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During those early years of struggle and uncertainty, the migrant families placed their trust in the loving protection of Our Lady of Lourdes. The first Holy Mass in Chemperi was celebrated on 9 October 1947 at the residence of Mr. Joseph Pulickal, with the participation of eighteen families. Inspired by renewed spiritual enthusiasm, the community soon began planning for a church of their own. In a generous gesture, Mr. Alexander Kadookunnel donated five acres of land to support this dream. Rev. Fr. Dr. Kuriakose Kudakkachira became the first vicar of the parish when it was under the Latin Diocese of Calicut. Later, with the establishment of the Diocese of Tellicherry, Chemperi parish came under its jurisdiction. Rev. Fr. Jacob Varikatt, who succeeded Fr. Kudakkachira, constructed a new church in 1958 on land contributed by Mr. Joseph Pulickal and Mr. Varkey Mukkuzhy.
Over the decades, the parish church has served as a spiritual refuge for migrants and their descendants, earning recognition as the Lourdes of Malabar. Pilgrims from diverse backgrounds visit the shrine seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, affectionately known as Chemperi Mathavu. Numerous testimonies of answered prayers and spiritual consolation have strengthened the devotion of the faithful. The large gatherings witnessed during the annual feast in February and other important celebrations reflect the enduring significance of this Marian shrine. In response to the growing number of parishioners, the church was rebuilt in 2006 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. George Narippara and was consecrated by Mar George Valiamattam, the second Bishop of Tellicherry.
Today, Our Lady of Lourdes Forane Parish stands at the heart of the Archdiocese with approximately 1,400 families and 7,850 members. The Forane oversees eleven filial parishes and has made notable contributions to the Church, including numerous priests and religious sisters. Situated on a peaceful hilltop surrounded by scenic landscapes, the basilica presents a serene and inspiring atmosphere for prayer. Its welcoming façade overlooks a lively township equipped with essential facilities that support rural community life. The parish is also known for its shrines and devotional spaces, which deepen the spiritual experience of visitors and pilgrims.
Chemperi has developed into an important educational and social centre. Institutions such as senior secondary schools and Vimal Jyothi Engineering College highlight the parish’s commitment to education. Charitable initiatives including Swanthanam Palliative Care Centre, Vimala Hospital, and Karunalayam Home for the Aged demonstrate its dedication to compassionate service. The presence of several religious congregations, local self-government offices, banks, and commercial establishments further underscores Chemperi’s growing role in the region’s social and economic development.
As part of the parish’s platinum jubilee celebrations, the basilica underwent renovation under the guidance of Rev. Rector Dr. George Kanjirakkattu. The renewed church was consecrated on 11 August 2024 by Mar Joseph Pamplani, Archbishop of Tellicherry. Shortly thereafter, on 14 August 2024, His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, elevated the church to the status of Minor Basilica. Today, the basilica stands as a symbol of faith, heritage, and divine grace, continuing to welcome countless devotees who seek spiritual comfort and blessings through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Parish Info
Kerala - India - 670632
About
Our Lady of Lourdes Basilica, Chemperi is a vibrant and historically significant parish under the Archdiocese of Tellicherry. The majority of its faithful are descendants of Catholic families from central Kerala, particularly Changanassery and Ernakulam, who migrated to the Malabar region in search of better livelihood and agricultural opportunities. This movement, widely remembered as the Malabar Migration, brought many settlers to the hilly terrain of North Kerala. Despite the hardships of relocation and settlement, these pioneers remained steadfast in their faith, preserving their religious practices and traditions handed down through generations.
During those early years of struggle and uncertainty, the migrant families placed their trust in the loving protection of Our Lady of Lourdes. The first Holy Mass in Chemperi was celebrated on 9 October 1947 at the residence of Mr. Joseph Pulickal, with the participation of eighteen families. Inspired by renewed spiritual enthusiasm, the community soon began planning for a church of their own. In a generous gesture, Mr. Alexander Kadookunnel donated five acres of land to support this dream. Rev. Fr. Dr. Kuriakose Kudakkachira became the first vicar of the parish when it was under the Latin Diocese of Calicut. Later, with the establishment of the Diocese of Tellicherry, Chemperi parish came under its jurisdiction. Rev. Fr. Jacob Varikatt, who succeeded Fr. Kudakkachira, constructed a new church in 1958 on land contributed by Mr. Joseph Pulickal and Mr. Varkey Mukkuzhy.
Over the decades, the parish church has served as a spiritual refuge for migrants and their descendants, earning recognition as the Lourdes of Malabar. Pilgrims from diverse backgrounds visit the shrine seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, affectionately known as Chemperi Mathavu. Numerous testimonies of answered prayers and spiritual consolation have strengthened the devotion of the faithful. The large gatherings witnessed during the annual feast in February and other important celebrations reflect the enduring significance of this Marian shrine. In response to the growing number of parishioners, the church was rebuilt in 2006 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. George Narippara and was consecrated by Mar George Valiamattam, the second Bishop of Tellicherry.
Today, Our Lady of Lourdes Forane Parish stands at the heart of the Archdiocese with approximately 1,400 families and 7,850 members. The Forane oversees eleven filial parishes and has made notable contributions to the Church, including numerous priests and religious sisters. Situated on a peaceful hilltop surrounded by scenic landscapes, the basilica presents a serene and inspiring atmosphere for prayer. Its welcoming façade overlooks a lively township equipped with essential facilities that support rural community life. The parish is also known for its shrines and devotional spaces, which deepen the spiritual experience of visitors and pilgrims.
Chemperi has developed into an important educational and social centre. Institutions such as senior secondary schools and Vimal Jyothi Engineering College highlight the parish’s commitment to education. Charitable initiatives including Swanthanam Palliative Care Centre, Vimala Hospital, and Karunalayam Home for the Aged demonstrate its dedication to compassionate service. The presence of several religious congregations, local self-government offices, banks, and commercial establishments further underscores Chemperi’s growing role in the region’s social and economic development.
As part of the parish’s platinum jubilee celebrations, the basilica underwent renovation under the guidance of Rev. Rector Dr. George Kanjirakkattu. The renewed church was consecrated on 11 August 2024 by Mar Joseph Pamplani, Archbishop of Tellicherry. Shortly thereafter, on 14 August 2024, His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, elevated the church to the status of Minor Basilica. Today, the basilica stands as a symbol of faith, heritage, and divine grace, continuing to welcome countless devotees who seek spiritual comfort and blessings through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.