Podanur is one of those places of almost anonymity on whom sudden importance is thrust just by some quirk of history, while places like Vellalore, now an ordinary village within Podanur, which once, in the 1’ Century B.C to 3 century A.D. was a very floursing and important trading center and town as the Roman Coins and inscriptions testify. It was the coming of the South Indian Railways towards the end of the 1 9” century that brought about the magical transformation. Podanur, because of its central location, between Madras to Cochin, Mangalore, Ooty-down to the Southern parts of the then Madras Presidency, became the second importan center of the Southern Railway system, Madras being the Head­ quarters. Podanur had the Vital Railway Workshop, till1940. Coimbatore town had to be satisfied with a small descirpt Railway station with just 2 trains to and fro daily, passing through it! Any how the sudden rise and sudden fall of Podanur was mainly due to the Railway workshop’s presence! from 1935 its importance began to decrease when the main Railway workshop was shifted to Golden Rock Trichy and just as a consolation prize the S.T. Section was left behind!

With the coming up of the Railway Workshop an ever growing number of Railway employees was on the rise, bringing man Furopeons, Anglo-Indians who were dominating the Railways till our Independence (1947) and labourers, drawn from all parts of the South of whom considerable number were Catholics. Hence the Diocese obtained a plot from the Railways and putup temporary church (which now serves as the Prestytcry) Fr. Robin, Parish Priest of the Cathedral constructed a beautiful church in 1901-02 and it was blessed by Bishop Bardu, as it was looked after by the Cathedral parish priest. In 1904, Podanur was made separate parish with Mettupalayam and Shoranur as its substations Fr. A. Lefrancois (1904-06) was the first Parish Priest, but he died on 26-2-1906 at Coimbatore. When the Parish was established it had a Catholic population of 410 (while that of Coimbatore was 3000). Thus, it became one of the “Anglo-Indian dominated” parishes of our Diocese. Even today there is a presence of them, though reduced in size, due to migrations to other countires.

Fr.J.B.Petite (1906-1935) was a Parish Priest, constantly on “the churning wheels” (of the Railway Trains), shuttling between Shornur and Mettupalayam with a “free Train Pass”. He built the church steeple in 1919, and extended the church. Built a church at Mettupalayam in 1922. Shornur was handed over to Calicut Diocese in 1923. Fr. S. Ambrose (1935-50) after creating a record of sorts as cathedral Assistant for 25 years, he was Parish Priest of Podanur for another long innings of 15 years till his death on 2-9-1950. He constructed 3 houses for rental as source of income to the Parish. In 1943 a Convent of the Presentation Convent and a Mother and Child Welfare Hospital was started by them which gradually but steadily expanded into the multi-storied and Modern Hospital with all modern medical facilities in 1995. He made all the preparatory work of building materials for the construction of the compound wall for the church and a Grotto in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes, but it had to be stopped, and it was completed due to the untiring efforts of his successor Rev. Fr. S. Maria Soosai (1950-66) and was blessed by Bishop Savarimuthu in 1960. The ancient chapel-turned Presbytery was also renovated. Later a beautiful altar was erected. As the old church was insufficient for the congregation, Fr.C.S. Madalaimuthu pulled down the old church and built a new-church and a roadside Grotto of Our Lady of Velankanni, both blessed on 20-12-1998 by Bishop Ambrose. The Presbytery was renovated part by part in the year 2002. St. Antony’s church at Kurichi was renovated on 03-02-2002. Since the cemetry is at a distance, for the convenience of the people, a spacious chapel was constructed at the cemetry in 2002. A new Parish Hall was also constructed by Fr. C.S. Madalai Muthu and blessed by Bishop Amborse. In the year 2005 the GoldenJubilee of the parish was celebrated on a very grand scale,as a rememberence of which Fr. Rozario (Junior) brought a Souvenier.

Mass Timings:

Weekdays : Mon: 6.00 a.m & Other days 6.00 p.m
Sundays : 6.30 a.m,  8.15 a.m (English) & 5.30 p.m (Tamil)

St. Joseph’s Church, 
Podanur, Coimbatore – 641 023.
(Estd. 1904 Area: 12 Sq. km)
Phone No. 0422 – 2411249

For more information please visit: www.coimbatorediocese.org

R.S. Puram is the abbreviated form for “Rathina Sabababathy Puram”, named after its founder Mr. Rao Sahih CS. Rathin Sababathy Mudaliar, one of the most nìemorable Chairman of Coimbatore Municipality, v ho can be rightly called “The Father of Coimbatore”. The Siruvani drinking water scheme, which still today quenches the thirst of the need for protected water supply, was due to him. He also conceived and planned the suburb of R.S. Puram, a model for all the later city Housing development schemes. The Coimbatore municipality came into existence in 1866. In the beginning the members were nominated by the British Rulers. That is how our Very Rev. Fr. Rondy could be a member and even the Chairman of Coimbatore Municipality. The councilors chosen by Ballet Boxes was a later development. He was the Chairman of the Coimbatore municipality from 1926-1936, a period which saw Coimbatore, developing in Commerce, Industry, Engineering etc. Hence, he planned and developed this area, which otherwise was an area of thorny bushes, except for the two famous All India Institutions, the Agricultural College (now an Agricultural University), at that time one of the very few institutions of its kind in India and the Forest college (The only other forest College, during and long after the British rule, was at Dhera Dun in the Himalayas). The Architectural construction of both these Institutions, standout till today with the combination of European Sarsanic style). They both had a valuable and unique Museums, a rarity in those days!). The Agricultural college was started in 1906, In 191 2, another unique all India level institution, the Sugar-Cane Institute also came up at that time. The Pykara Hydro-Electricity Project in the Nilgirs, came up in 1932! Hence we can only admire his extra-ordinary foresight and vision. (cfr. Miss. T.K. Shakti Dcvi Kovai Nagara Varalaru p. 69 70).

