Our Lady of Fatima Church, Krishnagiri
Our Lady of Fatima Church is a place of worship for Catholic Christians in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, India. This church also served as parish church for Krishnagiri. This was built around 1972 due to the insufficient space of the existing Ignatius Church which is located in Oldpet, Krishnagiri. The Fatima Mary statue which is placed inside the church was made and blessed from Fátima, Portugal. Ever year on the second Sunday of July the church celebrates a feast day which is very famous in the town. This church serves under Dharmapuri Diocese. Tamil is the language used as the medium of communication.
| Our Lady of Fatima Church, Krishnagiri | |
|---|---|
| R.C. Fatima Church | |
பாத்திமா அன்னை திருத்தலம் | |
 Front View of the church | |
| |
| 12.5256°N 78.2156°E | |
| Location | Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu |
| Country | India |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Religious institute | Jesuit |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | R.C. Fathima Church |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 11 September 1972 |
| Founder(s) | Fr Kulandhai Nadhar, Fr.Issac |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Medieval |
| Years built | 1972 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Krishnagiri |
| Archdiocese | Pondicherry and Cuddalore |
| Diocese | Dharmapuri |
| District | Krishnagiri |
| Clergy | |
| Archbishop | Antony Anandarayar |
| Bishop(s) | Lawrence Pius Dorairaj |
| Priest(s) | Fr. Susairaj |
History
There are two histories for this church. Before this was built, people in Krishnagiri used St. Ignatius Of Loyala church as their parish church. After 1972 this church replaced of St. Ignatius Of Loyala church.
History of St. Ignatius Of Loyala Church
During the 18th century Krishnagiri Oldpet area was called Pharamahal, which means place of 12 forts. By 1786 British conquered this Paraamahal from Tippu Sultan, this made Catholic from Elathagiri and Veppanahalli settled in Krishnagiri. With the help of British soldiers, a small chapel was built, named after Loyola Ignatius. During that time, Piarists congregation took care of all the church services in Southern India so, this church also come under Piarists priest service.
After British soldiers moved out from Krishnagiri in 1832, Rev Fr. Abe Dubey was in-charge of Elathagiri and this church. During his time a small church was built next to the chapel. Till 1857 Krishnagiri was part of Thrupattur and Vellore parish. Later in 1897 Krishnagiri church became a part of Elathagiri Parish. According to the book of "Saruthira Surukam", which published by Salem diocese, around 50 to 60 Catholics lived in Krishnagiri during 1897.
In 1925 Elathagiri Parish priest Rev. Fr. Dominic built a third church (present church), next to the existing church which was built over the old chapel. On 17 July 1925 the first mass was preached in this church. Then in 1930 Salem Diocese was created from Kudandhai Diocese (Kumbakonam). By this time Krishnagiri church became a parish under Salem Diocese and Fr. Gabrial became first Parish Priest of Krishnagiri. On 12 January 1933 Rev. Fr. Gabrial died in Krishnagiri, as per his request he was buried in Kumbakonom Diosis Church. As per Salem bishop's request, sisters from Marian Franciscan came to Krishnagiri and started their service on 29 November 1934 in this church
Till 1972 this church served as the Parish church of Krishnagiri. The masses in this church were stopped after the new Fatima Church started its service, and gradually the church was abandoned. Later by the help of Chinappa Mudiyalar family and Rev. Fr. Madulai Muthu, this church was renovated and started used occasionally. Later in 2017 this church was reconstructed and reopened for the public in 13 Aug 2017. Till now, every Monday evening at 6:30 mass is conducted in this church.
History of Our Lady of Fatima Church
During 1930 Rev Fr. Gabriel brought 3.04 acres of land from Rayapan Mudhilayar. By 1940 Rev. Fr. Washone built Pharish Priest House. During 1950 due to increase of Krishnagiri catholic population, and also due to space insufficiency, Rev.Fr Kulandhai Nadhar planned to build a new church for Krishnagiri. Then with the approval and blessing of Salem bishop Venmani Vendhar, construction of this church was started with the help of public funds and actor Chandrababu's donation. After the sudden death of Rev. Fr. Kulandhai Naadhar on 11.3.1963. Rev. Fr. Issac finished the construction of this church. By the blessing of Salem Bishop 11.9.1972 first mass was conducted at this church. In 1997 Dharamapuri Diocese was established from Salem Diocese, since then this church serves under Dharamapuri Diocese.
List of Parish Priest
| Served Year | Priest names |
|---|---|
| 1930-1932 | Rev. Fr. Gabrial |
| 1933-1934 | Rev. Fr. Billyard |
| 1935-1948 | Rev. Fr. Haro |
| 1936-1946 | Rev. Fr. Washone |
| 1946-1948 | Rev. Fr. Varghese |
| 1946-1951 | Rev. Fr. Marshal |
| 1951-1964 | Rev. Fr. Kulandhai Nathar |
| 1664-1975 | Rev. Fr. Issac |
| 1975-1977 | Rev. Fr. Irudhiya Nadhar |
| 1978-1984 | Rev. Fr. Gnana Prakasam |
| 1984-1986 | Rev. Fr. Jayaraj |
| 1986-1989 | Rev. Fr. Joseph |
| 1989-1994 | Rev. Fr. Peter |
| 1994-2001 | Rev. Fr. Xavier |
| 2001-2006 | Rev. Fr. Jayaraj |
| 2006-2012 | Rev. Fr. Madhalai Muthu |
| 2012-2017 | Rev. Fr. Devasagayam |
| 2017–2020 | Rev. Fr. Susairaj |
| 2020 - present | Rev. Fr. Isaiyas |