| St Louis Church Mundamveli | |
| Native Name: | സെന്റ് ലൂയിസ് ചർച്ച് മുണ്ടംവേലി |
| Pushpin Label Position: | none |
| Pushpin Mapsize: | 335x250px |
| Coordinates: | 9.9226°N 76.2627°W |
| Country: | India |
| Location: | Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala |
| Denomination: | Catholic Church |
| Founded Date: | 9th century |
| Functional Status: | Active |
| Completed Date: | 1868 |
| Diocese: | Roman Catholic Diocese of Cochin |
| Bishop: | Vacant |
| Vicar: | Rev Dr Josey Kandanattuthara |
| Assistant: | Rev Fr Jithin Palakkalthara |
| Seniorpastor: | Rev Dr Francis M. J. Fernandez |
St. Louis Church (Saantiyago Church) is located in Mundamveli, Kochi in the Indian state of Kerala. It is 9 km from the Ernakulam Junction railway station. The church is believed to be more than 150 years old.[1]
In the historic Diocese of Kochi. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this is the most popular pilgrimage site famous for the exciting miracles of Saint yakobshleeha.In ancient times it was the biggest and very largest parish of Kochi.In Kochi Diocese Mundamveli is the only parish who celebrates the most number of feasts .Mundamveli Parish is the third parish formed in Kochi after "Mattancherry" and "Edakochi".
There is a very historical legend behind the establishment of this parish
The "1st Parish Church was originally constructed by Maar Thoma Christians of Maanaanjery. (Maanaanjery is a small hill area near Thuruthoor,in Puthenvelikkara village). That church was built by near the Arabian Sea in the "9th century" (AD 800's).
That church was built thankfully dedicated to in the name of Saint virgin Mary. That church was located 4 km from south-west location of today's Maanaasheri St. Michael's church.
At that time there were only three parishes in Kochi: north-east side "Mattanchery" Our Lady Of Life Church, East side "Edakochi" St. Lawrence Church and Our Parish church.
In the "14th century" our parish church was destroyed the biggest&Largest sea erosion. The fishermen of Maanaasheri believes that the church is still stay present under the sea.
In "AD 1498" Portuguese missionaries are arrived in this land. They built a new church and they changed the name to the church as "St. Louis" It was the "2nd Parish Church".
In "17th Century" the church was again destroyed by the very large strong sea erosion.
In "AD 1605" these parish Churches under the rite of Syrian worship like Edakochi, Mattanchery and Mundamveli were converted to the Latin Rite worship.
In the "19th Century" another church was established near the Arabian Sea. But in "AD 1808" that church was burned by the soldiers of the king of Kochi.That year popularly known as " The Time year of Vettikkolappada".After that incident, in "AD 1850" parishioners built a small church in Cemetry. It was the "4th Parish Church".This church is presently now using as the cemetry of our parish.
At that time The parish vicar was very confused & suffered about the continued sea erosion and these kind of calamities.He don't know how to overcome from that situation. In his mind it was very difficult to find a good place to built a New church. At that time the Government offered a land to build a new church in The field used to be cultivated by "Mundakan". Then the new parish church is built and inaugurated in that place in the year "AD 1868", and officially proclaimed as the "5th parish church". The name change took place when the parish church was shifted from Maanaasheri to Mundamveli field. Since then, Mundamveli has been known as St. Louis Parish Church.Today this parish church is very popularly known as " Mundamveli Saint Louis Church"
In the half end of "1997", the church was beautifully renovated for the occasion of "130th" glorious Anniversary.
In earlier years before1) Chellaanam St. Sebastians' (1832), 2) Thoppumpady St. Sebastian's (1833), 3) Maanaashery St. Michael's (1870), 4) Kannamaly St. Antony's (1877), 5) Cheriyakadavu St.Joseph's (1965), 6) Chirackal St.Joseph's (1968), 7) Kaattiparambu St. Francis Assisi's (1980), 8) Santhome St. Thomas (1990). These parishes were separating from Mundamveli parish