When this new town extension came up, the Missionaries manaEed to obtain a piece of land at the intersection of th Thadaagm Road, Maruthamalai Road and Forest College Road in 1924. By cleverly exchanging a plot of land, measuring 62 cents, near Ram Nagar, Kattoor, with the Coimbatore Municipality, for this plot of 2 acres and 24 cents. Since there were very few Catholics, it was looked after by the Cathedral Parish. During the II World War, the War – refugees of Malta (All Catholics) were given shelter at the Forest College Campus ; hence Sunday Mass was said at the College. Fr. M. Savarimuthu (later Bishop) as Procurator was their Chaplain. With the help (manual labour) of the Maltese Evacuees, he constructed the Grotto in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1943, which became a popular shrine, in 1948, a chapel was built in honour of St. John de Britto, and was attached to Kattoor, on 15-05-1941 an Elementary School (raised to Higher Elementary later), was started here by Bishop Uhagarasamy, and it is named after him. It was one of the largest Higher Elementary School in the state, later handed over to the Presentation Sisters.

In 1963, it was made a separate parish by Bishop Francis Savarimuthu and Fr. Pappu was the first Parish Priest. A presbytery was built in 1964 and it was later expanded, to form the quaint shape of wings as it is today, with the flooring of uneven surface, due to ‘economizing’ the cost, by building it with the local clay soil! Since the whole plot has the clay soil, even today it becomes dangerously slippery to the unwary! The foundation for the most architecturally modern church, (planed by the famousJesuit Architect, Fr. Stevensen S.J., of Bangalore and constructed by Fr. John Bosco with the help of Mr. Germanus, a famous contractor of Madurai). The foundation was blessed by Bishop Visuvasam, who was known to favour buildings of Grandeaur (the other notable churches of his time, are the churches of Pollachi and Udumalpet). To collect funds for tile church the Parish Priest undertook fund – raising tours of the United States. Whenever he had to be absent from the Parish, Fr. Sadanandam used to substitute him. It va completed by Fr. john Bosco, and was consecrated by Bishoj: Ambrose on 21 .5. 1983. For making room for the new church. the old Gratto “as shifted to a neighboring site. The society ci St. Paul started their house at Saibaba Colony on 20.7.1982 and started a Book-shop of Catholic literature in one of the shops of St. Joseph’s Industrial School, but after a few years, they had to close down both their book-stall (for lack of sufficient Patronage) and consequently their house also.

Unfortunately, the marvelous architectural creation of Fr. Stevanss, S.J. shortly after its blessing, started some defects on the novel church roofing. The Architect had planned the huge semi­ circular church, without any supporting pillars in the body of the church, the columns of the walls, supposed to bear the whole weight. This was to enable the people to have a un-hindered view of the Alter from anywhere inside the Church. But unfortunately, the consultant engineer of his, a Brahmin on whom he had placed his full confidence (as some missionaries of foreign origin won’t to do) on his technical competence, proved to be a misplaced trust as later the Technical experts of the P.S.G. College found out; and supported by other experts, that the basic fault was the iron bars used in its construction, by default of a few milli-meters, in the girth of the iron bars! A hard-learned lesson, how even minute mistakes can affect a magnificent edifice! And anyhow Fr. John Bosco, managed to rectify the small, but dangerous defect, by putting up supporting columns, which ofcourse, marred the original splendor!

Fr. I. Paul Antony, succeeded him and with his characteristic personal magnetism, built up the Parish as a family and attracted parishioners of various talents into a well-knit dynamic group, who began to play a very active supportive role in further developments of the Parish. The long felt-need for a Community Hall of the Parishioners was realized by him. The foundation stone was blessed on 4-11-1990, but unfortunately, before he could complete, he had a stroke and out of action for a few months. But he recovered sufficiently, to complete the community Hall, a standing monument for the cooperation of the committed lay people to their Pastor, and it was blessed by Bishop Ambrose. Later he retired from active parish ministry, due to his physical handicap. On 2.7.1990, a new school building was blessed byBishof 4mbrose and a new Convent house has also come up within the Church compound. The Higher Elementary School was raised to High School recently. The Silver Jubilee of the Parish was celebrated in 1988 and a bell-fry was constructed in memory of it. Rev. Fr. A. Siluvainathar, Fr. Patrick D’Rosario, Fr. Marianathar, Fr. Sadhanandam, Fr. Antony Lawrence, Fr. Dharmanathar and Fr. Jaya Paul, were the former Parish Priests!

Though the Parish is of recent origin, the demarcation of its territory, to say the least is a confusing and illogical one. For instance, Selvapuram which is at the southern end of the Parish, on the Coimbatore-Perur Road could be reached oniy through Kattoor and Cathedral Parish Areas, is closer to the Cathedral than to R.S. Puram! The vast, almost barren terrain upto Marudamalai is developing with an unimaginable swiftness, with the mushrooming of Housing-Colonies. Though a plot of 88 cents was acquired during the time of Fr. Sadhanandam, it was left utilized. The Diocese of Syro-Malabar Rite of Paighat Diocese, with the Congregation of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.) had taken the lead and had their institutions in this fast developing area! Unless foresight and planning well-in-advance, the future growth of the city, in this space-age, even a delay of short duration could only end in the ioss of vantage sites for our Institutions besides the sky-rocketing price of the land, making them beyond our capacity.

Mass timings :
Weekdays : 6.3O p.m
Sundays : 6.30 & 8.30a.m, 1st & 3rd Sunday, 5.30 p.m In English

Contact:
St. John De Britto Shrine, 
R.S. Puram, Coimbatore – 641 002.
(Estd :1963 – Area : 25 Sq. miles)
Phone No-0422-2541812

