Kumbakonam Diocese – List of Parishes – Pullambadi, Vilagam

List of Parishes (Vicariate: Pullambadi)

Alambakkam
St Thomas’ Church,
Alambakkam P.O. Via Pullambadi, Trichy Dt. – 621 711

Elakurichy
Adaikala Madha Shrine,
Elakurichy P.O. Via Tirumanur, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 715.

Kallakudi
St Xavier’s Church,
Kallakudi S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 651.

Kokkudi
St Ignatius Church,
Kokkudi P.O. Via Kallagam, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 653

Kovandakurichy
St James’ Church,
Kovandakurichy P.O. Via Pullambadi, Trichy Dt. – 621 711

Kulamanikam
St Ignatius Church,
Kulamanickam P.O. Ariyalur Dt. – 621 723.

Malathankulam
St Joseph’s Church,
Malathankulam, Via Keelapalur, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 707.

Pudukottai
Our Lady of Annunciation Church,
Pudukottai, Tirumalabadi P.O. Ariyalur Dt. – 621 851

Pullambadi
St Anne’s Church,
Pullambadi S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 711.

Siluvaipatti
Infant Jesus Church,
Siluvaipatti, Kallagam P.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 653.

Thirumanur
St John de Britto Church,
Thirumanur P.O. Ariyalur Dt. – 621 715.

Vadugarpet
O.L. of Good Health Church,
Vadugarpet P.O. Via Kallakudi, Trichy Dt. – 621 651.

Vandalai
St Xavier’s Church,
Vandalai, Gudalore P.O. Via Pullambadi, Trichy Dt. – 621 711.

Viragalur
O. L. of Seven Dolours’ Church,
Viragalur S.O. Via Pullamabadi, Trichy Dt. – 621 722

List of Parishes (Vicariate: Vilagam)

Vilagam Esanai
St. Antonys Church,
Vilagam Esanai(Post), Via Thirumalapadi, Ariyalur (Dt). Pincode: 621 851.

Kumbakonam Diocese – List of Parishes – Perambalur

List of Parishes (Vicariate: Perambalur)

Fathimapuram
Our Lady of Fatima Church,
Fatimapuram P.O, Via Valigondapuram, Perambalur Dt. – 621 115

Annamangalam
St Thomas’ Church,
Annamangalam P.O. Perambalur Dt. – 621 102.

Kottaipalayam
St Mary Magdalene Church,
Kottapalayam P.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 003.

Noothapur
R.C.Church,
Noothappur, Nergunam P.O. Via V. Kalathur, Perambalur Dt. – 621 117.

Padalur
St Francis of Assisi Church,
Padalur S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 109.

Palayam
St Joseph’s Church,
Palayam P.O. Via Kurumbalur, Perambalur Dt. – 621 107.

Perambalur
Our Lady of Snows Church,
Perambalur S.O. Perambalur Dt. – 621 212

Perumalpalayam
St Sebastian’s Church,
Perumalpalayam P.O. Via Sikkathambur, Trichy Dt. – 621 008.

Perumathur Eraiyur
St Antony’s Church,
P.S.M. Ltd. 36, Eraiyur P.O. Perambalur Dt. – 621 133

Thirumanthurai
St Pius X Church,
Thirumanthurai P.O. Via Labbhaikudikadu, Perambalur Dt. 621 108.

Thondamanthurai
St Michael’s Church,
Thondamanthurai P.O. Perambalur Dt. – 621 103.

Thuraiyur
Sts Peter & Paul Church,
Thuraiyur S.O. Perambalur Dt. – 621 010.

Vadakkalur
Little Flower Church,
Vadakkalur P.O. Via Labhaikudikadu, Perambalur Dt. – 621 108

Thiruvalenthurai
Christ the King Church,
Thiruvalenthurai PO. Via Kalathur, Perambalur Dt. – 621 117.

Kumbakonam Diocese – List of Parishes – Michaelpatty

List of Parishes (Vicariate: Michaelpatty)

Achanur
St Antony’s Church,
Aachanur, Vaithiyanathanpet P.O. Via Thillaisthanam, Thanjavur Dt.-613 203

Manathidal
St Thomas’ Church,
Manathidal P.O. Via Kandiyur, Thanjavur Dt. – 613 101

Megalathur
Our Lady of Refuge Church,
Megalathur P.O. Via Thogur, Thanjavur Dt. – 613 102.

Mela Thirupanthurithy
Arputha Annai Church,
Mela Thirupanthurithy, Via Kandiyur, Thanjavur Dt. – 613 103.

Michaelpatty
St Michael’s Church,
Michaelpatti P.O. Via Tirukattupalli, Thanjavur – 613 104

Pavanamangalam
St James’ Church,
Pavanamangalam, Vishnampet S.O. Via Poondi, Thanjavur Dt. – 613 105.

Poondi
Poondi Madha Basilica,
Poondi P.O. Via Tirukkattupalli, Thanjavur Dt. – 613 105

Punalvasal
St John’s Church,
Punalvasal P.O. Via Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur Dt. – 613 204

Sukkambar
St Antony’s Church,
Sukkambar, Koviladi P.O. Thanjavur Dt. – 613 105.

Thiruvaiyaru
Imm. Heart of Mary Church,
Thiruvaiyaru S.O. Thanjavur Dt. – 613 204.

Thirupanthurthi
O. L. of Good Health Church,
Thiruppanthurithy P.O. Via Kandiyur, Thanjavur Dt. – 613 103.

Kumbakonam Diocese – List of Parishes – Lalgudi

List of Parishes (Vicariate: Lalgudi)

Amalashram
Amala Annai Church,
Amalashram, Srirangam S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 006

Gabrielpuram
Sacred Heart Church,
Gabrielpuram P.O. Via Valady, Trichy Dt. – 621 218

Irungalur
St Thomas Church,
Irungalur S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 105

Kalathilventranpet
St Mary Magdelene Church,
Kalathilventronpet, Sengaraiyur P.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 792

Konalai
St Antony of Paduva Church,
Konalai P.O. Via Irungalur, Trichy Dt. – 621 132

Konnaikudi
St Antony’s Church,
Konnaikudi P.O. Via Anbil, Trichy Dt. – 621 702

Lalgudi
St Joseph’s Church,
Tiruvalluvar Nagar, Lalgudi S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 601.

Manakkal
Our Lady of Help of Refuge Church,
Manakkal P.O. Lalgudi S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 601.

Musiri
Sacred Heart Church,
Musiri S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 211.

Periyavarseeli
Our Lady of Refuge Church,
Periaverseeli P.O. Via Valady, Trichy Dt. – 621 218.

Purathakudi
St Xavier’s Church,
Purathakudi S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 111

Ramanathapuram Kattur
O L of Lourdes Church,
K. Ramanathapuram P.O. Via Puvalur, Trichy Dt. – 621 706.

Samayapuram
St Mary, the Mother of God Church,
Samayapuram S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 112.

Thathangaiyarpet
Nil

Thirukavalur
O.L. of Presentation Church,
Tirukavalur, Valady S.O. Trichy Dt. ? 621 218.

Thottiam
O. L. of Victories Church,
Thottiam S.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 215.

Tolgate
Infant Jesus Church,
Tollgate, Pitchandavar Koil P.O. Trichy Dt. – 621 216.

Uthamanur-Pudur
Sts. Paul & Peter Church,
Uthamanur Pudur.P.O. Via Puvalur, Trichy Dt. – 621 712.

Kumbakonam Diocese – List of Parishes

List of Parishes (Vicariate: Kumbakonam)

Ammanpettai
Our Lady of Refuge Chruch,
Ammanpettai, Anaikudi P.O. Via Veppathur, Thanjavur 612 105.

