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---continued from
Even though there are no specific records
pertaining to the establishment of the Church in
928 A.D., there are evidences that the Church
was found at least 10-11 centuries before. The
year of establishment was found engraved on some
of debris of old church during renovation.
It is worthwhile to note that there are only a
few churches in Kerala that are established in
the name of the Holy Cross. The Mapranam Holy
Cross Church is the only one of its kind in the
Dioceses of Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur and Palakkad.
So the Holy Cross Church Mapranam holds a unique
history in the Zero Malabar Archie Episcopal
Sabha. Varapuzha Malabar Center Archie Episcopal
Apostolic Vicar Rev. Fr. Mar Selesus Aasghanda
Theresa, conferred its recognition and order to
the Holy Cross Church Mapranam to place relic of
Holy Cross in the Church, on the 21st of
September 1887. The worshippers are allowed to
experience the mercy and the blessings of relic
of the Holy Cross, every year on the 14th of
September and on Good Friday. It is creditable
to note that only few churches, across the
globe, are recognised and acknowledged for this
unique positioning in that kind.
Rev. Fr. Antony Kizhakkudan led the renovation
plans, which culminated on the 5th of February
1989. Head of Irinjalakuda Diocese Mar. James
Pazhayattil conducted the religious and
customary activities on the same day. Though the
church is dedicated to the entire masses. The
proposed boundry of parish of Holy Cross Church
Mapranam, on the Southern side the boundaries of
Madayikonam -Irinjalakkuda Villages, the small
Canal from Kandamkulathi compound to Muriyad
kayal, Kanjanikulam,Kanjanikulam Road,
Madayikonam School - Kuzhikattukonam Road,
Valanchira, South-Eastern Part that comprises
Kokkara, Kokkara Canal, Eastern side that
comprises from the Canal of Thommana to
Puthenthodu via Konthipulam Bridge, on the North
Paikkadam Junction, Chitravalli Bund, The
Perunthode of Chithrapilly paddy field 11 1/8
Mile stone located in Irinjalkuda -Thrissur
Road, ie 400 mts away from the south side of
Thelappilly Junction, The Panchikattile Temple
road on the northern side of Valiyakathu, Coir
Company Road, Thelappally-Thaliyakkonam Road,
North-West side of the Panchayat Stadium, North
West part that leads to Chemmanda kayal, the
Canal of Puthenthode, Western side that
Panolithode, Kallelypadam and Subash Nagar Road
and Pallikkad Road that lies South-West, the
Canal through the compound of Kandamkulathy to
Muriyad kayal.
The Holy Cross Church stands out as a unique
monument that ensures religious harmony and
oneness among the cross –sections of the
society. The sanctum serves as an ideal platform
engaged in the spiritual and self development of
individuals. Approximately 2000 people, of 465
families seek spiritual solace and guidance from
this holy Sanctum. Various cultural, spiritual,
Art chapters such as Religious Awareness Units,
Family Meets, C.L.C., St. Vincent De-Paul
Society, Franciscan Almaya Sabha, Legion of
Mary, Jesus Youth Boys, Jesus Youth Girls,
Mothers Unit, Prayer Groups Choir, Altar Boys,
Social Action Unit, Social Welfare Centre, Unity
Centers, Self Help Groups etc … are formed to
initiate activities to uplift the society. Rev.
Fr. David Thattil is the present Vicar who is
heading the Holy Cross Church.
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