For more information please visit: www.coimbatorediocese.org

The ever-expanding Coimbatore city, is abounding with hundreds of “Nagars”, springing up like ‘mushrooms’ on all directions: more or less, upto Avinashi and Palladam to the east upto Pollachi to the south, upto the State. border and Marutba Malai to the west and to Mettupalayam and Annur to the North. Hence great responsibility and fore sighted planning devolves on the Diocesan authorities to foresee and purchase lands well-in- advance, before the price of the land sky-rockets! Bishop Visuvasam was very adept at this, and he was always particular, the land to be purchased should be on the main high-ways! Ganapathi was a bit unfortunate to have awakened a bit late, to the need of the ever- sprawling new settlements and has to pay the price for ever of having its parish church, a little interior from the main road, and had to raise a tall belfry to be spotted! The foundation for the new church in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, of which the Capuchins form the largest part, was laid by Bishop Ambrose on 3-5-1987. Rev. Fr. Mathaias OFM (cap) was the then parish priest of Gandhipuram. Ganapathi was a substation of Gandhipuram till 1990. He drew up the plans and nearly completed it. But due to some structural defects, the roofing had to be rectified. On 1-6-1990, it was created as a separate parish, with Rev. Fr. Oubagara Maria Xavier as its first Parish Priest, who had to toil hard to set right the defects, giving a new shape in the process and finally, the church was consecrated on 9- 10-1994 by Bishop Ambrose. A belfry was raised and blessed on 20-10-1996. Visuvasa Puram and Cheran-Ma-Nagar were made its substations. A new Presbytery (unfortunately attached to the church was blessed on 15-10-2000, in the time of Rev. Fr. Dhanaraj. The temporary hail, used as the chapel, is being utilized as the “Parish Hall” vith some modifications. The Salesian iisters, came to the parish and bought a land, adjacent to the :hurch and started a “Home for the street girls” (one of their special :harism as their founder St. John Bosco had started his special spostolate by working among the street boys of Milan, Italy).

Mass Timings:

Weekdays: Mon to Thurs : 6.30 a.m
Fri & Sat: 6.OO p.m
Sundays: 8.15 a.m & 6.00 p.m

Contact:
St. Francis of Assisi Church,
Athipalayam Pirivu – Assisi Nagar
Ganapathy – Coimbatore – 641 006.
(Estd 1990- Area : 20 Sq. K.M)
Phone No. -0422- 2531533

For more information please visit: www.coimbatorediocese.org

This area west of Coimbatore , on the Perur Road, a vast sea jf rich agricultural land till 1950’s. But due to the natural but Forced growth and extension of the city of Coimbatore, housing Colonies and residential areas started mushrooming, inspite of acing valuable agricultural lands, fed with water of River Noyal as well as the large water tank, Muthannan Kulam. Such was the demand for Housing over-riding the importance of Agriculture! Number of Catholics also started settling down in this area which For thousands of years was without any Christian presence, Perur, being one of the ancient centers of Saivism from Sangam Age!

A plot of land was bought, but not on the main Road but rather deep in the interior by Bishop Savarimuthu. After searching in vain for a more convenient but more conspicuous site on the main road, Bishop Visuvasam agreed for the construction of the temporary multipurpose building there in honour of Our Lady of Vellankanni and blessed it on 31-12-1976. As the population increased, a larger site on the main road was purchased and the foundation for the new church was blessed by Bishop Ambrose. The church was blessed on 04-09-2004 by Bishop Thomas Aquinas. It is a novel modern church, as it has a land-level hail (not a crypt) and the church above it, to be rcached by steps! Fr. Alexander Selvanayagam was responsible for its construction. The Peculiarity of this substation is that, though it was part of R.S.Puram, as a matter of fact, the Principals of Carmel Garden Matriculation School were in charge of this place. Fr. Joseph Felix was the main instrument for the buying of thilsand and starting the constructions

1. Vedapatty :

This coiony of new converts of Adi Dravidas, was the missionary fruit of Fr. Chervier who worked among them between 1932 to 1934 from Kattoor. Many Adi Dravidas were converted and a large plot of land was acquired at Vedapatti by the Diocese. A Chapel in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes was constructed with a generous donation of Mr. Thangapragasam Pillai in October 1938, and was blessed by Very Rev. Fr. Bechu, the Vicar Capitular on 29th December, 1938, (Cfr. Bechu : p. 80) During Bishop Visuvasam’s time the large vacant land behind the Chapel, became an income producing scheme of his, by building 6 large Godowns making use of the Government scheme at that time promulgated, by which a substantial amount was taken from the Government as loan with a grant of Subsidy and the Godowns leased for rentals and the loan was paid back, before his death. Thereafter it had been a source of tidy income to the Diocese! Bishop Visuvasam, when he blessed and opened in the Godowns, named them as St. Joseph’s Granaries, since these buildings were then, sought by the Government to store food-grains as stock. (In his own inimitable way he was also referring to the historical granaries that Joseph of the Old Testament built in Egypt nearly 3500 years ago), Fr. John Bosco, the builder of Chruches and Chapels, wherever he was the Parish Priest this seems to be his special “Charism”, built a small but modern chapel, blessed by Bishop Ambrose on 7.3.1983. The F.M.M. Sisters were the “Apostles” of this new convert center from its inception, with their weekly visits and Catechizing and helping them, esp. Sr. Faustina F.M.M. who was fondly called as the ‘Mother Vedapatty’

2. Puluvapatty :

(Ceylon Tamil Reugees Camp ) is attached to this parish and every Tuesday mass is celebrated at. 6.00 p.m.

Our Lady of Vailankanni shine,
Perur Main Road, (Opp.) Thelungupalayam Hospital,
Selvapuram, Komarapalayam.
Estd 2005.
Phone 0422 – 5582024

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

Gandhipuram Parish was inaugurated in January 1955 at St.Mary’s Primary School by Fr. Peter Damian. Rt.Rev. Francis Savarimuthu blessed the place & Br.Cosmos also contributed to the construction.Fr. Cassian an American & Provincial delegate was the architect of Fatima church. The church was blessed on December 23,1962

The very next month after the church was blessed, Bishop Francis Savarimuthu laid the foundation for both Shanthi Ashram & Latin School-Minor Seminary.Shanthi Ashram had the inner wing of the choir, refectory & kitchen.Fr. Berchmance constructed the first wing of Shanthi Ashram & also a parish hall in memory of Bishop. Heartmann & they were blessed on 18th April, 1966.

Bishop Ambrose put forth the idea of starting a Matriculation School in July 1996.Fr. Soosai Arul furnished the school while Fr. Jude King put his heart & soul in obtaining the government recognition. Brindshi Matriculation School was inaugurated by Bishop Ambrose on 1st June, 1998.

SILVER JUBILEE YEAR 1981:

Fr. Clement was the parish priest who took innovative ideas to buying lands & selling it for house plots & using the profit for construction of a Community Hall.He also took initiatives to start 2 new parishes, Rathinapuri in 1983 & Ganapathy in 1990.The diocese also created N.G.G.O. Colony parish in 1970, Jothipuram in 1987, Goundampalayam in 1997 & Visuvavapuram in 2003.Fr. Solano Ofm.,Cap contemplated ‘MarriAge Bureau’ in 1976 with the blessing of Rt. Rev. C.M.Visuvasam.

GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR 2005:

It was during the Golden Jubilee year, 2005 that the Heartmann Hall was demolished & a mighty structure ‘Golden Jubilee Spiritual & Social Centre’was constructed. Underneath this came an, Adoration Chapel financed by Mr. Vincent,a parishioner & all other Gandhipuram parishioners & benefactors.Rt.Rev. Thomas Aquinas, Bishop of Coimbatore blessed & opened it on 20th May,2005.

Fr. M. Joseph Ofm.,Cap took over in 2002 & he approved the plan for construction of a Grotto of Our Lady Of Fatima. The FRC ] Fatima Recreation Club)shouldered the responsibity & it was blessed by Fr. Joseph himself in October,2003 during his Golden Jubilee celebration.

Mass Timings:

Sundays: 6am (Tamil), 7:45am (Tamil), 10am (English), 5:30pm (Tamil)
Weekdays: 6:15am (Tamil), 6pm (Tamil)
Tuesdays: 6:45am, 6:30pm Novena to St. Antony
Fridays: 6:30pm Novena to Divine Merry
Saturdays: 11am Mass and novena to our lady of fatima

Adoration chapel is open from 6am to 9pm

Contact:
OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH,
‘SHANTHI ASHRAM’
4th Street Extension,
Gandhipuram,
Coimbatore- 641 012.

E mail: fatimachurchgandhipuram@gmail.com

Phone No: 0422 2529159 (Parish)
0422 2525237 (Shanthi Ashram)

For more information please visit:
http://www.fatimachurchgandhipuramcoimbatore.com/

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The Carmelites of Discalced (1st Goder) hold the record of being the first Religious Order of men to establish their monastery in our Diocese. Though the Jesuits were the first Religious Order (men) to labour in our Diocese, but they did not establish any of their house, inspite of working for over 150 years! Bishop Ubagaraswamy invited them in 1946 and after residing in temporary houses, they bought their own land at Mettur, Podanur and built up their Monastery in 1950. Since, many were settling to the east of the Railway lines, at Mettur, Amman Pudur, Ishwar Nagar, Carmel Nagar, Asbestos colony etc, they planned their church in such a way, that it could also be easily accessible to the people and named it in honour of their Patroness, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and it was blessed by Bishop Sowarimuthu on 25-03-1954, built as a Memorial of the First Marian year! Rev. Fr. Stanislus the first Tamilan to enter their Order, was chiefly responsible for the construction of the monastery and the church. It was established as a Parish only on 23-10-1972 by Bisho Visuvasam and entrusted to the Carmelites.A church was constructed at Othakal Mandapam, blessed by Bishop Visuvasam on 16-03-1975.

In 1986, the ever expanding SIDCO Housing area of Kurichi was attached to this parish along with Othakalmaridapam an Kinathukadvu as substations, There is a natural Grotto of Our Lady at Pillaiarpuram, on the western side of the Housing unit and attracts many devotees. The Carmelites of Manjumel Provinc (Kerala) were for long, managing the Parish. But when the newl formed Tarnil Nadu Province was born on 14-3-1991, it w attached to it. A plot was bought by the Diocese at Sidco and new Church was constructed in honour of the most Holy Trinity and blessed by Bishop Ambrose on 27-02-2000. A new church in honour of Divine Mercy was constructed at Kuniamuthur and blessed by Bishop Ambrose on 21-10-2001. The Samaritan Sisters were the First Religious (sisters) to function in this parish with a Home for the Aged (St. Joseph’s); the Carmelites Sisters of St. Theresa came in 1982. They have started the Mount Carmel Mat.Hr.Sec.School here. The Presentation Sisters have started a Presentation Matriculation Hr. Sec. School at Kurichi along with their convent.

The Christian population of this parish (of Mattur , Podanur) are either those who are Railway Employees or the Employees of Asbestos company or Anglo Indians who have settled down. The Anglo-Indian population is decreasing due to emigration to Austraila and other foreign Countries. The Tamil Catholics hailing from different parts of Tamil Nadu and are settling down in the numerous Hosing colonies. Yet it is to the credit of the Carmelites Fathers, that they have succeeded in welding the disparate Congregation into a parish community and have spread the Devotion to St. Antony of Padua, though he did not belong to their Order! The Shrine that they have constructed in his honour in 1954, still draws devotees from surrounding parishes on Tuesdays! For the common people, whoever is seen wearing the brown habit, must belong to their Order! They do not notice that the Capuchins wear a white cord around their waist, while the Carmelites instead wear a leather black belt! They attach a special sanctity (atleast used to) to the brown habit! The first Carmelite from our diocese is Rev.Fr.Alexis OCD (Arokiaswamy of Karumuthampatty Pudur, who after completing his B.A. 60- years ago when it was a rarity that a Tamil Catholic completes his graduation from home! In the same way the first one to join the Carmelites of the II order, at Puliakulam was also a Graduate daughter of the Retired. DI.G. Mr. Savarimuthu of Savariarpalayam! What is certainly a common strange coincidence in both these first vocations to the Discalced Carmelite Orders is the part played by the late Fr. John Pitchai of happy memory who was the inspirer of their vocation.

Mass Timings:

Weekdays: 6.30 p.m
Tuesdays: 5.30 p.m Mass & Novena to St. Antony
Saturdays: 5.30 p.m
Sundays: 7.00 a.m (English), 8.00 a.m & 5.30 am (Tamil)

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
Carmel Nagar, Podanur – 641 023.
(Estd 25-3-1 954 – Area 5.5. Sq. Miles)
Phone No. 0422 -2413317

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

A new Bell-Tower was built by Fr.P.Irudayaraj and was blessed by same Bishop Ambrose on 08-09-1993. A temporary building for the Seminarians attending the college course was put up and Fr.Antony Manthara was its Rector. Later it was shifted back to the minor Seminary premises of Coimbatore.

