The History of Capuchins In Tamilnadu

The Chronology - Capuchins in Tamil Nadu, India

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

1632 - The first batch of six French Capuchins arrived at Pondicherrywith the French traders.

          - This is the first arrival of the Capuchins to India.

1634 - The French closed its sea – agency and the Capuchins too leave Pondicherry

1639 - The arrival of English to Madras.

- The foundation of city of Madras

1642 - The arrival of Fr. Ephrem de Nevers OFM.Cap, and the establishment of the

Capuchin Mission in Madras.

- The First Church of Madras dedicated to St. Andrews is built in the walls of St. George.

- The First English School in India by Fr. Ephrem de Nevers in the presbytery of St. Andrews.

- Madras was created as an Apostolic Prefecture and Fr. Ephrem deNevers was appointed the First Prefect Apostolic of Madras by Pope Urban VIII.

1642 - The second batch of Capuchins arrived at Pondicherry but leave soon.

1649 - Arrest of Fr. Ephrem by the Padroado clergy in Mylapore.

1650 - Fr. Ephrem was under the Portuguese inquisition in Goa.

- Fr. Zeno OFM.Cap., from Surat came to cater the Capuchin Mission in  Madras.

1652 - The release of Fr. Ephrem.

1653 - Fr. Ephrem back to Madras.

1658 - Fr. Ephrem built the Second church of the Capuchins, St. Mary of the Angels at Armenian Street, Black Town.

1663 - Mgr. F. Pallu Vicar Apostolic of Tonkin in China confirmed 3000 Catholics in

Madras.

1673 - The third batch of Capuchins arrived at Pondicherry with the French Settlers.

- François Martin, a French Man founded the City of Pondicherry.

- He invited officially the French Capuchins the apostolic missionaries ofMadras, the city of British to Pondicherry for the spiritual ministry and the missionary activity.

1674 - Fr, Cosmos De Gien founded the Capuchin mission inPondicherry.

1675 - The Capuchins replaced St. Andrews with a magnificent church at the Fort of St. George, Madras.

1680 - The Church of St. Mary of the Anglicans is built in the Fort,Madras.

1686 - The Capuchins built the First Church of Pondicherry dedicated to St. Peter (Lazer) by the financial assistance of Thanappa Mudaliar @ Lazar de Motta a local Christian leader of the Tamil Christian community.

1689 - The French Jesuits’ mission failed in Siam and came toPondicherry.

1690 - The Capuchins opened the mission stations of Alambarve, Karayampuly, MaraKanam,Cuddalore, Manjakupam andKadapakam in Pondicherry Mission.

1695 - The death of Venerable Father Ephrem de Nevers, the founder of the Madras

Mission.

1699 - Pondicherry Tamil Christian community was constituted as a parish under the diocese of Mylapore. Fr. Jacques de Bourges OFM.Cap was appointed the first Parish Priest of Pondicherry.

- Within few months, the Jesuits were appointed exclusively to the Tamils and The Capuchins became in charge of the Europeans and the Eurasians.

1703-Francois Marie de Tours went to Rome to present the controversy of Malabar-

rites and the rights of the Capuchin missionary work among the Tamils to Propaganda Fide.

1704- Cardinal Mailard de Tournon the Roman Legate condemned the Malabar rites.

1706 - Pondicherry Capuchins in the mission of Chandernagore, West Bengal.

1709 - The first church of the Capuchins dedicated to Our Lady of the Queen of the Angels (Caps Kovil) was built.

1732 - Fr. Thomas of Poitiers from Pondicherry, opened a new mission among the tribals near Chittor, Andhra.

1737 - Karaikal became a mission station of the Pondicherry Capuchins.

1738 - The Capuchin church of the Queen of the Angels, Pondicherrybecame a parish in the diocese of Mylapore.

1746 - The French captured Madras.

- Foundation of an orphanage by the Capuchins in Madras.

1749 - The English returned to Madras.

- The expulsion of the Capuchins from the Fort of St. George,Madras.

1750- Capuchins of Pondicherry in Coastal Andhra.

1752 - The English demolished the First church of Madras, St. Andrewsin the Fort.

1758 - Madras Capuchins built a chapel at Chindadrepettah.

1769 - Madras Capuchins built a church at Royapettah.

1772 - The Madras Capuchin Prefecture under the Episcopal See of Mylapore.

1776 - Fr. Sebastian of Nevers OFM.Cap, was appointed as the Prefect Apostolic over the Europeans and the Eurasians in Pondicherry.

1785 - Fr. Victor of Niort OFM.Cap rebuilt and enlarged the church of St. Mary of the Angels ( today, Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua),Armenian Street, Madras.

1792 - French revolution affected the flow of the Capuchin missionaries of French from the Province of Tours to Madras and Pondicherry.

1811 - The end of Missionary labour of the French Capuchins of theProvince of Tours in the mission of Pondicherry.

1814 - A church built at the cemetery of Washermenpet, Madras.

1822 - Fr. Gregory Mary of Beno OFM.Cap., developed Periyapalayam,Madras  into a Pilgrimage centre.

