Pallikunnu P.O
Via Kalpetta
Wayanad (District)
Kerala, India – 673122
In 1907, Fr Jeffrino, a French missionary arrived in Wayanad. He came to Wayanad as a part of his Mysore Mission and started his mission work at Kaniyambetta (a small remote village then) as its centre. In order to invoke the blessings of God, he made a Cross out of wooden branches and erected it on the Kurumbala Mountain(Kurumbalakunnu). He prayed intensely for the conversion of whole Wayanad and as a result 20 families received baptism on September 1910 and began a Christian community which is flourishing in their faith and service to the people here. He died on December 23, 1935 leaving behind a strong religious and faithful community in Wayanad. The Feast of Lourde Matha Shrine brings back the good old memories of Wayanad with its unique Culture and Customs and is an example for inter-religious harmony. The feast acts as catalyst of peace and harmony among people of various religions, caste and creed. The Feast of Lourde Matha Shrine is in fact the festival of Malabar and the neighboring States. Hence Pallikunnu is Known as the “Lourde Of The East”.
An interesting aspect of this church is that it has several rituals and practices similar to those prevalent in Hindu temples. Devotees believe that abundant blessings are showered by mother Mary and no intention goes unanswered. Lunch of rice and curry is served free of cost during the annual feast. This is known as Nerchabhakshanam and it is a custom to collect and remove the leaves/plates left over after eating by others. Stone carrying by head, Shayanapradakshinam and crown carrying by hand are also the custom in Pallikkunnu Church.The usual prayers such as Japamala, Divyabali, Novena etc will be there.