By the side of the church, attached parallel to it a spacious open-air hall with overhead roofing was constructed (to accommodate the increasing Devotees.) by Fr. Lourdhu Irudayaraj and blessed by Rev. Bishop Ambrose on 12-01-1997. Finally a new separate presbytery was built by Fr. Lourdhu Irudayaraj and blessed on 23-09-2001 by Bishop Ambrose and also a new Grotto was built and blessed on 06-11-2003. A Grotto of Calvary was constructed and blessed on 15-08-2002. Fr. Dhanasekar built the stations of the cross with life like statues in the year 2005 and it was blessed by Bishop Thomas Aquinas, Fr. Dhanasekar with the collection from the devotees and from the parishioners has constructed “Thottil Gebi” (cradle or cradle chapel) to encourage the parents to lay their children in a cradle to get the special blessings of Infant Jesus.

Thousands of people from all religious and religion visit this Shrine and receive many blessings. On Thursday, during Novena, all those who receive special blessings give ‘witness message’ that encourage others to have more faith in Infant Jesus. Thanks giving letters are also offered on the feet of Infant Jesus.

Mass Timings:

Parish Priest,
Infant Jesus’ Shrine
Kovaipudur P.O.
Coimbatore – 641 042.
Tamilnadu.
Phone: 0422 – 2607157

For more information please visit: http://coimbatore.infantjesuschurch.net/

St. Sebastian Church,
10-B, Airport Road, Sitra,
Coimbatore – 641014.
Tamilnadu, INDIA.
Ph: 0422 – 2580052.

St. Michael’s Cathedral is the Cathedral Church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Coimbatore that stands tall as a major landmark in faith and worship. The Cathedral is placed in the centre of the city of Coimbatore and the campus has the magnificent old church and the venue that is vast enough to accommodate a huge gathering.

People of all faith enter into the campus experiencing the presence of God especially with a visit to the adoration chapel that is open throughout the day. It is a place that soothes the soul and the body and people seeking silence, solace and joy visit frequently and experience God in a unique way.

Most probably the Christianity of Saveriarpalayam is the oldest, in our Diocese (and of old Sathyamangalam Mission of the Jesuits), therefore long before the Karumathampatty Christianity! Once again it is Fr. Luney PME, who is the first source. His historical publication cannot be taken lightly, since he had personally taken the trouble to visit the places he writes about, traveling by bullock -carts, horse-back and by palanquins (if available) during the closing years of the 19th Century (Cfr: Fr. H. Hosten S.J. : Antiquities from Santhome and Mylapore p. 437). He seems to have personally visited the places, seen things for himself and gathered information from the locals about the oral traditions and had used his judgments and comments, with an historian’s point of view. So we cannot simply white – wash his statements about the mysterious event of the construction of Amman Tank of Piliakulam and the remonstration by the people of Saveriarpalayam in 1432, though it raises more questions than answers!

The name of this village, 3 K.M. east of Coimbatore, itself has 2 forms: In the secular history, it is called “SOWRI PALAYAM”, while in Catholic circles, it has always been called as ‘(X) SAVERIARPALAYAM’. “Sown”, usually means the “Wig” for ladies, especially the additional tresses of hair attached to the real hair at the top of the neck! But there is no historical evidence that such a manufacturing of hair-bundles here; But, “Sown” is also the corrupt and abbreviation of “Saveri”, as Sowrimuthu, Sowriappan Etc. So, both forms mean the same name of “Saveri” only and hence of its Christian origin. There are atleast 2 more Saveniarpalayarns in our mission, one near Mettur, Saveriarpaiayam (an ancient parish on a hill, that could be reached only on horse back and not to get mixed up with “Saveniarpalayarn” o Coimbatore. That Saveniyarpalayam as the prefix ‘ Kannamuchi’. The thixd place of this category in the one in Paighat District near Kozhijamparai, of Kerala; The Kerela Saveriarpalyam to avoid confusion is also called as “Palaniarpalayam” (from a house-maid with that name who became a Catholic, and is buried there). But, the problem to connect the origin of name of this village to St. Francis Xavier, runs into an insurrmountable barrier, namely, that St. Francis Xavier set foot on Indian soil only in 1542 and died in 1552 and canonized only in 1666! So, how can this village could have been, named after him? The only rational solution seems to assume that this village, ori;inally was called Sowripalayam (Sown -Wig + Palayam a village, created by destroying the forest and made habitable) and later, under the domination of the Catholic majority, came to be called S(X)averiarpalaym!

It will be an interesting historical information for many, though Saveriarpalayam has no explicit mentioning by name before 1803, it must have been one of the 15 main Central Churches, surrounded by other Christian Villages in 1655, mentioned as being within 2 days journey (Cfr. C.S.M. Op. cit p. 26) or scattered over a stretch of 25 leagues (Ibid p. 64), again as one of the 23 churches with 130 villages, in 1666, and Fr. Andre Freire, the superior writes in 1666, about the Christians of these villages and hence, we can rightly assume the same for Saveriarpalayam Christians. “One has often spoken with eulogium of the fervour of these neophytes, of their innocence of their assiduity at spiritual exercises and their tender devotion to the Holy souls of Purgatory. All these eulogies are no exaggerations and God Himself often takes pleasure in justifying them through the favours by which He rewards the faith of His dear children (Ibid p. 84).

Hence the ancient custom of this village (and also other ancient Christian villages of equal antiquity like Somanur, Manianallur, Palapalayam, etc) of the whole village going in a procession, reciting the Rosary to the Cemetery on Monday evenings, is of this early Jesuit era. It was such a striking special devotional practice that it could be the yard-stick to evaluate thc antiquity (Jesuit) of the Christian Villages of our Diocese.

Perhaps, the Christians of this parish, were more fortunate or, less, if you look at persecutions as blessing) in that they would :ertainly had to face various types of persecutions (since it seems be a fully Catholic village from its beginning, the non-Christian Dopulation forming separate villages, though surrounding it from ill sides), such as caste ostracization, yogis (Veera saiva, Vokagliga Sanyasis) persecution etc, which were so prevalent and persistent n the first Christian villages around Sathy! Besides the repercussions of the incessant war between Mysore and Madura, on these Christians who had to flee to the forests and mountains so often, would have least affected Coimbatore and surrounding Christianity, as they were out-of-the way of those invasions until Ryder and Tippu came on the scene (1765 -1799), when Coimbatore and the surroundings became the main theatre of battles between the Sultans and the British, when the Christians had to pay-so to speak- with interest for the long years of comparative peace , as we have already noted above, when they were carried off to Sriranga Pattinam, the Capital of Tippu in 1787!

