The Churches founded by the French Capuchins in Madras
The Catholic population was on increase therefore, Fr. Ephrem built another Church dedicated to St. Mary of Angels among the natives in 1658.[1] According to Norbert Wolf, Frs. Zeno and Ephrem were expelled from Madras in 1668 and 1674 but every time they were allowed to return within a short period.[2] The Portuguese soldiers, topazes and other Catholics depended on the English for refuge and security, more people from San Thome settled in Madras. The Catholic community grew rapidly.
The pioneer missionaries Ephrem and Zeno grew old and weak to carry out much work, Fr. Michael of Angel of Bourges a French Capuchin from Tours in 1691 came to assist them. Fr. Zeno a zealous missionary at Surat and Madras, encouraging and amiable companion of Fr. Ephrem died in 1692.[3] He died at the age of 85 and was buried in St. Andrew’s Church in the Fort. It was taxing Frs. Ephrem and Michael to cater the spiritual needs of 8000 Catholics; therefore they petitioned the government to allow employing another assistant. The government considered the reasonable petition and allowed for another missionary and Fr. Rene of Angouleme joined them in 1693.[4]
Fr. Ephrem of Nevers died on October 13th, 1695, having been a religious for 70 years.[5] “He had toiled in Madras for more than half a century (1642-1695) and was loved and revered by all. He was buried at the foot of the high altar of St. Andrew’s Church, by the side of his confrere Zeno”.[6] He was a loyal servant of Jesus Christ, true son of St. Francis and man with great missionary zeal to plant Christianity in the Indian soil. Though he had to suffer with grave antagonism of the Portuguese clergy and the Protestant missionaries never gave up his missionary zeal. He endured all sufferings for the love of Christ and laid a strong foundation for the flourishing Church in Madras.
The pioneers Ephrem and Zeno laid a strong foundation for the Capuchin mission. The mission was well developed by their hard labour and missionary zeal. Many French Capuchins Cosmas of Gien, Jacques of Bourges, Spiritus of Tours, Lawrence of Angouleme, Michael Angel of Bourges, Rene of Angouleme and Thomas of Poitiers joined these holy men to carry out the mission of Christ at Madras.[7] St. Andrews in the Fort and St. Mary of the angels became the mission centres of the Capuchins.
There were 7000 Catholics about 1707 in Madras and it was 17000 after eighty years in the Black town only.[8] They were mostly Tamil Catholics; among them the dominant community was the boatmen, because they were absolutely needed by the ships coming to Madras. There were also European and Armenian Catholics four of them became prominent merchants.
1 St. Andrew’s Church, St. George Fort
(Tamil Nadu State Assembly Complex)
The map of Madras in 1642
Fr. Ephrem built a Church, dedicated to St. Andrew the apostle in 1642 and it was made of a timber shed.[9] Catholics were privileged to have built the first Church in St. George which was a non-Catholic fort.[10] It was an indication of the broad and tolerant spirit of the East India Company at the time that they allowed to erect a Catholic Church even before an Anglican Church was built. Fr. Ephrem conducted all the religious ceremonies in this Church.[11] Since the Portuguese priests knew no English or Tamil, the English, the Irish and the Tamil Catholics always came to St. Andrew’s Church because Fr. Ephrem was a linguist. Love H.D says that it was also called Portuguese Church, because the majority of the people who attended it were Portuguese and the homilies were mostly in Portuguese. Besides the Catholic worship at St. Andrew’s, even other denominations of Christians held their worship at different times.[12]
After 33 years, the Capuchins under the supervision Fr. Ephrem replaced the timber shed church in 1675 with a magnificent, handsome and fabulous Church.[13] On the day of consecration, the English Governor Sir William Langhore ordered a salute of great guns from the fort and 3 volleys of small shots by all the soldiers in the garrison.[14] The Protestants were very much displeased with the generosity and kindness of the Governor towards the Catholics at the consecration of St. Andrew’s Church.[15] So, they complained to the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London, about Sir William Langhore liberality towards the Catholics. The Court of Directors too expressed displeasure at his conduct and recalled him in 1677. [16] The first Church of Madras and of the Capuchins was destroyed by the English in 1752.
In the map C was the place of St. Andrews, Capuchin Church in St. George Fort, Madras
2. The Church of Mary of Angels, Armenian Street
( Today, Co-Cathedral of Madras-Mylapore & Famous Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua)
The View of the Co- Cathedral in Armenian Street.
