For those who came from many directions in search of a dreamland, this was not merely a migration—it was a new birth. They were people who had struggled against the waves, who had lived close to the sandy shores, some carrying the heavy burdens of suffering and others bearing the wings of hope. When they first stepped onto this land, it felt unfamiliar and strange. Yet, slowly and quietly, in the depths of their hearts, it transformed into their own beloved homeland.

The early days were not easy. The soil was unfamiliar, the paths unknown, the nature of the sea unpredictable, and the nights long and weary. But when one person began to understand another’s pain, the sense of estrangement melted away. As they cooked together over a shared hearth and shared their meals, they became a family—bound together in laughter and in tears.

Like planting trees, they built their homes—not merely with bricks, but with hope. Each house became a story: a story of rising from suffering, a story of faith. The laughter of children filled the land with life, while the prayers of the elders became its strong foundation. In time, what emerged was not just a cluster of houses, but a living community—a family of people who cared deeply for one another. They did not simply make the land their own; they made each other their own.

During the years 1958–59, in the context of the Vimochana Samaram (Liberation Struggle) against Kerala’s first Communist government, the Bishop of the Diocese of Trivandrum, Most Rev. Peter Bernard Pereira, stood as a leading figure. In the aftermath of the struggle, while certain communities advanced in their social development, the Latin Catholic community remained behind. Deeply moved by the condition of his coastal people, the Bishop himself stepped forward to uplift their standard of living. As part of this vision, the Trivandrum Social Service Society was established in 1960.

Migration

From around 1950 onwards, a few families from the southern regions of the Diocese of Trivandrum and from the coastal areas of Kanyakumari district migrated for fishing to what was then known as “Alillathura,” the present-day Marianad and Shanthipuram. These families lived in humble huts made of palm leaves along the seashore, enduring hardship with quiet resilience.

Marianad Housing Cooperative Society

Recognizing the struggles of fishermen in his diocese, Bishop Pereira envisioned providing land and proper housing to improve their living conditions. As part of this initiative, the Marianad Housing Cooperative Society was established in 1961. With financial assistance from the German organization “Miserere,” land was purchased and houses were constructed. By 1962, sixty-two houses had been built. In the initial phase, twelve families from Anjuthengu settled here. Soon, more families arrived from Poovar, Karumkulam, Kochuthura, and Puthiyathura, gradually forming a vibrant settlement.

Under the leadership of those appointed by Bishop Pereira—Fr. Cleetus Gomez, Sr. Loretta Ferina (an Italian sister), Gaithan, Claire, (Foreigners) Mrs. Nalini Naik, and Mr. Eugene Kulas—several initiatives were launched for the welfare of the people. These included public health programs, a dispensary, tailoring training classes, a nursery school, small savings schemes, loan facilities, and study classes. Along with the houses, important structures such as a community hall (today’s library building), a dispensary building, and a nursery school were also constructed. In the years that followed, many more families migrated to what is now Marianad.

In 1967, the Marianad Fishermen’s Cooperative Society was established. Through this society, various types of fishing nets and modern fishing techniques were introduced to the fishermen. These new ideas and methods made fishing more efficient and productive. As the number of settlers increased, the government provided colony houses for them, and for a time, the place came to be known as the Marianad Colony.

In the early years, the faithful attended worship and Holy Mass at the Puthukurichy parish church. Later, Mass began to be celebrated in the community hall, now known as the library hall. Initially, the parish priests of Puthukurichy came to celebrate the Eucharist, and in due course, Jesuit priests took responsibility for the spiritual care and sacramental life of the people. In 1975, Marianad was raised as a substation of the Vettuthura parish, and the parish priests of Vettuthura also served the people of Marianad.

As the community grew, the faithful longed for a church of their own. In response to this desire, on 15 August 1975, Bishop Peter Bernard Pereira laid the foundation stone for a new church. Designed under the guidance of the renowned artist-architect Laurie Baker, the church was built with remarkable simplicity, beauty, and cost-effectiveness. Fr. Joseph Maria led the construction efforts. On 5 August 1989, Most Rev. Jacob Acharuparambil consecrated the new church and opened it for divine worship.

In 1994, Marianad was elevated to the status of an independent parish by Most.Rev. Dr. Soosa Pakiam the Archbishop of Trivandrum. Rev. Fr. Joseph Bastin was appointed as its first parish priest. Through the dedicated efforts of Fr. Vincent and Fr. Joseph Bastin, a presbytery was completed in the same year. Following this, the parish experienced extraordinary growth in every dimension of its life.

Establishment of Vidyasadan Primary School

The field of education also witnessed steady progress. In 1992, Fr. Vincent K. J. established the Vidyasadan Primary School. During the tenure of Fr. Pancratius (1998–2001), it was upgraded to an Upper Primary School. Later, during the time of Fr. Syrus Kalathil (2007–2012), it became a High School, and steps were taken to secure CBSE affiliation. To meet the broader needs of the parish community, an animation centre (community hall) was constructed in 2010. In 2013, when Fr. Thaddeus served as parish priest, the school received CBSE affiliation. In 2014, during the tenure of Fr. George Gomez, the wayside cross dedicated to the Blessed Mother was renovated.

In 2023, during the time of Fr. Syrus, the BPBPM Ground was developed, providing essential facilities for the sports training of children. On 19 March 2024, a new presbytery was blessed by Most Rev. Thomas Netto the Archbishop of Trivandrum. In the same year, during the service of Fr. Melkon, CBSE permission was granted to start Higher Secondary classes in the school. On 19 March 2025, the new Higher Secondary block was inaugurated by Most Rev. Thomas Netto. Finally, on 18 March 2026, the wayside cross constructed by the seashore was blessed by the Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum, Most Rev.Dr. Christudas .