I am proud of being a member of Archdiocese
of Trichur. Trichur is the most ancient diocese of the Syro Malabar Church. The Christianity of Trichur traces
its origin back to the Apostolate of St. Thomas, who landed at Crangannore (Kodungallur) in the present District of Trichur
in the year 52 AD. St. Thomas the Apostle, as commissioned by Lord Jesus Christ,
started his mission journey from the Holy Land and landed at Mussiris or the present Kodungalloor (Cranganore), the capital
of the Chera empire, in the year 52 A.D. The Persians, Greeks, Romans and Jews had found Kodungalloor an important centre
for their trade. St. Thomas preached the Gospel wherever he went, and founded
Churches. The apostolate of St. Thomas was fruitful among the people of Kerala. According to the Malabar tradition seven Christian
communities were formed in the Malabar coast (Kerala) including Kodungallur and Palayur which are in the present district
of Trichur. His followers were known in history as the St.Thomas Christians.On 20th May 1887 the Vicariate Apostolic of Trichur
erected the boundary of which included historical places like Crangannore, Palayur, Angamaly and Paravoor. Bishop Adolph Medlycott
was the first Vicar Apostolic of Trichur. In the year 1896, the territory of the Vicariate was reorganized and Mar John Menacherry
became the Vicar Apostolic. He was succeeded by Mar Francis Vazhapilly (1921-1942) who became the first bishop of the diocese
of Trichur in1923 when the Syro Malabar Hierarchy was established. During the period of his successor Mar George Alappatt
(1944-1970) the territory of the diocese of Trichur was extended to include the boundaries of the diocese of Coimbatore. Mar
Joseph Kundukulam (1970-1997), popularly known as Father of the Poor became the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Trichur in
the year 1995. Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy is the Archbishop of Trichur since 15th February 1997. 1st of May 2004 onwards we
have a new Auxiliary bishop, Mar Andrews Thazath. Trichur is the cultural capital of Kerala and a center of religious harmony.
The address of Pope John Paul II on 7th February 1986 to a gathering of about one million people was a historical event in
the history of Trichur. The contribution of the Archdiocese of Trichur through its religious, social, educational, medical,
cultural and other institutions for the growth of Kerala is widely acclaimed as meritorious. Trichur is honoured to host the
biennial General Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) during 7 to 14 January 2004.
