Basilica of Our Lady of Assumption, Kamanayakkanpatti

About Us

Our Lady of Assumption Church is located in Puthumainagar, Kamanayakkanpatti in Thoothukudi District in the State of Tamilnadu, India. This Church played an important part in the former Madurai Mission and might be considered as the Mother Church for the southern region. It was also the center of evangelization in the Tirunelveli inland territory at the end of the 17th and 18th centuries. It had covered up Srivilliputhur (north-west), Vadakkankulam (south), Tenkasi (South-west) and the inland areas in the East.

Christianity had its strong root in Kamanayakkanpatti even before 18th century. The Priests of Society of Jesus found out that Kamanayakkanpatti was the apt place for the apostolic mission. Fr. John De Britto chose this centre and it became their residence in 1688. The earnest priest from Itally the gratest poet in Tamil the author of Tembavani Fr. Lonstrantine Besehi (Viramaniver) also served there as Parish Priest.

He introduced Indianzation of precession with Radhms and chapparems during the titular festival. The suppression of the society of Jesus in 1773. Stopped only the visit of those priests. In fact, it strengthened the people in Spiritual life. The people of Kamanayakkanpatti proved themselves as nearly and pillars of the church during their period. The former Bishop of Coimbatore Most Rev. C.M. Visuvasam, D.D. belonged to theis parish.

Explore More

Fr. Xavier Porgheese was the first parish priest who resided here and administered the Sacraments. It was the first time that K.N.P. was mentioned in the records of the history. Around the year 1690, it is said that a girl fell into an open well and died, while the parents and the villagers pleaded to Our Lady, she was miraculously brought back to life.

Fr. Beschi came over during 1712-1715 and stayed here to learn the local language. It was at this time that he inculturated the Christian faith into the Indian culture. It was at his time that the Church was named as the Our Lady of Assumption. In 1728 the Church was several times visited by thieves and plundered the village.It is said that a thief, stealing the image of Our Lady and was about to carry it away, when all on a sudden, he became blind.