From 1650 atleast, till 1799, Saveriarpalayam, along with Karumathapatty, Kannampalayam, C oimbatore (N.H. Road) were the Sub-stations of Kanuvavakkarai (Sathy) Residence (=Parish). Fr. Martinez (1644-1656) and his successor Arcoline (1653-1671), Fr. Amadio (1674-1678), Fr. Benedict de Naguera (1679 -1685), Fr. Emmanuel Correa (1671) Fr. Paiva (1686 – ) Fr. Manual Carvahlo (1691- ), Fr. Rainerio Conscitti (1724- ), Fr. Louis de Rocha (1733 – ), Fr. Angello de Franchessi (1743 – 1744 – ), Fr. Vieyra (1740-44 – 2 ), Fr.Arnolt (1740-44- .?..), Fr. Mucchi (1742-44..?..), Fr. Pietro Licchetta (Rayandunathar): (1760 1790) and Fr. Francesco Xaverio Pavone (Amurthanathar): (1760 11.07.1799) were the historically verifiable Parish Priests (they were not known as such in those days, but as Resident Priests) all Jesuits, of Madura and then of Mysore Jesuit Provinces. Not oniy Saveriarpalayam, but all the ancient Christian Villages of those days were substations of Kannuvakkarai (Sathy) Residence. Saveriarpalayam was the de-facto main centre for this area This situation continued upto 1850, when Coimbatore was made a separate parish, detached From Karumathampatty. Incidentally Karumathampatty had ecome a separate Residence (‘Parish) by 1683, as by then, Kannuvakaraibecame extinct. So, from about 1683, till l8SOwhen the first Vicar Apostolic, Bishop de Bresillac (1846 1853) transferred his head-quarters to Coimbatore, Saveriarpalayam was the main centre for Coimbatore Area. Though Kannampalayam had a larger Christian population than Saveriarpalayarn (according to the first Diocesan Statistics of 1855 Kannampalayam with Pudampally had 500 Christians and a church, while Saveriarpalayam had only 250 Catholics), Saveriarpalayam was the de-facto main centre, as it had not only a church, but also a house for the priest to stay. Ofcourse Coimbatore town had 150 Catholics then, but had neither a church (Mattakara Street chapel was for the Adi Dravidas) nor a presbytery, and Puliakulam had 300 Catholics with a Chapel (new church was under construction) but had no presbytery and they were Adi Dravidas! Owing to the diabolical caste-system from the time of Fr. De Nobili (and in our case, the first missionaries of Sathy Mission being Brahmin Sanyasis). The French Missionaries could not but follow it! Bu the pathetic condition of the one presbytery at Saveriarpalayam was such that it had no chairs, tables etc, and the visiting Priest had to sleep on wooden Planks! (and the church cannot contain one fourth of the people who came for Sunday Mass) (Cfr. Luney op. cit. Vol. II, p. 305). And yet this humble presbytery had served the French Missionaries from Karumathampatty from 1803 upto 1846, till the land, with a house, was bought at Coimbatore (the present Bishop’s House and Cathedral). Thus the humble presbytery at Saveriyarpalayam must have been the actual Parish Centre and the Residence of Coimbatore, the name o ‘Coimbatore’ being for name sake!

Fr. Dubois, under the Supervision of Fr. Aloysius (Gnanapragasanather, one of the first Indian Priest of Pondicherry Seminary) built churches at Kannampalayam and Puthampally, the substation of Saveriarpalayam, perhaps since they had more Catholics than Saveriarpalayam itself, but made arrangements to build a new church at Saveriarpalayam through the generousisty of a local Catholic Mr. Savari Muthu in 1 805. It must have been blessed by Fr. Dubois! Since he was recalled to Pondicherry and then to France, the whole of Sathyamangalarn Mission (hence Karurnathampatty Resisdence) was left shepherd less. It is at this period four Canerine Priests (Secular Priests of Goa) sneaked into our mission, as if they had the jurisdiction. Since the Catholics had no priest to cater to their spiritual needs, they must have welcomed them, ignorant, as they must have been, about all canonical nicieties, after 181 8, when the last of the 4 Indian priests, who had accompanied Fr. Dubois, Fr. Germanus (Ordained in 1794 at Pondicherry) died at Kodiveri, from where he must have looked after Karumathampatty Residence also. After his death another Pondicherry Indian Priest, Fr. Hilary who came to work at Karumathampatty, died there in 1820.

From 1 820 1 836, was the ‘Dark Age’ for the ancient Christianity of Coimbatore. The Canarine Priests, Fr. Bechu had noted down the names of four of them, were Fr. Pascal de Cruz, Fr. Yagappan, Fr. Stephen and Fr. Garcia) (Cfr. Bechu: Op. cit. p. 32) because of their uncouth manners, least consideration for the culture of the local Christians, their money – mindedness, and luxurious way of life, replicating the loose manner of living, prevalent in Goa where they were trained, succeeded only in estranging the Catholics. Hence the Caholics of Karumathampatty Residence sent a petition of Mgr. Herbert, Vicar Apostolic of Pondicherry (1 810 1 836) under whose jurisdiction Coimbatore came, in 1 820, requesting him to send a Priest to look after them. Because of the shortage of Priests to look after the whole Coromandal Coast Mission, (practically the whole of Tamilnadu, upto Cape Cornrine (Kanyakumari, Mysore and Andhra) he could not spare any hands. However, in 1836, Fr. Bouchaton, then Fr. jarrige and Fr. Arulandu (an Indian Priest) came, but had to go back almost immediately, as the British Government was insisting on Visas to enter and stay in their territories. Finally Fr. Goust and Fr. Pacreau, were allowed to stay at Karumathampatty, after obtaining proper Visas! So, these two are the first French Parish Priests of Karumathampatty Residence, and hence also of Saveriarpaiayarn. They were followed by Fr. Bigot-Beauclair (Devapathinathar) in 1837, and Fr. Metral in 1839. Fr. Bigot­ Beauclair visited all the Catholic villages of the Mission between 1837 – 1845, and hence also Saveriarpalayam, building chapels and presbyteries. Hence, he must have visited this parish also and used the church and the small house, for his ministry. (Cfr. Bechu Op. Cit. p. 15-18).

