The history of Malabar migration especially to the uncultivated fertile lush areas of Koodaranhi began from the year 1946. During the initial phase at Koodaranhi our fore fathers used to go to Thiruvambady Church for their spiritual purposes. It was in the year 1949, April 21 Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Alfred Maria Patroni reached Koodaranhi and celebrated the holy mass. His proclamation affirmed the beginning of Koodaranhi parish. Vayalil Moyin Haji donated the land to construct Koodaranhi church.
Rev. Fr. Bernardine CMI was appointed as the first Vicar of Koodaranhi Church in 1949, August 15. Within 2 years the number of parishioners at Koodaranhi became 2000. In 1953 the construction of symmetry was completed. Unfortunately in the same year the church was destroyed by a heavy storm. The reconstruction of the church began with the help of a new plan (Breadth- 46 ft and Length- 136 ft) which was prepared by Rev Fr. Hadriyan in 1954. By 1956 April 25, Bishop Mar Sebastian Valloppilli blessed the newly constructed Koodaranhi Church. The new Church exposed the hardcore dedication of Rev. Fr. Bernadine CMI and our fore fathers. The Influence of Sr. Agnas brought the CMC house at Koodaranhi in 1956 June 8, which was the first house of CMC Sisters under the Diocese of Thalassery.
Rev. Fr. Tishyan CMI strenuously strived to bring a high school at Koodaranhi. But those hardships found its result only in the year 1962, when Rev. Fr. Berthlomia CMI was the Vicar of Koodaranhi Church. Rev. Fr. Pious CMI was the last missionary to become the Vicar of Koodaranhi Church. Thereafter the diocese started to send their preists to Koodaranhi parish.
Rev. Fr. Jacob Varikattu was the first Diocesan priest to be the vicar of Koodaranhi Church. Vincent de Paul society was started at Koodaranhi parish during his period. His creative fervour brought a new horizon for Koodaranhi high school.
In 1967 March 26, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kachiramattam took up the initiative to bring a hospital in the church building at Koodaranhi. The Premise of Koodaranhi church was widened by him. His diplomatic move became a great boon for the people and the health realm of Koodaranhi. The road developments of Koodaranhi were started under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Jacob Narikuzhi. His profound vision was that the roads will bring forth the developments to our place. The efficiency of his administrative talents was well assured with the developments of Koodaranhi- Thiruvambady road and Mukkam- Thekkumkutty- Koodaranhi road in 1972.
During 1977 remarkable changes were brought in the spiritual environment of the believers under Rev. Fr. Peter Koottiyani. He conducted several retreats and adorations for the parishioners. He divided the parish into several wards, and those wards were divided into groups which consisted of 10 houses. He asserted the vitality of quarterly ward prayers. He initiated various committees and organizations like Peace committee, Anti- Drugs committee, Library, Catechism teachers etc. Under his leadership every year the believers conducted the pilgrimage to Malayattoor.
It was Rev. Fr. Joseph Mailadoor who gave a new face to the high school ground. He completed a fine and astonishing ground with gallery for the School students and the lovers of sports. He also gave priority for agricultural developments. The construction of shopping complex at Koodaranhi was completed during the period Rev. Fr. Zacharias Kattakkal and it was named as Fr. Bernardine Memorial complex.
In 1991, Rev. Fr. James Mundackal was the vicar of the Koodaranhi Church. He had a splendid creative artistic sense which enabled him to design the altar of the church with pictorial representations. He was also known for his organizational proficiency. His period was remarked with the progressive efforts of Sunday School, Mathruvedi and other organizations. The symmetry was renovated by him. The construction of Higher Secondary School buildings was started by Rev. Fr. Paul Kalapurakkal. He took several efforts to attain the sanction of Higher Secondary School at Koodaranhi. Thereafter Rev. Fr. George Thadathil became the vicar of Koodaranhi. He could complete merely eight months and then his soul departed from this world.
During the time of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Pookkalum, the construction work of Higher Secondary block was completed, L. P. School building and the shopping complex were renovated and the land was bought to construct chapel at Panakkachal.
It was during the time of Rev. Fr. Jose Manimalatharappil, Koodaranhi Parish saw a great number of constructions which molded the elegance of our church. The chapel at symmetry, Vincent de Paul society building, Koodaranhi parish hall (2005), Pieta at the entrance of the church, grotto of Mother Mary etc. spoke his constructive excellence. The hospital building and the property were sold to Holy Spirit Sisters during his period.
In the year 2007, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kanjirakattukunnel became the vicar of Koodaranhi parish. His key areas of focus were spirituality and agricultural developments. His implementation of “Unarvu” (an agricultural pooling society) became a helping hand for the farmers of Koodarahi Parish. It obtained much reputation and appreciations within the District. The St. Sebastian’s Higher Secondary School attained its full grandeur during this period.
It was Rev. Fr. James Vamattathil who paved way for the construction of our new church. He was able to obtain the majorities’ agreement for the construction. Presently Rev. Fr. Roy Thekkumkattil, the vicar of St. Sebastian’s Church Koodaranhi is entrusted with the construction duty of our new church.
