Church of Saint Anthony – Samuthiram

Contact Details:

Church of Saint Anthony
Thalapathi Samuthiram
Thalapathi Samuthiram (Perumalanj), Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. Michael Lawrence.
Church Established – Ancient.

Tuticorin Diocese Churches
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Saint Anthony of Padua

Brief History:

The settlement of Thalapathi Samuthiram derives its name from its historical use as a training ground for military personnel. An engraved stone near the national highway records an 1485 AD burial, indicating this is a very ancient church site. During the sixteenth century, more than eighty Catholic families reportedly resided here. The church transitioned through various administrative affiliations before becoming a branch of Valliyur parish in 1981, and a new structure was consecrated in commemoration of Rev. Fr. Anthony’s priestly jubilee. The parish currently serves 15 Catholic families.