Wed Mar 12 13:11:36 UTC 2025: ## Historic First: Woman Appointed Trustee at 165-Year-Old Kerala Church
**Alappuzha, Kerala – March 12, 2025** – In a groundbreaking move, Suja Anil has been appointed as a ‘kaikari’ (female trustee) of the 165-year-old Our Lady of Assumption Church in Poomkavu, Alappuzha. This marks the first time a woman has held this traditionally male role in the church’s history, and, according to church officials, possibly the first within the entire Diocese of Cochin.
Ms. Anil, a 39-year-old sociology graduate and active community member, was sworn in earlier this week alongside two male trustees. Fr. Xavier Chiramel, vicar of the church, attributed the decision to the church’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He described Ms. Anil as a dedicated social worker and active church member, stating her appointment sends a “strong, positive message.”
The appointment followed a recommendation from the Parish Pastoral Council and subsequent approval from the Diocese of Cochin. Ms. Anil, who previously served as a grama panchayat representative, will assist in managing the church’s finances and assets for a two-year term. The Our Lady of Assumption Church, consecrated in 1860, serves a community of approximately 2,000 families and is a significant pilgrimage site.
First Piper 