- The arrival of the Italian Capuchins in Pondicherry to continue the Mission.

1828 - Apostolic Prefecture of the Capuchins in Pondicherry was transferred to the Holy Spirit Fathers.

- The end of Capuchin mission in Pondicherry.

1830 - Fr. Felix an Italian Capuchin built a church at Vepry, Madras, dedicated to St. Andrews.

- A church dedicated to St. George is built at Madhavarm, Madras.

1834 - Madras Capuchin Apostolic Prefecture transferred to the Irish Augustinians.

- The end of Capuchin Mission in Madras and 202 years of Capuchin missionary presence in Tamil Nadu.

1943 June 13- The Capuchins re-entered Tamil Nadu after 109 years with the blessing of Amalashram, in Sri Rangam island in Trichy city.

          - Fr. Urban of Lanervelli a French Capuchin who was then Commissary General of the Capuchins in India founded this new friary in Tamil region.

1949- St. Joseph’s Friary, Kotagiri was blessed.

1950- St. Francis Friary, Kumbakonam was blessed.

1956- Shanthi Ashram and Fatima Parish at Gandhipuram, Coimbatorewere blessed.

1957- Coimbatore became the Commissarite of the Capuchins in India.

1958- St. Francis friary at Kumbakonam was closed down.

1963- India became a Province under the patronage of Immaculate Heart of Mary and Coimbatore became the provincialate. 

1966- St. Peter’s Friary, Pattukkottai was blessed.

1967- Paduvai Ashram at Amali Nagar, Thiruchendhur, was blessed.

1970- Paduvai Ashram was shifted to Tuticorin and Thiruchendhur was closed down.

1970- Nirumala Ashram, Thirumangalam, Madurai was blessed.

1971- St. Mathias Friary at Ashok Nagar, Chennai, was blessed.

1972- The decree of the division of the Indian Province into four different jurisdictions was promulgated.

1972 May 17- Tamil Nadu became a province under the patronage of Amala Annai and Fr. Jonthan was appointed the first Provincial.

          - The other new provinces in India are St. Joseph’s, Kerala, Most Holy Trinity, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and St. Francis Vice Province, Kerala.

          - Shanthi Ashram, Coimbatore continued to be the provincilalate for Tamil Nadu.

1974 June- Initiation course was started at Amalashram.

1975 March 2-8- The First Election chapter was held at Shanthi Ashram, Coimbatore and Fr. Jonathan was elected Provincial for another three years.

1978 Mar 29- Apr 4- The Second Election Chapter was held at Shanthi Ashram, Coimbatore, Fr. Mathias was elected Provincial.

1979 Oct 16 -  Assisi Ashram, a retreat house at Pampanvilai, Nagercoil was blessed.

1979  - Nagari Mission in the diocese of Cuddapah, Andhra was founded.

1981 May 18-22 – The Third election chapter, Fr. Mathias was re-elected the Provincial at Shanthi Ashram, Coimbatore.

1981 June 21- Novitiate was started at St. Joseph’s Friary, Kotagiri.

1983 June – Gnanalaya in Tirchy was blessed.

1984 May 21-25- Fr. B. Aruldass was elected the provincial in the fourth election chapter held at St. Joseph’s Friary, Kotagiri.

1984 June- Philosophate was Started at Shanthi Ashram, Coimbatore.

1985 May – Novitiate was shifted to Assisi Ashram, Pambanvillai, Nagercoil.

1985 June- Philosophate was shifted to Kotagiri.

1985 July- Initiation course was shifted to Paduvai Ashram, Tuticorin.

1987 March 1- Arulagam at Vicramasingapuram was blessed.

1987 March 1- Retreat house at Paduvai Ashram, Tuticorin was blessed.

1987 March 9-14- The Fifth election chapter was held at Amalashram, Trichy and Fr. B. Aruldass was re-elected the Provincial.

1987 April- The Provincialate from Shanthi Ashram, Coimbatore was shifted to Gnanlaya, Trichy.

1987 May 23 – Capuchin Theoloagate was started at Amalashram, Trichy.

1989 June 26- The first batch of three Tamil Capuchins left forBulawayo in Zimbabwe (Africa) for mission work.

          - Zimbabwe is the first mission territory of the Tamil Capuchins.

1990 Jan 1- Queen of Peace, the first friary of Zimbabwe was founded at Bulawayo.

1990 Mar 5-10- The sixth election chapter was held Amalashram, Trichy, Fr. D. Jesudass was elected Provincial.

1990 Aug 21- Fatima Mission, Hwange in Zimbabwe was blessed.

1991 July – Brunapeg Mission, Zimbabwe was erected as parish.

1992 Dec 6- St. Francis Anbagam, Okkur-Pudur, Sivagangai was blessed.

1993 Apr 19-23- The seventh election chapter was held at the Friary, Kotagiri. Fr. Percy Joseph Raj was elected Provincial.

1994 Jan 1- Capuchin Theologate at Amalashram, Trichy was affiliated to St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore.

