Country India Consecrated 1925 Dedication Saint Joseph | Founded 1921 Opened 1921 | |
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Location Meenkunnam, Muvattupuzha Denomination Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Founder(s) Mar Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly Diocese Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Kothamangalam Similar St Sebastian's Church, Marth Mariam Syro‑Mal, Kottakkavu Mar Thoma Church, St Thomas Church - Palayoor, Taj Mahal | ||
St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is situated in Meenkunnam village, 6 km from Muvattupuzha, India. It was founded by Servant of God Mar Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly in 1921. The church belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Kothamangalam.
History
Meenkunnam village has a large population of Syrian Catholics. These Nasrani Christians, who were previously under Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Arakuzha, have more than 1500 years of recorded history.
A main landmark of Meenkunnam is a copy of Michelangelo's Pietà, which was created by the artist Appukuttan. This sculpture at Meenkunnam is roughly 4 times the size of the original Pietà, located at the St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. Owing to its size, the artist could make a compromise on intricate details and created a sculpture lacking realism, ideal beauty, harmony and balance observed in the original sculpture which showcases a balance of Renaissance ideals of classical beauty with naturalism.