Guanella Nagar
Our Lady of Divine Porvidence,
O.S.J. Abideen Nagar, Mela Cauvery, Kumbakonam – 612 002.

Kabistalam
St Antony’s Church,
Keela Kabisthalam, Kabisthalam P.O. Thanjavur Dt. – 614 203

Ayyampet
St Antony of Paduva Church,
Pasupathikoil, Ayyampet, Thanjavur Dt. – 614 206

Kaniyiruppu
O.L.of Fatima Church,
Kaniyiruppu, Manalur P.O. Papanasam T.K. Thanjavur Dt. – 614 202

Kumbakonam
St Mary’s Cathedral,
Post Box No. 3, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur Dt. – 612 001.

Mathur
Our Lady of Victory Church,
Mathur P.O. Via Natchiarkoil, Thanjavur Dt. – 612 602

Papanasam
St Sebastian’s Church,
Papanasam S.O. Thanjavur Dt. – 614 205

S. Pudur
Our Lady of Good Health Church,
S.Pudur, Via Tiruvaimarudhur, Thanjavur Dt. – 612 205

Sembodai
St Xavier’s Church,
Sembodai, Kumbakonam South P.O. Thanjavur Dt. – 612 001.

Sikkalnayakkanpettai
R. C. Church,
Sikkalnayakkanpettai P.O. Via Tirupananthal, Thanjavur Dt. – 612 504.

Vadagarai
Our Lady of Lourdes Church,
Vadagarai, Mallapuram P.O. Via Konerirajapuram, Thanjavur Dt. – 612 201.

Valangaiman
Holy Redeemer Church,
Valangaiman S.O. Thiruvarur Dt. – 612 804

Villiavarambal
St Sebastin’s Church,
Villiavarambal, Ayyavadi P.O. Thanjavur Dt. – 612 003.

Kumbakonam Diocese – List of Parishes – Jayankondam

List of Parishes (Vicariate: Jayankondam)

Agnespuram
St Agnes Church,
Agnespuram, Koovathur P.O. Via Kallathur, Ariyalur Dt.-621 803

Jayankondam
O L of Fatima Church,
Jayankondam S.O. Ariyalur Dt. – 621 802.

Ariyalur
Our Lady of Lourdes Church,
Ariyalur S.O. Ariyalur Dt. – 621 704.

Keela Michaelpatti
St Michael’s Church,
Keelamichaelpatti P.O. Via T. Palur, Ariyalur Dt. – 612 904.

Keelaneduvai
St Anne’s Church,
Keelaneduvai, Via Varadarajanpet, Ariyalur Dt. – 612 805.

Koovathur
St Antony’s Church,
Koovathur P.O. Via Kallathur, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 803

Kumilankuzhy
St Xavier Church,
Kumilanguzhi P.O. Via Kallathur, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 803

Kulumur
St Paul’s Church,
Kulumur P.O. Via Senthurai, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 714

Naduvalur
St Joseph’s Church,
Naduvalur P.O. Via T. Palur, Ariyalur Dt. – 612 904.

Pattanamkurichy
O.L.of Lourdes Church,
Pattanamkurichy P.O. Via Andimadam, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 801.

Pudukuppam
Our Lady of Lourdes Church,
Shri Pudukuppam, Adhivarahanallur P.O. Via Shrimushnam, Kattumannar Kovil TK. Cuddalore Dt. – 608 703.

Susaiapperpattinam
St Joseph’s Church,
Susaiapparpattinam, Idaiyar P.O. Jeyankondam, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 804.

Thennur
O. L. of Lourdes Church,
Thennur S.O. Via Varadarajanpet, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 805.

Vizhapallam
St Sebastian’s Church,
Vizhapallam P.O. Thandalai, Via Kallathur, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 803

Vadaveekam
O. L. of Perpetual Help Church,
Vadaveekam, Kallathur P.O. Perambalur Dt. – 621 803.

Varadharajanpet
O. L. of Good Health Church,
Varadarajanpet P.O. Via Andimadam, Ariyalur Dt. – 621 805

Kottar Diocese – List of Parishes

List of Parishes in Kottar Diocese:

1
Alencholai (2009)
Church of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Alancholai, Kaliyel 629 161 Substations:
Chanelkarai – St. Francis De Sales
Chittar – St. Thomas

2
Alanvilai ( 1968)
Church of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Alanvilai, Karenkadu 629 809 Substations:
Kurunthancode – St. Joseph

3.
Alenchy (1961)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Alenchy, Palapallam 629 159

4.
Ambalakadai (2009)
Church of S Petr & Paul,
Ambalakadai Citharal 629 151 Substations:
Mathoorkonam – Holy Redeemer

5.
Amsi (1958)
Church of the Imm. Heart of Mary,
Amsi, Maniaremkunnu, Thengapattanam 629 173 Substations:
Oottukuzhy – O.L. of Per. Succour,
Osarathuvilai – St. John Bosco (Fathimapuram)

6.
Ananada Nagar (2004)
Church of Our Lady of Good Health,
Ananada Nagar, Via. Asaripallam 629 201

7.
Annai Nagar (2002)
Church of Our Lady of Snows,
Annai Nagar, Pallam 629 601

8.
Appattuvilai (2011)
Church of St. Antony,
Appattuvilai 629 175, Thuckalay 629 175

9.
Appattuvilai (1999)
Church of St. Joseph,
Appattuvilai 629 175 Substations:
Puliyoorkurichy – St. Michael

10.
Aralvaimozhy-Arockia Nagar (2004)
Church of Our Lady of Good Health,
Arockia Nagar, Aralvaimozhy 629 301 Substations:
Chanthaivilai -O.L. of Good Health
Subash Nagar – Infant Jesus

11.
Aralvaimzohy- Kurusady ( 1961)
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows,
Devasahayam Mount, Aralvaimozhy 629 301 Substations:
Vellamadam – St. Martin De Porres

12.
Arockiapuram (1990)
Church of Our Lady of Good Health,
Arockiapuram, Leepuram, Kanyakumari 629 702

13.
Arockiapuram (2006)(Thinghal Nagar),
Church of St. Roch,
Arockiapuram, Neyyoor 629 802 Substations:
Monday Market – Our Lady of Fatima
Thachamparampu – St. Francis Xavier

14.
Asaripallam – Kil (1940)
Church of Our Lady of Snows,
Kil-Asariallam, Asaripallam 629 201 Substations:
Asaripallam – St. Antony

15.
Asaripallam – Mel (1909)
Church of St. Michael,
Mel-Asaripallam, Asaripallam 629 201 Substations:
Pampanvilai – Our Lady of Lourdes

16.
Attoor (1991)
Church of St. Andrew,
Attoor 629 191

17.
Azhikal (2010)
Church of St. Mary,
Azhikal, Muttom 629 202

18.
Carmel Nagar (1970)
Church of the Holy Family,
Carmel Nagar, Nagercoil 629 004

19.
Chekkady (2006)
Church of O.L. of Perpetual Succour,
Chekkaday, Arumanalloor 629 853 Substations:
Claret Mount – St. Antony Maria Claret

20.
Chemparuthivilai (1939)
Church of St, Antony of Padua,
Chemparuthivilai, Mekkamandapam 629 166 Substations:
Eathavilai – Christ the King
Mekkamandapam – O.L. of Assumption

21.
Cherukol Karumbuthottam (2010)
Church of St. Antony,
Cherukol, Karumbuthottam, Kattathurai 629 158 Substations:
Kattuvilai – Our L. Per. Succour

22.
Cheruvalloor (1930)
Church of St. Michael Archangel,
Cheruvalloor 629 152 Substations:
Thomayarpuram – St. Thomas
Mancode – St. Joseph

23.
Chetticharvilai (2010)
Church of Little Flower,
Chetticharvilai, Veeyanoor P.O. 629 177 Substations:
Verkilambi – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

