Palakkad: The members of Mother Teresa church in Kairadi parish had a special reason to celebrate as the canonization of Mother Teresa on September 4. The Mother Teresa church at Kairady, near Nemmara in Palakkad district, is claimed to be the first church in the world dedicated to Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
The first annual festival of the church was also held on the same day. Bishop Jacob Manathodath of Palghat led the feast day Mass.
The church was set up with special permission from the Pope. The church was blessed and dedicated to Mother Teresa on October 19, 2003, the day she was beatified.
This unique church carved out of a huge single rock formation is also a symbol of communal harmony, as it is run by people belonging to all religions in Kairady, a sleepy village 40 km from Palakkad town. Land for the construction of the church was partially donated by Muslim and Hindu residents.
The altar of the church is also made of a single stone weighing 3.5 tons. The church follows the Indian culture and has the holy lamp Lighted with oil. The baptismal font is also made of a single stone. The tabernacle to keep the Blessed Sacrament the Holy Communion is also made by drilling the huge Rock.
The work was completed in 147 days. As it is built amid rocks, the church is called ‘Parappalli’ (rock church). It is constructed around 40 feet below ground level. The altar is made of a single stone weighing three tons.
Daughters of St. Thomas Convent is a part of Mother Teresa Church in Kairady. DST Sisters follow the footsteps of Mother Teresa and have dedicated their life for looking after mentally retarded and unwanted people.
Several people visit the church for the blessings of Mother Teresa and seek her intercession. Fr Dhanesh Kalan is the vicar of the church.