The Vicar Apostolic of Pondicherry (hence also of Coimbatore) Mgr. Bonnand (1836 1846) came on a pastoral visit to our Mission from 15-9-1842 to 9-1-1 843) and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation in the main centers. Karumathampatty, was one of those centers, and the people of Saveriarpalayam must have attended the reception and their children (perhaps even many older people) would have been Confirmed there. Surely this was first time in history, a Bishop set foot in our Mission. Unfortunately, he could not visit Saveriarpalayam area, since his itinery took him from Karumathampatty to Dharapuram and from there to Palghat area upto Vadakancherry! On his return journey from Paighat, he only passed through Coimbatore, traveling to Ooty on horse – back and from Ooty to Kodivery and then back to Pondicherry. (Cfr. Fr. Jean Lafrenez : Mission de Pondicherry : p. 80-81). It was during his time, a new church was built here in 1845 and one of the first Parish Priests of Karumathampatty, Fr. Pacreau., had noted down that this new church (replacing the older one, built by Fr. Dubois in 1805) as the best church in the mission! (That implies even better than the church of Karumathampatty!) (Cfr. Bechu : Op. cit : P. 19). A new small presbytery was also built in 1845.

It may be an interesting guess: The first native priest of our Mission, is Fr. Arulappan (Joanus), one of the first five to receive Tonsure from Bishop de Bresillac at Karumathampatty in 1 849 (Ibid: p2 I), ordained by his successor Bishop Godelle in l857at Karumathampatty, was a native of”Coimhatore” (that could only mean, “Saveriarpalaym” as it was the Residence and Coimbatore was only “in name”). He was born in 1830 here, of Hindu parents but of the Weavers caste (Devangers). Either he must have been born in Coimbatore (as there were many non-catholic Devangars at Sukkravar Pet of Coimbatore) but baptized at Saveriarpalayam (as it was the Parish Church) when he was 10 years old, or even born at Saveriarpalayam, where there must have been some non- catholic Devangers there in those days and baptized here. Hence it can almost be certain, that Saveriarpalayam had the distinction of producing the first “Son of the Soil” Priest for Coimbatore Diocese! It is interesting to know that, as a newly converted Catholic, after joining the Seminary at Karumathampatty, in his first out-burst of zeal, he started destroying a pagan idol on the road – side and thus caused a great stir among the local Hindus. After his ordination in 1857 (not in 1858 as others who had written articles about the History of St. Josephs Minor Seminary, in the various Souvenirs!), he was assistant to Fr. Ravel and then in charge of Pallapalayam for 12 years and then also for same time at Karumathampatty. He died in 1870 at Karumathampatty, and was buried in the church there. Fr. Bechu, our Diocesan Historian, after giving the above details, finally has written as a “Panageric” “He was the first Indian Priest of the Coimbatore Mission; workeH zealously for the sanctification of Christians and the conversion ol pagans, was a credit to the Indian clergy of the Mission”. (Bechu Op. cit. p. 146 – 147). Fr. Luney however, in his monumenta work, says : “On 29th May 1858, two first priests from thc Coimbatore Mission were ordained: Fr. Arul and Fr. Xavery, thc first was from Coimbatore of pagan parents, at 10 years wa baptized. Fr. Xaverinathar, from Murugampalayam, served ir Dharapuram, Coimbatore and Saveriarpalayam and died 1882” (Op. cit : Vol. II p. 392).

In 1 848, Coimbatore was detached from Karumathampatty as a separate parish by Bishop de Bresillac, and thw Saveriarpalayam became a real substation of Coimbatore, thougi there was no church at Coimbatore till 1867, when the Cathedra was completed but there was a house for the Priest to reside one of the rooms of that house (the present procure) was used a a chapel. ln that single – room chapel, some the first Indian Priests were ordained.

During the turbulent Goanese or Joachim Schism, Saveriarpalayam did not appear to have been affected, though those priests must have visited and administrated the sacraments here. But when the French Missionaries arrived to take charge in 1834, there were no factions, supporting the Goanese priests and hence it must have happened without a hitch. This is in sharp contrast to other places, like Karumathampatty, Aravakurichi and Venkitapuram where there were factions, one supporting the new­ comers (the French Missionaries) and the other the Goanes priests, often resulting in unchristian fist fights and schisms, so much so Fr. Bechu, sarcastically could remark, “One group wanted the French, another the Goanese while still a third (Bad Catholics) wanted none of them (so that they could live as they liked” (Ibid Op. cit : p. 17).

Mgr. de Bresillac, the first Bishop of our Vicariate, faced with Caste conflicts and revolt among the laity and even among his tiny band of clergy (just 5 or 6), because he attempted to abolish the social system of castes, chose to resign and go hack to France in 1 853. At Somanur, there was the first meeting of the Vicariate lay people, up in arms against the abolishing of castes in 1853 or 1854 and decided to boycott going to the church and even threatened to call in the schismatic priests. The immediate provocation wa the bold action of Fr. de Gelis, to employ a cobbler-caste boy a his syce (to look after his horse) and allowed him to enter th presbytery at will. Since from 1847, Bishop de Bressilac himsell had established the “Maniakarars System” to help the priests in thi temporal administration of the parishes and of Karumathampatty the Mother of 10 surrounding Christian Villages (Saveriarpalayan was one of the ten), therefore the Maniakaran of this parish to would have played his part, supported by the Villagers. Th problem was finally solved only in 1 857 by Fr. Ravel.

In 1859, Saveriarpalayam was the substation of Coimbatore had 250 Catholics, a small church (but the most excellentone: and a small presbytcry Fr. de Gellis was the Parish Priest.