24.
Chinnamuttom (1999)
Church of St. Thomas,
Chinnamuttom, Kanyakumari 629 702

25.
Chinnavilai (1993)
Church of St. Antony,
Chinnavilai, Manavalakurichy 629 252

26.
Choozhal (1991)
Church of St. Michael Archangel,
Choozhal, Fatima Nagar 629 160 Substations:
Manali – St. Theresa of Child Jesus

27.
Christu Nagar (1970)
Church of Christ the King,
Christu Nagar, Nagercoil 629 003 Substations:
Parvathipuram – Infant Jesus

28.
Colachel (1600)
Church of Our Lady of Presentation,
Colachel 629 251

29.
Eanchacode ( 2009)
Church of Our Lady of Per. Help,
Eanchacode, Ponmanai 629 161 Substations:
Ponmanai – Our Lady of Assumption

30.
Elavuvilai (1972)
Church of St. Aloysius,
Elavuvilai 629 171 Substations:
Sadayankuzhy – O.L. of Per. Succour

31.
Enayam (1870)
Church of St. Helen, Enayam,
Keezhkulam 629 193

32.
Enayam Puthenthurai (1936)
Church of St. Antony,
Enayam Puthenthurai, Keezhkulam 629 193

33.
Ettamadai (1971)
Church of the Holy Family,
Ettamadai, Azhakiapandipuram 629 851

34.
Fatimapuram ( 2012)
Church of Our Lady of Fatima,
Fatimapuram, Kollencode 629 169 Substations:
Kakkavilai – St. Paul

35.
Helen Nagar (2006)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Helen Nagar, Keezhkulam 629 193

36.
Iruthayapuram (Kulapuram 2002)
Church of Christ the King,
Iruthayapuram, Fatima Nagar 629 160 Substations:
Santhapuram – St. Theresa of Child Jesus
Mananvilai – St. Mary

37.
Ithayapuram (Kottavilai 2005)
Church of the Sacred Heart,
Ithayapuram, Vericode 629 165

38.
Kadayal (1952)
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Kadayal 629 101 Substations:
Kilathoor – St. Joseph
Ponkalai – St. Antony

39.
Kadiapattanam (1916)
Church of SS Peter and Paul,
Kadiapattanam 629 252

40.
Kaliakkavilai (1973)
Church of St. Antony,
Kaliakkavilai 629 153 Substations:
Paramanvillai-Church of O.L. Assumption

41.
Kalimar (1997)
Church of St. Joseph,
Kalimar, Colachel 629 251 Substations:
Irumpily – St. Antony
Nesavalar Veethi – St. Sebastian

42.
Kalkurichy (1954)
Church of St. Joseph,
Kalkurichy, Thuckalay 629 175 Substations:
Paruthiaraithottam – St. Michael

43.
Kallaravilai (2011)
Church of Our Lady of Fatima,
Kallaravilai, Chenkodi 629 177 Substations:
Machuvilai – St. Antony

44.
Kallukoottam (2008)
Church of Our Lady of Fatima,
Kallukoottam, West Neyyoor 629 808 Substations:
Pillavilai- Our L. of Vailankanni.

45.
Kamplar (2008)
Church St. Joseph,
Kamplar, Tholayavattanam 629 159 Substations:
Tholayavattam -Annai Veilankanni

46.
Kanavoor (1984)
Church of Christ the King,
Kanavoor, Udayamarthandam 629 178

47.
Kandanvilai (1944)
Church of St. Theresa of Child Jesus,
Kandanvilai 629 802 Substations:
Chithenthope – O.L. of Ransom
Eraniel – St. Thomas

48.
Kandarvilagam (2005)
Church of Our Lady of Fatima,
Kandarvilagam, Vaniakudy 629 251

49
Kanjampuram (1972)
Church of St. Theresa of Child Jesus,
Kanjampuram 629 154 Substations:
Valanoor – St. Joseph
Varuvilai – St. Joseph

50.
Kanjiracode (1975)
Church of Our Lady of Rosary,
Kanjiracode 629 155 Substations:
Eraviputhurkadai – O.L. of Presentation
Manchady – St. Joseph
Chirayankuzhy – St. Michael the Archangel

51.
Kanyakumari
Church of Our Lady of Ransom,
Kanyakumari 629 702 Substations:
Anjukoottuvilai – St. Antony

52.
Kappiarai (1966)
Church of St. Catherine,
Kappiarai 629 156

53
Kappucadu (1955)
Church of Kallithattu St. Antony,
Kappucadu, Kunnathoor 629 162 Substations:
Vilathurai – St. Francis Xavier
Annai Nagar – O.L. of Velankanni (Irenipuram)

54.
Karenkadu (1778)
Church of St. Aloysius Gonzaga,
Karenkadu 629 809 Substations:
Kuzhivilai – St. Michael Archangel
Nullivilai – St. Antony
Nullivilai – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

55.
Kattuvilai (2004)
Church of Our Lady of Annunciation,
Kattuvilai, Vellichandhai 629 203 Substations:
Thalavaipuram – St. Antony

56.
Kesavanputhenthurai (1970)
Church of the Imm. Heart of Mary,
Kesavanputhenthurai, Eathamozhy 629 501

57.
Kodimunai (1954)
Church of St. Barthalomeo,
Kodimunai, Colachel 629 251

58.
Kolvel (1973)
Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,
Kolvel, Thiruvarambu 629 183 Substations:
Ambankalai – O.L. of Missions
Kuruvikadu – St. Antony

59.
Konam (2004)
Church of St. Anne, 
Konam, Nagercoil 629 004

60.
Konamcadu (1964)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Konamkadu, West Neyyoor 629 803 Substations:
Varthanvilai – St. Antony

61.
Konnakuzhivilai (2008)
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows,
Konnakuzhivilai, Villukury 629 180 Substations:
Aaloor – St. Nicholas

62.
Koottamavu (2001)
Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour,
Koottamavu, Mulagumoodu 629 167

63.
Kottar (1600)
Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier,
Kottar, Nagercoil 629 002 Substations:
Elankadai – St. Antony
Thengamputhur – St. Anne

64.
Kottaram (2005)
Church of St. Jude Thadeus,
Kottaram 629 703 Substations:
Elangamanipuram-St. Antony

65.
Kottilpadu (1969)
Church of St. Alex,
Kottilpadu, Colachel 629 251

66
Kottoorkonam (2001)
Church of Infant Jesus,
Kottoorkonam, Kulasekharam 629 161

67
Kovalam (1943)
Church of St. Ignatius,
Kovalam, Via. Kanyakumari 629 702

68.
Kozhiporvilai (1997)
Church of St. Michael,
Kozhiporvilai, Kuzhicode 629 167 Substations:
Mallanvilai – St. Francis Xavier
Muhamathoor – Christ the King

69.
Kulasekharam (1931)
Church of St. Augustine,
Kulasekharam 629 161 Substations:
Packiad – Holy Spirit
Cheruthikonam-Our Lady of Lourdes(2008)

70.
Kurumbanai (1905)
Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola,
Kurumbanai, Colachel 629 251

71.
Kurusady (1940)
Church of St. Antony,
Kurusady, Nagercoil 629 004

72.
Kuttaicadu (1984)
Church of St. Jude Thadeus,
Kuttaikadu, Kattathurai 629 158 Substations:
Saicode – Christ the King

73.
Kuzhivilai (2011)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Kuzhivilai, Kappiarai 629 156

74.
Lourdugiri (1975)
Church of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Lourdugiri, Manjalumoodu, Anducode 629 151 Substations:
Anducode – Our Lady of Rosary (Pilavilai)
Manjalumoodu – St. Antony

