Church of Saint Sebastian – Chinnapampatti

Contact Details:

Church of Saint Sebastian Chinnapampatti
Chinnapampatti, Chinnapampatti Post, Omalur Taluk, Salem District – 636306, Tamil Nadu.
Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. D. Francis Asaithambhi.
Church Established – approx. 1686.

Brief History:

This church traces its origins to approximately three centuries ago. During Easter celebrations in 1686 at Edappadi, cholera spread through the region and people migrated to Chinnapampatti, where Christianity began to flourish. Residents constructed a thatched chapel and honored Saint Sebastian as their patron saint. According to local tradition, Saint Sebastian appeared in a vision to a resident named Chinnappasetty, directing him to retrieve a statue of the saint from Bootappadi and install it in the church. A tile-roofed structure replaced the original chapel over time. The current church building was constructed through donations and consecrated in 2007, later renovated with surrounding walls. As residents sought employment in Salem, Mumbai, Chennai, and Trichy, the January feast became an important gathering occasion for the dispersed community. The church serves 12 families as a branch of the Church of Blessed Virgin Mary, Edappadi, and celebrates its feast during the third week of January. The parish belongs to the Salem Diocese. Read more about Church of Saint Sebastian, Chinnapampatti.