Highlights of Irudhaya Annai Church: Periasamypuram

Southern border of Periyasamypuram is adorned by the majestic Sea of Mannar, a beautiful, breath taking, agile active clean sea shore makes a refreshing beach, which is used by youth and children.No boats and no fishermen in the beach, except the village adults may cast their nets occasionally with their friends in the evenings as my father used to do with his friends, as their hobby of sport some days. Deep blue colored water mass alive waves of seven to 8 foot tall waves on ordinary days, on full moon and new moon days the waves of high tides are very common. The rhythmic songs of sea waves and the stroke of sea breeze are the natural gifts of this village.There is a tradition during the time of Christmas that youth of this village conducts sports on the seashore with the leadership of parish priest. There is a new small chapel built within last few years by the villagers called St. Anthony chapel near the seashore where there are few masses per year celebrated. We can hear the church bell sound and the church speaker from the sea shore, as it overcome the sea waves sounds. We can also hear the sea waves sound in the night very clearly from the houses in the village. On the sea shore, there are rows of coconut trees and palm trees.The palms for palm Sunday comes from this line of coconut groove.Next to the coconut groove on the sea sanded beach rest the faithful ancestors of this village. There are oral traditions and the records of the church indicate that St. Francis Xavier walked through our Seashore converted the people to Christianity 500 years before.

Half a kilometer from the seashore the civil resident area begin forms the south streets of Periyasamypuram. The south street is situated at the south side of the Irudhaya Annai Church. The southern border of the church is defined with a concrete wall. Adjoined to the concrete wall stands a mighty beautiful tall grotto of our Lady of Lourdu. In the grotto, there is a altar and a concrete tabernacle, which used during the special novena days. Grotto has a concrete kneeling arch in the front, where people kneel to receive communion.Southern side of the grotto rests the Rev. Fr. Packianathar, who was the founding priest of this parish. People pray to this priest for healing there are many healing, deliverance, and blessings said to be associated with this priest's intercession.

Everyday in the morning after the Mass and in the evening after the rosary children and people assemble in front of the grotto to say prayers and novena, which is the part of the church activities.


The following poem is from the book of, " Spirit of Life: A Contemplative Soul" which reflects the glimpse of the seashore of Periyasamypuram:

A ride on my father’s shoulder
Once I was a child
Went on a ride
On my father's shoulder
Walk along the seashore
Evening sea breeze
Uneven tides
Roaring sea near
Soaring eagles above
Flying birds around
Running crabs surround
Mixer of wonder joy and fear
At the sight of water
But on my father's shoulder
I was safe and secured
I saw the world on my father's shoulder
I thank you Lord
That you are my heavenly Father
In whom I am secured
Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in you

Walk along the shore
Talk of many stories
I went on a ride on my father's shoulder
Strong palm trees around
Dense coconut grow near
On a clean white beach
Our walk continued
Amazing sight it was
When I saw the rolling giant tides
Smashing on the floor
Then I scared and wind my arms tight
To my father's shoulder
When I knew I was secured in his shoulder
I thank you Lord
That you are my heavenly Father
In whom I am secured.
Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in you

Long walk on the shore
I went on a ride on my father's shoulder
There came a delta
Where a small river run
In and out of sea
Looked scary water all around
My father kept walking
Telling stories steady
I sling around his neck
Tightening my arms around
I was scared at the sight of tides
But I was secured in my father's shoulder
I thank you Lord
That you are my heavenly Father
In whom I am secured.
Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in you

Seashore walk continued
I went on a ride on my father's shoulder
There I saw my father crossing the delta
Then I crossed the delta on my father's shoulder
Who carried me on his shoulder all along the walk
I had nothing to fear for
And nothing to tread on
There I am secured on his strong shoulder
I crossed the roaring water on my father's shoulder
No water could touch me on his shoulder
No fear can threaten me on his strong shoulder
I thank you Lord
That you are my heavenly Father
In whom I am secured.
Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in you


Irudhaya Annai church is getting renovated now. If you would like to help please contact the parish priest, Periyasamypuram, Tuticorin Diocese, India.

Parish priest: Fr. Xavier George. A
Irudhaya Annai Church
Periyasamypuram, 628 906
Tuticorin Diocese,
Vembar Via,
Ticorin District,
Vilathikulam Taluk
India

Phone: international No: 011 91 04638 262515

Websites to know about this parish:
http://www.tuticorindiocese.com/parishes.htm
http://www.tuticorindiocese.com/periyasamyprm.htm