75.
Madathattuvilai (1918)
Church of St. Sebastian,
Madathattuvilai 629 180 Substations:
Villukury – St. Aloysius

76.
Manakudy – Kil (1960)
Church of the Holy Cross,
Kil-Manakudy 629 602

77.
Manakudy – Mel (1545)
Church of St. Andrew,
Mel-Manakudy 629 602 Substations:
Kovilvilai – Arockia Matha

78.
Manali (2000)
Church of St. Antony,
Manali, Thuckalay 629 175 Substations:
Moolachel – O.L. of Fatima
Palapally – Sacred Heart

79
Manalikarai (1913)
Church of St. Joseph,
Manalikarai 629 164 Substations:
Kallankuzhy – O.L. of Assumption
Kumarapuram – St. Michael
Muhilankarai – O.L. of Good Health
Perunchilampu – St. Sebastian
Solapuram – St. Pius X
Swamiyarmadam – St. Jude Thadeus

80.
Manalikuzhivilai ( 2008)
Church of St. Michael the Archangel,
Manalikuzhivilai, Chemponvilai 629 804

81.
Manavilai (2007)
Church of Our Lady of Snows,
Manavilai, Vellichanthani 629 203 Substations:
Ammandivilai – Sacred Heart
Thirunainarkurichy- St.Antony

82.
Manchakonam (2006)
Church of St. Therese of Child Jesus,
Manchakonam, Thirparappu P.O. 629 161

83.
Mangalakunnu (1939)
Church of St. Bernadette,
Mangalakunnu, Udayamarthandam 629 178 Substations:
Sahayagiri – Our Lady of Perpertual Help

84.
Mankuzhy (1906)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Mankuzhy, Neyyoor 629 802 Substations:
Vadivilai – St. Antony

85.
Maravankudieruppu (1983)
Church of Our Lady of Snows,
Maravankudieruppu, Nagercoil 629 002 Substations:
N.G.O. Colony – Our Lady of Fatima

86.
Marthandam (1979)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Marthandam 629 179 Substations:
Nalloor – Christ the King
Unnamalaikadai – O. L. of Ransom

87.
Maruthancode (1997)
Church of St. Antony,
Maruthancode, Kuzhithurai 629 163 Substations:
Kuzhithurai – St. Michael
Amalapuram – Our Lady of Fatima

88.
Mathal (1936)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Mathal, Boothapandy 629 852 Substations:
Thittuvilai – St. Antony
Kadukkarai – Our Lady of Rosary
Kariankonam – St. Francis Xavier

89.
Mathiravilai ( 1906)
Church of Our Lady of Assumption,
Mathiravilai, Thickanamcode 629 804 Substations:
Arulanandapuram – St. John De Britto
Thickanamcode – St. Antony

90.
Mathoor (2009)
Church of St. Joseph,
Mathoor, Aruvikarai 629 177 Substations:
Thatchoor – Christ the King

91.
Mela Peruvilai (1990)
Church of Our Lady of Rosary,
Mela Peruvilai, Asaripallam 629 201 Substations:
Kottavilai – Our Lady of Fatima
Pallavilai – St. Sebastian

92.
Mela Ramanputhur (1989)
Church of the Holy Family,
Mela Ramanputhur, Nagercoil 629 004 Substations:
Thalavaipuram – St. George

93.

Melpalai (1971)
Church of Our Lady of Assumption,
Melpalai, Edaicode 629 158 Substations:
Iykkianagar – Transfiguration of Our Lord
Mangalai – Our Lady of Fatima (Fatimapuram)

94.
Melpuram (1967)
Church of the Holy Guardian Angel,
Melpuram, Pacode 629 168 Substations:
Vattavilai – St. Francis Xavier
Parakonam – Our Lady of Lourdes

95.
Midalakadu (2003)
Church of Good Shepherd,
Midalakadu, Palappallam 629 159

96.
Midalam – Kil (1932)
Church of St. Joseph,
Midalam, Udayamarthandam 629 178

97.
Midalam – Mel (1992)
Church of the Most Holy Trinity,
Mel-Midalam, Udayamarthandam 629 178

98.
Mukkalampadu (2011)
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows,
Mukkalampadu, Kurunthancode 629 805 Substations:
Maavilai – St. Antony

99.
Mulagumoodu ( 1860)
Church of Our Lady of Nativity,
Mulagumoodu 629 167 Substations:
Kuzhivilai – St. Francis Xavier
Vilavoor – Immaculate Conception

100.
Mulavilai (1984)
Church of Christ the King,
Mulavilai, Veeyanoor 629 177 Substations:
Elampilavilai – St. Francis Xavier
Kallaravilai – Our Lady of Fatima
Machuvilai – St. Antony

101.
Mulanganavilai (1912)
Church of St. Antony,
Mullanganavilai, Karungal 629 157 Substations:
Mankarai – Immaculate Conception
Nattalam – Sacred Heart
Tharathattu – St. Joseph

102.
Munchirai (2000)
Church of Our Lady of Good Health,
Munchirai, Puthukadai 629 171 Substations:
Sebastiyarpuram- St. Sebastian

103.
Murasancode ( 1963)
Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
Murasancode, Neyyoor 629 802 Substations:
Elanthavilai – Holy Family
Palayam – St. James
Kannode – Our Lady of Good Health

104.
Muttaicadu (2009)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Muttaicadu Kumarapuram 629 189

105.
Muttom (1929)
Church of All Saints,
Muttom 629 202 Substations:
James Nagar – O.L. of Good Health

106.
Mylacode (1971)
Church of St. Michael,
Mylacode, Alencode, Neyyoor 629 802 Substations:
Xavierpuram – St. Francis Xavier (Gramam)

107.
Nagacode (1995)
Church of St. Antony,
Nagacode, Cheruppalloor 629 161 Substations:
Ittahaveli – Divine Providence
Aramannam – St. Thomas

108.
Nagercoil (1980)
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Assisi Campus, Nagercoil 629 001

109.
Nallayanpuram (1979)
Church of Good Shepherd,
Nallayanpuram, Palugal 629 170 Substations:
Christurajapuram – Christ the King

110.
Packiapuram (1936)
Church of St. Eusthachius,
Packiapuram, Arumanai 629 151 Substations:
Annai Nagar – Our Lady of Assumption
Kunnathuvilai – St. Joseph

111.
Pacode (1959)
Church of the Sacred Heart,
Pacode, Thickurichy 629 168 Substations:
Nellickavilai – Our Lady of Lourdes
Thickurichy – St. Gabriel

112.
Padanilam ( 1999)
Church of St. Pius X,
Padanilam, Manavalakurichy 629 252 Substations:
Thattanvilai – Our Lady of Refuge

113.
Palavilai ( 2010)
Churchof St. Antony,
Palavilai, Kuzhithurai 629 163

114.
Pallam (1939)
Church of St.Mathew,
Pallam 629 601

115.
Palliady (1931)
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Palliady 629 169 Substations:
Cherikadai – St. Peter

116.
Panavilai (2000)
Church of the Holy Redeemer,
Panavilai, Thickanamcode 629 804 Substations:
Chellamkonam – St. Thomas
Maruthancode – O.L. of Lourdes

117.
Parakunnu (1968)
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Parakunnu, Vanniyoor, Via. Kuzhithurai 629 163 Substations:
Chemmankalai – St. Remigius

118.
Pattarivilai (1979)
Church of Our Lady of Snows,
Pattarivilai, Neyyoor 629 802 Substations:
Pallavilai – St. George
Thalakulam – St. Sebastian

119.
Pechiparai (1998)
Church of St. Joseph,
Pechiparai 629 161 Substations:
Gothayar – Christ the King
Valiyela – St. Vincent Pallotine

