St. John the Baptist Church – Vadiyur Tirunelveli

Contact Details:

St. John the Baptist ChurchVadiyur, TirunelveliVadiyur – 627 861, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. F. Leo Gerald.
Church Established – 1913.

Brief History:

The parish traces its origins to the 16th century when two extended families migrated from Sathankulam and converted to Christianity through contact with Christian merchants. Initially worshipping at Antippatti, they established a thatched structure in Vadiyur. A stone temple was constructed around 1700 in Viramani architecture style. The present church structure was added in 1913, incorporating the earlier stone sanctum. The parish became independent on May 21, 2006. A notable miracle was documented in 2016 when the Crucified Christ image above the altar reportedly opened and closed its eyes before children during evening prayers, witnessed by the entire congregation. The church serves approximately 580 families (1,300+ including branches). The feast is celebrated on the Saturday and Sunday following August 29.