1995 May- Fatima Nagar Parish, Trichy was entrusted to the Capuchins.

1995 July 1- The Malaysian Friars were incorporated into thePhilippines Province.

1996 Apr 4- St. Francis Matric. School, Thirumangalam received government approval.

1996 July 6- Arunodaya, Vannampatty, Dindugal was blessed.

1996 July 22-26- The Eighth Election Chapter was held at St. Joseph’s Friary, Kotagiri. Fr. John Antony was elected Provincial.

          - The Capuchin Friars Minor Multipurpose Social Service Society (CFMMSSS) started to function at Udhayam, Trichy.

1996 Aug- St. Peter’s friary, Pattukkottai was closed down.

1996- Capuchin Ministry began at KM Kottai, Sivagangai diocese.

1997 June 15- Okkur-Pudur, Sivagangai was erected a Parish.

1998 April 14- St. Antony’ parish was erected at Arcot.

1998 June 2- St. Antony’ parish was erected at Sundampatty, Krishnagiri.

1998 June – Brindisi Matric. School was started at Shanthi Ashram,Coimbatore.

1999 Jan 4- Burkina Faso Mission in West Africa was entrusted to the Tamil Nadu Capuchins.

1999 Feb 24- Anugraha Animation Centre, Nochiodai Patty, Dindugal was blessed.

1999 Apr 7- The Zimbabwa Tamil Capuchin mission was raised to the status of a custody, Fr. Jeyaraj was appointed the first Superior Regular.

1999 May 3-7- Fr. John Antony was re-elected Provincial in the Ninth Election Chapter held at Amalashram, Trichy.

2000 June 5- Infant Jesus parish, Vallam, Chengelpet was erected and entrusted to the Capuchins.

2000- Pio Matric. School was started at Arcot.

2000 Dec 19- Vidivelli Animtion centre was blessed at Sundampatti, Krishnagiri.

2001 Aug 2- Anugraha became the institute of Counselling.

2001 Sep 8- Capuchin Legal Awarness, Research and Educational Services (CLARES), a new ministry was introduced at Amalashram, Trichy.

2001 Oct 5- Capuchins began their ministry in Sendamangalam, Namakkal.

2002 May 13-17- The Tenth Election chapter took place at Anugraha, Nochiodaipatti, Dindugal. Fr. Divakar was elected Provincial.

2003 Sep 8- CLARES  was blessed in Ponnagar, Trichy.

2004 Dec 28- Post-Novices, Regents, Philosophy and Theology students with the initiative and guidance of CFMMSSS launched rescue operations in Tsunami hit villages in the coastal districts of Kanyakumari, Nagapattinam and Cuddalore.

2005 Jan 29- New friary was blessed in Burkino Faso.

2005 April 30- The Capuchin ministry came to an end at Fatima Nagar, Trichy.

2005 May 2-6- Fr. John Antony was elected Provincial in the Eleventh Election chapter held at Anugraha, Nochiodaipatti, Dindugal.

2005 Oct 23- Nochiodaipatty was erected a Parish and entrusted to the Capuchins.

2005 Dec 8- Sendamangalam was erected a Parish and entrusted to the Capuchins.

2006 Sep 20- Fr. John Antony was elected a Definitor General in the 83^rd General Chapter held at Rome.

2006 Sep 20- Fr. Alphonse Charles was appointed Provincial by Br. General in the place of Fr. John Antony.

2006 Nov 25- Karunaikadal at Rameshwaram was blessed.

2007 May 26- Udhayam Polytechnic College at Thenkuda, Rameswaram was blessed.

2008 April- The Twelfth Election Chapter was held at Anugraha, Dindugal and Fr. Alphonse Charles was elected Provincial.

2008 June – Sangamam, at Perugamani was blessed.

2008 June 11- The New Theologate-Francesco at Vengangudi, Trichy was blessed.

2008 March 10- St. Francis Ashram at Thiyagadurgam was blessed.

2008 June- Sacred Heart Primary School at Kollikudi was blessed.

2009 March- Capuchins began their ministry in ‘Reaching the Unreached’ (RTU), at G. Kallupatti.

2009 June 8- Theologate was shifted from Amalashram to Francesco, Trichy.

2010, July 29- Anugraha Institute of Social Sciences was inaugurated at Nochiodaipatty, Dindugal.

2011 May 16-20- The Thirteenth election chapter was held at Anugraha, Nochiodaipatty and Fr. Alphonse Charles was re-elected Provincial.

2012 April 25- Tamil Nadu Amala Annai Province was bifurcated into two new Provinces at Amalashram, Trichy. They are

          - Amala Annai Province, Northern part of Tamil Nadu and

          - Mary, Queen of Peace Province, Southern part of Tamil Nadu.

          - Fr. A.J. Mathew was appointed the Provincial of North Tamil Nadu and

          Fr. S. Arockiam was appointed the Provincial of South Tamil Nadu

 The Director Br. White Raja and 6 pre-postulants

 The pre-postulants of North Province.

The Fraternity members, the guardian was absent for the photo session as he had to conduct a funeral in the parish. The parish is one of the busiest in the town. He is well known and accepted friars here.