About Lourdes Forane Church, Gandhipuram
Lourdes Forane Church, located in Gandhipuram, Coimbatore, is a prominent Syro-Malabar Catholic Church with a rich history of faith, service, and community growth. It holds the distinction of being the third Syro-Malabar church in Coimbatore and the second-largest parish in the Ramanathapuram Diocese.
Founding and Growth
The church was established on 22nd December 1968 and was blessed by Mar George Alappat, who was then the bishop of Thrissur Diocese. Over time, Lourdes Forane Church underwent administrative transitions, initially belonging to the Thrissur Diocese, later becoming part of the Palakkad Diocese, and now being under the Ramanathapuram Diocese.
On 26th August 1971, the church was officially elevated to the status of a parish by Mar Joseph Kundukulam, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Milestones and Celebrations
Silver Jubilee - 1993
On 26th December 1993, Lourdes Forane Church celebrated its Silver Jubilee, commemorating 25 years of spiritual service and community development. The grand celebration was graced by the presence of:
- Mar Joseph Kundukulam (then Bishop of Thrissur)
- Mar Joseph Irimpan
- Rt. Rev. Dr. Ambrose (Bishop of Coimbatore Latin Diocese)
Golden Jubilee - 2019
On 30th December 2019, the church marked its Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years of faith and service. The occasion was honored by the presence of Mar Paul Alapatt, the Bishop of Ramanathapuram Diocese, highlighting the church’s growth and contribution to the Catholic community.
Infrastructure and Development
Lourdes Forane Church has expanded its spiritual and social services through various construction projects undertaken during the tenure of its dedicated vicars:
- Parish Hall & Grotto – Constructed under the leadership of V. Rev. Fr. George Narikuzhi, providing a dedicated space for church events and Marian devotion.
- Mondalam & Parish Hall Extension – Developed during the tenure of Fr. Jose Chenniyara, enhancing the church’s capacity to accommodate larger gatherings and community programs.
- Viswasapuram Mission Centre – Elevated to a parish status under Rev. Fr. Jose Kannumkuzhi, strengthening the church’s missionary outreach.
- Holy Family Mission Centre & Adoration Centre – Established under the vicar, Rev. Fr. Joseph Puthur, offering a dedicated place for perpetual adoration and spiritual reflection.
Legacy and Community Contribution
With its strong foundation of faith, service, and growth, Lourdes Forane Church continues to serve as a spiritual home for the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Coimbatore. The church remains committed to spreading the teachings of Christ, fostering community service, and nurturing future generations in the Catholic faith.
Through its historical milestones, infrastructural developments, and missionary initiatives, Lourdes Forane Church stands as a beacon of faith and hope, dedicated to worship, evangelization, and social outreach in the Ramanathapuram Diocese.
