Annai Velankanni Church

In the past, the area of State Bank Colony, in Tuticorin City, was a part of Innaciarpuram Parish. In view of the growing needs, a land west of Innasiarpuram was purchased by the diocese in 1991. To start with, a thatched shed was put up in this land by the diocese to take care of the spiritual needs of the people around, under the pastoral care of the Parish Priest of Innaciarpuram. Later a building was constructed nearby, by the diocese for a few pastoral commissions and for retired clergy from where Rev. Fr. R.S. Augustin functioned as the chaplain, celebrating mass in the temporary shed. On 5th May 2001, the State Bank Colony had elevated as a parish. Our Lady of Velankanni was declared patroness of this parish. Rev. Fr. Rajareegam was appointed as the first Parish Priest. The foundation for the new church was laid by bishop Peter Fernando on 7-9-2001. With help from the Propaganda Fide, Rome, Italy and that of the parishioners and other benefactors, the church was built within 10 months. The church was consecrated by the bishop on the 22nd of December 2002. Since its opening, devotees of the Blessed Mother have come and made this as a house of prayer. It is significant that of all the churches of Tuticorin, this is the first parish dedicated to the Blessed Mother of Velankanni. Devotees bear witness to the blessings they received through the intercession of Blessed Mother. The construction of the beautiful church itself can be considered a miracle. The health of the parish priest during the construction period, despite his heart surgery and continued medical treatment, can be said as the second miracle. The first feast of this parish was celebrated on the 8th of September 2003 solemnly. Rev. Fr. Rajareegam also built the presbytery, and it was blessed by the bishop on 5th October 2003. The construction of the belfry was started by Rev. Fr. M.G. Victor in 2009 and was completed by Rev. Fr. Sahaya Joseph in 2012. The new church idea was begun in 2020, since the existing church building has undergone some damage due to the floods caused in previous years. It had to be demolished, suggested the church and civil authorities. Hence, a new church has to be built. The new church building foundation laying ceremony was inaugurated by Most Rev. Bishop Stephen DD., on 14th February 2020. The new church construction was started in September 2021. The parish Church is under construction and God willing it will be inaugurated during the Diocesan Centenary Year as a memorial in 2023. The Succession of Parish Priest: 1. Rev. Fr. Rajareegam (2001-2006) 2. Rev. Fr. M. G. Victor (2006-2010) 3. Rev. Fr. Sahaya Joseph (2010-2013) 4. Rev. Fr. Irdudayaraj M (2013-2018) 5. Rev. Fr. Jerosin A. Kattar (2018-)

Velankanni Church Road, State Bank Colony, KTC Nagar, Tuticorin - 628 002 - India