About Our Parish – Our Lady of Seven Dolours, Palayakovil

Who We Are

Founder

Veeramamunivar (1680–1747), also known as Fr. Constantine Joseph Beschi, was an Italian Jesuit missionary, Tamil scholar, and writer who made a remarkable contribution to Tamil language and literature. He came to South India to spread Christianity and devoted himself to learning Tamil with great mastery. Because of his deep knowledge of Tamil, he earned the title "Veeramamunivar", meaning "The Courageous Ascetic."

His most famous literary work is Thembavani, a Tamil epic poem on the life of St. Joseph. Veeramamunivar is remembered for his dedication to education, literature, and missionary service. His contributions continue to be honored by Tamil scholars and Christian communities alike.

Our Journey

Parish Development

Under the shepherding of successive parish priests, Palayakovil has grown steadily in faith, devotion, and infrastructure. Here is a glimpse of that legacy.

1972-1973

Fr. Irudayam Antony

Established the Our Lady of Rosary Makkal Mandram (Wedding Mahal).
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Shakespeare School was built in 1972.
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The Servite Convent building was established in 1973.
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1990to1993

Fr. Chinnapan

A new altar was built for the church.
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Initiated the Miraculous Infant Jesus Novena.
Introduced the Thursday Evening Mass in honor of the Infant Jesus in front of the Infant Jesus Grotto.
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The Altar table was rebuilt in granite and continues to be in use to this day both in both Palayakovil and the Sacred Heart Church, Irudayapuram (Sub-station)

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The cement flooring was replaced with marble flooring in both Palayakovil and the Sacred Heart Church, Irudayapuram (Sub-station).

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1993to1998

Fr. Ganadikam

Commenced the 11:00 AM Novena Mass for the Miraculous Infant Jesus, a tradition which continues to be followed to this day.
The new Parish Priest's Residence was inaugurated in 1996 by Most Rev. S. L. Gabriel, Bishop of Tiruchirappalli Diocese.
Served as correspondent of the parish school.
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1998to2003

Fr. Anthuvan

On 15 September 1998, Cardinal Simon Lourdusamy visited the church and inaugurated the commemorative arch near the Servite Convent, erected in remembrance of the 250th Annual Feast. During his visit, he fondly named Palayakovil as "Chinna Romapuri" in recognition of its rich Catholic heritage and vibrant faith community.
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The memorial arch at the entrance of the church was inaugurated by Bishop Peter Fernando, then Apostolic Administrator of Tiruchirappalli and Bishop of the Diocese of Tuticorin.
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2003to2005

Fr. Jayaraj

Established the Adoration Chapel, a sacred space for Eucharistic adoration. It was inaugurated in 2005 by Most Rev. Antony Devotta, Bishop of the Diocese of Tiruchirappalli. Since its establishment, it has continued to welcome devotees, with people visiting daily to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
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2006to2011

Fr. Soosaraj

A Kebi in the shape of a chariot was built in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary.
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2011to2016

Fr. Ambrose

A 53-feet flag pole was erected in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary.
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A Kebi dedicated to the Divine Mercy was built for the first time.
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A Prayer Grotto featuring statues of All Saints was established for the first time.
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Stainless steel cladding was installed on the pillars.
A new stage was constructed within the church premises.

2016to2021

Fr. Joseph

Lourdu Madha kebi was built.
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A Prayer Pavilion honouring All Saints was established.
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The Altar was renovated.
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The Sacristy was renovated.
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The church interior was fully renovated.

Our Mission

Serving God & Community

We nurture faith in children through active Catechism programmes that form them in the teachings of Christ and the traditions of our Church, laying a strong spiritual foundation from an early age.

Our Youth Ministry empowers the next generation with spiritual formation, leadership, and a strong sense of Christian identity, guiding them to live their faith with courage and joy.

We believe that faith belongs to all — no one is left behind. Through outreach, sacramental care, and pastoral support, we strive to ensure every soul in our parish is seen, heard, and loved.

The Parish Council and various parish committees work hand in hand with our clergy to guide the growth, development, and administration of the parish — ensuring it serves the community with transparency and purpose.

Rooted in the Basic Christian Community (BCC) model, our parish is organised into small neighbourhood groups where families pray together, support one another, and live out the Gospel in their everyday lives.