St.Thomas Christian Museum
The museum is open to the public on Monday to Saturday From 9 a.m. to 12.30 and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. And on Sundays by special appointment Entrance fee: Adults Rs.5/-; Children : Rs.3/-.Children in groups more than 20: Rs.2/- |
Address Liturgical Research Centre www.stthomasmuseum.com |
St. Thomas Christian Museum is situated in the premises of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St, Thomas Kakkanad. It has a rich Collection of historical and cultural documents and artistic objects, including palm leaves
, coins, stamps, household utensils and ornaments as well as liturgical objects. Most valuable item is the original manuscript of VARTHAMANAPUSTHAKAM, written in 1785 by Paremakkal Thoma Kathanar. There is also a set 9 Iconographic Paintings on important feasts of the liturgical Seasons. Light and sound show on important historical events of St. Thomas Christians is worth watching too. The Museum was inaugurated in 2001.
Preservation and protection of the documents and artifacts concerning the ideas and events that shaped and continue to shape the religious and social consciousness of the Syro-Malabar Christians.
With a Decree dated, 15th December 2000 Mar Varkey Vithayathil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, erected St. Thomas Christian Museum at Mount St. Thomas. The Decree says: “Preservation and
protection of the documents and artifacts concerning the ideas and events that shaped and continue to shape the religious and social consciousness of a people is of paramount importance in giving a sense of belongingness, direction and the correct values in life to the posterity of that people. It has been the desire of the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church that such a process be encouraged and speeded up in the Syro-Malabar Church in a more systematic and organized manner. Therefore having considered the importance and urgency of the matter in the Syro-Malabar church the synod of bishops in its session held from 30th October to 11th November 2000 decided to erect a museum at Mount St. Thomas under the auspices of the Syro-Malabar Liturgical Research Centre".
On March 30 2001 the Major Archbishop issued a circular letter addressed to all the faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church regarding the preservation of historical and cultural heritage and announcing the opening of the St. Thomas Christian Museum at Mount St. Thomas. St. Thomas Christian Museum was formally inaugurated by the Major Archbishop Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil on November 10 2001 in the presence of the Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church and ecumenical representatives of all the seven Churches of St. Thomas Christian tradition.