St. Antony's Church, Chengalam

St. Antony's Church, Chengalam

Dedicated to St. Anthony, this sacred Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Chengalam, South India, is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers in Kerala and the first in Central Kerala. Known as the "Padua of Kerala," the church possesses numerous unique features. Located in the Diocese of Kanjirappally, the miraculous shrine of St. Anthony at Chengalam is widely regarded by people from all walks of life—regardless of caste, religion, or region—as a center of numerous miracles.

Key Highlights & History

  • Foundation: The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1913 on land donated by Iype Avira Thachaparambil. This event is still celebrated every year on the first Tuesday of October as "Kallitta Thirunal" (Foundation Day).
  • Reconstruction: The newly reconstructed, magnificent church was consecrated in 2016.
  • Eucharistic Pilgrimage: Chengalam Church is the sole Eucharistic pilgrimage center in the Syro-Malabar Church.
  • Adoration Chapel: Perhaps the most compelling attraction is the gorgeous shrine built on the lower floor of the church.
    • The chapel houses the relics of 12 saints, most of which are contemporaneous.
    • It includes a relic of the incorrupt tongue of St. Anthony of Padua.
    • Believed to be the dwelling place of a merciful God, devotees flock to this holy chapel from distant places. They spend hours in voluntary adoration, receiving abundant physical, spiritual, and mental blessings through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all these saints.
    • Visiting Hours: The chapel is open for adoration daily from 07:30 AM to 07:00 PM.

Holy Mass & Novena Timings

Sundays (Holy Mass):

  • 05:30 AM – 07:15 AM
  • 09:30 AM – 06:00 PM

Tuesdays:

  • 05:30 AM: Holy Mass
  • 06:30 AM: Holy Mass and St. Anthony's Novena
  • 11:30 AM: Holy Mass and St. Anthony's Novena
  • 06:00 PM: Holy Mass and St. Anthony's Novena

Other Days (Holy Mass):

  • 06:30 AM
  • 06:00 PM

Major Feast Days

  1. Annual Parish Feast (Valiya Perunal): Celebrated every year on the second Sunday of February.
  2. Foundation Day (Kallitta Thirunal): Celebrated every year on the first Tuesday of October.
  3. Feast Day of St. Anthony (Death Anniversary): Celebrated every year on June 13. On this feast day, an event called "Anthoniya Sangamam" is organized, where hundreds of people named Anthony gather at the shrine.