- Thekkan Kurisumala Pilgrim Centre
Kurisumala Pilgrim Centre has its own website. Please visit www.kurisumala.com for further information.
"Thekkan Kurusimala" is the most famous pilgrim centre in the diocese of
Neyyattinkara. Lakhs of people visit this holy sanctuary every year to experience
the presence of the living God.
Historically the origin of "Kurisumala" can be
traced back to 1940. In the beginning of 1940 a man from Kozhancherry named
George migrated with his family to 'Kondaketty Hill'. They lived in a cave just
below 'Neruka' ('hill top' where the cross is erected). It is they who erected a
small cross on the top of the hill to assemble and seek God's protection from
wild animals and contagious diseases. Later the place was handed over to
Esthrone. He somehow neglected the cross on the hilltop. Unexpected failures
made his life miserable. He went up the hill and found the cross almost eaten by
termites. He collected the remains and lifted his heart in prayer.
Within days his
family once again began to enjoy peace and prosperity. He approached the
Belgian missionary Fr. John Baptist and shared his experience and requested the
holy man to erect a new cross on the top of the hill.
On 17th March, 1957 Fr. John Baptist, with a small group of devotees, reached
the top of 'Kondaketty', which is 3000 feet above the sea level and erected a new
wooden cross where the old one had remained. The very day he offered Holy
Eucharist there. Day by day increasing number of people climbed up the hill to
make their offerings and prayers. A man named Thankayyan attempted to destroy
the cross and instantly became insane. Even after prolonged treatment he could
not regain his sanity.
Finally, with the holy touch of the venerable priest, Fr. John
Baptist near the cross, he regained the health of mind.
In 1975, by the untiring efforts of Fr. Francis Neetany, the then Parish Priest of
Kiliyoor, erected there a 24 feet concrete cross. In 1984 Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacob
Acharuparambil, the then Bishop of Trivandrum declared it as the official pilgrim
centre of the diocese of Trivandrum.
Later some miscreants tried to destroy the cross
and hurt the devotees. Through the patient and non-violent resistance lasting peace
could be established. Kurusumala has now become the place of God experience for
all. Kurisumala feast is celebrated on Passion Sunday every year. Lakhs of devotees,
irrespective of caste and creed, come to this holy Mount to experience the healing
presence of the Lord and return with peace of mind and immense blessings.
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