St. Antony’s Church

Arasur Poochikadu which was the largest substation of Sokkankudiyiruppu parish was bifurcated on 13th June 1988 and was made into a separate parish with St. Antony as the Patron Saint. On 22nd of Feb. 1992 the Golden Jubilee of St. Antony’s Church was celebrated. Multi religious collaboration among Hindus, Muslims, CSI Protestants and Catholics is the landmark of the village of Poochikadu. A new Church was built by Rev. Fr. S.M. Sahayam and blessed by Bishop Peter Fernando on 21st February 2003. The presbytery was put up by Rev. Fr. John Paul and it was blessed by Bishop Amalnather on 22nd February 1992. Succession of parish priests 1. Rev.Fr. Deva Navamani - 1988 – 1990 2. Rev.Fr. Alwin V. Rayer - 1990 – 1991 3. Rev.Fr. Johnpaul - 1991 – 1994 4. Rev.Fr. Johnson - 1994 – 1999 5. Rev.Fr. S.M. Sahayam - 1999 – 2004 6. Rev.Fr. Nelson Raj - 2004 – 2008 7. Rev.Fr. Arulmani - 2008 – 2013 8. Rev.Fr. Martin Manuel - 2013 - 2015 9. Rev.Fr. Victor Solomon 2015 - 2019 10. Rev.Fr. Saleth Jerald 2019 - 2020 11. Rev.Fr. Vasanthan F. 2020 - Grottos in the pairsh: 1. Our Lady of Good Health - Poochikadu 2. St. Michael - Poochikadu 3. St. Xavier - Pragasapuram Catholic Population : 2440 No. of Catholic Families : 310 Sunday Mass – Timings : 6.00 a.m. 7.30 a.m. Weekdays : 6.00 a.m Sub – Stations 1. Pragasapuram – St. Lucia Participatory Structures 1. Anbiyams 2. 15 Pastoral Commissions Christian Life Societies (Pious Associations) 1. Holy Childhood 2. Eucharistic Crusaders 3. Amalorpava Matha Sodality 4. Holy Family Sodality 5. St. Joseph’s Sodality

Poochikadu, Tuticorin Dt. 628 655