Shrine of St. Joseph, Panagudi, Thirunelveli
St.
Joseph Shrine of Panagudi is under the Diocese of Tuticorin in Tamilnadu. Approximately 850 families are in this Catholic
parish. Many people from southern Tamilnadu make pilgrimage to this holy shrine
of St. Joseph. They reported many miraculous cures and believe to get much more
every time. St. Joseph Shrine Panagudi is the first shrine for St. Joseph.
Saint
Joseph
Saint
Joseph is the Patron saint of Panagudi Shrine parishioners. He is called
in the name in Tamil 'Punitha Soosaiyappar' and also 'Valanaar' here. He is the
foster father of Jesus Christ and husband of Virgin Mary. He is a descendant of
King David of Israel. He was a carpenter who made many wooden articles. He is
the head of Holy Family. He is the Patron of the Universal Church, Chastity,
Education, Workers, Marriage, Families, and Peaceful Death.
History
In the
1870s Fr.Gregory, bought 5 acres of land and built a small Church in honor of St. Joseph. That church was renovated
through 1891 to 1892. On those days this church is under the Kaavalkinaru
parish. In 1938, Brothers of Sacred Heart start a school in Panagudi. Panagudi
was established as an independent Parish on 24 December 1939. Fr.Soosainather was the first
parish priest of this church. Parish priest's House was built in his time. In
1945, convent of the Sisters of Servites
of Mary established under
the guidance of Fr.Devota.
In 1947,
Fr. Remigius founded a 36 feet stone pillar for flag hoisting. In 1954, Fr.
Xavier started the Legion of Mary. In 1962, Fr. Lourdhumani made the Decorative
Car for Saint Joseph. Fr. Devasagayam Fernando (1969–72), formed the Welfare
Association of Saint Joseph. In the period of Fr. Sengolmani (1972–81), the
current church was built and consecrated by Bishop of Tuticorin Rev. Amalanather. In 1990, Fr. Paneerselvam built
the grotto of Our Lady of Velankanni. The same year Sisters of St.
Anne start an English medium school in Panagudi.
In 1995,
Fr. Devasagayam raised the statue of Sacred Heart at the top of the Church
tower and he built a stage called Valanaar Kalaiyarangam. In 2001, Fr. John
Bosco celebrated the Silver Jubilee of this church. Saint Joseph church was
elevated to a Shrine status on 5 December 2001 when Fr. Isidore was the
parish priest. Fr. Thomas is the present Parish Priest.
Events
New Year celebrations:
1
January of the every year, various competitions held and the winners honored
with worthy prizes.
Wednesdays:
The day
devoted to St. Joseph is celebrated by evening mass. First Wednesday of every month also has special
morning mass.
March:
The
month dedicated for St. Joseph, celebrated by the parishioners.
Food Feast:
Every
year, on Wednesday of the holy week Food feast is celebrated; dinner is
distributed to the people.
Shrine Festival:
From 22
April to 1 May St. Joseph’s festival is celebrated with great devotion.
Contact
St.
Joseph Shrine,
South
Main Road, Panagudi – 627109
Thirunelveli
District
Phone: +91
4637 245224
Connectivity
Panagudi
is located at about 17 Kms from Radhapuram, 15 Kms from Valliyur, 57 Kms from
Thirunelveli, 220 Kms from Madurai and 100 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Valliyur. Nearest Airport is located at Madurai
and Thiruvananthapuram.
