St. Anthony Church – Gnanaprakasiyarpuram Dindigul

Contact Details:

St. Anthony ChurchGnanaprakasiyarpuram, DindigulGnanaprakasiyarpuram, Begampur Post, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. Justin Thiraviyam (SDB).

Brief History:

Gnanaprakasiyarpuram originated as a customs checkpoint on the Dindigul-Madurai road. Local families, devoted to two saints, established this location as their worship center. A small chapel was constructed in 1913 and underwent modifications in 1917 with the installation of a crucifix and St. Anthony’s statue, facilitating regular Tuesday devotions. The community renamed the town after St. Gnanaprakasiyar (St. Illuminator) and the church after St. Anthony. A brick structure replaced the original chapel in 1932. The current modernized building’s foundation was laid October 28, 2013, and was consecrated June 13, 2018, by Bishop Thomas Balsamy. The church serves 200 families and the feast is celebrated in early February.