St. Mary's Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Koothrapally
| St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church (Koothrapally) | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Syro-Malabar Catholic Church |
| District | Kottayam District |
| Festivals | Muthappan Perunnal |
| Leadership | Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil |
| Year consecrated | AD 1877 |
| Location | |
| Location | Karukachal, Kottayam, Kerala, India |
| Municipality | Changanassery |
| State | Kerala |
| Country | India |
| Geographic coordinates | 9°29′0″N 76°37′0″E / 9.48333°N 76.61667°E |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Kerala Architecture |
| Founder | Palakunnel Marth Mariam Kathananar |
| Date established | 1876 |
St. Mary's Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Koothrapally is a Catholic Church near Karukachal in Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is under Nedumkunnam forane of Archeparchy of Changanasserry. The Church was founded in 1876 by the Indian Christian leader Palakunnel Mathai Mariam Kathanar most famously known as Palakunnel Veliyachan. He is known for his struggles for Dalit community in 19th century. The Church is widely known for its patronage of Saint Maurus whom the devotees call 'Vishuda Maurus Muthapan'. The feast 'Muthappan Perunnal' commemorating his name occurs during the week of Epiphany Season with Pindikuthi Perunnal being part of festive.
St. Maurus was an Italian Catholic monk known as the first disciple of St. Benedict of Nursia. He is famous for his rescue of his fellow monk St. Placidus from drowning. His relics were brought from Italy by Palakunnel Veliyachen and a statue of St. Maurus was installed in chapel. It is the only church in Asia that serves St Maurus as a Patron Saint.