The Nolasco Friars of Vallarpadam

Saint Peter Nolasco lived between 12th and 13th century. His work of redemption and ransoming  of the Christian slaves was greatly appreciated during the era of Muslim Ottoman strength. During his life time and immediately after his death his work gained support and popularity all over known Europe. There were houses of his order in Portugal. 

The missionaries who brought the Lady Of Ransom picture to Vallarpadam, did they come from the Nolasco house in Portugal?

Anyway they reached here (evidence required). The French revolution in the 18th century had diminishing impact on the Catholic Church from which it never really recovered. The Nolasco Friars were nearly wiped out. Was it then, they lost connection with the Vallarpadam Church?

A sunny Day

The cyclone Vayu took our monsoon away. Ever since the cyclone retreated our rain has stopped.

The day was very warm and bright at Vallarpadam.

The parish church was decorated beautifully to celebrate someone's dream coming true :)

First Rain 2019

I was at Vallarpadam when the first rain of the monsoon came pouring down.

The summer heat had become unbearable and the thrashing rain was a welcome change. 

To watch the rain from the Marian Tower was a wonderful experience. The wall after wall of raindrops stretching all the way to the Arabian sea across the vastness of the back water. 

The church looked majestic and lonely in the rain.