St. Antony's Church
Poochikadu

Parish Name : St. Antony’s Church
Address : Poochikadu, Tuticorin Dt. 628 655
Patron Saint : St. Antony
Telephone No : 04639 - 253217

A Brief History :
Arasur Poochikadu which was the largest substation of Sokkankudiyiruppu parish was bifurcated on 13th June 1988 and was made into a separate parish with St. Antony as the Patron Saint. On 22nd of Feb. 1992 the Golden Jubilee of St. Antony’s Church was celebrated. Multi religious collaboration among Hindus, Muslims, CSI Protestants and Catholics is the landmark of the village of Poochikadu. A new Church was built by Rev. Fr. S.M. Sahayam and blessed by Bishop Peter Fernando on 21st February 2003. The presbytery was put up by Rev. Fr. John Paul and it was blessed by Bishop Amalnather on 22nd February 1992.

Succession of parish priests
1. Rev.Fr. Deva Navamani - 1988 – 1990
2. Rev.Fr. Alwin V. Rayer - 1990 – 1991
3. Rev.Fr. Johnpaul - 1991 – 1994
4. Rev.Fr. Johnson - 1994 – 1999
5. Rev.Fr. S.M. Sahayam - 1999 – 2004
6. Rev.Fr. Nelson Raj - 2004 – 2008
7. Rev.Fr. Arulmani - 2008 – 2013
8. Rev.Fr. Martin Manuel - 2013 - 2015
9. Rev.Fr. Victor Solomon 2015 - 2019
10. Rev.Fr. Saleth Jerald 2019 - 2020
11. Rev.Fr. Vasanthan F. 2020 -

Grottos in the pairsh:
1. Our Lady of Good Health - Poochikadu
2. St. Michael - Poochikadu
3. St. Xavier - Pragasapuram

Catholic Population : 2440

No. of Catholic Families : 310

Sunday Mass – Timings : 6.00 a.m. 7.30 a.m.
Weekdays : 6.00 a.m

Sub – Stations
1. Pragasapuram – St. Lucia

Participatory Structures
1. Anbiyams
2. 15 Pastoral Commissions

Christian Life Societies (Pious Associations)
1. Holy Childhood
2. Eucharistic Crusaders
3. Amalorpava Matha Sodality
4. Holy Family Sodality
5. St. Joseph’s Sodality

Institutions under the Parish
St. Antony’s Middle School, Poochikadu – 628 655
St. Lucia Primary School, Pragasapurm – 628 653 Naduvakurichi P.O.