Today, as the bells ring across the hills and valleys of Wayanad and beyond, the faithful of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Mananthavady come together to celebrate their Diocese Day. May 1st is not just a date; it marks the culmination of faith, perseverance, and community spirit that defines the Diocese’s rich journey since its official inauguration on this very day in 1973.

The origin of the Mananthavady Diocese lies in the post-independence migration of Syro-Malabar Catholics from central Kerala to the forest-clad northern regions of Kerala, the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, and parts of Karnataka. In search of arable land and livelihood, these settlers cleared forests, built homes, and most importantly, established churches that became the nucleus of their communities.

Recognizing the pastoral needs of these faithful, Pope Paul VI erected the Eparchy of Mananthavady through the apostolic bull Quanta Gloria on March 1, 1973. It was officially inaugurated on May 1st, with the consecration of Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy as its first bishop.

Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy laid the groundwork for spiritual and institutional growth, setting up the bishop's house, pastoral centers, and mission stations. He was succeeded by Mar Emmanuel Pothanamuzhy, who expanded the diocese’s educational and religious infrastructure. Since 2004, Mar Jose Porunnedom has guided the diocese with a vision for deeper evangelization, socio-pastoral care, and youth engagement. Auxiliary Bishop Mar Alex Tharamangalam, appointed in 2022, further strengthens this mission.

Today, the Diocese encompasses over 157 parishes and hundreds of mission centers across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The faithful are served by a robust clergy, religious sisters, and lay missionaries. But what truly animates the diocese are its dynamic lay organizations and apostolates:

KCYM Mananthavady plays a crucial role in empowering the youth spiritually, socially, and culturally. It organizes retreats, cultural festivals, leadership training, social outreach, and actively promotes vocations and faith formation.

The CML nurtures missionary zeal in children and adolescents, teaching them to pray, serve, and grow in the spirit of St. Therese of Lisieux. CML units are vibrant across all parishes, hosting annual conventions, exams, and mission campaigns.

As the laity's representative body, AKCC in Mananthavady promotes civic responsibility, social justice, and policy engagement while safeguarding Christian values and rights in public life. They also conduct seminars, legal aid programs, and charitable drives.

Mathruvedi, the diocesan mother’s forum, binds women in faith and service. Their involvement ranges from prayer groups to family apostolates, healthcare awareness, and helping the needy. They are the spiritual backbone of many parishes.

This is the children's wing dedicated to nurturing Christian values through storytelling, games, scripture reading, and arts. Parish-level and diocesan camps inspire children to grow as faith-filled, socially responsible individuals.

The Diocese runs numerous schools, hostels, and technical institutes that serve students from all faiths. Mission hospitals, clinics, and palliative care centers provide compassionate medical service, especially in remote regions.

Social outreach programs support tribal welfare, housing projects for the poor, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief. Institutions like Santhi Sadan and Maria Sadan serve the elderly and differently-abled, reflecting the Gospel's call to serve the least among us.

The missionary zeal of the Diocese has also extended internationally. Priests, religious, and lay missionaries from Mananthavady serve in North India, Africa, and Europe, taking the light of Christ beyond linguistic and cultural boundaries.

On this Diocese Day, Holy Qurbana, adoration, rosaries, and celebratory gatherings fill parishes and mission centers. The faithful reflect on their collective journey—from dense forests to flourishing communities of worship and service.

As the Diocese looks to the future, its focus remains clear: deeper evangelization, youth empowerment, sustainable development, and interfaith harmony. Its strength lies in the active participation of every parishioner, and in the hope that what began as a mission in the wilderness will continue to be a light on the hill.

Long live the Diocese of Mananthavady! May its legacy of faith and service continue to inspire generations to come.