St. Mary's Forane Church, Chalakudy

St. Mary's Forane Church, Chalakudy

സെന്റ് മേരീസ് ഫൊറോന പള്ളി, ചാലക്കുടി

Shrine of the Nativity of Our Lady · Marian Pilgrim Centre · Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Irinjalakuda. Founded in 600 AD by the early Christian community of Chalakudy, the church is renowned for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is home to the Swayamvara Altar, a Marian Grotto, a Perpetual Adoration Chapel and the Holy Land.

Holy Qurbana Times

  • Sunday: 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM
  • 2nd Sunday of the Month: 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 5:00 PM
  • Monday - Saturday: 6:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM

All Holy Qurbana, confession and adoration times

Upcoming Events

  • Rosary in Family Homes – October 1 – 20, 2026 · As arranged by each unit · Family Units
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  • Rosary Month – Mariyapuram Chapel – October 11 – 20, 2026 · 6:00 PM · Mariyapuram Chapel

All upcoming events

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is St. Mary's Forane Church, Chalakudy?

The church is in Chalakudy, Thrissur district, Kerala (PIN 680307). It is the forane (deanery) church of Chalakudy in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Irinjalakuda, and is also known as the Chalakudy Marian Pilgrim Centre and the Shrine of the Nativity of Our Lady.

What are the Holy Qurbana (Holy Mass) timings at St. Mary's Forane Church, Chalakudy?

Sunday: 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM. Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM. On the 2nd Sunday of the month there is no 7:00 PM Holy Qurbana; the Vachabhisheka Sayahnam is held that day from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Why is the church called a Marian Pilgrim Centre?

Founded in 600 AD by the early Christian community of Chalakudy, the church has been renowned from time immemorial for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When the remodelled church was consecrated in 1987, Cardinal Lourdusamy declared it a Marian Pilgrim Centre for its place in the history of the Church in Kerala.

What is the Swayamvara Altar?

The Swayamvara Altar is the church's original altar, carved in wood – a title rarely bestowed by the Holy Father. It was kept intact when the church was rebuilt in 1987. It is believed that those who pray at this altar with complete self-surrender receive special blessings.

What can pilgrims visit at the Chalakudy Marian Pilgrim Centre?

The Swayamvara Altar; the Marian Grotto built in October 2000 after the grotto at Lourdes; the Perpetual Adoration Chapel opened in 2001 (Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM); the Holy Land, a replica of biblical sites blessed in 2006; and the gothic belfry of 1913 crowned with a statue of Mother Mary.

What are the main feasts of the church?

The church has two major feasts. As the Shrine of the Nativity of Our Lady, it celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 September, with special prayer services and a Eucharistic procession at the Marian Grotto from 1 to 8 September. The feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated in the first week of February. A novena is also held at the grotto every Saturday at 6:00 PM.

When can I go for confession?

Monday to Saturday: During the time of Holy Qurbana. 2nd Sunday of the Month: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. By Appointment: Contact the priest directly.

How can I contact the parish office?

Call 0480 2701614 or 0480 2701314, email office@marianpilgrimcentre.com, or use the form on the Contact page. The office is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Visit Us

St. Mary's Forane Church, Chalakudy (Shrine of the Nativity of Our Lady), Chalakudy, Thrissur district, Kerala 680307, India.