St Anthony and Chinnappan Church – Duthikkulam

Contact Details:

Saint Anthony of the Desert and Saint Chinnappan Church Duthikkulam
Duthikkulam, Duthikkulam Post, Namakkal District – 637404, Tamil Nadu.
Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. Vedhanayagam (OFM Cap).
Church Established – 2003 (current structure).

Brief History:

This church holds the distinction of being the first and only church in the Salem Diocese dedicated jointly to two desert saints – Saint Anthony of the Desert and Saint Chinnappan of the Desert. Initially a thatched structure, the church was later expanded with a hall. The present permanent building was constructed by Fr. Clarence (Capuchin) and consecrated on June 7, 2003, by Bishop C. Singarayyan. The church functions as a branch parish under the Holy Health Mother Shrine, Senthamangalam, and serves 5 families. The annual feast is celebrated on January 17 (flag hoisting), January 18 (Saint Anthony), and January 19 (Saint Chinnappan), attracting devotees from multiple parishes. Located 4 km from Senthamangalam on the road to Rasipuram. Learn more about Saint Anthony of the Desert. Read more about Saint Anthony of the Desert and Saint Chinnappan Church, Duthikkulam.