Saint Thomas Catholic Church Malayattoor in the Ernakulam District of Kerala, India, is designated by the Vatican as an International Shrine. It is believed to have been founded by Saint Thomas, the disciple of Lord Jesus Christ when he landed in Kerala.

Inner view of Malayatoor Church in Kerala, India.

Saint Thomas Catholic Church Malayattoor is situated on the banks of River Periyar with an unspoiled, rustic view of nature.

At Malayattoor, Saint Thomas is believed to have left his footprints on one of the rocks, and once, during the prayer, he is believed to have touched a rock upon which blood poured.

A little background on the pilgrimage part of Malayattoor Kurisumudi is as follows.

Saint Thomas landed at Kodungalloor, Kerala, in AD 52. He was not received well by locals, and his life was in danger. He was forced to flee to the top of the mountain, Kurisumudi, at Malayattoor.  St. Thomas prayed to the Lord, and he made a sign of the cross on the rock. The Mother of Lord Jesus Christ, Blessed Mary, appeared and consoled and strengthened him. Later, he descended from the hill and continued preaching in Kerala and Tamil Nadu states, including Mylapore and St. Thomas Mount, Chennai.

Days later, some hunters went to the mountains for hunting. While staying at the top after hunting at night, they saw a glittering sign of a cross on the rock. Curiosity made them strike there, and with the rude weapons, they struck. They were surprised to find blood gushing out. They ran to the village and told the incident to the local people. Locals went to the mountaintop and prayed. Many miracles were believed to have happened at that time. This is the humble beginning of the Pilgrimage to Kurishumudi.

The main festival in this Church is celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, during which thousands and thousands of pilgrims visit this church and seek holy blessings.

How Do I Go to Malayattoor Saint Thomas Catholic Church?

Roads well connect Malayattoor Saint Thomas Catholic Church to the nearest cities of Kottayam, Ernakulam (Kochi or Cochin), etc.

Cochin Airport is the nearest airport and Angamaly’railway station is the nearest railway station (small station). Ernakulam is the nearest major railway station.