The origin of Silukkuvarpatti parish goes back to 1878. When in 1885 dreadful cholera broke out the the people of this village took a vow, that if protected from the pestilence, they would make a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament on the day of the feast of Corpus Christi.
According to the Jesuit historian, Fr. Leon Besse, S.J. the people of this village came to this place already in 1745 from different places like Tanjore and Salem. The church was built by Fr. Saint Cyr in 1854 and dedicated to our Lady of Health.
There was an eclipse in the life of this parish in 1895 when a certain Soarez came from Malabar and created a schism. Owing to the intercession of Our Lady, this schism died out in 1897, when the leader repented, made a public act of submission and presented to the church a statue of our Lady of Lourdes. This again nourished the devotion to Our Lady.
One of the parish priests was Fr. Saveriar, the first diocesan priest of Trichy diocese. Being a holy man, he was known for his effective blessing. When he
died in 1909 he was buried near the church and people pray to him in their needs.
Some of the later parish priests have been: Fr. Sandena Manuel, E. Culas, A.S. Kulandai, V.M. Amalan, A. Vedamanikam and Susai Michaelraj.
At the time of Fr. Maria Diraviam, ten houses were built with the help given by Mgr. G. Casimir, S.J. for poor Harijans; in Kuranguthopu and Kullalakundru new school buildings were put up; two new parishes (Kavirayapuram and Kalladipatti) were created. With regard to lay participation it must be mentioned that the Catholic Harijan community built, on their own, a chapel for Ubagaramatha. The enthusiasm of the Catholic Action group and the Teachers’ Catechism group
seems to have cooled down in recent years. However lay participation is very strong in the Legion of Mary who visits houses, pray, aid the poor and help the parish priest at the time of festivals. Also Vincent de Paul Society, besides the unit at the centre, has units in Ammapatti, Sankarapurm, and Murukathooranpatti.
In 1997, the Middle School was upgraded into High School by Fr. Cyprian and the High School was upgraded as Higher Secondary School by Fr. Joachim in 2008. In the same year, a convent was built and St. Thomas Sisters were brought to Murugathuranpatty.
In 2003, 125th year anniversary of parish was celebrated by Fr. Antony Rajan.
Kurusadi with open chapel about half an acre which belongs to an individual at Arul Nagar was handed over to parish church by the effort of Fr. Joachim in 2008 in the presence of the Archbishop.
This Parish has produced many vocations: four Jesuits, two Brothers of the Sacred Heart, 10 priests and about 30 sisters for various congregations.
Our Lady of Nativity Church,
Silukkuvarpatti – 624 215, Dindigul Dt.
Telephone No :04543-233366
For more information please visit: http://www.archdioceseofmadurai.org
