Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Pambra (1999)
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at Pambra in the Jurisdiction of the Diocese of Calicut was established in the year 1977. Our relation with the Diocese of Calicut begun way back in 1987 when we wanted to establish a house at Pulpally. After having established our seminary at Pulpally our presence in and around Pulpally was becoming significant and this paved path to extend pastoral ministry and consequently to work in the Diocese. Initial contacts for the Pastoral ministry in the Diocese was made by Rev. Fr. Mathew E. P., then Superior of the Formation House at Pulaplly with the Bishop of Calicut, Most Rev. Maxwel Nehrona. The efforts were realized as we as we were invited to take up the pastoral activities in the nearby parish.
As a result the Immaculate Heart of Mary church at Pambra about 10 K.M. from our Formation house was entrusted to us in the year 1999. From then onwards we the Holy Spirit Fathers are rendering pastoral ministry here. The parish is situated at Marianad in the middle of Pambra Estate and was constructed by the Estate owner for the spiritual needs of laborers in the estate and nearby faithful. The following Priest members from our Society rendered their service as Parish Priest:
The parish has sixty-five families with three hundred and twenty-five Catholics. All families do not reside in the parish locality. However, they attend the Sunday Masses. Most of our parishioners are daily workers in the Estate and financially they come under the lower middle class. Surrounded by forest and large area of Estate brings this area always under the threat of wild animals. It is nothing new when we hear about Elephants other wild animals attack people or destroy the cultivation.
It is for 23 years we are serving the parish at Pambra and our priests contributed to the integral development of the Parish, be it spiritual, material or for the facilities needed. A close collaboration with the diocese and a proper animation and motivation of the parishioners together with the support of the Society we have achieved this integral and noticeable growth; for example, renovation and painting of the Church, truss work for the presbytery, renovation of Cemetery, repair and renovation of the Presbytery, asphalt road to the parish.
On the faith formation of the faithful besides the regular Holy Mass, administration of the sacraments, family visits, there are special program for the people organized. Annual retreats, celebration of the Church Feast, youth programs, children camp enhance the community building of the parish. The service of the Ursuline sisters in the parish is admirable. The Sisters run Marianad Lower Primary School. They also actively in the parish activities and help by the Sunday school, first holy communion and confirmation preparation, also the Altar servers group.