St. Anthony of the Forest Church – Pillavadanthai

Contact Details:

St. Anthony of the Forest Church
Pillavadanthai
Pillavadanthai, Meemattur Post, Chempanarkoyil,
Mayiladuthurai District – Tamil Nadu 609309.

Parish Priest – Fr. E. Solomon.
Church Established – 1681.

Brief History:

St. Anthony of the Forest Church, Pillavadanthai, is one of the oldest parishes in the Tanjore Diocese, founded in 1681 under the leadership of St. Anrulanandar. The current church structure was constructed in 1845 and underwent significant restoration, being rededicated on May 11, 2025. The sanctuary holds historical importance as the burial site of Rev. Fr. Saveri Swami (d. 1820). The parish serves approximately 950 families across 35 villages, and the feast is celebrated beginning on Good Thursday through a grand procession on the ninth and tenth days.