The ecclesiastical province came into existence on 31 December 1953 through the papal bullAd Christi Ecclesiam Regendam issued by Pope Pius XII. The boundaries of the new diocese were the same as those of the Latin Church Diocese of Calicut. Later, as Syro-Malabar Catholics migrated even to the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the boundaries were extended to the present Latin Diocese of Mangalore, Chickmangalur, Mysore, Shimoga, and Ootacamund by a decree of the Holy See on April 29, 1955.
Malabar Migration
The history of the Malabar Migration and that of the ecclesiastical province of Thalassery are closely connected. The Thalassery diocese took up the struggle of the settlers, who were mostly Syriac Rite Catholics not accustomed to Roman Rite ceremonies. Petitions were sent to the Holy See by the bishops of the settlers, who had migrated to the British Malabar since 1930, requesting for a diocese of their own. Cardinal Tisserant, the Prefect of the Oriental Congregation came to Malabar and personally saw the pitiable situation of the settlers. With the help of locals and priests, they started to make changes in the region.
The Archdiocese of Thalassery is home to 203 parishes divided under 19 foranes (proto-presbyteries). The Archdiocese contains several historic and spiritually significant churches, many of which are known as the "first migration churches of Malabar." These parishes served as the spiritual and social backbone for the early Syro-Malabar migrants who settled in the northern high ranges of Kerala during the mid-20th century.
St. Joseph Cathedral, Thalassery
St. Joseph's Cathedral is the principal church of the Archdiocese and stands as a monument to the establishment of the Syro-Malabar hierarchy in Malabar. As the mother church of the Archdiocese, it holds a central place in the history of the diocese's formation in 1953 and serves as the seat of the Archbishop.
Establishment: 1953
Significance: The cathedral was built to cater to the growing spiritual needs of the Syro-Malabar faithful in the region and has witnessed all major ecclesiastical events of the Archdiocese over the last seven decades.[4]
Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes, Chemperi
Known as the "Lourdes of Malabar," the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes in Chemperi is a major pilgrim centre dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes (Lourde Matha). In 2025, it was elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica, becoming the fifth basilica of the Syro-Malabar Church.
History: The parish was established in 1948 following the arrival of early migrants from Travancore. The first Holy Mass was celebrated in 1947 in a temporary shed. The current structure was consecrated in 2006, replacing an older church built in 1958.
Basilica Status: The Vatican elevated the church to the status of a Minor Basilica in August 2024, with formal celebrations in 2025.[5]
Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur
Christ the King Church in Vilakkannur gained global attention due to a Vatican-approved Eucharistic miracle. Established in 1960, the parish began as a settlement for migrants who cleared the forests to build a community.
Miracle of the Holy Face (2013)
On November 15, 2013, during the 7:00 AM Holy Mass, the parish priest Fr. Thomas Pathickal observed a phenomenon on the consecrated host.
The Incident: During the elevation of the Eucharist, a dark spot appeared on the host, which transformed into a radiant face resembling Jesus Christ. The image was visible to the priest and the congregation.
Recognition: After over a decade of scientific and theological study, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (Vatican) officially recognized the event as a Eucharistic Miracle in May 2025. It is the first approved Eucharistic miracle in India.[6][7]
St. Joseph Major Archiepiscopal Church, Peravoor
Renowned as the "First Colony of St. Thomas Christians of Malabar," St. Joseph Major Archiepiscopal Church in Peravoor holds a unique historical status.
Establishment: Established in 1928, it predates the erection of the Tellicherry diocese.
Significance: It was the first organized settlement of Syro-Malabar Christians in the region. It serves as a mother church for many surrounding parishes, and its priests were instrumental in establishing spiritual services in nearby areas like Edoor in the early years.[8]
Archiepiscopal Marian Pilgrim Church, Edoor
St. Mary's Forane Church in Edoor is affectionately known as the home of "Edooramma" (Mother of Edoor). It is one of the largest parishes in the archdiocese and features unique circular architecture.
Establishment: Migration to Edoor began around 1939–40, and the parish was founded in 1946.
Significance: It is a prominent Marian pilgrim centre and was the first church dedicated to St. Mary under the Archdiocese of Thalassery.[9]
St. Mary's Church, Alakode
St. Mary's Forane Church in Alakode is a pivotal institution in the history of migration to the hill ranges of Kannur.
Establishment: 1955
Significance: The church grew alongside the development of Alakode into a major town. It serves as the administrative and spiritual hub for the region, representing the perseverance of early agrarian settlers.[10]
Description: A mission hospital situated in the high ranges of Kannur district, providing essential medical services to the rural population. It specializes in general medicine, gynecology, and emergency care.
Location: Chemperi, Kannur District, Kerala - 670632.
St. Joseph's Hospital, Karuvanchal
Description: A multi-specialty hospital managed by the Archdiocese, offering 24-hour emergency services, critical care (MICU, ICCU), CT scanning, and dialysis units.
Santhi Theeram Institute of Family and Mental Health (SIFAM)
Description: A center for psychological well-being located in Ponniam. It offers family therapy, pre-marital counseling, divorce prevention programs, and rehabilitation for the mentally challenged.
Description: An ISO 9001:2015 certified self-financing engineering college affiliated with APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. It offers B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D. programs.
Description: A premier Arts and Science college established in 1964 and re-accredited with an A++ Grade by NAAC. It serves as a major center for higher education in the region.
Vimal Jyothi Institute of Management & Research (VJIM), Chemperi
Description: An exclusive management institute offering a full-time MBA program approved by AICTE and affiliated with Kannur University, focusing on creating socially responsible managers.
Description: A co-educational English medium school following the CBSE syllabus. It focuses on academic excellence and the holistic formation of students.
Description: The Archdiocese manages numerous schools attached to local parishes across Kannur and Kasaragod, providing accessible primary and secondary education.
Social Service, Charitable Trusts & Community Development
Tellicherry Social Service Society (TSSS)
Description: Established in 1966, TSSS is the official social work organization of the Archdiocese. It focuses on women empowerment, self-help groups, and sustainable agriculture.
Description: An Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Addicts (IRCA) recognized by the Ministry of Social Justice. It offers treatment, counseling, and awareness against alcohol and substance abuse.
Alpha Institute of Theology and Science (AITS), Thalassery
Description: A theological institution offering courses (B.Th, M.Th) to the laity and religious, aiming to integrate faith with modern scientific and social realities.
Description: A co-operative society (Reg No. C. 984) formed to support the staff and infrastructural development of the educational institutions under the Archdiocese.
ANGEL Trust (Archbishop Njaralakatt Georges Envision for Life)
Description: A charitable trust established under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Mar George Njaralakatt. Its primary mission is to provide financial assistance to poor kidney patients for dialysis and related treatments.
AKM Charitable Trust
Description: A charitable wing of the Archdiocese dedicated to providing medical and financial aid to the destitute.
Bio Mountain Farmers Producer Company
Description: A farmer-producer initiative under TSSS that collects, processes, and markets organic spices and agricultural produce directly from local farmers to ensure fair trade and pricing.
Description: The first community radio station in the Kasaragod district, operating under the TSSS. It broadcasts educational and community-centric programs from Chittarikkal.
Media & Communications
The Archdiocese maintains an active digital presence to connect with the faithful and the general public through its official media wing and online radio.
Official Media Department: TELLME Creations
Description: "Tellicherry Media Creations" (TELLME) is the official department responsible for video production, news documentation, and digital outreach for the Archdiocese.
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