Kuravilangadu Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church
One of the oldest churches of Kerala is the St. Mary’s Church Kuravilangadu, which was supposed to have been established in 105 A. D as per the tradition. It is believed by the Christian communities in Kerala that Mother Mary's first appearance in the world was in Kuravilangad. Our Lady appeared to a few children at Kuravilangad, who were tending their flock in the bushes. Mary asked them to build a church at the place from where a miraculous perpetual spring sprouted, a spring which exists even today. The children reported this matter to the elders and a church was built there.
The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary kept at the side altar is unique. It is carved from granite and it is believed that it was brought from North India. This is a miraculous statue and the devotees call this statue "Kuravilangad Muthiyamma". The granite cross in a single block of 48 feet in front of the church was erected around 1597. The devotes offer coconut oil in the lamps at the foot of the cross. On first Fridays devotees stand in queue from early morning to late in the evening to offer oil. There is an ancient bell with the engraving in Syriac "Mother of God". Three bells were brought from Germany in 1911. There is a "perpetual" spring, believed to be miraculous. the old church and the eight tongued coconut scraper. Moonnu Nompu" is the main feast of the church.
There are solemnities during Moonnu Nompu (three-day fast) functions during Lent. A 40 feet (12 m) wooden ship, built with prow, stern, masts and rigging, having on one side an effigy of Jonah being vomited by the fish as per the orders of the Lord, and on the deck wooden mariners in western costume, has been for centuries the centre of attraction in the mid-day procession. Amidst the surging mass of humanity the depiction attempts to create the image that the sea is furious, the waves are beating against the sides of the ship and violent winds rip the sails our of control. Thousands of people from all over Kerala come to this three day feast. The ceremonial procession on the second day of the feast when the replica of Jonah's vessel is ceremonially transported is the main event of the feast.
Mar Alexander De Campo (Parampil Chandy Metran) was born in Muttuchira. He was the first indigenous bishop of the whole of India. He was ordained bishop in 1663 by Mar Sebastany a foreign bishop. Mar Alexander lived in Kuravilangad till his death, 2 January 1687.
Read more about this topic: Syrian Churches Of Kerala
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