Singanallur, historically speaking is as ancient as Coimbatore, since it is mentioned as one of the places captured by the Mysore Kings in 1684-85. It must have been of some military importance Valialore, close to Singanallur, ofcourse, is more ancient , since it was one of the important trading centres with the Roman Empire (between 1st Cent. B.C – 3rd Cent. AD), as the numerous Roman coins dug up here, reveal. It was ruled by a Chieftain of Pallia Vellalars, as the stone inscriptions found here testify, belonging to the last Sangam Age ( cfr. Shakti Devi: Kovai Nagara Varalaru: p.4-S).

The modern Singanallure is a town of Spinning and Weaving Mills, situated as it is just opposite the Palghat Pass and the mild humid climate suitable for the manufacture of cotton yarn. Even before the Mills came, this locality was thickly populated by the weaving community of Devanger- though none of them Christians. With the sprouting of cotton Mills, the population has vastly increased with people from othr placees thronging fo employment. But sadly, cotton textile Industry is one, which has always been plagued by periodic slumps. The Weavers community has saying: “When there is demand, there will not be enough yarn available; when the yarn is abundant, there will not be demand. When both demand and yarn supply is abandant, there won’t be electricity!” Anyhow this area is the Citadel of Trade Unions ol various hues and political affiliations! Lately many Textile Mills have closed down and hence it is in the grip of unemployment an the consequent suffering of the mill workers!

The few Catholic families who settled down in 1940’s were going to Saveriarpalayam. But as the number increased a large plot of six acres of dry land was purchased by the Diocese, betweer Singanallur and Ondipudur, but mercifully, on the main road and chapel in honour of St. Philomina (made famous by St. Cure D’Ars) was built by Bishop Savarimuthu in 1964. Since it was a worker’s paradise May was chosen as the feast-day celebration and Catholic workers and pilgrims from surrounding areas were encouraged to take part in it. Since there were no Catholics, close to the church, Bishop Savarimuthu sold off some plots to Catholics, to come and settle down here. But in those days, until Athikadavu Water supply came, there was great water scarcity, with wells as deep as 200 feet and yet no water and people had to buy water for drinking as well as for other purposes.

It was established as a separate parish in 1964, with Fr. A. Siluvainather as the first Parish Priest, a fairly large presbytery was built (with water purchased!) then. The water Scarcity was so great the early parish priests had to go once or twice a week to the Bishop’s house for bath! In the year 1972, the Church was re­ christened as the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, the Patron of Workers, since St. Philomina’s name was dropped from the Roman Martyrology, as not having historical evidence for the Saint’s existence!

An English medium nursery school was started in 1986 which grew into a Matriculation High School, by the untiring efforts of Fr. John Bosco with new buildings to keep pace with the schools growth and later, in the time of Fr. Lazcr Sundarraj, it become a Matriculation Higher Secondary School with more new buildings and finally a large, well-equipped School Auditorium to cap everything.

The Sisters of St. Ann started a convent and an Institution to care for the Physically Handicapped and Mentally-retarded children, called “STAR” inside the church campus. Fr. Manthara brought the Holy Cross Sisters, and on his own initiative and finance, started a home for the Destitute women, ‘Thayagam’ at Singanallur. Later he handed it over to the CMSSS.

A new and modern Parish Church was built by Fr. John Bosco, in 1993 and consecrated by Bishop Ambrose. The same Fr. Bosco built a road-side Grotto of Our Lady of Vellankanni in 1988. A lew presbytcry was constructed in front of the church in 1990 by r. K.P. Vincent.

Sub – Station :

Peelamedu : 
(Aero-drome) Since many Catholics were settling down in md around the Coimbatore civil Aero-drome at Peelamedu, Bishop Savarimuthu purchased a large piece of land, near the Aero­ drome. A small chapel was built in honour of St. Joseph Cupertinc an unknown and recent saint, but the Protector of Travelers b) Air, by Fr. Maria Antony. Fr. John Bosco constructed a new attractive Church, but changed the Patron’s name into the mon popular name of St. Sebastian. Bishop Ambrose blessed it or 22 .04. 1990.

Main Staion:
Distance from the Cathedral Church : 10 K.Ms.
Total number of Catholic Families both in the main and sub station : 620
Total number of Catholic Families in the Main Station : 545
No of Catholics in the Main Station : 2725

Mass Timings :
Weekdays: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 6.30 | : Wed & Sat 5.3O p.m.

First Fri : 5.3O p.m.
Sundays : 8.00 a.m. & 5.30 p.m

Religious Houses:
1. St. Anne’s Convcnt 0422 – 2270671 2. Holy Cross Convcnt 0422 – 2591036 Diocesan Institution :
1. St. Joseph’s Mat. Hr.Sec..School 0422 – 2271367
1. St. Anne’s Rehabiliaton Centre 0422 – 2270671 (Star School)
2. St. Anne’s Social Work 0422 – 2270671 (Con) (Working Women)
3. Home for the Destitute Women 0422 – 2270671 (Con) (Thayagam)

Lay Association :
1. Legion of Mary (Senior & Junior)
2. Vincent De Paul Society
3. Kolping (India) Society
4. Altar Boys Associattion

Patronal Feast: May 1st

SUB – STATION

1. Peelamedu :

Distance – 8 K.Ms
Families – 75
No. of Catholics – 375
Mass Timings – 7.30 a.m Sunday

For more information please visit: http://www.coimbatorediocese.org/