As pastor of St. Andrew’s Church, Fr. Ephrem felt the need of another Church in the native quarters because of the growing local Catholics.[17] He applied to Sir Henry Greenhil then the agent, for a plot of ground to build a Church which also will serve a burial ground for the Portuguese inhabitants. This burying place was at Muthialpetta, within 1200 yards from St. Geroge Fort. It was sanctioned in 1658 and in the same year Fr. Ephrem put up a chapel, it is known in the Fort records the “Open Pandall Chappell”. This is now the origin of St. Mary’s Cathedral[18] at Armenian Street.[19]
“In answer to your request for liberty to repair your open pandall chapel, it being much decayed and in danger of falling, which to prevent and the danger iot may do, I do hereby permit the same upon the following conditions: - First that you do not encroach upon the Company’s ground, nor anyways to enlarge that formerly given by Agent Greenhill, nor must you rebuild higher or stronger than formerly… (P.C., vol. Xviii., May, 1692).”[20]
Fr. Ephrem obtained necessary permission from the Governor Yale to rebuild the church of the Queen of the Angels. The “Open Pandall Chappell” which was almost in danger of falling, Frs. Ephrem and Michael of Anjou repaired and completely rebuilt in 1692.[21] During the French occupation of Madras, it was damaged and rebuilt in 1775 on a modest scale and enlarged in 1785. Dr. J. Fennelly in his letter to the Collector of Madras writes in 1842 that, “The Catholic Cathedral of Madras was built by the Capuchins in 1785 from the funds of their mission. Fr. Victor of Niort as the superior of the Capuchins in Madras (1768-1785) obtained necessary funds to erect this Church; he initiated the construction and Fr. Ferdinand of Alsace completed his work.[22] The Capuchins had inscribed on its gates the date 1642, this date is not the establishment of this church rather the foundation of the Capuchin Mission in Madras.[23]
St. Mary’s Church served as the Church of the Prefects of the Capuchin missions at Madras (1642-1834).[24] This Capuchin Prefecture was raised into the Vicar Apostolic of Madras in 1834 and to the Archiepiscopal See of Madras in 1886. Thus, the Church of the Capuchins, St. Mary of the Angels was raised to the dignity of a Cathedral. In 1952, the Archdiocese of Madras and the dioceses of Mylapore were amalgamated and formed the new Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore with San Thome became the Cathedral of the new Archdiocese and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Angels[25] as the Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese.
FR. John Bapist the last Prefect Apostolic of the Capuchin Mission was buried
in this church in 1843 and this inscription which is found here,
bears witness to that
The Capuchins opened several mission stations in the north of Coovam River in the growing city of Madras, the English presidency. The Capuchins were the only missionaries were privileged to carry out their missionary work in Madras, the Anglican territory. The opening of many outstations signifies that they have converted many local people to the Christian fold. The foundations of these outstations are the big centres of Christianity in Madras, today. The Capuchin fathers received many Telugu Christians in the days of Tippu Sultan.[26]
3. Our Lady of Miracles, Veprey ( Today, St. Mathias CSI Church)
Koja Petrus Uscan who belonged to an influential Armenian merchant community arrived in Madras from Manila in 1724.[27] He was a merchant of diamonds and pearls. He bought a piece of land right in the middle of Vepery and built a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles in 1746. A house was also built with a large garden and Uscan appointed the Capuchin fathers as the pastors to conduct the liturgy for the poor. Fr. Severini the Superior of the Capuchin mission was the priest in charge of the Chapel.
“After I expire, let my body be buried in the Chappel Nossa Senhora de Milagres, which I got erected at Viaparee.
Let 1,500 Pagodas be placed in the hands of the Superior, Padre Severini to finish the reminder work of the Chappel Nossa Senhora de Milagres (which I begun), and ornamenting the Same.
The Superior, Padre Severini, had bought a Ground distant from Madrass upon which I got the Chappel erected, and for which Chappel let 1,500 Pagodas more be placed in the hands of the said Superior to let them at interest, and with the interest thereof a dayly Mass to say for my Soul.
I gave Vipary and its Ground to Padre Severini to be his prayer Chappel, and no person on my part shall have power to govern them, and the same padre, being my first Executor, shall likewise take all the Money I kept for Vipare.
Madras A True Translation
9 Jan, 1750/1 PHILLIPPUS AGAPEREY, Calandar.” [28]
The English Suspecting the Catholics in their fall to the French confiscated this church and gave to the Danish missionaries. Uscan protested against the government for he always remained loyal to the English.[29] He died on 19th January, 1750 and according to his desire he was interred in the Chapel of Our Lady of Miracles. He had a great love for his native home in Armenia and wished that his heart to be removed and buried in his birth place Julfa in Ispahan. Accordingly his heart was removed, placed in a golden casket and was buried in the church erected by his great grant father Khoja Petrus Velijanian.
