KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The Archdiocese of Verapoly has begun a 10-year journey toward its 150th anniversary, marking 140 years since it was elevated to archdiocesan status.
“We are not seeking external celebrations, but deep study and action,” Archbishop Joseph (Joy) Kalathiparambil of Verapoly wrote in a pastoral letter.
He expressed hope that the anniversary journey starting Sept. 10 toward 2036 would bring “a new awakening in every sphere of the archdiocese through projects touching every level.”
He also asked for special prayers at the graves of priests who had served the archdiocese and died.
Details of the projects and action plan will be announced later, after analysis at various levels, he said.
From Diamper to Verapoly
Archbishop Kalathiparambil recalled the local Church’s history from the Synod of Diamper in 1599 through the establishment of the Vicariate of Varappuzha and its elevation as the Archdiocese of Verapoly in 1886.
The Synod of Diamper was described in the letter as a historic event that “laid the foundation and marked the beginning of the renaissance of Kerala’s Christians and Kerala society.”
The synod was attended by 133 priests, 20 deacons and 660 lay leaders from the Malabar Church, with representatives from Christian churches throughout Kerala also participating.
More than 200 canons concerning Catholic traditions of faith, the seven sacraments and values in social life were adopted and implemented.
“Thus, the Synod of Diamper was a historic moment when the ancient Christians of Kerala embraced the Catholic faith,” Archbishop Kalathiparambil wrote. “For Kerala’s wider society, the canons of the Synod of Diamper also brought the golden light of renaissance values.”
The letter also recalled the division at Mattancherry in 1653 and the subsequent schism, followed by efforts by apostolic delegations to restore communion with the Catholic Church.
From vicariate to archdiocese
Carmelite Father Joseph Sebastiani led one of the delegations sent by Pope Alexander VII to Malabar in 1657. After visiting churches and working toward reconciliation, he returned to Rome with his report in 1658.
The Holy See then ordained him a bishop and reorganized the Malabar Christians under the Catholic administrative structure known as the “Malabar Vicariate.” Bishop Sebastiani returned to Kerala in 1659 as apostolic vicar and became its first leader.
The headquarters of the Malabar Vicariate was established at Varappuzha and was renamed the “Vicariate of Varappuzha” in 1709.
“On September 1, 1886, the ‘Vicariate of Varappuzha’ was elevated to the ‘Archdiocese of Verapoly,’” the letter said. The Kottayam and Thrissur Syrian vicariates were also established for the Syrians who had been under the Vicariate of Varappuzha.
Full statement available: original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.
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