Kerala parish honours patron of the laity by staging a drama on his life
George Kommattam - January 2026
Chevayoor Nithya Sahaya Matha Church (Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help), a parish in the diocese of Thamarassery, Kozhikode honoured India’s first martyr, St. Devasahayam Pillai, recently proclaimed the Patron of the Laity, with a powerful stage drama titled “Kattadimalayile Raktha Pushpam” (The Blood Flower of Kattadimala). The drama was staged in the parish hall on January 23, 2026, as part of the parish feast celebrations.
The one-and-a-half-hour drama depicted the life, faith, courage and martyrdom of St. Devasahayam Pillai and was enacted entirely by parishioners as a token of their love and devotion to the new saint. The script was written and directed by Mathew Parackal, a member of the parish, who selected around 40 parish members for the production. They practiced the drama during evenings, since all of them are are working people.
The performance was the result of two years of dedicated preparation and practice, and it was finally staged on the parish feast day.
Parackal said he was inspired to write the drama after visiting the birthplace of St. Devasahayam Pillai, where he stayed for a few days. He also studied available historical books and records to ensure accuracy and depth while writing the script.
Appreciating the effort, Fr. Tomy Kalathoor, parish priest, said the parishioners had prepared and practised well with the intention of offering spiritual renewal to others. “It is a new and meaningful way of evangelisation, especially through the active involvement of the laity,” he said.
Audience members lauded the initiative for its spiritual and educational impact. Jolly Chennattu, a member of a neighbouring parish, said the drama was an effective way for the laity to spread the Good News. “Instead of routine entertainment programmes during parish feasts, this initiative truly conveys the message of faith. It should be staged in every parish,” he said.
Jancy Jolly, a catechism teacher, observed that visual storytelling has a strong influence on faith formation. “Teaching about saints in classrooms can be challenging, but watching a drama on the life of a saint is a hundred times more effective,” she remarked.
Echoing this view, Dr. George Sebastian said the drama was a powerful medium to communicate the life and witness of St. Devasahayam Pillai. “Through such creative expressions, faith becomes more relatable and deeply touching, especially for the younger generation,” he said.
The production stood out as a meaningful example of how art and faith can come together to deepen devotion and inspire the faithful through the active participation of the laity.
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