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Arockia Matha Church
Adaikalapuram
Parish Name : Arockia Matha Church
Address : Adaikalapuram – 628 217
Patron Saint : Arokia Matha
Telephone No : 04639 – 245248
A Brief History:
Around 1700, a dense forest of palmyrah trees, found in and around Adaikalapuram and 20 families were engaged in palmyrah- tapping in this surroundings. At this same time due to famine and drought, many families from Vadakkankulam, Pothakaalanvilai, Kayamozhi, Eral and Udangudi came and took shelter in Adaikalapuram and engaged in palmyrah-tapping along with the families present here. By the very nature of giving shelter to the affected people, this village was gradually inherited the name “Adaikalapuram”.
After 150 years, there was a children home was started in the nearby coastal village “Alantalai” in 1854 January 15th by Jesuit Priest, Rev. Fr. John Bosan, Rev. Fr. Verdiar. Due to the unfavouring coastal climatic condition the children were suffered from so many sickness. Hence, it was decided to shift the children home from Alantalai to Adaikalapuram in 1856. Day by day the children’s home developed into St. Joseph Charity Institute.
In 1862 and 1863, 7 young men and 7 young women from these institute got married and were settled in the land donated by the institute. These seven families were so to say the first Christians of the Parish of Adaikalapuram. From on this day, the spiritual care of the Adaikalapuram people was met with the Jesuit Priest from St. Joseph’s Charity Institute.
In 1923, St. Joseph’s Charity Institute was handed over to Thoothukudi diocese. In 1930, Rev. Fr. Joseph Roach laid foundation stone to the Parish Church. Keeping in mind the need and growth of St. Joseph’s Charity Institute, Adaikalapuram was separated from the institute, and became a separate Parish in 1952, and the spiritual care of Adaikalapuram people was taken care of by the Director of Institute, and Rev. Fr. Paul Pastian became the first Parish Priest of Adaikalapuram.
In 1965, the then Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. Antony Xavier developed the church with stone pillars, in inter religious model. The tabernacle was setup in the church. Finally, in 1979 – 1983, Rev. Fr. C. Xavier completed the present church work and most Rev. Bishop Ambrose Madhalai Muthu blessed the church. In 1989-1994, the church Mandabam was artistically completed by Rev. Fr. Xavier Arul Raj, with the stone pillars, already prepared by Rev. Fr. Antony Xavier. In 2008-2012, the church was renovated by Rev. Fr. A.M. Nelson Raj and blessed by most Rev. Bishop Yuvon Ambrose on 06-10-2012. Again in 2020, the Parish church and the badly damaged presbytery was scientifically plastered and colorfully painted by Rev. Fr. Peter Paul.
Succession of Parish priests:
1. 1952-1956 - Rev. Fr. Paul paustian
2. 1956 - Rev. Fr. Pushpa nather (6 months)
3. 1957 - Rev. Fr. Mascarnas.
4. 1958-1964 - By the Director of St. Joseph’s Charity Institute &
5. Parish priests of Arumuganeri.
6. 1965-74 - Rev. Fr. Antony Xavier.
7. 1975-77 - Rev. Fr. M.J. Iruthaya Raj.
8. 1977-79 - Rev. Fr. S. Amala Das.
9. 1979-83 - Rev. Fr. C. Xavier.
10. 1983-84 - Rev. Fr. Joseph Benziger.
11. 1984-89 - Rev. Fr. M.S. Anthony.
12. 1989-94 - Rev. Fr. V. Xavier Arul Raj.
13. 1994-99 - Rev. Fr. Antony Das.
14. 1999-2004 - Rev. Fr. Cedrick Peeris.
15. 2004-2007 - Rev. Fr. J. Arul Kumar.
16. 2007-2003 - Rev. Fr. R. Amal Raj.
17. 2008-2013 - Rev. Fr. A.M. Nelson Raj.
18. 2013-2018 - Rev. Fr. Justin.
19. 2018-2023 - Rev. Fr. S. Peter Paul
20.
2023 - 2024 - Rev.Fr. Antony Rubert S.
21. Rev.Fr. Lazar
2024 -
Grottos in the parish:
1. Jebamalai Matha – Adaikalapuram.
2. St. Antony – Adaikalapuram Main Road.
Substations with Chapels:
1. Nathaikulam – St. Anne’s Church.
Sunday Mass – Timings: 05:00 a.m.; 06:30 a.m.; 07:00 p.m.
Weekdays: 05:30 a.m.
Participatory Structures:
1. 20 Anbiyams.
2. 15 Pastoral Commissions.
Christian Life Societies (Pious Associations):
1. Holy Childhood.
2. Eucharistic Crusaders.
3. Don Bosco Youth Movement.
4. Sodality of Mary Immaculate for Young Girls.
5. Christ the King Sodality for Men.
6. Holy Family Sodality for Women.
7. Society of St. Vincent De Paul.
8. Legion of Mary.
Other Associations & Activities:
1. Krithavar Vazhvurimai Iyyakkam.
2. Palmyrah Climbers Sangam.
3. Karuppukatty Society.
4. Women Association.
5. Matchbox Workers Association.
Institutions under the Parish:
1. Arockia Annai Middle School, Adaikalapuram – 628217.
Religious:
1. Congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann, Trichy (SAT).
2. St. Ann’s Convent, Arockia Annai Church, Adaikalapuram – 628217 Tel: 04639 – 246011.
A monthly by name ‘Adaikala Vizhi Oli’ is published from the parish.
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New DOC file provided by : Rev.Fr. S. Peter Paul.
Previous file name : parish-adaikalapuram0.htm
Final correction done on May 23th 2023
Updated on 12 Jully, 2024
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