Holy Offering Mother Church – Maramangalam

Contact Details:

Holy Offering Mother Church Maramangalam
Maramangalam, Rettipatti Post, Omalur Taluk, Salem District, Tamil Nadu.
Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. V. Albert Anthony Raj.
Church Established – 17th century (current structure 2005).

Brief History:

The Holy Offering Mother Church in Maramangalam holds the historic distinction of being the first church built by Father Robert de Nobili in the Kongu region and the first in the Salem Diocese. Christianity arrived in the Maramangalam area during the early 17th century. When local ruler Thirumangal Nayak sought baptism for his family, Father Robert de Nobili responded. During an epidemic outbreak, locals blamed the foreign priest, but rather than depart, de Nobili constructed a small chapel and erected a cross atop it. After the plague subsided, this structure became recognized as Salem Diocese’s inaugural church. The current building was constructed during Father Francis Xavier’s tenure and consecrated February 6, 2005. A shrine to Our Lady of Velankanni and the Nobili Bell Tower (inaugurated February 11, 2017) were added later. The church serves 25 families as a branch of Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Tharamangalam, and celebrates its feast in February. Read more about Holy Offering Mother Church, Maramangalam.