St. Thomas Church, Kokkamangalam Explained

St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kokkamangalam
Native Name:കോക്കമംഗലം പളളി
Native Name Lang:ml
Pushpin Map:Kerala
Map Caption:Location in Kerala
Coordinates:9.6827°N 76.3752°W
Location:Kerala
Country: India
Founder:St.Thomas
Architectural Type:Mix of Persian and Kerala
Years Built:52 A.D (?)
Archdiocese:Eranakulam - Angamaly
District:Alappuzha

St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Kokkamangalam, popularly known as Kokkamangalam Church, which holds a midway position among the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, is in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, in the South Indian state of Kerala.[1] [2]

St. Thomas sailed to Kokkamangalam where he preached the gospel for about a year.[3] 1600 people converted to Christianity through him according to the narration in "Rampan Pattu", an ancient form of Christian folk-song prevalent in Kerala.[4] He formed a Christian community at Kokkamangalam and enshrined a Cross for the faithful. This cross was later cut off by saboteurs, and thrown into the Lake Vembanad, through which it floated up to Pallippuram, where it is enshrined.[5]

The Relic of Apostle St. Thomas enshrined here was brought from Ortona in Italy by Pope John Paul II in November 1999. Special Novena prayers are held on Friday evenings to venerate the Relic. Devotees who aspire for jobs in foreign countries seek the intercession of the Apostle here.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: In the footsteps of Saint Thomas.
  2. Book: First International Conference on the History of Early Christianity in India. 2005. Institute of Asian Studies.
  3. Book: Thomas Thayil. The Latin Christians of Kerala: A Study on Their Origins. 2003. Kristu Jyoti Publications. 978-81-87370-18-5.
  4. Book: Journal of the Institute of Asian Studies. The Institute. 2001.
  5. Web site: Kerala tourism to tap state's Christian heritage - Times of India. .