Pathanapuram Church Perunnal

About this event

Pathanapuram St. Francis Xavier Church Perunnal is the annual feast associated with St. Francis Xavier Malankara Syrian Catholic Church in Pathanapuram, Kollam district. The parish belongs to the Punalur Ecclesiastical District of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. According to the church’s official history, the parish community was formed in 1957 and the church was later renovated in 2012, with the renovated building blessed by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis. The annual feast forms part of the parish’s devotional and community life, bringing parishioners and devotees together for prayer and liturgical observances in honour of St. Francis Xavier, whose feast is traditionally observed by the Catholic Church on 3 December. As with other Christian perunnals in Kerala, the celebration centres on worship rather than on a general public carnival, with the parish community participating in the religious observances associated with the feast. Special liturgical services, prayers and other parish activities may be arranged during the feast period according to the annual programme issued by the church. The celebration also reflects the social character of Kerala’s parish traditions, in which religious observances provide an occasion for members of the local community to gather and participate collectively in parish life. Pathanapuram itself is an important town in eastern Kollam district, situated on the Kallada River and historically connected with the surrounding rural and forested areas. Its location within the Punalur region places the church within a landscape known for its cultural and natural attractions. The feast therefore offers visitors an opportunity to experience a local Catholic parish tradition while also exploring the wider cultural character of Pathanapuram. The precise programme, duration and additional activities of the annual perunnal can vary from year to year, so the parish’s current announcements are the appropriate reference for worship timings and special events. The church’s official records identify St. Francis Xavier Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Pathanapuram, as a parish established in 1957, making its annual feast part of a Catholic community tradition that has developed locally over several decades.

🚆 Railway: Punalur Railway Station is the nearest railway station for Pathanapuram; Pathanapuram is about 13 km from Punalur.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest major airport for the area.

🚌 Bus: Pathanapuram is connected by regular road services with Punalur, Adoor, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and surrounding towns. Kerala Tourism lists Pathanapuram on the Punalur–Adoor/Pathanamthitta road network.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and lodges are available in Pathanapuram and nearby Punalur; visitors can also find accommodation options in the wider eastern Kollam region.

✅ Notes: The feast is associated with St. Francis Xavier Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Pathanapuram. Annual Mass timings, devotional programmes and other feast-day activities should be confirmed with the parish before visiting, as the programme can vary by year.