His Holiness Mar Abo

His Holiness Mar Abo hailed from Nineveh (in modern-day Iraq). He traveled through numerous regions before reaching Kollam (Ref: Travancore State Manual, Page 244), (Persian Cross located in the Madbaha of Kadamattom church). Through his profound spiritual life, he was soon held in high esteem by people from all walks of life due to his exemplary moral and spiritual conduct. Consequently, the Kulasekhara King, who ruled over Kollam, granted him special powers and administrative privileges. During this period, the Tharisapalli church at Kollam, which had been established by St. Thomas the Apostle, had been destroyed by sea erosion, leaving the people without a place of worship. Using the authority of the copper plate grants (Cheppedu) received from the King, the Holy Father Mar Abo rebuilt the ancient Tharisapalli in the 8th century. Following this, he traveled to spread the Gospel of Christ through his spiritual discourses at Kadamattom, Akaparambu, Kayamkulam, Niranam, Nilakkal, and Thevalakkara, strengthening the tenets of Christianity in the region by establishing several churches.

Upon reaching Kadamattom, the exhausted Bishop visited a nearby house to ask for food. The household, consisting of a widow and her only son from the Paliyoor Pakalomattam Namboothiri family, was too poor to offer hospitality. Realizing their plight, the Saint remarked, "A portion shared by the poor with a pure heart is better than a grand feast from the mighty." As the woman began to serve him, she was astonished to find the three plates and the cooking pot miraculously overflowing with food. Recognizing she was in the presence of a holy man, she entrusted her son to Mar Abo. This son became his disciple and was later known as the legendary Kadamattathu Kathanar. Years later, after Mar Abo healed the daughter of the local chief (the 'Kartha') of a mental illness, the Kartha gifted him land in gratitude, where the Kadamattom Orthodox Church was subsequently established.

Many people who were cured by the healing powers of this holy man accepted Christianity. As many converted after witnessing his miracles and healings, certain traditionalists, angered by his influence, decided to do away with him. Realizing the situation through a divine vision, Mar Abo called Kadamattathu Achan, placed his signet ring on the priest's finger, and told him, "I am departing from here; when this ring falls off, understand that my end has come". Kadamattathu Kathanar unwillingly bid farewell to his Guru.

Thereafter, Mar Abo set off on his journey southward until he reached Thevalakkara. There, he was drawn to the serenity of the village, the church consecrated in the name of St. Mary and the affectionate devotion of its kind-hearted people. He chose to spend the rest of his life at a 'Chavadi' (a resting hall) in front of the church. Even now, one can see the renovated 'Chavadi' where he performed many of his miracles to help the sick and destitute, providing healing and deliverance to all, and relief to those possessed by evil spirits, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.

Through the holy man's godly acts, numerous miracles were performed, resulting in widespread love and respect from the people of this region, a devotion that remains unbroken to this day.

After completing his worldly mission in faithfulness to God, he left for his heavenly abode. At the time of his death, the signet ring fell from Kadamattathu Achan's finger. Immediately remembering his Guru's words, the devoted disciple set out to see his mortal remains. After an agonizing search, he reached Thevalakkara only to find that the believers, with tearful eyes and heavy hearts, had already laid him to rest at the north-western corner of the Madbaha. As Kadamattathu Achan stood weeping at the tomb, as if to comfort him, Mar Abo's right hand miraculously emerged from the grave. Full of joy, Kadamattathu Achan pressed the holy hand to his chest, and it was a wonder to see the hand detach into the disciple's grasp. He later enshrined this holy relic in the southern wall of the Kadamattom church. Due to the strong bond between Guru and disciple, many pilgrims still regularly travel from Kadamattom to the Saint's tomb in Thevalakkara.

In this era where sacred sanctuaries respected by all are few, the tomb of Mar Abo attracts people regardless of religion, where they seek intercession and bear witness to their prayers being granted. Despite the absence of formal publicity, his fame and the experiences of believers increase day by day. The departed and living holy Bishops and priests who have visited here bear witness to the grace received through this Saint. Believers begin any new venture only after seeking his blessings at the tomb. The prayer room next to his tomb is always open to the public throughout the day. Praying at the tomb continues to help many people heal from diseases and overcome life's sufferings regardless of caste or religion.

The holy man who blesses those who rely on him is known to relieve their anxieties and worries when they bow their heads before him. Special prayers are held on the second Friday of every month for his intercession. Meditation and prayers for the intercession of St. Mary are also held from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM on the second Friday of the month.

"Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward" (St. Matthew 10:41)

Saints manifest miracles and divine power during their lifetime, and this effect is manifested even after death. These traits and actions derive from their deep connection to a divine power. It is believed that the power of holy fathers continues to shine even after their earthly death. Therefore the departed saints are in an active state (St. Luke 9:30-31). They worship and pray (Revelation 7:14-15). Their prayers are fruitful (St. James 5:16), and they ask for the blessing of the living (St. Luke 16:27-28), therefore, we should remember them (Proverbs 10:7, St. Matthew 10:40-41).

The departed saints pray and intercede for us. In honor of his legacy, multitudes of people across religions come to pray at his tomb, where the Mar Abo Remembrance Perunnal (feast) is celebrated from January 30 to February 8 every year. May everyone find peace, tranquility, and healing at the tomb of St. Mar Abo.