The Danish missionaries with the support of the English occupied this chapel on 24th November, 1752. They built a new church dedicated to St. Mathias in 1826 and the Uscan’s chapel of Our Lady of Miracles does not exit today. This is the famous S.P.C.K Vepery Mission and its headquarters in South India. It is here the Royal Danish Lutheran Mission and the German Lutheran missionaries of Tranquebar took its roots.
4. St. Andrew’s Church, Vepry
Fr. Felix by different deeds from 1830 to 1832 obtained different plots of ground for the construction of a new Church.[30] Dr. Fennelly says that the Rev. Fr. Felix built St. Andrew’s Church at Vepry at his own expense. This Italian Capuchin built the Church dedicated to St. Andrew’s the apostle at Kalathiappa Mudali Street, Vepry in 1830. [31] This Church was erected in the honour of their first Church St. Andrew’s at the Fort, St. George which was demolished by the English.[32] St. Andrew’s the first Church in Vepry, is one of the earliest Roman Catholic centres in Madras.
5. Church of St. Peter, Royapuram
6. The Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Periyapalayam
The Capuchin Fathers developed the Church of Our Lady of Mercy at Periyapalyam to a pilgrimage centre.[33] Fr. Gregory Mary of Beno, superior of Capuchin missions in Madras took greater interest in developing this pilgrimage. By the initiative of the Capuchin Fathers the feast of Our Lady of Mercy was celebrated with great pomp and splendour in 1822.
7. St. Lazar Church ( Today, Queenship of Mary) Chintadripet
Before the occupation of the French in 1758, the Capuchins had in the village of Chindadrepettah a little chapel.[34] Here, they kept a catechist, whose work was to prepare the people for the sacraments, to conduct morning and night prayers and to inform the priest of whatever it concerned them to know. The Capuchins frequently visited there few Catholics and cared their spiritual needs. There was no resident priest and people had to go the Church of the Capuchins at Armenian Street.
8. Mater Dolorosa Church, Royapuram
Fr. Gregory Mary de Bear, superior of the Madras Capuchin Church obtained 22 grounds and 1915 ½ square feet on 1st May 1830.[35] It also had a house and 17 1/2 hectares of vegetables of yielding.
Monday, 28th December 1832
I. Daniel Esq, Acting collector, Madras,
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the recipient of your letter of the 27th Instant and to inform you in reply that the chapel at Royapuram of Branch of Capuchin Mission at Madras by which it is supported and assisted by some charitable persons and that in has no exclusively sum of its own.
Agreeably to your desire I beg time to approve the sale deed of the Chapel construction.
I have the honour to be Sir,
Your most and obedient and humble servant
Fr. Gregory Mary de Bear
Superior of the Capuchin Church.[36]
Fr. Gregory Mary de Bear obtained permission from the acting collector of Madras to construct a church dedicated Mater Dolorosa at Royapuram in 1832.
9. Church of the Purification of Blessed Virgin Mary
( Today, Our Lady of Presentation), Royapettai
The Capuchins had a chapel at Chepauk, the northern portion of Triplicane, extending from the sea to the Mount Road, the Church stood some 300 yards east of the Amir Mahal. When they were sent out of St. Geroge Fort, they were placed here by the Fort authorities.[39]
The Church of Royapettah dedicated to the Purification of Blessed Virgin Mary existed from 1769 with a plot of land measuring 21 grounds.[37] It must have been a modest chapel. Nawab A Zeen-ood Ameer-oll Wallajah signed the donation bond of the ground on 28th October 1813. The new Church was commenced under the Capuchins in 1820 by public subscriptions but due to some misunderstandings, it was discontinued and finally completed by public subscriptions 1848.
10. Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Pudupet
The Capuchin Fathers ministered the needs of the people of Pudupet from 1642-1832. They ministered to the people before the erection of Pudupet parish.[38]
11. Church of St. Roch, Washermenpet
The Capuchins got 1 cawnie (fhzp), 20 grounds and 1284 sq.ft at Washermentpet from Mr. Francisco of Silva on 03-11-1810.[41] Prior to this a cemetery was built in December 1776 for Catholics and formally registered on 28th June 1814.[42] In the same year, a chapel was built in the cemetery to meet the pastoral needs of the local people working in the harbour, and in the factories of North Madras.
12. Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Wallajabad
There was a ruined and dilapidated chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at Wallajabad was under the care of the Capuchin mission.[43]
13. Church of St. George , Madahvaram
The Capuchin Fathers at Madhavarm obtained 10.33 acres of land on 12th March 1830 to build a Church in honour of St. George.[44]
14. Church of St. Anthony of Padua
(Toady, Mother Teresa Sisters Tamil Nadu Regional House), Royapuram
15. Pulicat
Pulicat was a place of refugee for the Capuchins, for whenever they had difficulties in Madras, they sought refugee here. When the English expelled the Capuchins from Madras Fr. Severini along with the orphans stayed here for a few years (1756-59).[40] Again when the French attempted to capture Madras, the Capuchins were asked to leave, hence they went and stayed at Pulicat. Certainly, they might had a temporary chapel and engaged in missionary activities but no direct docments are available.
16. Other Mission Stations
The Capuchins built a chapel deicated to St. Roch’s at Monegar Choultry[45] and Mackey’s Garden, were the other mission stations of the Capuchin Fathers.[46] Like the other out stations, here also catechists were kept to instruct and prepare the faithful for the sacraments. They also collected the people to recite morning and night prayers.
It was said that when the English expelled the Capuchins from the fort in 1749 after the French occupation, they resided in the Luz Church of the Observant Franciscans. Meersamn is very clear that the Capuchins did not occupy the Luz Church but most probably a place in Chepauk.[47]
Fr. A. Thainis OFM. Cap.,
[1] Arulappa, 19.
[2] Here and the following, Love H.D, 46.
[3] Here and the following, J. Talboys Wheeler, Madras in the Olden Time, Madras: Asian Educational Services, 1993, 151.
[4] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 116. Cf. Joseph Thekkedath, 208.
[5] Norbert Wolf, 17.
[6] Peter Celestine, 116.
[7] Love H.D, vol., ii, 50.
[8] Here and the following, Joseph Thekkedath, 146.
[9] Arullappa, 19. St. Andrews was erected under Cogan’s orders of the 8th June, 1642. Cf. Love H.D, 44f; The Capuchins build St. Andrews, the first church in Madras in the Fort in 1642. Cf. S. Muthiah, Rediscovered, 414. This Capuchin chapel was sited approximatly between what is now called Fort House by the Army and the towering new block in Portuguese Squre. This was the site Cogan had granted Father Ephrem de Nevers in 1642. Cf. S. Muthiah, Rediscovered, 38.
[10] Here and the following, Mundan, 43.
[11] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 102 & 114.
[12] S. Muthiah, “The Portuguese reminder”.
[13] S. Muthiah, “The Early Capuchins”, The Hindu, vol., no., Monday, Chennai: April 03, 2006.
[14] Love H.D, vol., ii, 19.
[15] Here and the following, J. Talboys Wheeler, 46f.
[16] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 115.
[17] Here and the following, Love H.D, ii, 45.
[18] This is called the Capuchin Church of the Assumption of Our Lady or St. Mary of Angels. This is built in the heart of George Town, the Portuguese quarters. This church is one of the existing monuments of the zealous Capuchin mission, in Armenian street. Cf. S. Muthiah, “The Portuguese Reminder”.
[19] The place of this Capuchin church is known in different names in different times that, The church of Parayars at Parchery in the northern part of Paddanaikpetta or the church at the Black Town or the church at Muthailpettah, or the Portuguese church or the church at Armenian Street, Geroge Town or the Irish Cathedral and today it is also known as the Shrine of St. Anthony.
[20] Here and the following, Cf. Love H.D, ii, 45f.
[21] Here and the following, Arulappa, 19 & 47.
[22] Peter Celestine, 128f.
[23] Love H.D, ii, 465. Cf. S. Muthiah, 331f.
[24] Here and the folleoing, Arulappa, 184.
[25] The origins of the Cathedral go back to 1658 when Fr. Ephrem de Nevers was granted the ground here by government to build a second church for his flock. The records state he put up the ‘open pandall chappell’ on this site that year. This structure, decaying in the 1690s, was rebuilt in 1692. Damaged during the second French siege, it was rebuilt in 1775 and enlarged in 1785. The Capuchins had inscribed on its gates the date 1642, the year of their church in Madras, and that date has been preserved at the Cathedral’s entrance and refers to the establishment of a cemetery here. The church was reconstructed in 1837, altered in 1857 and further improvements went on till 1931. Cf. S. Muthiah, Rediscovered, 331f.
[26] Christopher O’ Mahony, Church History A Summary, voi.ii, Alwaye: Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosphy, 1987, 294.
[27] Here and the following, David Packiamuthu, 106.
[28] Here and the following, Cf. Love H.D. ii, 467f.
[29] Here and the following, David Packiamuthu, 111-116.
