KOLLAM: The Dutch Church (Idachal St. Mary's Church ) in Pattamthuruth West Ward, Munroethuruthu has only one Christian family as parishioners. When the annual church festival comes, it is celebrated together by them and the neighbouring Hindu families. Hindus will be at the forefront of decorating the church, preparing the feast and conducting the procession. There are Hindus in the festival management committee as well.
The festival of St. Mary in the Dutch Church is in April. Pazhayavittil Robert, his wife Kochuthresya and their children Jasmi and Jhansi are the only Christian family in the parish. The church is under the control of the Kollam Diocese.
Only Robert's family remained in the parish as most moved elsewhere due to poor transportation in the area. There is no daily mass or prayer in the church. There is mass only on Sundays and second Saturdays. Believers from other places also visit this church on these days.
Built by the Portuguese
The church was built by the Portuguese in 1518 AD. Renovated in 1668 AD on the Dutch model. It was renovated in 1878 as it is today. It is known as the Dutch Church because it was under the control of the Dutch for a long time. The altar and the facade of the church are in the Dutch style. There are porches on both sides of the church. Stone cross in front. On the right is the deity of Mary, mother of Jesus. The present design of the church was done by Dr. Jerome M. Fernandes, the first native bishop of Kollam Diocese.
"The Dutch church is unique in its heritage and religious tradition. Irrespective of caste and religion, around two hundred families here are the children of Holy Mary.
-Suresh Atumpurath,
Panchayat Member, Pattamthuruth West
"Everyone looks after the affairs of the church the same way irrespective of caste and religion" - Robert