The visit to this Sacred Hearts Cathedral at
Thoothukudi was a part of the “Temples and Heritage Sites of Thoothukudi District
Visit” on 15th February 2025.
One of the biggest and oldest churches of
Thoothukudi is Sacred Hearts Cathedral, also known as Chinna Koil. Even though the Cathedral is very big, it came later than Our Lady of Snows Basilica. Hence, the Snows Basilica is called “Periya Koil,” and this Cathedral is called “Chinna Koil”. This Cathedral is very close to the Thoothukudi railway station.
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONS
Pope
Gregory XVI made Madurai an Apostolic Province on the 8th of July 1836, and the Thoothukudi coast became a new province that was entrusted to the Jesuit
Missionaries of Thulus Province in France. Since 183,8, parish priests have been
appointed in this parish. During that period, Our Lady of Snows church was taken
care of by the priests of the Mylapore diocese, which belonged to the Portuguese
Mission. Hence, the Jesuit Missionaries felt that they needed a separate church.
Rev.
Fr. Kasthanier, who was the Superior of the Jesuit region of Palayamkottai,
which came under the pearl fishery coast, wanted to build a new church at
Thoothukkudi. He bought the land where the present church stands from Mr.
Manuel Viyagula Motha, and the new Church was functioning under a thatched roof.
Rev.
Fr. Kanos, who became the Superior of the Jesuit Region of Palayamkottai in
1849, wanted to build a new church at Thoothukudi. A foundation was laid for the
new church by Rev. Fr. Cori, who was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Piccinelli, who continued
the construction work. The new church was consecrated by Rev. Fr. Kanos, as
bishop of Madurai Apostolic Province, on 5th January 1849. The new
church was dedicated to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Even though the
church was consecrated, the church construction was completed in 1864. The
church was expanded on the side by Rev Fr. Martin in 1909.
PC - website
Pope
Pius IX sent the relics of St. Fidelis as a gift to this new church. Bishop
Kanos placed the relics of St. Fidelis in a separate altar and declared St.
Fidelis the Patron of the town of Thoothukkudi.
The
church was elevated to the Cathedral of the Thoothukudi Diocese in 1923.
Further, the front towers were constructed by Bishop in 1923. The Cathedral was
renovated during the Golden and Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The Eucharistic
adoration chapel was blessed by Bishop Amalnather on 06th August 1997. The
Cathedral Church was renovated and blessed by Rev. Dr. Yvon Ambroise on 10th
November 2017. Again, the adoration chapel was renovated and blessed by His
Excellency the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen on 22nd November 2020. The front portion
of the Cathedral was under maintenance during my visit.
Ref:
HOW
TO REACH
This
Sacred Hearts Cathedral is about 250 meters from Thoothukudi Railway Station, 3
km from Thoothukudi new bus stand, 39 km from Thiruchendur, and 48 km from
Tirunelveli.
The nearest
Railway Station is Thoothukudi.
LOCATION
OF THE CATHEDRAL: CLICK HERE
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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