360 Virtual Tour of Vettucadu Church Thiruvananthapuram
The Madre de Deus Church, commonly called Vettucaud Church, is in Vettukad, a locality in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India. This church holds significant historical and cultural importance for the local Christian community, which has been present in the area since at least the 15th century. The church serves as a place of worship and as a centre for community activities and celebrations.
Historical Background
The current structure of Vettucaud Church was constructed between 1934 and 1937 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Godwin A. Gudinho and later completed by Rev. Fr. Michael John. It was blessed by Monsignor Leon De Souza, who was the Vicar General of the Cochin Diocese at that time. The church’s history is intertwined with notable figures such as St. Francis Xavier, who is believed to have visited Vettukad during his missionary work in the mid-16th century.
Feast of Christ the King
One of the most prominent events associated with Vettucaud Church is the Feast of Christ the King, celebrated over ten days starting from the last Sunday of the liturgical year (which corresponds to late November). This festival has been observed for over 500 years and includes various religious rites, culminating in a grand procession and a high mass led by the Archbishop of Trivandrum on its final day.
Community Involvement and Organisations
The church actively engages with various organisations such as the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM), Legion of Mary, Sodality, and the Vincent de Paul Society, among others. These groups play vital roles in fostering community spirit, youth engagement, social action, and spiritual growth within the parish.
Leadership Structure
The governance of Vettucaud Church is managed by an elected parish council that operates under bylaws approved by the Trivandrum Archdiocese. The council consists of various members, including a parish priest, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and conveners for different ministries such as education and social action.
Mass Schedule and Services
Vettucaud Church offers multiple masses throughout the week, catering to different language speakers, including English, Tamil, Hindi, and Latin. Daily services are held at various times to accommodate parishioners’ schedules.
Vettucaud Church stands as a beacon of faith for its community while preserving rich traditions that date back centuries.
