KOTTAR, DIOCESE of - A suffragan of Verapoly, it was dismembered from the diocese of Quilon and entrusted to the Indian secular clergy on 26 May 1930. It is situated in the extreme tip of India that faces the Indian Ocean. It borders on that Ocean and on the dioceses of Quilon, Cochin and Tuticorin. In 1544 St. Francis Xavier passed through there, and there then began that movement of conversions which was later intensified through the zeal of the Jesuits under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Cochin. At K. there is a church built on an area sanctified by the miracles of Xavier and a destination of pilgrimages.
The diocese has an area of 1,655 sq. km. and a population of 790,046 inhabitants, almost all of Tamil stock and language. Of these, 483,636 are Hindus, 56,638 Muslims, 102,318 Protestants, 148,321 Catholics with 924 catechumens. It is divided into 4 rural vicariates, 46 parishes, 1 primary station and 112 secondary ones. The secular priests number 57, assisted by 6 Discalced Carmelites and as many lay brothers, 2 tertiary Carmelite priests of Manjumel and 3 brothers of the Missionary Congregation of St. Francis of Assisi. The nuns number 169 (almost two thirds Indian), belonging to various religious institutes. The diocese maintains a minor seminary with 41 students; 20 clerics pursue philosophical and theological studies outside the diocese. In 84 elementary schools 15,949 pupils are educated, and in 17 middle schools of various grades 2,000 students. There are industrial and normal schools and 1 printing press.
The works of charity are represented by 3 orphanages and 1 home for the aged. The confraternities, pious associations and Catholic Action groups are numerous and flourishing.
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Pompeo Borgna