The first church built by Rev. Fr. Beschi: Periyanayagi Matha Church

The above picture depicts the statue which was made in manila and brought to this shrine. The statue  and the details around were designed by Rev. Fr. Beschi. He also wrote a poem while he was at Elakurichi, long before this church was built and the statue was made, which describes the exact same picture. That poem describes as though the author is watching Mother Mary walking among people gloriously as heavenly queen with Holy Angels. I infer and understand from this poem that author wrote this poem at the state of having a vision, or at the state of meditation or contemplation or after the aforementioned status.

I sat under a tree shade near Periyanayagi Matha church and watch people going in and coming out of the church. There I witness many faith expressions of people. Some people enter the church with excitement, hope, joy, and happiness. Some go inside the church with burdened heart and faces with lot of intercessions, but with strong hope and with great expectations. Few go inside the church with tearful face in distraught situation. I see some kneel, few stand, and some prostrates inside the church. Some pray, some enjoy the church, some looked excited, and some others looked contemplative. Many come as family with children and relatives and some come as individuals, but all come with faith, hope, and intercessions. I see many families spread their spread sheets under the cool shades of the trees around the church and they enjoy their home cooked lunch after the mass, as family with children. What a beautiful scene to witness!

As I watch, I reflect upon the significance of the church building. How great its merits and faith significance! I appreciate the need of the church building to these multitudes of people who search God. I also ponder upon the beginning of that church building, which is associated with a divine incident and many revelations followed. I think about the Rev. Fr. Beschi and the king who got the vision and miracle. I also appreciate the cooperation of people with Rev, Fr. Beschi to build the church.

A church building stands as a faith statement in a geographical area. The significance of Church buildings signify God's presence, revelation, and relation among the people. Church building is not just a building but it is a sacramental, which is sanctified and sacred.

It is a huge undertaking to build a church in the natural realm, which requires efforts, hard work, workmanship, materials, and money. Behind every new church built there is a missionary or visionary or group of devoted and dedicated people present. The motivation to build a church begins either from people and blessed by heaven or originates from heaven and celebrated by the people. In both ways beneficiary is human. Church building is a place of refuge for human souls who come with millions of reasons, needs, and expressions.

Church building is a place of hope, joy, celebration, sacraments,and heavenly fellowship and sacrifice. However, we live in a time when many Church buildings are sold into the hands of world for it's merry uses. It is so sad to read such news about the Church buildings. Let us build churches which helps in building people faith, hope, and heavenly fellowship not just for our time but also for many years after us. Let us protect church buildings, which is similar to the protection of faith. Let us maintain the church, which is equal to building and facilitating heavenly fellowship. Let us not sell the churches for economical or worldly reasons. Above all let us pray for the people who build and maintain the church buildings. Let us support the priests who are involved in building and maintaining church buildings. These activities are significant to maintain the faith in the world.