Pilgrimage

The Feast of St. Sebastian (The Guardian of the City)

Celebrated from January 1st to 11th, this is one of our most grand and beloved traditions. St. Sebastian is honored as the protector of Changanacherry.

The Procession: The highlights of the festival are the solemn and beautiful processions on the 10th and 11th of January. As the statues are carried through the city streets, thousands of devotees join in, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion and communal harmony.

Vyakulamatha Church (Kochupally)

Kochupally

Vyakulamatha Church, popularly known as Kochupally, is one of the oldest and most treasured heritage churches in Changanassery. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Sorrows (Vyakulamatha), the church stands as a timeless witness to centuries of Christian faith, devotion, and artistic tradition in Kerala.

Believed to have originated between the 13th and 16th centuries, Kochupally preserves the beauty of ancient Kerala Christian architecture blended with Portuguese ecclesiastical influence. Though centuries old, the church continues to retain its spiritual atmosphere and historical charm.

The interiors of the church are renowned for their:

• Intricate wooden carvings
• Traditional Kerala-style craftsmanship
• Antique hanging oil lamps
• Historic altars and sacred sculptures
• Ancient mural-style decorative works

One of the most striking features of Kochupally is its beautifully crafted wooden gallery and symbolic Christian artwork inspired by Kerala temple art traditions. The church also contains a historic Portuguese-style altar adorned with sacred imagery and traditional ornamentation.

At the heart of the church is the revered image of Vyakulamatha, the Sorrowful Mother standing beside the suffering Christ. Devotees from different parts of Kerala visit the church seeking comfort, healing, and maternal intercession. The shrine is especially known as a place of prayer during times of sorrow and hardship.

The peaceful prayer atmosphere, ancient architecture, and spiritual heritage make Kochupally not merely a church, but a living monument of faith and history. Even today, it remains one of the most cherished spiritual landmarks connected with
St. Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral.

Our church’s flagstaff is a stunning landmark that stands as a symbol of cultural synthesis and deep devotion.

• A Historical Landmark: Established on the 10th of Makaram, Malayalam Year 1063 (as inscribed at its base), it has been a central part of our celebrations for over a century.
• Cultural Fusion: Standing over 60 feet tall, the flagstaff is inspired by the traditional architecture of Kerala temple flagstaffs. It is crowned with a holy Cross, representing a beautiful harmony of local traditions and Christian identity.
• Unique Craftsmanship: It is carved from a single, massive teak log donated by Shri Kannampuzha Ouseph Kochuvarkey. This towering timber is encased in protective bronze rings (paras).

Sacred Symbolism: At the base, you will find the carvings of a bow and arrow, which serve as a powerful reminder of the martyrdom of our patron, St. Sebastian.

Adjacent to the church stands the historic Pallymeda, built in 1822. Originally envisioned as a center for learning and a residence for our spiritual leaders, this magnificent structure continues to represent our commitment to community and education.

The Shrine of Servants of God (Kabaridapalli)

Located on the southern side of our historic church, the Marthamariyam Kabaridapalli is a place of profound peace and spiritual power.

• A Journey of Unity: While its early history reflects a time of social divisions—originally serving as a place of worship for Dalit Christians—today it stands as a beautiful symbol of transformation and oneness in Christ. It eventually became home to the “Sodality of Mary,” earning the name Sodality Palli.
• A Sacred Pilgrimage: In 2015, the remains of our revered spiritual fathers—including Servant of God Mar Thomas Kurialacherry and Servant of God Mar Mathew Kavukattu, along with Mar James Kalacherry and Mar Paulos Aquinas—were moved here.

Prayer and Reflection: This shrine was specifically renovated to allow the faithful a quiet space to pray near these holy men and seek their intercession, making it a “must-visit” for pilgrims.

The Parish Cemetery: A Sacred Garden of Memories

Our cemetery is more than a final resting place; it is a serene “Garden of Memories” where the history of our community and the lives of our shepherds are honored with deep reverence.

St. Lawrence Chapel: A Symbol of Faith

Commonly known as the Shevakotta Palli, the St. Lawrence Chapel stands as the heart of our cemetery. Dedicated to the 3rd-century martyr St. Lawrence, the altar captures his unwavering courage. It serves as a beautiful reminder to every visitor that a life lived in faith is a bridge to eternal peace.

The Clergy’s Resting Place

Our church has always held its spiritual leaders in the highest regard.

• Historic Vaults: Below the surface lie ancient underground burial chambers (ara) where our priests were traditionally laid to rest.

A New Legacy: To ensure the dignity of our departed shepherds as time passes, a special section on the eastern side of the cemetery has been beautifully prepared. This area now serves as the dedicated burial ground for our priests, allowing the community to visit and offer prayers for those who guided them.