148-Year-Old Crypt Unearthed, Century-Old Tombs Intact in Historic Church in Kerala.

Kochi, September 28, 2024: A historic 148-year-old crypt has been unearthed beneath the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Manjummel, in Ernakulam district, Kerala, belongs to the St. Pius X Manjummel Province of the Discalced Carmelites in the Archdiocese of Verapoly. The remarkable discovery revealed three century-old tombs, all in pristine condition, during a recent renovation of the church, which had just been blessed after the completion of restoration work.

The crypt, hidden beneath the nave of the church, was uncovered during a thorough examination of the church floor. The investigation, prompted by historical records from the ICD Manjummel province archives, led to the unexpected discovery of the crypt's entrance, which had been sealed and forgotten for generations.

Upon exploration, the crypt was found to be undisturbed, with the tombs remaining remarkably intact despite the passage of time. The tombs, located in the central area of the nave, are believed to be over a century old and were part of a carefully constructed burial chamber where Discalced Carmelite friars were interred.

The church, whose construction began on September 26, 1876, included a crypt designed for the burial of friars beneath the eastern part of the nave. However, in 1924, an ecclesiastical directive led to the closure of the crypt, and burials inside the church were discontinued. The crypt was then sealed with soil and calcium concrete, and the entrance was tiled over so seamlessly that no visible trace of it remained until now.

This discovery not only sheds light on the historical significance of the church but also offers a unique opportunity for further research into the lives of those buried there.

By Prasad Theruvathu