In the brief statistics of 1872 – 73, we find Fr. Xavier, tin second Indian Priest of our Mission to be ordained, was in charge of this Parish, (though as Assistant to the Parish Priest of the Cathedral Fr. Arival). His biography is a very interesting one. He was the only son of his parents, a devout Devanger family of Murugampalayam (which was a Catholic Village, with 83 Catholics and a church in 1859). His father’s one ambition was to offer his oniy son to God’s service. Hence he put him in the Seminary at Karumathampatty on 21 .1 .1846. Now the fun starts. Reran away twice, according to Fr. Bechu, though according to the same historian, the boy had great difficulties to obtain his parent’s consent, being the only son! (Cfr. Ibid: p.l46). But both the times his father brought back the prodigal son. Thus after the initial hiccups, he persevered in the Seminary and received ‘the tonsure’ at the hands of Bishop de Bresillac, who as stated by Fr. Luney, was much impressed by his parent’s piety and faith. He was ordained as priest on 29.5.1858 at Karumathampatty by Mgr. Godelle. He was an exemplary Pastor in the various places of his ministry at Dharapuram, Coimbatore and Saveriarpalayam 1 865 – 1881. He died at Coimbatore on 27.5.1882. Fr. Beshu says about him: “An edifying priest whom the people held in great esteem and affection”. (Ibidp.146).

In 1876 1878 South India was again visited by famine and many died of Cholera, dysentery and fever. The missionaries and the Government tried to help as much as possible with “Gruel Centers” ( Kanjithotti) Coimbatore had one such gruel center. This place was also affected; some must have been converted at this period.

lit the Statistics of 1 892, Saveriarpalayam had a Catholic Population of 1391 (what a phenomenal increase compared to that of 1859, when it was only 650) and 3 adult Baptisms, and another good news : It had 3 schools with 51 pupils : In 1 892 a school had been founded here, known as St. Francis Xavier’s Elemantary School (which later was called as “St. Joseph’s” The other two schools must have been the ones at Pilliakulam, which was its substations (Ibid : p. 56).

Saveriarpalayam was made a separate parish in 1892 though it had a resident priest from 1866. Fr. Guerpillion was the first Parish Priest. For the 3rd time the church was rebuiltb)r him 1898 (This was the one that was existing till 1963). The bel-fry was constructed by Fr. A. Ignatius in 1905. In 1963 the church was extend on both sides, as side aisles, by Fr. Heart M. lrudayan and was blessed by Bishop Savarimuthu. Fr. Lazar Arputham constructed the portico for the church in 1976. The Centenary of the parish was celebrated in 1983 (I wonder what was this Centenary was for, since it became a separate parish only 1892!) by Fr. M. Thomas. Fr. C.S. Madalaimuthu, did the interior decorations in 1988.

Before the Diocese was handed over to Indian clergy, Fr. Guerpillion, Fr.M.S. Micael, Fr. Langlet, Fr. Rthinanathar, Fr. Collins, Fr. Koihir, Fr. Paul were the parish priests Fr. Paul (1932- 1935) when he was transferred from here and appointed as Parish Priest of Dharapuram, while he was travelling by Bus (in those days, the buses had no side protective body, but were open, with wooden benches) on the way, suddenly a cobra crossed the road, in front of the bus, and the driver applied sudden brakes and in the jolt, Fr. Paul was thrown out and received a mortal injury on the head and hence died in 1935, before he could take charge! (This transfer, brought, Fr. G. Martial (1935-46). He was known for choosing the Baptismal names for many children of the Parish. He brought the Convent of the Presentation Sisters. Fr. S. Maria Joseph (1946-1949) built a new building for the boys school and also 3 houses for rentals. It was during the end of the reign of Fr. Martial and during the time of Fr. Maria Joseph, the cruel shortage of yarn, affecting the Handloom Industry made nearly half of the parish, to migrated to Calcutta, Mettur, Bombay, Surat etc.

It was when he was the Parish Priest here (1949-1950) that Fr. M. Savarimuthu received his nomination as Bishop ol Coimbatore, but continued to be parish priest, even after his consecration. He repaired the ancient presbytery. His successor Fr. M. Singara) ar (1951-1955) the Boy’s school was raised to Higher Secondary School in 1952, and the school building was xtended. With the parishioners’ contribution, the beautiful Grotto of the Sacred Heart was constructed, blessed by Bishop Savarimuthu, who had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart. Fr. G.M. Kulandaiswamy (1 955-59) extended the school building. He started the Young Christian Workers Movement (Y.C.W) first in the Diocese. There seems to have been unnecessary confusion about this Fr. A.J.Williams started the Christian Workers Association, at the Cathedral in the year 1948! (Cfr. Souvenir of the 150th year of the Diocese: The Message of Fr. John Williams) Fr. Joseph Pragasam (1959-61)built another extension for the Boys school and continued extending the YCW movement which was extended to many parishes, by Rev. Fr. Ignatius M. lrudayam into a real Diocesan movement, during 1961-1970, one of the best in India! Fr. Irudayam (1 961 -1964), took the initiative to extend the church with 2 aisles, the foundation was blessed on 24-2-1962 by Bishop Savarimuthu and it was completed in 1963, blessed by the same Bishop. A new Grotto in honor of Our Lady of Fatima was constructed and blessed on 7-9-1985. In the cemetery, a Calvary with covered shed was constructed and blessed by Bishop Ambrose on 2-11-1987.

Fr. A. Louis, after strenuous efforts to collect funds, constructed the large parish hall and it was blessed by Bishop Ambrose . Fr. M. Guruswamy, was the Parish Priest here. Fr. CS. Madalaimuthu, managed by evict the tenants of the houses, rented out, and put up a one storied building for the Boy’s school (at whose expense, is not clear!)

The foundation for a new modern spacious presbytery, behind the existing one was constructed by Fr. Jacob and was blessed by Bishop Thomas Aquinas.

Main Slaion:
Distance from the cathedral church : 5 K.Ms
Total No. of Catholic Families both in the Main & in the sub- Station : 1500
Total number of Catholics : 7500

Religious Houses :
I. Presentation Convent 0422 – 2591285
2. Sisters of Cottelango 0422 – 2575074

Religious Institutions :

1. St. Philomena’s Girls High School 0422 – 2573825
2. St. PhiJ.omena’s Girls Primary School 0422 – 2573825 (Con)
3. St. Joseph’s Middle School for boys 0422 – 2573825 (Con)
4. Rehabilitation Centre for the Mentally-handicapped 0422 – 2575074
5. Physio Therapy unit 0422 – 2575074 (Con) 6. Dispensary 0422 – 2575074(Con)

Mass Timings:

Week days : Mon to Fri 6.00 a.m,
Tue, Thur, Fri, & Sat 6.00 p.m
Cottelengo Convent 6.45 a.m
Sundays : 5.15, 7.30, & 9.00 a.m; 5.30 p.m

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