisu’ (Cross) in front of the church. It was in Kaduthuruthy that Bishop Angelo Francis proclaimed his resignation on 28th June 1704.
A long succession of priests starts from “Kadavil Chandy’ who is believed to be the founder of ’Valia pally’ and the first of a long chain of holy priests.
Under the patronage of this church several other churches separated during the march of history. The first among them was Holy Ghost Church, Muttuchira which is now the forane church under which the Parent church is a member. Others include Thalayolaparambu, Keezhoor, Malappuram, Arunoottimangalam, Mannar and Valachira.
Another landmark in the history of the church is the establishment of a convent of indigenous Adoration Congregation. It was established on May 17th 1947.At present there are 18 sisters serving the community in different developmental and social works . They are running a kindergarten school, a computer center, a book making unit, and a gramanikethan project for the uplift of the poor women of this locality. Sisters are also teaching in the school under the management of the church.
The parish house is an exqusite building and a very attractive chapel is located at the heart of the Town. The present new church, which is said to be the biggest in the Diocese of Palai, was consecrated on 15th August 2005. When the construction of the new church stated on 15th August 2001 Very.Rev Fr George Choorakkat the present Proto Syncellus of the Diocese of Palai was the Vicar. The construction of the new church took some 4 years.
The lay participation is very active in the day –to –day activities and for the all round development of the parish. Lay organizations such as Dharsana samooham, Franciscan almaya sabha, Vincent de Paul society, A.K.C.C., Legion of Mary K.C.Y.M. Cherupushpa Mission League Mathrujyothi, D.C.M.S. etc are working very actively in this parish.
The number of missionaries including Priests and Religious Sisters is increasing from year to year proving the deep faith, spiritual energy and devotion of our Catholic Families. This parish has given birth to dignitaries such as the former Vicar General of the diocese of palai , Very Rev Msgr. Kurian Vanchipurackal and Malpan Rev. Fr. George Puthenpura.
The Main parish feast of ‘Holy Family’is celebrated on the first Sunday in the month of ‘Makaram’ according to the Malayalam Era. (Around 15th January). August 15th the feast of St. Mary, the patron of the church is celebrated as the “Kallitta Thirunal” of the parish. Several other minor feasts are also celebrated during the year, proving the antiquity of our faith and tradition.
The parish covers an area of 25 sq km with 1060 families and 5400 members. At present Two Priests, Fr. respectively Joseph Vallompuayidam and Fr. Emmanuel Kottaram are serving the parish as Vicar and Asst Vicar.