St. Francis Xavier Church – Periya Kodivaeri

Contact Details:

St. Francis Xavier ChurchPeriya KodivaeriPeriya Kodivaeri, Erode – Tamil Nadu.
Parish Priest – Rev. R. J. L. Anthony Raj.
Church Established – 1640.

Brief History:

St. Francis Xavier Church at Periya Kodivaeri is one of the oldest parishes in the region, established in 1640 CE. Situated along the Bhavani River in the Sathyamangalam Deanery of the Ooty Diocese, the parish serves approximately 200 families. The church underwent major renovation in 1965 under Bishop Anthony Padiyara. The parish includes several branch churches: St. Zacharia Mary Church at Ezhuoor, Child Jesus Church at Naalrodu and D.G. Putoor, and a Forest Chapel dedicated to St. Chinnappan. The region is primarily agricultural and the church has historically supported local farming communities. The parish also runs educational institutions from primary to higher secondary level.