ST . THOMAS FORANE CHURCH KUMILY

In 1950, the faithful began gathering for Holy Mass at the residence of Sri. Poppu Valayathil under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Pattathil from the Changanassery Diocese. Initially, Mass was celebrated in different homes each Sunday. Later, a temporary shed was constructed at Attapallam on land donated by Sri. Kutty Poovathinkal.

In 1952, Fr. Sebastian Elamthuruthiyil established a church in Kumily with the permission of Mar Sebastian Vayalil, as the area then belonged to the Pala Diocese. However, after territorial reorganization, Kumily became part of the Changanassery Diocese. In 1954, Fr. Jacob Potananickal purchased land and built a larger shed to serve the growing congregation.

Establishment of the First Church

The land where the church now stands was once known as Kalamchethimed. In 1965, Fr. George Puthenparambil, with the assistance of the diocese, acquired the site for the church. From 1970 to 1977, under the leadership of Fr. Thomas Kannampally, significant infrastructure developments took place, including the construction of the Sunday school, presbytery, and the church.

In 1972, Mar Joseph Powathil blessed the new Sunday school building and laid the cornerstone for the church. The church was consecrated on May 5, 1977, by His Excellency Mar Joseph Powathil, marking a significant milestone in the parish’s history.

A New Era: The Current Church

A visionary leader, Fr. Thomas Vayalunkal, served as the vicar from 2008 to 2019 and initiated a transformative chapter for the parish and the locality of Attapallam and 1st Mile. The current St. Thomas Forane Church and the Santhom Complex stand as enduring symbols of his leadership.

The cornerstone for the new church, a remarkable blend of Indian and Russian architectural styles inspired by the church inSt. Petersburg Russia , was laid on August 19, 2012, by His Excellency Mar Mathew Arackal. The church was consecrated on February 11, 2019, by His Excellency Mar Mathew Arackal, in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Mar Jose Pulickal and Bishop Agidius of Eisenstadt.

A momentous occasion followed on July 3, 2019, when the relics of St. Thomas were enshrined in the church, further enriching its spiritual heritage and significance.