First constructed by the Portugese in the 16th century, this church was subsequently renovated by the British in the late 19th century when they came into power. This church is significant because it is believed that St. Thomas stayed at the place where it was erected for approximately 20 years, making the land the church is built on divine.
Mary’s Church Chennai
Besides being one of the oldest Anglican churches in India, St. Mary’s Church is also one of the oldest surviving British monuments in the country. It is located inside Fort St. George and was built in 1680. Since then it has witnessed several historical events in Chennai. Marriages of prominent personalities including Robert Clive and Elihu Yale were consecrated in the old prayer hall of this church.
Armenian Church Chennai
Although a small structure on a busy street in Chennai, Armenian Church is one of the most historically significant and oldest structures in the city. It was built in 1712 by a group of Armenians merchants, who are believed to have walked all the way from Armenia to Madras, via the Hindukush Mountain route. The most popular attraction of the church is its belfry that houses six bells that are believed to be the heaviest church bells in Chennai. Every Sunday, sharp at 9:30 AM, the caretaker of the church rings these bells without fail. The church is also a place of remembrance of the Armenian community that once thrived in Madras. The graves of around 350 Armenians, including the grave of Reverend Haroutiun Shmavonian, the man behind the world’s first Armenian periodical ‘Azdarar,’ is all that is left. The community, however, is still alive in the memories of Chennai and its people in the form of this heritage building at Parry’s Corner.
St. Francis Xavier,Spanish San Francisco Javier or Xavier,(born April 7, 1506,Xavier (Javier) Castle, near Sangüesa, Navarre
Mazhai Malai Madha Arulthalam
Acharapakkam
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)
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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.
