The Holy Cross Church, Mapranam

The Holy Cross Church, Mapranam, Thrissur is one of the few churches in Asia which has received the relic of the Holy Cross, part of the Holy blood of Jesus Christ and the bloodstained Holy Cloth used by Veronica to wipe the face of Jesus Christ, all donated from Vatican by the order of the Pope. Founded in A.D 928 it is one of the oldest churches in Kerala state, India. North of it lies Karuvannur River, the Arattupuzha Temple and the churches of Pallissery and Panamkulam.

The Church is a part of Irinjalakuda diocese and is a historically and archeologically renowned pilgrim centre. It was recently renovated and attracts worshippers beyond religious barriers.

The offering of candles is the main ritual here and the annual ceremony is called Thirithelikkal (Candle Lighting). A candle made at this Church has been included in the Limca Book of Records as the largest candle in India. According to the book the candle has a weight of 1,079 kg and a height of 22 ft. On September 14th every year Christians all over the world celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and this same day Mapranam Church celebrates the main feast in the name of the Holy Cross.