St. Philomina & Kuriakose Elias Chavara Shrine, Koonammavu

St. Philomena’s Church, Koonammavu, under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Verapoly, was established in 1837 and is among the oldest Latin Catholic churches in Kerala. The church is dedicated to St. Philomena, the young martyr of the early Church, whose devotion spread widely in the 19th century.

The church holds special historical and spiritual significance as St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, co-founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) and a pioneer of ecclesial and social reform in India, spent the final years of his life here. He lived in the monastery attached to the church and passed away at Koonammavu on 3 January 1871. His mortal remains are still preserved in a tomb inside the church.

Today, the church stands as a revered shrine honoring St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, attracting pilgrims and faithful who seek inspiration from their faith, sacrifice, and legacy.

Contact Number – 0484 – 2512266