120.
Periacadu (1971)
Church of St. Antony of Padua,
Periacadu, Eathamozhy 629 501

121.
Periavilai (1993)
Church of St. Vincent De Paul,
Periavilai, Manavalakurichy 629 252

122.
Pilavilai (2010)
Church of St. George,
Pilavilai, Azhaganparai 629 252 Substations:
Keezha Kattuvilai – O.L. of Lourdes

123.
Pillaithope (1847)
Church of St. Joseph,
Pillaithope, Muttom 629 202

124.
Poottetty (1956)
Church of St. Antony of Padua,
Poottetty 629 157 Substations:
Chentharai – St. Francis Xavier
Paloor – St. Therese of Child Jesus
Theruvukadai – O.L. of Good Health

125.
Pozhikarai (1995)
Church of St. Antony,
Pozhikarai, Eathamozhy 629 501

126.
Pullani (2008)
Church of St. Antony,
Pullani, Nattalam 629 195 Substations:
Pullankuzhy – St. Francis Xavier
Thittavilai – St.Michael the Archangel

127.
Punnai Nagar (2008)
Church of Our Lady of Lourdes,
Punnai Nagar, Nagercoil 629 004

128.
Puthenkadai (1908)
Church of St. James,
Puthenkadai, Thiruvattar 629 177 Substations:
Kesavapuram – St. Sebastian
Tettiyode – Our Lady of Snows

129.
Puthenthurai (1700)
Church of Our Lady of Rosary,
Puthenthurai, Eathamozhy 629 501 Substations:
Keezha Kattuvilai – O.L. of Lourdes

130.
Puthoor (1933)
Church of St. Lucia,
Puthoor, Mondaikadu 629 252 Substations:
Antoniyarpuram – St. Antony

131.
Puthugraman (2001)
Church of St. Michael,
Puthugramam, Kanyakumari 629 702 Substations:
Siluvai Nagar – Holy Cross
Vavathurai – St. Roch

132.
Puthukadai (1920)
Church of Our Lady of Assumption,
Puthukadai 629 171

133.
Puthukudieruppu (2005)
Church of St. Roch,
Puthukudieruppu, Nagercoil 629 001 Substations:
Arukuvilai – St. Theresa of Child Jesus

134.
Rajakamangalam (1916)
Church of Our Lady of Good Health,
Rajakamangalam, Eathamozhy 629 501 Substations:
Karavilai – St. Joseph

135.
Rajavoor (1926)
Church of St. Michael the Archangel,
Rajavoor, Thoppoor 629 403 Substations:
North Rajavoor – Our Lady of Presentation

136.
Ramanathichenputhur (1946)
Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola,
Ramanathichenputhur, Marungoor 629 402 Substations:
Amaravathivilai – St. Antony
Marungoor – St. Antony
Ramanathichenputhur – St.Roch

137.
Ramanthurai (1968)
Church of St. Barbara,
Ramanthurai, Keezhkulam 629 193

138.
Ramapuram (1986)
Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
Ramapuram 629 303 Substations:
Kulasekharanputhur – St. Antony

139.
Ritapuram (1948)
Church of St. Rita,
Ritapuram, Palappallam 629 159

140.
Sadayalputhur (1983)
Church of Christ the King,
Sadayalputhur, Vembanoor 629 801 Substations:
Kodupaikuzhy – St. Paul
Thalayankonam – O.L. of Assumption

141.
Sahaya Nagar (1986)
Church of Our Lady of perpetual Succour,
Sahaya Nagar, Palapallam 629 159

142.
Sahayapuram (1973)
Church of O. L. of Perpetual Succour,
Sahayapuram, Suchindram 629 704 Substations:
Akkarai – St. Antony
Mylaudy – St. Michael the Archangel,
Kamaraj Nagar – St. Sebastian

143.
Sarel (1940)
Church of St Peter and Paul,
Sarel 629 201 Substations:
Ottayalkudy – St. Roch

144.
Seethapal (2003)
Church of St. Roch,
Seethappal, Boothapandy 629 852 Substations:
Thellanthi – St. Michael
Erachakulam – St. Jude

145.
Siluvaipuram (1936)
Church of St. John of the Cross,
Siluvaipuram, Kollencode 629 160 Substations:
Fatimapuram – Our Lady of Fatima
Kakkavilai – St. Paul

146.
Simon Colony (2005)
Church of St. Jude,
Simon Colony 629 251

147.
Thadikkarankonam (2003)
Church of Our Lady of Snows,
Thadikkarankonam 629 851 Substations:
Valayathuvayal (Kalikasam) – Our Lady of Veilankanni
Paraliaru – St. Antony
Surulacode – St. Antony
Veerapuli – Christ the King
Keeriparai – St. Michael

148.
Thamaraikulam ( 1966)
Church of Our Lady of Snows,
Thamaraikulam, South Thamaraikulam 629 708

149.
Themanoor (1989)
Church of Our Lady of Assumption,
Themanoor, Thottavaram, Muvattumugam 629 177 Substations:
Antonyarpuram – St. Antony
Chitharal – St. Therese of Child Jesus

150.
Thengapattanam (1984)
Church of St. Lawrence the Deacon,
Thengapattanam 629 173

151.
Thirithuvapuram (1920)
Church of the Most Holy Trinity,
Thirithuvapuram, Kuzhithurai 629 163

152.
Thirunainarkurichy (1993)
Church of St. Antony,
Thirunainarkurichy (Via) Ammandivilai 629 202 Substations:
Ammandivilai – Sacred Heart

153.
Thiruvithancode (2004)
Church of the Ascension of Our Lord,
Thiruvithancode 629 174

154.
Thuckalay (1972)
Church of St. Elias,
Thuckalay 629 175 Substations:
Padmanabhapuram – Our Lady of Assumption

155.
Thumbali (2001)
Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Thumbali, Kappucadu, Kunnathur 629 162 Substations:
Karumpilavilai – Sacred Heart of Jesus
Udavilai – Christ the King

156.
Thundathuvilai (1966)
Church of St. Antony,
Thundathuvilai, Karungal 629 157 Substations:
Perumankuzhy – Infant Jesus
Kannanvilai – O.L. of Perpetual Succour
Karungal – St. Francis Xavier

157.
Vadasery (1997)
Church of St. James,
Vadasery, Nagercoil 629 001 Substations:
Krishnancoil – Our Lady of good Health
Meenashipuram – St. Michael

158.
Valvachakostam (2010)
Church of St. Antony,
Kunnamparai, Kattathurai P.O. 629 158

159.
Vaniakudy ( 1924)
Church of St. James,
Vaniakudy, Colachel 629 251

160.
Vanniyoor ( 2012) (Soosaipuram)
Church of St. Joseph,
Soosaipuram, Manchavilai, Meenachel 629 153 Substations:
Thottachani – Risen Lord

161.
Vattakarai (2006)
Church of St. Joseph,
Vattakarai, Nagercoil 629 004 Substations:
Ponnappa Nadar Nagar – Infant Jesus

162.
Vavarai (1924)
Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel,
Vavarai, S.T. Mangad 629 172 Substations:
Konacherry – St. Antony
Kuzhivilai – Our Lady of Good Health
Puthucode – St. Joseph

163.
Vedha Nagar (2005)
Church of St. Michael,
Vedha Nagar, Edalakudy, Nagercoil 629 002

164.
Velliavilai (1996)
Church of Good Shepherd,
Velliavilai, Palapallam 629 159

165.
Vellicode (1968)
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows,
Vellicode, Mulagumoodu 629 167 Substations:
Irudayapuram – Sacred Heart
Soosaipuram – St. Joseph
Maruthurkurichy – Our Lady of Assumption

166.
Vencode (1949)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Vencode, Puthukadai 629 171 Substations:
Vellayambalam – St. Antony
Veppuvilai – St. Roch
Vettuvilai – St. Michael the Archangel

167.
Vizhunthayambalam (1984)
Church of St. Antony,
Vizhunthayambalam. Substations:
Mathapuram – Our Lady of Presentation

168.
Yettacode (17.05.2010)
Church of St. Francis Xavier,
Yettacode, Veeyanoor 629 177 Substations:
Mathar – St. Paul

169.
Vattam (2012)
Church of St. Antony,
Vattam, Thiruvithancode 629 174

170.
Vettuvenni – Quasi Parish
Shrine of St. Antony,
Vettuvenni, Kuzhithurai 629 165

Kottar Diocese

History of the Diocese

The diocese of Kottar comprises the four revenue divisions (taluks) of Thovalai, Agasteeswaram (except the parish of Azhagappapuram of Thoothukudi diocese) Kalkulam and Vilavancode (except the eight coastal parishes of Thiruvananthapuram Archdiocese) in the civil district of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.

