Paruvanany family was instrumental in Church Missions,
Priesthood, Nunhood and Re-construction of Pala Old Church & Establishment
of Mevida Parish in 17th and 21st
Centuries.
ST. THOMAS CATHEDRAL CONSTRUCTION, PALAI
The church was established on July 3, 1002, by four Syrian
Christian families. Tharayil, Koottumkal (brother of Tharayil Mappila),
Erakonni, and Vayalakombil were the four Christian families of Palai. They
primarily engaged in agriculture and trade. According to the written history,
these families founded the Pala church.
Tharayil Thomman Mappila and Vayalakombil Thomman Mappila
wish to construct a church in Pala. However, the local ruler, Meenachil Kartha
(karthavu), requested that they bring two more families. The Erakonni family
joined them, but they still needed one more family. So Tharayil Mappila brought
his own brother's son from Kaduthuruthy to Pala, and their surname became
Koottumkal.
Meenachil Karthas donated land on the banks of the Meenachil
River, and the church was built. These four families lived in and around the
church, as well as across the street from it.
Re-construction of Pala Old Church
The Old church was rebuilt three times and the present old church was reconstructed in 1702 by Srampickal Ittan Mappilai a member of Tharayil family. He was a chief trader and agriculturist of the land and by the last decade of the 17th century a mukalappada from Tamil Nadu set fire to the church. As the land where the old church stood was owned by Ittan Mappilai himself, he also had spent the expenses of reconstruction by himself. Our grandfather Thomman Philipose & Family assisted and offered all help to Srampickal Ittan Mappilai during the period.
CONTRIBUTION TO ESTABLISHMENT OF MEVIDA PARISH & ST.
MARY’S CHURCH
Mevida Parish was established in 21st century for the
convenience of Syro Malabar believers in the region of Mevida, Monipally, and
Mutholy. Our family members of Peringalloor, Paruvanany and Thottuva
contributed in formation of Parish as well as construction of St. Mary’s
Church.
Contribution to Union of India
Some of our family members served in Defense service of
India. Especially Varkey Varkey Paruvanany was a British Indian Soldier served
in 2nd world war at Burma against the Japanese.
Contribution to Child Education & Higher Education
Many of our family members are Professors and Teachers in
Educational Institutions across the globe. Our people were keen in educating
the future generation, definitely considered as a traditional profession as
well as our social responsibility.
Contribution to Rural Development and Church Missions
The purpose of mission work is to spread the word of God. In
order to accomplish this objective God’s people often work in foreign and
domestic lands to preach the Gospel. Missionaries often find their work to be
life-changing. By working with missionaries, churches are able to share the
good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with those who live in places where
Christianity is sometimes unknown.
Many of our family members are SVD (Society of the Divine
Word) Missionaries across the globe. Our people were keen in educating the
tribal marginalized population, definitely considered as Church Missions as
well as our social responsibility.
Contribution to Charity & Social Service
Our interest is of a fair and just society, free from
poverty and injustice, where each person is empowered to make their own choices
and shape their future.
Many of our family members are involved in social
development and charity services across the globe. Our people were keen in
educating the tribal marginalized population, helping the needy, considering it
as our family values and god’s work.