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Initiator
Church Foundation
Parish Growth
Overwhelming Faith
| | Initiator | | It was the dream-Child of Rev. Fr. P. T. Arulappa whose mortal remains are interred here. He was the then Parish Priest of St. Louis Church, Adyar. With the support of Engineer Mgr.J.P. D'Souza he toiled day in and day out to build this church.
It is said that our Lady appeared in a dream to Fr. Arulappa and expressed her desire that a church be built and dedicated to her honour under the title - Annai Velankanni.
| | | Church Foundation | | A humble beginning was made in 1971 keeping as model, the Shrine of our Lady of Health at Velankanni in Nagapattinam. To start with a hut dwelling was erected, reminding us of our Blessed Mother and Child Jesus in Bethlehem. The structure was extended and declared open on 24th June 1972 by Archbishop R. Arulappa amidst twenty five thousand devotees. The imposing 97 feet Belfry was declared open by the then Chief Minister, Dr. M. Karunanidhi on 27th August 1972. People who wish to visit Velankanni near Nagapattinam, also visit this church and so appreciating the needs of the situation a bigger church was built and blessed on 15th August 1985 on the feast of Our Lady's Assumption into Heaven. | | | Parish Growth | | The successive Parish Priests, the Parish Council and the Parishioners have spared no pains to ensure the growth of this parish in temporal and spiritual activities. The few buildings that have come up, including the Rev. P.T. Arulappa Memorial Hall and the Silver Jubilee Commemoration Arch are a testimony to it.
Many bring with them small gold and silver replicas of parts of the body to donate to the church. The throngs of pilgrim Christians and non-Christians who visit the shrine are a proof of abiding respect, love and hope.
| | | Overwhelming Faith | | It is a sign of the growing influence of the Annai Velankanni Shrine on one and all irrespective of caste or creed.
Velankanni is particularly crowded during the festival period in August-September.
The Madonna of Velankanni is believed to have miraculous powers. The Glory of the Blessed Mother is seen and experienced here. Mary is the spokeswoman. Sometimes it is physical relief. More often it is spiritual healing also.
A birth always speaks of the Mother of the one who gives life. It is natural therefore to depict Mary with Child Jesus in her arms.
Mary is the undoubted mirror of all beauty, and is like a pure spring.
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