Parish History
Our Journey ThroughTime
From the earliest missionary presence to the vibrant parish of today — over 140 years of faith.
Pre-1800s
Early Period
Early Catholic Settlement – Nazareth Region
Before the 18th century, Pragasapuram (then called 'Saanpathu') was a part of Nazareth. The village had over 4000 Catholics living as two distinct communities. In 1805, Christians living in this area began to be called 'Nazareth' and that name continues to this day.
★ First Catholic communities in Nazareth-Pragasapuram region
1800
18th Century
Thatched Roof Chapel Built for Our Lady
In the 18th century, a new thatched-roof church (koorai koil) was built for Our Lady near Pragasapuram. Our village was presented to Our Lady as the central area for veneration between the two larger towns of the north and south.
★ Thatched roof chapel established
1831
19th Century
Village Renamed 'Pragasapuram'
In 1831, the name of the village was changed from 'Puthor' to 'Pragasapuram' (meaning Village of Light/Grace). The village was located between Nazareth and Mookuperi and was originally called 'Saanpathu Puthor' by nearby residents.
★ Village renamed from 'Puthor' to 'Pragasapuram'
1875–1879
19th Century
Canon Arthur Marquis Jay Arrives – Region Develops
In 1875, Canon Arthur Marquis Jay came to India and in 1876 was posted to Tirunelveli district. He established separate schools for all communities without caste or religious discrimination. He also set up hospitals, orphanages, and vocational training centers. He is called 'Father of Nazareth' even today. By 1879, 14 Catholic families had settled in Pragasapuram.
★ 14 Catholic families settled in Pragasapuram by 1879
1880
Church Founded
OLA Church Officially Founded – First Feast Celebrated
In 1880, Our Lady of Assumption's statue arrived in Pragasapuram. The church was dedicated to Our Lady. On August 15, 1880, the first feast was celebrated. The old thatched-roof chapel was renovated into a mud-walled chapel. Holy Masses and Novena prayers were held regularly during the feast days.
★ Church officially dedicated on August 15, 1880 – First feast celebrated
1887
Growth Period
Pragasapuram Made a Separate Administrative Unit
In 1887, Pragasapuram was declared a separate parish unit. The church grew in importance as a separate station for Catholics in the region. Devotees from over 20 surrounding villages joined the feast celebrations.
★ Pragasapuram declared a separate parish unit
1895
Feast Milestone
First Solemn Feast Procession with Statues
Until 1895, only simple worship was held. After 1895, the feast was transformed into a solemn procession. Our Lady's statue was carried in the streets. People from Tiruvaikundam and other large towns also began joining the feast.
★ Solemn feast procession started
1909
Independent Parish
Pragasapuram Formally Becomes an Independent Parish
From January 1909, Pragasapuram functioned as an independent parish. Fr. E. Mas was appointed as the first parish priest. The flag mast tradition began around this time.
★ First Parish Priest: Fr. E. Mas (1909–1911)
1913
Church Construction
Foundation Stone Laid – 'Asanam' Tradition Started
In 1913, Fr. T. Michael began serving as parish priest. The tradition of 'Asanam' (community feast meal) was started for the first time. The foundation stone for the new church was also laid in the same year.
★ 'Asanam' tradition started; New church foundation laid
12 June 1923
Diocese Formation
Diocese of Tuticorin Formed
On June 12, 1923, the Diocese of Tuticorin was established as India's first Latin Rite diocese. Pragasapuram parish came under the Diocese of Tuticorin.
★ Diocese of Tuticorin established – India's first Latin Rite Diocese
1929
Education
Parish School Founded – Named After Our Lady
In 1929, a school for Classes 1–5 was started in Pragasapuram. It was named 'Punitha Mariyannai Thodakkappalli' (Holy Mary's Primary School). In 1939, it was upgraded to middle school serving Classes 1–8.
★ School founded 1929, upgraded to middle school 1939
1931–1940
Spiritual Growth
Divine Mercy Devotion & Bell Tower Established
From 1931 to 1940, the Divine Mercy procession was started for the first time. A bell was placed opposite the old church to signal worship times.
★ Divine Mercy procession and bell tower established
1949
Church Construction
Church Construction Resumes
The church construction that had been stopped until 1949 resumed. Income from selling coconuts, milk, and palm produce were used for construction. The hard work of ancestors still holds the church standing today.
★ Church construction resumed using community contributions
1954
Church Construction
External & Internal Walls Completed
The exterior and interior walls of the church were built by 1954 under Fr. Loorthu. A dome-shaped roof plan was abandoned due to poverty. Asbestos sheets were used instead, and works were completed urgently.
★ Church walls completed 1954; dome plan abandoned; asbestos roof used
21 November 1967
Church Dedicated
New Church Solemnly Dedicated
The new church was solemnly dedicated on November 21, 1967, representing about 54 years of hard labor. Under Fr. G. Francis, Archbishop Thomas Parnandu of Tuticorin Diocese dedicated it to all the people of the village.
