Diocese of Kuzhithurai

The Diocese of Kuzhithurai, established by Pope Francis on December 22, 2014 as Tamil Nadu’s 18th diocese, was formed by separating it from the historic Diocese of Kottar, whose roots trace back to early Christian presence in the Kumari region, including traditions of St. Thomas and the extensive missionary work of St. Francis Xavier among the Paravar and Mukkuvar fishing communities in the 16th century. Over the centuries, Christianity grew inland through Jesuit missions, conversions among the Nadar and other communities, and the establishment of numerous parishes despite political resistance and persecution—including the martyrdom of Devasahayam Pillai and the suffering of early Catholic Nadars. The region eventually became part of the vast Kollam Diocese until 1930, when Kottar was formed as a separate diocese. With rapidly growing Catholic populations and strong missionary foundations, Kottar continued to flourish until it gave rise to its “child,” the new Diocese of Kuzhithurai, whose first bishop, Rev. Jeromedas Varuvel SDB, was appointed on the day of its creation, marking the fulfillment of a decades-long aspiration of the faithful in Kanyakumari district.