Kanyakumari district has a unique position in the ecclesiastical map of India. Five Dioceses (Kottar, Thoothukudi and Thiruvananthapuram of the Latin rite, Thuckalay of Syro-Malabar rite and Marthandam of Syro-Malanakara rite) have their jurisdictions in this small district of 1685 square kilometres area. Besides the diocese of Kottar, Thuckalay and Marthandam dioceses, both established in 1996, have their headquarters in this district.

The area under the present diocese of Kottar had known the Christian faith several centuries before the arrival of the Portuguese on the West Coast. Monuments recently discovered in Chinna Muttom near Kanyakumari support it. The presence of St. Thomas Christians in Thiruvithancode, Kottar and other places in the district had also been attested by several missionaries under the Portuguese Padroado.

However with the arrival of the Portuguese missionaries, a small section of the local people known as Paravas became Christians in 1536-1537. Seven years after their conversion more than ten thousand fishermen known as ‘Mukkuvas” in the coastal villages from Poovar( now in the archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram) to Pallam were baptized in 1544 by the greatest post-apostolic missionary of the Church, St. Francis Xavier. He was one among the first seven to take vows in the Society of Jesus founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1534. The present Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier encompasses the church of St. Mary built by Francis Xavier.

With renewed efforts of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (founded in 1622) Christian missionaries began to concentrate on and evangelize the interior parts of the area. Initially, attention was given to the conversion of the people of Vellala and Nair communities. Many from these communities embraced the Christian faith and prominent among them was the martyr of the diocese, Devasahayam Pillai (Lazar) aka Nilakanda Pillai.

He was born in the village of Nattalam in 1712 and was an official in the palace of King Marthanda Varma of Thiruvithancore. He was converted to Christian faith by the gentle efforts of a captured captain of the Dutch Navy, Eustachius De Lannoy who later became the Chief Admiral of the King’s army (In Malayalam he was known as Valia Capitatan). Nilakanda Pillai was baptized as Lazar (Devasahayam) at the hands of Rev. Fr. John Baptist Buttari, S. J., Parish priest of Vadakkankulam in 1745. The king tried in vain to entice him back to Hinduism. Then, the enraged king ordered him to be arrested and shot to death. After enduring torture for three years, Devasahayam Pillai was taken to Kattadimalai, Alravaimozhi, and shot to death on January 14, 1752. His mortal remains were interred in the church of St. Francis Xavier, which in turn became the Cathedral of the Diocese of Kottar in 1930.

The 18th century witnessed the rapid growth of Christianity in the interior parts of the area, following large scale conversion of the people of Nadar community. Vencode and Karenkadu were the centres of evangelization and conversion. With the creation of Verapoly- Varapuzha- Vicariate, the Portuguese Padroado system came to an end in this area except in the then seven parishes from Eraymanthura to Neerodi. In 1853, Kollam vicariate was established and was placed under the care of the Belgian Carmelite missionaries. With the establishment of the Hierarchy in India in 1886, Kollam became a diocese that extended from Mavelikara in the north to Kottar( Nagercoil) in the south, and Kottar became the centre of the southern part of Kollam diocese.

The Swiss-born, Carmelite Bishop Aloysius Maria Benziger was the architect of present diocese of Kottar. His saintly life, missionary zeal and great pastoral leadership helped the formation of many Catholic communities especially in the southern part of Kollam diocese. Knowing education was important for the development of the people, Archbishop Benziger established schools in many of the coastal villages and founded St. Francis Teacher Institute at Assisi, Nagercoil, to train teachers for the schools. In all, he founded 112 schools in a short span of 25 years. Carmel High School and St. Joseph’s School, Nagercoil, remain living monuments to the foresight of this great visionary and missionary.

Archbishop Benziger was among the first to request the Vatican to beatify the Carmelite nun, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus aka Little Flower and following her beatification he constructed the first church in the world at Kandanvilai( now in Kottar diocese) and blessed it on April 7,1924, and the second church was blessed on May 12, 1924 at Thoonkampara now in Neyyatinkara diocese. Accepting Pope Pius XI’s invitation, Archbishop Benziger assisted at her canonization ceremony on May 17, 1925.

Thanks to his recommendation the southern part of Kollam diocese was formed as a new diocese on May 26, 1930, with Fr. Lawrence Pereira as its first bishop, the third Indian to become a bishop in the Latin rite. Bishop Lawrence Pereira was no stranger to the new diocese since he had ministered in Vencode and Enayam areas. He had to toil hard to build the infrastructure of the new diocese from scratch. He was called to the eternal reward on January 5, 1938.

Though Tamil was the predominant language of the new diocese, it was part of Thiruvithancore and Cochin State with Malayalam as the state language. Keeping in mind the linguistic aspirations of the people of the diocese, the Vatican appointed the Tiruchirapalli native and Superior of Palayamkottai Jesuit Mission, Rev. Thomas Roch Agniswamy as succesor to Bishop Lawrence Pereira in 1939. In the reorganization of States in 1956, Kanyakumari district became part of Madras State now known as Tamil Nadu. In 1963, the diocese of Kottar was detached from the Metropolitan See of Verapoly and attached to the archdiocese of Madurai.

Evangelization activites received much impetus during the tenure of Bishop Agniswamy. A great number of parishes, mission stations and schools were established. His special interest in the promotion of local vocation resulted in the founding of St.Aloysius Minor Seminary for the diocese and Tamil Nadu Xavier Mission Home for the missions.

Bishop Marianus Arckiasamy from Kumbakonam who succeeded Bishop Agniswamy in 1971, was committed to the implementation of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, especially in the field of Bible, Liturgy, Catechetics and other pastoral activities. The setting up of sixteen diocesan commissions, Animation Centre, Pastoral and Youth Centers and formation of parish councils in more than fifty per cent of the parishes bear witness to his interests.

The communal riots that rocked Kanyakumari district in 1982, posed a great challenge to the diocese and to Bishop Arockiasamy. Premeditated and organized attacks on Christians and church properties shattered the calm of the otherwise peaceful district. In all, ten Catholics lost their lives to police and communal firings. Churches, convents and other religious places were vandalized and desecrated. People of Pallam parish had to flee for their lives. Coastal parishes were cut off from the main land and essential food supplies had to be carried through the sea. Bishop Arockiasamy and the Head of the Kundrakudi Hindu Mutt (Hermitage) and other religious leaders toured the affected areas to instill confidence in the people and peace returned to the riot-torn district. They founded” Thiruvarul Peravai”(Graceful Assembly) to foster communal and religious harmony. The Catholic Church in India and other parts of the world came to the help of the affected people. Bishop Arockiasamy continued to serve the diocese until his promotion as Archbishop of Madurai in 1987.

Fr. Leon A. Tharmaraj, who became the fourth bishop in 1989, was the first” son of the soil” to shepherd the diocese of Kottar. Bishop Leon faithfully carried forward the policies of his predecessor and went on further in making the diocese, truly the Church of the laity concentrating on the formation of Basic Christian (Ecclesial) Communities, pastoral and parish councils and encouraging lay leadership in the mission of the diocese.

