The genesis of St. Mary’s church Kothanur began with the leadership of Fr. Jose Valiyamattam CMI (1999 -2000) who initiated the gathering of the faithful into a Eucharistic community ably reinforced and steered by Fr.Josekutty PD CMI and Fr. Isaac Poochakulam CMI.  

Fr. Isaac Poochakulam (2000 – 2010) – an embodiment of humility, provided a fresh flow of inspiration and motivation and ensured the blossoming of the community during this time. The laity, started attending Holy mass. Fathers at ashram were kind enough to provide facilities for mass. On July 3 rd 2005 Catechism classes resumed in an organised manner under the guidance of Fr. Isaac and the…

Rev. Dr. Augustine George CMI (2010-2013)-It was father’s innovative ideas that helped to streamline various clusters under an umbrella of faith. There was a colossal effort to document demographic details of the community into a centralized register-a family book and along with family directory. Community prayer meetings were introduced from 2012. It was organised every second Saturday of the month. Three wards namely Kristu Jayanti ward, Hegde nagar ward and Kothanur ward were formed. In 2013 the wards were rechristened as St .Joseph ward (Kristu Jayanti ward), St. Anthony’s ward (Hegde nagar ward) and St. Thomas ward(Kothanur).A trust named St. Mary’s Trust was…

Fr. Lijo Thomas CMI (2013-2016) – Father provided the critical wisdom and discernment required for the Eucharistic community to grow and flourish.The idea of an own church was visualized under the apt guidance of Fr. Lijo. From the latter half of 2015, it was decided to organize a prayer meeting every second Sunday of the month. Accordingly a committee was set up to explore possibilities to purchase land and meticulous planning was made for fund raising. Competitions, fun and frolic, joint auction with the traditional Onam Sadhya, knit the Eucharistic community. Parish retreat along with Chavara youth members also helped in keeping the rich pristine faith. Catechism students were encouraged to learn…

“I purpose to build a house for the name of the Lord my God (1 Kings 5: 5),” was the clarion call of Fr. Emmanuel, which girded the parishioners to move a vision into a reality. With strong faith in the words of St. Chavara that ‘God’s Will,’ will be accomplished and under Fr. Emmanuel’s tutelage, the various committees worked together for completing the dream envisioned. By the grace of God and the prayers of the parishioners, land was identified, procured, funds were arranged and the plan for the church building evolved. Father was instrumental in introducing many pioneering ideas that finally propelled into fruition. Under his guidance the Eucharistic community was elevated to the status of a church and he was appointed as the first Vicar by His Excellency Bishop Kariyil. Adoration and Holy mass on first Friday of the month propelled great spiritual experience and rejuvenation…