Saint Paul Church, Mela Ilandaikulam, Thirunelveli
Saint Paul
Church is located at Mela Ilandaikulam Village near Sankarankoil in
Thirunelveli District of Tamilnadu. Mela Ilandaikulam is situated east of National Highway 7 between Thirunelveli and Kovilpatti.
History
St. Paul
Church Mela Ilandaikulam Thirunelveli diocese (Marai Mavattam) launched on December 28, 1903. Tall
Church Tower construction started in the year 2005 and opening ceremony of the
tower was observed on May 20, 2007. This church operates under the Manur
and Erandum Sollan church councils.
The
Church
The
height of the church tower is 50.4 meters (165 ft.), its width is 10.3
meters (34 ft.). Its interior is includes the giant campanile. The bell is sounded when a fire breaks out and for
marriages and funeral.
Prayer
Timings
·
Every day dawn - 4.30 to
5.30
·
Daily at night - 7.30 to
8.30
·
Sunday morning - 9.30 to
11.30
·
Full Night Prayers will be
observed on third Saturday of every month
Festivals
Every
year on May 20, a seven-day festival takes place. The first day is for prayer
and worship. The second day a gospel
meeting follows; school
children's art shows play an important role. Festivities take place at night.
Many people return to the village during the festival.
Connectivity
Mela
Ilandaikulam is located at about 35 Kms from Sankarankovil, 40 Kms from
Kovilpatti, 41 Kms from Thirunelveli, 88
Kms from Thoothukudi, 140 Kms from Madurai and 193 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Sankarankoil. Nearest Airport is located
at Madurai, Thoothukudi and Thiruvananthapuram.
