Nestled along the serene banks of the Vembanad Lake stands the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church at Kokkamangalam—a sacred witness to the unwavering faith and mission of the Apostle Thomas. This holy site is traditionally believed to be one of the seven and a half churches established by the Apostle during his mission to India in 52 AD, a testimony to the divine command given by our Lord Jesus Christ:
“Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to all creation” (Mark 16:15).
With steadfast devotion and courage, St. Thomas journeyed far from his homeland to bring the message of redemption, born from the inexhaustible love and mercy of God. The church at Kokkamangalam stands as a spiritual monument to that bold proclamation of the Gospel.
Here, it is said that St. Thomas erected a cross, a powerful symbol of Christ’s love and salvation—a cross that has borne silent witness to centuries of prayer, faith, and transformation. The church also enshrines the miraculous portrait of the Apostle, brought from the Carmelite Monastery in Mannanam in 1897 by Albhutha Mathai, following a divine revelation. This sacred image continues to inspire countless pilgrims with the living presence of the Apostle who once walked these very shores.
Beyond its historical and spiritual legacy, Kokkamangalam Church is a place of peace and reflection. The tranquil waters of Vembanad Lake mirror the stillness of a heart grounded in Christ. In a world fractured by division, pain, and brokenness, the mission of St. Thomas speaks with renewed urgency—to carry the light of Christ into our homes, families, and communities.
May the fervor and faith of St. Thomas stir within us a deep commitment to the mission of love and reconciliation. Let his life encourage us to be fearless witnesses to the Gospel, builders of peace, and bearers of hope. As we kneel before the altar of this sacred church, may our hearts echo the prayer:
“Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5), and make us instruments of Your peace.”
