Mar. Francis Vazhapilly was born on 18 May 1878 at Puthenvelikara, ordained priest on 22 December 1906, nominated titular bishop of Philadelphia and Vicar Apostolic of Trichur on 5 April 1921. He was consecrated bishop on 6 July of the same year in the Lourde's Cathedral by the Delegate Apostolic H. Ex. Dr. Peter Pisani and took charge on the same day. On 21 December 1923, when the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy was established, Mar Francis Vazhapilly became the first bishop of the Eparchy of Trichur. In 1929 he made his " Ad Limina" Visit to Rome.
Mar. Francis Vazhapilly visited Rome and European countries keenly observing the architecture of the churches there. The present Our Lady of Dolours Basilica (Puthenpally), known as the largest church in Asia was built on the plan he drew on his return from abroad. On 10 October 1925, Mar Francis christened the new church as the Church of Our Lady of Dolours. On 21 December 1929, Mar Francis Vazhappilly laid the foundation of the colossal church.
He passed away on 12 May 1942, and his body was laid to rest in the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, Trichur. In 1999 a part of his mortal remains was brought to Lourde's Metropolitan Cathedral and interred in its crypt.