St. Michael Church, Tharuvaikulam, Thoothukudi
St.
Michael Church is located in Tharuvaikulam Village of Thoothukudi District. The
first stone built church was built in the year 1875 and the present church was
built in the year 1922. The 85 ft. tower was built in the year 1960 by
Rev.Fr.Maria Manikam by receiving contributions from the villagers. This Roman
Catholic Church, with its towering steeple, was built in 1922 and symbolizes
the faith of the people living there. From 20 to 29 September (10 days) the
church attracts a huge crowd for the feast of St. Michael, which is celebrated
with religious pomp and gaiety.
History
Tharuvaikulam
had been one of the 16 substations of Thoothukudi since 1908. Then the number
of Catholics here was 757. It is known that about 25 families of the
marginalized people settled here in 1692. In 1712 Hindu Nadars along with some
Devar families came to settle in here. In time some catholic Nadar families
also began to dwell in here to do the Palmyra-tapping occupation.
In 1826
Catholic Nadars distanced themselves to the east and settled in the place where
the present village is. They built a stone church for themselves. In 1871
church of St. Michael was constructed. Some Protestants also settled there. In
1906 a school was built in the time of Fr. Swaminather, the first priest to
serve here. Fr. J.S. Lourdu took charge as the first parish priest in 1918 and
he laid the foundation for the new church. In 1920 for the time being the church
was consecrated and its work was completed in 1932.
Servite
convent was established in 1922. Fr. Maria Manickam built the steeple and it
was consecrated by Fr. J.S. Lourdu. Fr. Panneerselvam was ordained as the first
priest of Tharuvaikulam in 1982. Vincent de Paul society was instituted in
1983. In 1984 Fr. Sengolmani renovated St. Michael’s church.
Connectivity
Tharuvaikulam
is located 10 km from the town Thoothukudi in sea shore of Bay
of Bengal in Tamil
Nadu, Ottapidaram Taluk.