St Joseph’s Church, Kakkoor
Dedicated to St. Joseph, the church was built in the year 1881 and was upgraded to a parish church in 1895. It is located at a distance of around 1.5 km from Kakkoor Convent Junction near Koothattukulam.
The church is situated at the top of a surprisingly tranquil hill, away from the bustling traffic of the main roads. Traditions assign the name Kattamala (Forest Hill) to this hill that is believed to have been a free habitat for forest elephants centuries ago.
Architecture
The church is basically built on Cathedral architecture or, to be precise, an aisled-hall church design, with the aisles stopping at the transepts on the East end to give a rectangular outer perimeter. The aisles are separated from the nave by rows of octagonal pillars on both sides.
The interior of the church is richly decorated, with an exquisite altar in the east area (see the photo of Altar) on which the most notable being the apse carved with relics of angels, some of them gilded and holding musical instruments. The apse also contains the Rood, and statues of St. Thomas, and Mother Mary with infant Jesus.
The 14 stations of the Way of the Cross are installed on the North and South walls. The confessional is in the West end of the church, behind which stands the pointed arch door opening to the west aisle. The Baptismal Font is situated infront of the North-West entrance of the church. This has, by tradition, always been located thus, symbolizing Holy Baptism as the first step of our journey of life.
The statues of Mother Mary and St. Joseph are kept on the northern and southern fronts of aisles respectively.
Church Festival (Perunnal): Marriage of St Joseph & Mother Mary
St. Joseph’s Church, Kakkoor, is known for its ‘Perunnal’, which is celebrated in the month of January, from 21st to 24th, every year. Despite the fact that there are a number of churches named after St. Joseph, churches celebrating the marriage of St. Joseph and Mother Mary (Vivaha-Thirunal) are very few. During its years of history, thousands of devotees, irrespective of caste and creed, have climbed the hill of Kattamala during this festival time, to seek the intercession of St. Joseph and felt themselves repaid by the magnificent blessings poured out into their lives. Also, offering of nerchas (offerings) during this perunnal, by childless couples for child bearing and by unmarried boys and girls for marriage, is in practice since time immemorial.
Very crowded and faith-filled processions, carrying the statues of St. Joseph and Mother Mary, from the church to Maria Goretti Shrine and back to the church, are held on the eve of 22nd January. Special prayers, offerings, Holy Masses, and a procession around the church are conducted on January 23rd, which is regarded as the main festival day.
How to Reach: Road Map to the Church
Programme Schedule
Mass Timings
Sunday: 7:00 AM & 9:45 AM
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 6:30 AM
At Kakkoor Adoration Convent Chapel - Tue, Thu: 6:30 AM
Novena Timings
Novena of St. Joseph (Wednesdays, after Holy Mass)
Novena of St. Mary (Saturdays, after Holy Mass)
Adoration Timings
First Friday of every month: 6:10 ~ 6:45 AM (before Holy Mass)
Contact Information
Phone: 0485-2875 365 (Country code: +91)
Postal Address: St.Joseph’s Church, Kakkoor P.O, Koothattukulam (via),
Ernakulam (Dist), Kerala - 686 662, India
Photographs © Abita Antony
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