A small circle of four persons were erected by XAVIER to carry out the catechetical work effectively and fruitfully.

They were the Modugatham, (the Overseer), the Ubedesiar, ( the Sacristian) and Kannakupillai ( the catechist) and vathiar( teacher).

Just as the and the Jathitalaivan Pattangatties and Urars helped to carry out the civil administration , the trio. The Padre, the Kannakupillai and the Ubedesiar became the nucleus and played an important role in shaping the Parava community into a cultured society. (ROCHE)

In each settlement the Padre, the Ubedesiar and the Kannakupillai,played an active role in the church, and became the focal point of Parava existence. Within the the portals of Catholic churches, the Paravars were baptized, confirmed, educated, married and buried. (ROCHE)

Even among the trio the role of the Kannakupillai was an incomparable one. This institution continues to function in almost all the parishes even today. Francis Xavier himself appointed the Kannakupillais and they were expected to be clean and pure in heart. It was his duty to monitor to the presence and activities of black magicians in Christian villages. He had to supervise whether catechism was taught regularly. He had to make a survey of the people of those who had not received baptism and confession. . He had to visit the sick and to report to the parish priest of the happenings in the parish in his absence.

If anyone wanted to become a Christian , the Kannkupillais had to ensure that the person was firmly rooted in the Christian Doctrine.

by. S. DECLA