The killer Tsunami waves that swept the coastal villages the day after Christmas in 2004 brought humongous miseries to the lives and properties of thousands of Christians. More than 800 people lost their lives and thousands of houses, fishing boats and many churches were damaged. Bishop Leon together with the entire diocese faced the challenge posed by the unprecedented loss and undertook to rebuild the lives and properties of the people. People from all walks of life irrespective of caste and creed joined in the valiant efforts of the diocese in rehabilitating the victims of the killer Tsunami. It is true the tragedies often bring the best in the human person and the Tsunami devastation witnessed the unprecedented outpouring of love and support from people of all walks of life in India and other parts of the world.” One touch of nature makes the whole world kin”.

The diocese lost a true shepherd in the sudden death of Bishop Leon on January 16, 2007. Bishop Peter Remigius, who hails from the diocese, was transferred from the diocese of Kumbakonam to the See of Kottar and installed on August 24, 2007. Consolidating the all round growth initiated by his predecessor, Bishop Remigius is outlining plans and programs to make the parishes and the diocese self sufficient and self supporting. To accelerate the mission work he is raising many mission centres into full-fledged parishes. People’s participation in the mission of the church of Kottar needs special mention. They are enthusiastically joining and strengthening the parish and Diocesan councils, Finance Committees, Pastoral Council, Diocesan Commissions etc. All the parishes except a handful, have duly elected parish councils.

The diocesan process for the beatification of the Servant of God, Devasahayam Pillai, that commenced in 1993, concluded on September 7, 2008, and the documents were forwarded to Rome on 24th September 2008. The Roman process has already started and on 18th March 2010 the Congregation certified the validity of the documents. On 9th, July 2010 the Cause was assigned by the Congregation to the Most. Rev. Fr. Zdzislaw Kijas, OFM Conv., ‘Relator”.

From 95000 people in 25 parishes ministered by 32 priests, at the time of its formation in 1930, the Kottar Church, today after 80 years, marches on with 543789 Catholics in 161 parishes served by 278 priests.

CATHEDRAL:

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S CATHEDRAL, KOTTAR
It is a well known fact that, next to Goa, where the incorrupt body of St. Francis Xavier is kept, St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Kottar, in the southern district of KanyaKumari, Tamil Nadu, India, is the famous centre of pilgrimage in honor of St. Francis Xavier, the greatest post apostolic missionary of the Church and the patron of the missions.

Though thousands of pilgrims throng this hollowed place through the year, over five hundred thousand people (5,000,00) from all over Tamil Nadu and Kerala flock to venerate the Saint during the novena days leading to the feast,- November 24 to December 3.

Pilgrims from all walks of life and creed visit the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, Kottar, either to offer their petitions or to thank for the favours already received through his intercession. His miraculous intervention in favour of his devotees has been so powerful at this Shrine that it has become almost proverbial to address him endearingly in Tamil ” Kettavaram tharum Kottattu Saveriar “Xavier of Kottar,(is) the granter of all favours”.

KOTTAR

The Shrine of St. Francis Xavier as well as the ancient town of Kottar now in the municipal town of Nagercoil, the administrative Capital of the District of Kanyakumari, have checkered histories. Kottar, the commercial and business centre of Nagercoil, is on the bank of the river ” Pazhayaru”, where the river makes a bend, turning towards the south to the sea. Hence the name “Kottaru” in Tamil meaning is “at the bend of the river”-. It was a town of importance in the first century of the Christian era when Ptolemy visited and gave it the appellation” Metropolis”. It is also honourably mentioned in periplus of the second century. Kottar, the southern capital of the Venad Kingdom, was also a cosmopolitan town embracing within its orbit people of many castes and creeds. Among the many people in Kottar there was also a colony of Chavalakars, a kin to the Paravars of Cape Comorin region. It was to teach them and their counterparts in Manappadu area, their faith and strengthen them in the Christian way of life that Francis Xavier came to the Southern coast from Goa.

FRANCIS XAVIER

In 1541, Francis Xavier (Francisco do Yesu y Javier), started his journey from Lisbon in Portugal to India and landed in Goa a year later. After few months of missionary work in Goa, he left for the southern coast. Soon after arriving in Manappadu in Thuthukudi diocese, Francis Xavier started the missionary work by instructing and strengthening them in the faith. In 1544 Francis Xavier was found often in Travancore to protect and help the Christians of Cape Comorin regions who were driven away from their homes by Vadugars. … 2 – 2 – Under the leadership of Captain Vittal Rao, the Vijayanagar army marched to capture the Venad Kingdom. Pandian and Chola armies joined him. As the news of the Badaga armies marching reached Kottar area, people panicked and had to flee for their lives. Sensing the danger, Francis Xavier, living then in a hut in Kottar, rushed to an elevated area in Vadasery just two kilometers north of Kottar and stood like a colossus holding a cross. Frightened at the sight of a holy man holding a cross, the marauding army retreated heeding to his advice not to march forward. The origin of the Cathedral Church at Kottar begins here: Francis Xavier built a Chapel for Our Lady in the land gifted by the King and used to celebrate Mass there. From Kottar he walked the length and the breadth of the Coastal region instructing and baptizing over 10000 fishermen known as Arasars aka Mukkuvars from Puvar, now in the Archdiocese of Trivandrum in Kerala to Pallam.

KOTTAR CHURCH

Following death of Francis Xavier in 1552, the Church at Kottar became a place of pilgrimage to the people of the south. According to Fr. Andreas Vaz, in charge of the mission from Cape Comorin-Kanyakumari- to Rajakkamangalam, in 1616 there was a cross in Kottar, a pagan town, which the Chrisitans erected in honor of Fr. Francis Xavier and placed his picture and it was commonly known as the Cross of Father, Master Xavier. In Tamil it was known as Saveriar Kurusady ( Mon. X.II P.591) In 1660, there was a Church dedicated to the Conversion of St.Paul at Kottar and Fr. Andreas Buseria S.J., was the Parish Priest in charge (Mon. Xav. 1 P.589). Fr. Buseria seems to have placed a picture either in the Church or at the Kurusady-Cappella- near the Church. Indeed, next to Goa, Kottar has been and is the most sacred shrine to Francis Xavier. Fr. Andreas Buserio S.J. used to celebrate the feast every year on the day of the death of Xavier and many Christians from the coast gathered there for the feast.( M.X.II P. 591). Hence pilgrimage to Kottar Church is of no recent origin. It has an unbroken history of over 400 years. What attracted the people were the innumerable, well attested miracles that had taken place in Kottar. Many of these miracles are referred to in the bull of Canonization issued in 1623 by Pope Urban VIII. Popular among the miracles was the raising to life of a month old baby that had died and was carried to the cemetery for burial. The parents full of faith promised to name the child Francis, if it were to revive. To their great joy the child came back to life and the fame of this miracle spread all over the country. (Op.cit.P. 716, 630 etc.) Another miracle attributed to the saint and accepted for his canonization concerns an inland fisherman, Perumal Panical, a poet and a teacher who lived near Kottar Church. He knew the catechism well and ten years before the building of the church composed a poem in honor of the Holy Faith and Fr. Nicholas Spinola, superior of the Jesuit College in Kollam. Fr. Buserio tried in vain to convert him, thinking that he would make an ideal custodian and Kanakkapillai( headman) of the Church. …3 – 3 – In course of time Perumal contracted the dreadful disease of leprosy and it debilitated him. Despite various treatments his condtion was deteriorating day by day. In desperation he prostrated in front of the picture of Francis Xavier praising him in poems and applying the oil, from the lamps burning in front of the Shrine, all over his body. He began to recover soon and completely cured of leprosy. Christened as Francis, he was later appointed Kanakkapillai( headman) of the church( Mon.II P. 590,61) The Church of Francis Xavier in Kottar has been enjoying a great fame as a place of miracles from early times and so no wonder, it attracts pilgrims far and near all down the years. Long before Francis Xavier’s canonization it was known as Xavier’s Church- Saveriar Kovil in Tamil- and after his canonization, the Church should have been rebuilt and dedicated to him. In the beginning of the 17th century, the offerings in money and oil brought to this Church were so great that it was enough to maintain five other churches in the interior areas. But in the course of many wars that devastated these parts of the country, all five churches were destroyed. But the Church at Kottar survived the attacks due to the fact that it was not only the Christians but also the Hindus who protected this place of pilgrimage.

