In the 1950s, Cherumkuzhy, a hilly area in the eastern part of Thrissur district, was a place infested with wild animals. At that time, there were about thirty Christian families in this area. They had migrated from the southern parts of Kerala and used to walk about ten kilometers to the Pattikkad and Nadathara parishes for their spiritual needs.
In fulfillment of their desire to have a church for spiritual needs, when Varrikkamackal Thomman Thomman donated one acre of land free of cost in 1956, the Vicar of Pattikkad Church, Monsignor Jacob Adampukulam, laid the foundation stone for the Church. With the collective efforts of everyone, a small shed was built, and the rosary and other prayers were offered every day. By 1958, there were about two hundred families, and on April 30th, the image of Saint Joseph was taken from the Pattikkadu Church to the Cherumkuzhy Chapel/Kurishupally with a musical festival and with the cooperation of people of various castes and religions. On May 1st, the Chapel was blessed, and the image of Saint Joseph was installed as the patron saint of the parish. Thereafter, Holy Mass is offered every Sunday and on days of obligation. Religious education (Catechism) classes were also started.
Historical view of the church structure.
On May 9th, 1968, Rev. Fr. Raphael Malyemmav was appointed as the first vicar of Cherumkuzhi Parish from the Diocese of Thrissur. The priest served in the parish for about four years. It was during his time that our church in this form was built entirely of stone. Our church is a strong symbol of faith in God.
Under the leadership of the parish vicar, we have been constantly working for the complete development of the place for roads and other needs. This has been continued by the vicars who have led the parish over the years. As a blessing to the parish, on April 15, 2014, with the blessings of Pope Francis, the icon of Saint Joseph was received for veneration, and Mar Raphael Thattil, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Thrissur, installed it in the church. On December 6 of this year, the parish also received the relic of Saint Antony, and Father Mar Thattil installed it in the church.
Currently, there are about 640 families in the parish in seven areas and 30 units. Every year on April 30 and May 1, the feast day of the parish patron saint, St. Joseph, is celebrated with various programs. Along with this, charitable activities are also being carried out in the field of treatment and housing construction. The current vicar, Fr. Seby Kavalakkat, who is leading the parish, is providing leadership for the spiritual and material affairs of the parish.