St. Mary’s Church, Vallavilai

In earlier times, the Vallavilai church was located in “Aadhichan Thurai” (called Achanturai), an uninhabited area between Vallavilai and Iravi Puthenthurai known today as Edappadu. There was a bridge over the AVM canal and a small inlet connecting to the sea. Behind the church, facing the sea, was a small cross shrine.Later, due to strong sea erosion, the church at Aadhichan Thurai collapsed. Around 500 people living there relocated to present-day Vallavilai. Remnants of the old Aadhichan Thurai bridge and the Cross of St. Anthony still remain. The cross shrine was once famed for many miracles. Fishermen would pray there before going to sea.

The people who migrated from Aadhichan Thurai started a new life in “Thalavila.” Naturally, they needed a church. During Portuguese times, a church was built facing east with dressed stones and lime mortar, named Our Lady’s Church, Vallavilai.

About a century ago, Protestants living in the northern part of Vallavilai gradually gained influence, supported by the British. Over time, they occupied part of the church and began worshipping there. At that time Vallavilai was under the Cochin Diocese. The priests were European missionaries under the Cochin Diocese.

Tensions grew between Catholics and Protestants, leading to riots and the church being set on fire. The vicar escaped on horseback, but the sacred vestments and crucifix were destroyed in the fire, with only half-burnt remains of the crucifix left. The crucifix was wrapped in a white cloth and kept in a wooden box. When the church was rebuilt, it lost some importance and was only a remnant. As Catholic faith strengthened, Protestant influence waned, and they eventually left Vallavilai. They built a worship place further north at Mela Venkannji (Punnamootukada), now known as the Rinkal Tob Memorial London Mission Church.

The church previously called “Our Lady’s Church, Vallavilai” evolved into “St. Mary’s Church.”