SHRINE OF OUR LADY

The present vaulted Shrine of Our Lady, said to be on the very spot where the chapel of Our Lady was built, was erected in 1865 when the Church of Kottar was enlarged and vaulted over. It is very small with just enough space to accommodate an altar on which enthroned an ancient statue of B.V.M. in a wooden recedes. The floor of the Shrine is about two feet and a half below the ground level, attesting to the antiquity of the spot and to the care to keep it open as hollowed place by the great saint. In fact at the top of the recedes there is a little angel holding a scroll with an inscription in Tamil, ” Come and Worship at the place where his feet have touched, All the pilgrims that visit the Shrine throughout the year and the humongous crowd that attend the feast celebration from November 24 to December 3, make it a point to visit and pray at the Shrine of Our Lady. Bishops and Priests are very particular to celebrate Mass at the Shrine. Many Hindu pilgrims, after their ritual bath, go around the Shrine a stated number of times in performance of their vows.

MARTYR DEVASAHAYAM

The Church of St. Francis Xavier acquired another glory when in 1752, the mortal remains of the heroic Martyr Devasahayam were interred within its sanctuary. Neelakanda Pillai, an official at the court of King Marthanda Varma of Travancore, was converted to Christian faith by the gentle efforts of the captured Captain of the Dutch Navy, E. B.de Lannoy, then at the service of the King. …4 – 4 – Neelakanda Pillai was baptized as Devasahayam- Lazarus- by Fr. John Baptist Putari S.J. at Vadakankulam. The king was very furious at hearing the news of his conversion and tried in vain to persuade him to reconvert. But Devasahayam was firm in his faith. Denounced as a traitor, Devasahayam suffered patiently imprisonment and torture for three long years. On the order of the King, he was dragged to Katttadimalai at Aralvaimozhi, at the boundary between the Travancore and Pandya Kingdoms, and shot dead on January 14, 1752. His body was discovered by some Christians who brought it to Kottar to be interred in the sanctuary. The tomb of this heroic Servant of God, whose cause for Sainthood is progressing, is also a place of pilgrimage.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S CATHEDRAL

From a Kurusady in the sixteen century, the Church of the Conversion of St. Paul which later became the Church of Francis Xavier, has undergone many renovations and additions. In 1865, the Church of Kotttar was enlarged with the addition of Cruciform wings and the present sanctuary and vaulted over. In the same year the Shrine of Our Lady was renovated and vaulted over. In 1930, thanks to the recommendation of the saintly Bishop Aloysius Maria Benziger OCD of Kollam, the Southern part of the Kollam diocese was bifurcated to form the new diocese of Kottar with Msgr. Lawrence Pereira as its first bishop. The Church of St. Francis Xavier and the Rectory became the Cathedral and the residence of the new bishop. It continued as Bishops’ Residence until it moved to the present location. In 1942, in commemoration of the fourth centenary of the arrival of St. Francis Xavier in India, a beautiful tower was erected to the Saint in the Cathedral premises, as well as the Grotto to our Blessed Mother and a small Shrine to St. Ignatius, who had sent him to India. The pretty statue that adorns the main altar is said to have been brought from Goa. There is also a major relic of the Saint which is exposed to the veneration of the pilgrims during the feast days. The Cathedral has acquired many styles of architectures. The old church and the vaulting were Romanesque, the extensions and the exterior are Gothic, while the fine stone Mandapam ( Lobby or Vestibule) in front is purely Indian. The entire church presents an imposing and pleasing appearance and a look of greatness.

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

The annual feast of St. Francis Xavier is being celebrated every year from November 24- December 3, with great piety and fanfare. Each year the number of pilgrims’ increases by leaps and pounds and the District Administration declares a public holiday for the district of Kanyakumari, on December 3. It is one of the few Christian Churches in India that enjoys a public holiday declared by the secular government. … 5 – 5 – All the nine days of the feast are being celebrated by various groups of people of all creeds which include government employees, teachers, local merchants and transport corporation workers etc. The evening novena mass is followed by public meeting presided over by Government Officials who distribute helps to the needy and the programs conclude with Music and Dance. One of the highlight of the ten-day celebration is the grand Car procession with the statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Francis Xavier. The honor is always given to the Blessed Mother, decked with rich jewels and ornaments, offered in thanksgiving by the devotees. Men and women, including Hindus, prostrate in front of the Cars in observance of their vows and penance. The Car procession, a remnant of the Hindu custom, attracts thousands of people all the final three days of the feast.

Our Lady of Fatima Church (Infant Jesus Church), Peraiyur Road, Usilampatti, Madurai

Usilampatti was an ancient mission of the Archdiocese. It was the missionary center for the “Piranmalai Kallar” community. This center originally consisted of the present parishes such as Karumattur, Thirumangalam and Theni. At his period of Office, Fr. Vedamanickam built a new church dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima and the rectory. Now the present parish has 144 families and 728 is the Catholic population of the parish. Main occupation of the parishioners is agriculture and some are teachers. The new parochial church was constructed in 1996 and the new presbytery was constructed in 1997.

Contact:
Our Lady of Fatima Church,
Infant Jesus Church,
Peraiyur Road,
Usilampatti – 625 532,
Madurai – Dt.
Tel: +91 4552 252103

For more information please visit:
http://www.archdioceseofmadurai.org/our-lady-of-fatima-church-usilampatti/

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St. Vincent Pallotti Church, Thirunagar, Madurai

The beginnings of the mission at Thirunagar could be traced back to the Usilampatti mission of Fr. Clement Montaud, SJ, who established the Stella Mary Church at Thanakkankulam. In the year 1949, there were only two catholic families in Thirunagar. The Holy Rosary Church began to provide for their pastoral needs. In 1962 the CIC sisters came to Thriunagar and the mission began to take shape. Later, His Grace Dr. Justin Diraviam entrusted the pastoral care of the faithful at Thirunagar to the Redemptorists. The arrival of the religious communities such as St. Charles’ Sisters, Sisters of St. Annes, and St. Joseph of Tarbes further widened the mission endeavor and necessitated the establishment of a parish. On 10 December 1978, Thirunagar was erected as a parish and the pastoral care of it was entrusted to the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers) by His Grace Dr. Justin Diraviam. Fr. Manfred Hauck was appointed as the first parish priest. A magnificent Church was built and inaugurated on 19 March 1983. Now at present, the parish consititutes of 245 families. The Catholics at Thirunagar are settlers from different parts of Tamil Nadu; A good number of repatriate Tamilis from Burma (Myanmar) and Sri Lanka also form part of the parish community.

Contact:
St. Vincent Pallotti Church,
Thirunagar,
Madurai – 625 006.
Tel: +91 452 2484385

For more information please visit:
http://www.archdioceseofmadurai.org/st-vincent-pallotti-church-thirunagar/

Keyword: Vincent Pallotti Church Thirunagar Madurai, Thirunagar Church, Catholic Churches, Roman Catholic Churches, RC Churches, Churches in Madurai, Churches in Tamilnadu, Churches in India