Parish Community
Association Members
Association members and parish volunteers.
A parish rooted in faith, prayer, fellowship and service, standing amidst the beautiful mountains of Valparai.
The beautiful mountain town of Valparai, surrounded by the Anamalai Hills.
Valparai is a small town in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, 107 km from Coimbatore city and is a beautiful place surrounded by mountains at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level.
If you travel 107 km from Palakkad via Pollachi, Aliyar and Attakatti you will reach Valparai. Similarly, via Chalakudy, Athirapally, Vazhachal, Malakkapara and Sholayar Dam you will reach Valparai.
The beautiful Valparai, known as the “SEVENTH HEAVEN” on earth, stands tall on the Anamalai Hills in the mountains.
The lush green landscape is filled with beautiful tea plantations, elephants, leopards, bears, wild buffaloes, deer, peacocks, lion-tailed macaques and other rare wild animals.
The mountain ranges are home to valuable tea, coffee, cardamom and pepper. Valparai, discovered by a British man named Carl Marsden during the British rule, is today becoming a tourist paradise.
The Palakkad Diocese was formed in 1974 following the division of the Thrissur Diocese.
The Valparai Parish was formed in 1980 according to the wishes of the first bishop, the late Mar Joseph Irumpan. Initially known as St. Sebastian’s Church, it is now known as St. Luke’s Church.
Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thattil, the first vicar, celebrated the first Holy Mass in a small old building on 26 cents of land purchased by the Palakkad Diocese.
A temporary Church was built in the name of St. Luke through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thattil and was blessed by Mar Joseph Irumpan.
The present beautiful St. Luke’s Church was blessed by Rev. Mar Jacob Manathodath. The construction was supported by the Diocese, parish members and Rev. Fr. Jose Alakkunnel.
The Karunya Convent of F.C.C. Sisters attached to the parish started functioning in 2005.
The Eparchy of Ramanathapuram was inaugurated on 11 April 2010, bifurcating the Eparchy of Palakkad. Valparai became part of the new diocese.
The feast of St. Luke is celebrated every year on October 18. Every Monday after evening Mass, the Novena to St. Luke is held. Every Saturday, the Novena to the Holy Mother is held.
The initial work of finding members of the Syro-Malabar Church in Valparai was carried out by Rev. Fr. Paul Pallippadan and Rev. Fr. Jacob Panakkal.
There were more than 100 family members in the beginning, but later it decreased to 70. The parish continued its spiritual journey through the dedicated service of priests, religious sisters and parishioners.
Many miracles have been associated with those who pray with faith for the help of the saint. The parish continues to be strengthened by the cooperation of the people of God.
Gathered together in faith and worship.
Devotion to St. Luke and the Holy Mother.
Parish families united in fellowship.
Serving God and the people.
To be in the association of those aspiring to love God is the ultimate gift of God.
Parish association and fellowship.
Parish association and fellowship.
Serving at the altar with devotion.
Children’s faith and community activities.
Catholic youth fellowship and activities.
Serving the parish through sacred music.
Association members and parish volunteers.
| # | Priest | Service Period |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rev. Fr. Paul Pallipadan CMI | 1980 |
| 2 | Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thattil | 1980 – 1986 |
| 3 | Rev. Fr. Davis Tharayil | 1986 – 1989 |
| 4 | Rev. Fr. Varghese Puthanangady | 1989 – 1992 |
| 5 | Rev. Fr. Johnson Kannampadathil | 1992 – 1997 |
| 6 | Rev. Fr. George Perumpilli | 1997 – 1999 |
| 7 | Rev. Fr. Jose Alakkakunnel | 1999 – 2004 |
| 8 | Rev. Fr. Thomas Arissery | 2004 |
| 9 | Rev. Fr. Wilson Palaikkal | 2005 |
| 10 | Rev. Fr. Jayson Vadakkan | 2005 – 2008 |
| 11 | Rev. Fr. Bijoy Chothirakode | 2008 – 2011 |
| 12 | Rev. Fr. Thomas Pulickal O’prem (Norbertine) | 2011 – |
| 13 | Rev. Fr. Vineeth Karukaparambil O’prem | — |
| 14 | Rev. Fr. Shaji Pandaraparambil | — |
| 15 | Rev. Fr. Jijo Malpravinal | — |
| 16 | Rev. Fr. Joseph Puthur | Present Vicar |
Catholic Homes
Catholics
Family Units
Karunya Convent
Moments from the life, worship and fellowship of St. Luke’s Church.
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St. Luke's Catholic Church
Co-operative Colony
Valparai, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu – 642127