Mazhai Malai Madha Arulthalam Acharapakkam

                            Mazhai Malai Madha Arulthalam 

                            Acharapakkam

Mazhai Malai Madha Arulthalam is located on the National Highway about 95 kms from Chennai enroute Trichy. Geographically, it is situated near Melmaruvathur having Mathuranthagam as its Taluk and falls under the Jurisdiction of Kancheepuram District. Ecclesiastically, it belongs to the Chingleput Diocese, a new born babe of the Archdiocese of Madras - Mylapore. The Shrine is located in the midst of a very serene and beautiful vast stretch of lush pasture hill slope

Mountain : A Symbol of God’s Presence
For ages past, Mountains have been articulated as a place where God’s mighty presence is conceptualized. India, in particular, which has this sublime uniqueness of nurturing different sects of communities, practices multifarious religions,linguistic, cultures and life styles deem Mountain as a sanctified, vibrant and vivacious God’s presence.

From the Biblical perspective , in 1 Kings 20 :30, it is predominantly mentioned as “God of Mountains”. Mount Horeb was called the Mountain of God (Exodus 3:1)

.

History

Founder
1. Rev. Fr. A. Pushpam - Parish Priest ( 1962 - 1973)
During his tenure, this parish was the part of the archdiocese of Pondy - Cuddalore.People experienced severe drought in Tamilnadu and particularly in this vicinity, were suffering to the core. At this moment, Fr. A. Pushpam decided to organize a car procession for Our Lady specially interceding for good rain. When the car procession ended at a place called Nallayan Kundru (the hill of Good Shepered) there was a heavy down pour with thunder and lightening slashing the place like never before. A beautiful shrine was constructed at this place and hence the name Mazhai Malai Madha was inscripted to our Lady in view of this astounding miracle.
Successors

2. Rev. Fr. Joseph Kuncherakatt (1973 - 1989)
Started a home for the physically handicapped

3. Rev. Fr. D.F. John Bosco (1989 - 1996)
In view of the Silver Jubilee in the year 1994, he laid a well planned concrete pathway for the pilgrims to visit Mazhai Malai Madha on the top of the mountain.

4. Rev. Fr. G.G. Lourduraj (1996 - 1998)

5. Rev. Fr. G.Backiya Regis (1998 - 2008)
He is a congenial personality with lots of poise and inspiration with a foresight to transform this Holy Shrine as a renowned landmark for pilgrims from all over the country. There has been a massive spiritual, social and cultural renaissance since his inception. He is a visionary carrying out his missionary tasks to his heart’s content. He has started his vocation form the scratch and one would go spellbound to find the meticulous ways in which he has constructed the shrine and his plans of erecting a mighty Tower of Faith encapsulating the Catholic Faith, Tradition and Doctrines.
Church

Rev. Fr. G.Backiya Regis with his mammoth efforts accomplished his desire of constructing a church and dedicated it to Mazhai Malai Madha. The late Arch Bishop of Madras- Mylapore, Dr. Arul Dass James, was the force behind him in all his endeavors. This church was inaugurated and blessed by Rt. Rev.Dr. Lawrence Pius, the Auxiliary Bishop of Madras - Mylapore . The uniqueness of the church lies in the opening ceremony which took place at midnight of the beginning of the III millennium (01.01.2001)!.

6. Rev. Fr. K. Roch Ignatius (from 2008)
He is the presently Rector of the Shrine.

Mazhai Malai Madha Arulthalam – Miraculous Prayer

O Dear Blessed Mother,
Our Lady of Acharapakkam,
We honour you with love,
We kneel at your feet in gratitude,
for your Gentle presence in our distress.
Beloved Mother of God.
Teach us to follow you,
and cling to you in hope,
Bless us dear Mother,
with pure heart , and serene mind.
with deep trust in your powerful intercession,
We place before you,
the broken families, deserted children,
weak students, unemployed youth, unmarried girls,
childless couples,
people at business, those distressed with heavy loans,
O Mother of Justice,
Redeem the innocent victims, of the existing social evils.
Inspire us to partake in the sufferings, of our brethen,
in return to the innumerable gifts, that we receive from you.
Help us to find favour, among God and People.

Our Lady of Acharapakkam – Pray for us.
Our Father – 3 Hail Mary – Glory Be.

Mass Timings:

Everyday-  03.00 p.m. Divine Mercy Prayer,

06.00 p.m. Rosary & Mass

Saturdays – 12.00 Noon, 

06.00 p.m.,  Special Novena Mass

First Saturdays – 12.00 Noon – Mass,  06.00 p.m. – Mass, 

 10.00 p.m. – 12.00 a.m.,  Vigil Service Followed by Mass at 12.00 a.m.

Sundays – 11.00 a.m. – Mass

Full Moon Days – 06.00 p.m. – Mari valam (Giri valam), 

 07.00 p.m. – Mass (at the hill top),  10.00 p.m. – 03.00 a.m., Vigil Service followed by Mass

New Moon Days –  07.00 p.m. – Car procession and Mass,  09.30 p.m. – 12.00 a.m. – Vigil Servi

Contact Us

Mazhai Malai Madha Arulthalam, 

Post Bag No. 1, Acharapakkam 603 301

Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu, South India.