Nestled in the scenic hills of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, Thoongampara St. Therese Church stands as a beacon of Catholic faith and missionary dedication. Celebrating 100 years of its formation, the church has grown from a humble prayer group in a thatched shed to a vibrant parish that has shaped generations with the light of the Gospel..
Founded under the Neyyattinkara Latin Diocese, Thoongampara Church is the first church in the world dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, the patron saint of missions. The foundation of the church was laid by Fr. Ildaphons OCD, a Belgian missionary, after a divine experience atop the rock that today remains the centerpiece of the church’s identity. Recognizing the spiritual thirst of the local people, he envisioned a place of worship and community life that would nurture faith, education, and dignity.
Inspired by his devotion to St. Therese, Bishop Aloysius Benziger approved the church's construction soon after she was declared Venerable by Pope Pius XI in 1923. Despite challenges such as lack of roads or transportation, the church was built by the joint labor of Christians and non-Christians. It was blessed in 1924, and by 1925, during the saint’s canonization in Rome, it had become a flourishing faith center. Over 500 people received baptism through this mission in its early years.
Education was integral to the missionaries' vision. They established St. Therese School, open to all irrespective of caste or religion, to eradicate ignorance, superstition, and social evils. Later, missionaries like Fr. Adeodatus OCD deepened this mission by expanding outreach to nearby hilly regions. He was beloved as “Valyachan” for his compassionate care and commitment to the poor, sick, and marginalized. Under his guidance, the school expanded, lands were acquired for social progress, and vocations to priesthood were nurtured.
The church's legacy was carried forward by local leaders such as Fr. Francis Ambrose OCD, the parish’s first priest, and Fr. Gerald Nelliottukonam, a Salesian known for his groundbreaking work among leprosy patients in Chennai. Many vocations to religious life, including several sisters and priests, have originated from this parish, signifying its deep-rooted spiritual vitality.
Through the decades, the parish witnessed major developments: new chapels, a parish hall, a five-story tower, and a flagpole were constructed. Mission sub-stations like Kottampally and Chembanamkode were also established. Fr. Gerald Mathias and others led church reconstruction projects, while Fr. Ignatius and Fr. Gerald Mathew expanded youth and family engagement through events like Christmas carnivals and spiritual associations.
During the Jubilee year (2024–2025), the parish initiated several transformative activities including a Palliative Care Unit for the sick and bedridden, Little Way Sangamam to instill devotion in children, renovation of the old nursery building into a Jubilee Memorial Hall, and special Monday novenas drawing people of all faiths.
More than just a structure, Thoongampara Church is a living symbol of how faith, education, and compassion can transform a community. The parish honors both foreign missionaries and local catechists who served with dedication and love. Today, the church continues to grow under Fr. Joy Mathias’ leadership, upholding unity, service, and spiritual renewal.
This centenary not only marks a historical milestone but invites the faithful to reflect on the journey so far and commit to a vibrant future inspired by St. Theresa's “Little Way”—a way of love, sacrifice, and holiness in the small things of life.