Sunday, November 1, 2015

Coimbatore - Churches

Coimbatore - Churches
Infant Jesus Church
One of the most visited Churches in Coimbatore city is the Infant Jesus Church. It was set up in 1984 to cater to the growing demands of the Catholic families and has become a prominent church due to the belief in cures and miraculous healing. The Church is open on most days while Mass are held on Thursdays and Sundays.


Kovaipudur or rather Kuniamuthur and areas South and West of Palghat Road was in the beginning attached to the Cathedral parish. Bishop Visuwaram was searching for a suitable site on the National Highway of this area, according to his grand plans but he died before it was realized. It was attached to Madukkarai parish and since 05-10-1976, Sunday mass was celebrated in a house with the large Housing colony for the ‘Special Protection Force’ and civilian housing colonies mushrooming all over, a site was bought by the Diocese, with the picturesque back-drop of Vellingiri hills to the west.       
With local contribution a small chapel was put up and blessed on 19-04-1984. Sensing the desire of the people to have the Novena of Infant Jesus of Prague, the weekly Novena was started on 15-08-1985. As the number of devotees was increasing, a new church was constructed by Fr. Kulandairaj and it was consecrated on 04-06-1987 by Rev. Bishop Ambrose. On the same day Kovaipudur was erected a new parish with Fr.P. Irudayaraj as its first parish priest. 
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:
·        Monday: 6.30 a.m.
·        Tuesday: 6.30 p.m.
·        Wednesday: 6.30 a.m.
·        Thursday: 11.30 a.m, 4.30 p.m. & 6. 00 p.m
·        Friday: 6.30 p.m.
·        Saturday: 6.30 p.m.
·        Sunday: 8.00 a.m, & 11.30 a.m.
St Antony's Church
The St. Antony's Church is located at Puliakulam, just 4 kms from the Coimbatore city. It is a very famous church where a large number of devotees arrive from nearby places. 
Originally built as a small chapel in 1859 by Fr. De Gelis, the church is now famous and stands tall with many facilities like separate floor for presbytery, open air shelter, religious depot with many articles and backyard for pilgrims.
The church is open to all irrespective of caste and religion. In fact, this Church attracts a lot of devotees belonging to various caste, religion and language especially on Tuesdays. On Tuesdays, four holy masses are held here, followed by St. Antony's novena. The feast of St. Antony is celebrated every year on 13th June.
People can easily travel to the shrine, as there are frequent bus and other means of public transport to reach here from various parts of Coimbatore city. 
Marudamalai Temple, Dhyanalinga Temple, Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, Patteeswarar temple, Parambikkulam, Aazhiyaar Dam, Kovai Kuttralam and Black Thunder Theme Park are some other attractions situated in the vicinity. 
As the summers in Coimbatore are hot and humid, the best time to visit the place is from November to March.
The present structure was built and consecrated on 12th June 1987. The shrine draws thousands of devotees, especially on Tuesdays irrespective of caste and creed. On Tuesdays, 4 holy masses are held here, followed by St. Antony's novena. The feast of St. Antony is celebrated on 13th June.
Mass Timings:
Sundays - 5.15 am, 6.30 am, 8.00 am & 5.30 pm
Weekdays - 6.00 am & 6.00 pm
Tuesdays - 6.00 am, 7.30 am, 11.30 am & 6.00 pm
Contact Address:
St. Antony’s Church,
Puliakulam, Ramanathapuram P.O,
Coimbatore 641 045
Phone: 0422-2311298