Diocese of Alleppey Platinum Jubilee: Celebrating 75 Years of Faith, Mission & Grace

The Catholic Diocese of Alleppey (Alappuzha) marks a monumental milestone in its spiritual journey as it commemorates its Platinum Jubilee (75th Anniversary). Erected in 1952 by Pope Pius XII through the apostolic constitution Ea Redemptoris, the diocese stands as an enduring beacon of Christian faith, coastal evangelization, and profound pastoral care across the serene backwaters and coastal sands of Central Kerala.

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3

1. A Glorious Historical Legacy

Rooted in ancient apostolic foundations tracing back to Saint Thomas the Apostle and strengthened by Portuguese Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century, Alleppey has historically served as a critical hub of maritime trade and spiritual renaissance.

Bifurcated from the historic Diocese of Cochin in 1952 to better shepherd the faithful along the littoral coast, the diocese was initially entrusted to the visionary leadership of its first shepherd, Bishop Michael Arattukulam. Over the span of 75 years, successive bishops, clergy, consecrated religious, and lay ministers have transformed the coastal diocese into a vibrant communion of faith.

2. Pillars of Diocesan Contribution

Throughout its seven and a half decades, the Diocese of Alleppey has been instrumental in multifaceted spiritual and societal transformations:

• Coastal & Fishermen Community Development: Pioneering socio-economic organizations, housing assistance programs, and coastal welfare unions to uplift traditional maritime families.
• Educational Advancement: Establishing primary schools, higher secondary institutions, and colleges that have formed generations of civil leaders, educators, and professionals across Kerala.
• Healthcare & Compassionate Care: Running charitable dispensaries, hospitals, destitute homes, and palliative care centers extending Christ’s healing hand to the marginalized.
• Marian Sanctuaries & Pilgrimage Centres: Shepherding centuries-old Marian shrines, including the venerable Thumpoly St. Thomas Forane Church, Mount Carmel Cathedral, and coastal parishes that attract pilgrims year-round.

3. Jubilee Observances and Pastoral Vision

The 75th Jubilee celebrations bring together parishes across all foranes in a year of renewal, prayer, and community outreach. The jubilee roadmap includes diocesan faith conventions, youth leadership colloquiums, family renewal seminars, and commemorative charitable projects dedicated to vulnerable sections of society.

A Prayer for the Platinum Jubilee