History of Vinnarasi Madha Church
As a miraculous identity of Maraimalai Nagar, Our Lady of Queens Church (Vinnarasi Matha Aalayam) Parish and substations joyfully share divine blessings with all people.
1. Formation of Maraimalai Nagar (1974 – 1976)
Under the Tamil Nadu Government suburban plan, the Maraimalai Nagar project was announced in 1974. Construction began in 1976. Due to new industries and job growth, people from many districts of Tamil Nadu and other states of India migrated here.
2. Spiritual Need and Land Acquisition (1988 – 1990)
Catholics living in Maraimalai Nagar traveled to the chapel in Kattankulathur for Holy Mass. To fulfill their spiritual needs, a search for land began. Rev. Fr. Britto and Rev. Fr. George Palakattukunnal requested Most Rev. Casmir Gnanadickam, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, for land.
Through the help of Mr. Maria Louis (CEO of CMDA) and FSJ Sisters, the current land was purchased from CMDA. The foundation stone was laid on July 27, 1988. Under the supervision of Rev. Fr. George Palakattukunnal, construction was completed. The church was blessed and opened on June 28, 1990. This event was telecast live on Pothigai TV.
3. Growth of the Parish
Originally, Melrosapuram was the Mother Parish. Maraimalai Nagar, Kattankulathur, Guduvanchery, Rail Nagar, TTC Nagar, and Paranur were substations. In 1993, Maraimalai Nagar was elevated as a new Parish.
4. Former Parish Priests and Key Works
- Rev. Fr. P.K. Matthew (1993-2000): The first Parish Priest. He established St. Anthony’s Grotto, the Bell Tower, and Rail Nagar St. Anthony’s Church.
- Rev. Fr. Lourdhu Raj (2000-2003): Served as the second Parish Priest.
- Rev. Fr. Yesu Anthony (2003-2004): Served as the third Parish Priest.
- Rev. Fr. Christu Raj (2004-2009): Built the Main Entrance Arch. During his time, Guduvanchery became a separate parish.
- Rev. Fr. Paulraj (2009-2014): Renovated the Altar and installed a new Tabernacle. He built the MTC Nagar substation and the new Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kattankulathur.
- Rev. Fr. R.A. Maria Nayagam (2014-2019): Celebrated the Silver Jubilee. He built the Jubilee Stage, installed the Church Flagpole, and built the Our Lady of Health Church in MTC Nagar.
- Rev. Fr. Paul John (2019-2024): Renovated Rail Nagar St. Anthony’s Church and installed the Flagpole at Kattankulathur Church.
- Rev. Fr. Alexis Manohar (2024-Present): The current Parish Priest. Since 2024, Rev. Fr. Alexis Manohar has been leading the people of God as the Parish Priest. He has been planning and continuously implementing various developmental activities for the parish. He has constructed a shed around the church and has beautifully inscribed the Word of God all along the church compound walls. Furthermore, he has established room facilities for priests to stay within the church premises. He has created a peaceful and pleasant environment both inside and around the shrine, where everyone can worship God with peace and mental satisfaction. This wonderful atmosphere helps everyone to worship the Lord with a calm mind and devotion, helping to create a grace-filled spiritual environment.
5. Vocations from the Parish
The parish has produced several priests and sisters: Rev. Fr. Shylock Stephen (1998), Rev. Fr. Charles Suresh (2004), Rev. Fr. P.L. Johnson (2014), Rev. Fr. John Paul, and Sr. J. Kalaiselvi (2010).
Conclusion
Today, Our Vinnarasi Madha Church stands as a house of God that has crossed its Silver Jubilee, continuing to provide blessings to everyone.