St. Antony Maria Claret Church

St. Antony Mary Claret Parish, Karumathur is located about 22 km from Madurai on the way to Theni. Having Karumathur as the centre, its boundaries spread till Palakalai Nagar in the east, Vikkiramangalam in the north, Alagusirai in the south and Ariyapatti in the west. Most of the people of this area belong to ‘Piramalai Kallar’ community. These people are highly staunch and strong in their culture, tradition and practices. The origin of Christianity among this community is really, a huge task and a great achievement. Fr. Prince SJ was one of the first missionaries to work in this area and spread Christianity. Fr. Montard SJ followed him and worked tirelessly for the spread of Christian Faith. He not only did missionary work but also worked for the socio-educatio-economic development of the people. He travelled throughout the Usilampatti area in bullock-cart. He visited all the villages and kinds of people. Though he was a foreigner, he learnt the Tamil language and the people’s culture; and thus he loved the people as his own. Seeing the great work of him, more than hundreds of family embraced Christian Faith and became Christians. Hence he was hailed as ‘the Father of Kallar Nadu’. After his departure, there was no shepherd to care for them. Though people went miles to participate in mass and spiritual activities, we see the Christian people were losing their hold in Christianity slowly. With great foresight, Madurai Archbishop Most Rev. Justin Diraviam started a college in 1970 for the rural students with the help of Dela Salle brothers. At that time, the Christ Hall Seminary was also started near the college. After some time, the College was entrusted to the care of Jesuits for Ninety Nine years with a new name, ‘Arul Anandar College’ and it spreads its flame well till today. The start of Christian institutions in this area began to kindle and animate the fire of faith among the Catholic Christians. Like a ‘Shining Star’, Claretians started a seminary in 1976 in this area. Fr. Mathew was the Rector of the seminary. After a long time, people found a real missionary and missionary work in the person of Fr. Mathew. His selfless efforts yielded good results. It also brought new strength and vigour to the people of this area especially Christians. He spent more time in visiting people in their villages and working for the overall development of the people through various movements such as ‘Claret Samuga Panikulu’, ‘Nallaayan Palnokku Mandram’, ‘Claret Seva Sangam’ and ‘Claret Makalir Kullu’. Watching the developments closely, Madurai Archbishop Most Rev. Justin Diraviam carved ‘Karumathur’ as a Parish on 24th October 1978 from Usilampatti Parish; and it is under the good pastoral care of Claretians till today. The Substations with Chapel: Checkkanurani Kovilankulam Vadakkampatti Piraviampatti, Valandur Chellampatti Azhagusirai Vikkiramangalam (St. Joseph Convent Chapel) The Succession of Parish Priests Rev. Fr. Mathew (1978-81) Rev. Fr. Anselmus (1981-84) Rev. Fr. Singarayan (1984-86) Rev. Fr. Devadoss (1986-87) Rev. Fr. Lucas (1987-90) Rev. Fr. Jayabalan (1990-92) Rev. Fr. Santhanasamy (1992-93) Rev. Fr. Antonysamy (1993-98) Rev. Fr. Mariadoss (1998-03) Rev. Fr. Amaladhas (2003-04) Rev. Fr. Eslin Pereira (2004-06) Rev. Fr. Remegius (2006-10) Rev. Fr. John Consus (2010-13) Rev. Fr. Joseph Victor Doss (2013-..) Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu Rev. Fr. Arokiyadass Rev. Fr. Praveen (2020 -...)

Theni Road, Claret Arulagam Moonandipatti - Karumathur B.O. Usilampatti Tk. - Madurai, Tamil Nadu - 625 514 - India