★ Church solemnly dedicated November 21, 1967 by Archbishop Thomas Parnandu
1967
Bell Tower
Bell Tower (Clock Tower) Installed
After the new church was built, a bell tower was constructed. The bell was donated by Thiru. V.Sa. Maria Michael Nadar and his wife. Fr. Francis blessed the new bell.
★ Bell tower built; bell donated by Thiru. V.Sa. Maria Michael Nadar
1972–1978
Flag Mast
New Flag Mast Brought from Kerala
During Fr. Kurus Mariyan's tenure, the old flag mast fell during the festival. A new flag mast was brought from Kerala. The flag mast was painted blue to remind of Our Lady. The first Ther (car) festival was held on August 15, 1978.
★ New flag mast brought from Kerala; first Ther festival on August 15, 1978
11 August 1983
Century Chapel
Centenary Chapel (நூற்றாண்டு கெபி) Inaugurated
On August 11, 1983, the Centenary Chapel (Nootraandu Kebi) was inaugurated and dedicated by Bishop M. Raja. People of the community came together to build this chapel in memory of the 100 years (1880–1980) of the church.
★ Centenary Chapel dedicated August 11, 1983 by Bishop M. Raja
17 June 1995
School
New School Building Inaugurated
A new school building for Classes 1–8 was inaugurated on 17.06.1995 with the support of Fr. Edward J. The school was inaugurated by the Tuticorin Diocese Auxiliary Bishop.
★ New school building opened June 17, 1995
14 August 1999
St. Michael Chapel
St. Michael Archangel Chapel Inaugurated
The chapel of St. Michael Archangel was inaugurated on August 14, 1999. In 1999, after a series of deaths in the village, the people felt the need for a protector. This chapel has provided a continuous 'Asanam' every year since then.
★ St. Michael Chapel inaugurated 14 August 1999
2003
St. Mary's Mahal
Foundation Stone Laid for St. Mary's Mahal
In 2003, the foundation stone for St. Mary's Mahal was laid. Fr. A.S. Raja completed the construction from ground floor to first floor despite many challenges.
★ St. Mary's Mahal construction started 2003
14 August 2004
Velandakanni Chapel
Velandakanni Matha Chapel Inaugurated
On August 14, 2004, the Velandakanni Matha Chapel was inaugurated and dedicated. The altar sanctuary was also renewed. Fr. A.S. Raja was the parish priest.
★ Velandakanni Chapel dedicated August 14, 2004
6 August 2006
Flag Mast
Iron Flag Mast – First Feast Procession
From August 6, 2006, a new iron flag mast replaced the old wooden one for the feast flag hoisting. This iron flag mast has been used continuously from that date to the present.
★ Iron flag mast installed; first flag hoisting August 6, 2006
14 August 2007
New Chapel
New Centenary Miracle Chapel Inaugurated
On August 14, 2007, a new centenary miracle chapel was inaugurated by Fr. A.S. Raja. St. Mary's Mahal was fully completed and opened on August 15, 2013, blessed by Bishop Ivan Ambrose.
★ New chapel inaugurated 14 August 2007; St. Mary's Mahal opened 15 August 2013
21 November 2016
New Chapel
Punitha Anthoniyar Chapel Dedicated
The new Punitha Anthoniyar Chapel was dedicated on November 21, 2016, by the then parish priest Fr. Arul Pirabagar.
★ Punitha Anthoniyar Chapel dedicated 21 November 2016
2017
50th Anniversary
50th Anniversary – Car Festival Elevated
In 2017, on the 50th anniversary of the new church (1967–2017) and the 40th anniversary of the car festival, Our Lady's car was elevated and rededicated under Fr. Anthoony Irudaya Thomas.
★ 50th anniversary of church; car festival car elevated and rededicated
17 June 2018
New Residences
New Parish House Built
Since the old parishioners' residence was in a dilapidated state, a new parish house was constructed under Fr. Anthoony Irudaya Thomas's initiative. On June 17, 2018, the new house was inaugurated.
★ New parish house built and dedicated June 17, 2018
15 August 2018
Blessing
New Parish House Blessed by Bishop
The new parish house was blessed on August 15, 2018 by Bishop Ivan Ambrose and later by the Tuticorin Diocese Auxiliary Bishop Rev. A. Stephen on June 29, 2019.
★ Parish house blessed August 15, 2018 by Bishop Ivan Ambrose
2 October 2022
Current
Jebamaalai Thotdam (Rosary Garden) Established
Under the leadership of the current parish priest Fr. Tha. Salet Gerald, the Rosary Garden (Jebamaalai Thotdam) was established with foundation stone laid on October 2, 2022.
★ Rosary Garden (Jebamaalai Thotdam) inaugurated October 2, 2022