Sagaya Madha Church

A Brief History Sagaya Madha Church, Thuraipakkam located on the Old Mahabalipuram Road is 6 km away from Thiruvanmiyur and 10 km away from Santhome Cathedral Basilica. It was originally a vacant land acquired around 40 years back and was maintained by Rev. Fr. K.M. Joseph, then Parish Priest of Covelong. Later in 1984, it became a substation of Perungudi and Sunday mass was celebrated in a small hut by Rev. Fr. Joseph Mangatt, then Parish Priest of Perungudi. On 8th August 1999, a small chapel was built by Fr. Mathew Vettical and Rt. Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius, Auxiliary Bishop of Madras-Mylapore consecrated it to Mary Help of Christians. Thereafter Rev. Fr. Patrick renovated the Chapel and built a new presbytery. It was declared an independent Parish since 2007 with Rev. Fr. A. Arockia Raj as the First Parish Priest. Around 40 years ago, Parish Priest of Kovalam Fr. K.M. Joseph had a humble beginning by erecting a small hut for the people of Thuraipakkam to have their religious services, at the same place where we want to build the new Church. Services at the hut continued even after inaugurating the new church in Perungudi in 1984. In 1999, Fr. Mathew Vettical put efforts in declaring Thuraipakkam church as a substation after replacing the hut to a concrete structure and was inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius, Auxiliary Bishop of Madras - Mylapore and dedicated to the Mother of Perpetual Help. Later Fr. Thomas Mundackal expanded the church both sides to satisfy the growing needs. In 2007 Church was elevated to an independent parish with further extensions and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Neethinathan, Bishop of Chingleput on 25th March 2007, when Fr. Patrick was the Parish Priest of Perungudi. Fr. Joseph Sengol's contribution in making this place getting the Independent parish is inevitable. Fr. Arockiaraj became the first Parish Priest of the independent parish. Present Status Over the years there was a considerable number devotee have increased and the present church is not able to accommodate their needs. Catechism, Evening tuitions for the poor in the locality and other religious organizations are not finding enough space to gather and function well. Rainy seasons bring leaking issues since the existing Church was altered in the past and it is not in good condition to alter again. Our parishioners are going to other Churches as the result of inadequate space of the crunch. Major religious events and other ceremonies are becoming chaotic due to space. New Church has been planned for a built area measuring 12000 Sq Ft having two levels. The first floor is meant for religious worship purpose and the ground level is for multipurpose. We, Sagaya Madha Parish family request your kind self to contribute generously towards rebuilding the Church and get blessed abundantly. Our parish family is confident to get a contribution to complete this noble purpose from kind hearts.

2/139, Gangaiamman Koil Street Thuraipakkam, Chennai - 600 097