[30] Here and the following, Arulappa, 21& 48
[31] Peter Thumma, 162.
[32] Here and the following, S. Muthiah, Madras Rediscovered, Chennai: East West Books (Madras) Pvt. Ltd, 2004, 332.
[33] Here and the following, Arulappa, 208.
[34] Here and the following, Ibid., 249.
[35] Here and the following, Balaswamy L, Centenary Souvenir (1902-2002), Chennai: Mater Dolorosa Church, 2003, 39-41. (The letters of Fr. Gregory Mary de Bear, Superior of the Capuchin Church, Madras, dated 12 March, 27 & 28 December, 1832; 2 & 3 January and 28 March, 1833 are published).
[36] Ibid,
[37] Here and the following, Arulappa, 20.
[38] Ibid, 236, Cf. Peter Thumma, 133.
[39] Here and the following, Love H.D, ii, 397 & 404.
[40] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 122 & 126.
[41] Ibid., 21.
[42] Here and the following, Peter Thumma, 167.
[43] Arulappa, 268.
[44] Ibid., 21
[45] Ibid., 48.
[46] Ibid., 21.
[47] Achilles Meersman, 378.
The Catholic population was on increase therefore, Fr. Ephrem built another Church dedicated to St. Mary of Angels among the natives in 1658.[1] According to Norbert Wolf, Frs. Zeno and Ephrem were expelled from Madras in 1668 and 1674 but every time they were allowed to return within a short period.[2] The Portuguese soldiers, topazes and other Catholics depended on the English for refuge and security, more people from San Thome settled in Madras. The Catholic community grew rapidly.
The pioneer missionaries Ephrem and Zeno grew old and weak to carry out much work, Fr. Michael of Angel of Bourges a French Capuchin from Tours in 1691 came to assist them. Fr. Zeno a zealous missionary at Surat and Madras, encouraging and amiable companion of Fr. Ephrem died in 1692.[3] He died at the age of 85 and was buried in St. Andrew’s Church in the Fort. It was taxing Frs. Ephrem and Michael to cater the spiritual needs of 8000 Catholics; therefore they petitioned the government to allow employing another assistant. The government considered the reasonable petition and allowed for another missionary and Fr. Rene of Angouleme joined them in 1693.[4]
Fr. Ephrem of Nevers died on October 13th, 1695, having been a religious for 70 years.[5] “He had toiled in Madras for more than half a century (1642-1695) and was loved and revered by all. He was buried at the foot of the high altar of St. Andrew’s Church, by the side of his confrere Zeno”.[6] He was a loyal servant of Jesus Christ, true son of St. Francis and man with great missionary zeal to plant Christianity in the Indian soil. Though he had to suffer with grave antagonism of the Portuguese clergy and the Protestant missionaries never gave up his missionary zeal. He endured all sufferings for the love of Christ and laid a strong foundation for the flourishing Church in Madras.
The pioneers Ephrem and Zeno laid a strong foundation for the Capuchin mission. The mission was well developed by their hard labour and missionary zeal. Many French Capuchins Cosmas of Gien, Jacques of Bourges, Spiritus of Tours, Lawrence of Angouleme, Michael Angel of Bourges, Rene of Angouleme and Thomas of Poitiers joined these holy men to carry out the mission of Christ at Madras.[7] St. Andrews in the Fort and St. Mary of the angels became the mission centres of the Capuchins.
There were 7000 Catholics about 1707 in Madras and it was 17000 after eighty years in the Black town only.[8] They were mostly Tamil Catholics; among them the dominant community was the boatmen, because they were absolutely needed by the ships coming to Madras. There were also European and Armenian Catholics four of them became prominent merchants.
1 St. Andrew’s Church, St. George Fort
(Tamil Nadu State Assembly Complex)
The map of Madras in 1642
Fr. Ephrem built a Church, dedicated to St. Andrew the apostle in 1642 and it was made of a timber shed.[9] Catholics were privileged to have built the first Church in St. George which was a non-Catholic fort.[10] It was an indication of the broad and tolerant spirit of the East India Company at the time that they allowed to erect a Catholic Church even before an Anglican Church was built. Fr. Ephrem conducted all the religious ceremonies in this Church.[11] Since the Portuguese priests knew no English or Tamil, the English, the Irish and the Tamil Catholics always came to St. Andrew’s Church because Fr. Ephrem was a linguist. Love H.D says that it was also called Portuguese Church, because the majority of the people who attended it were Portuguese and the homilies were mostly in Portuguese. Besides the Catholic worship at St. Andrew’s, even other denominations of Christians held their worship at different times.[12]
After 33 years, the Capuchins under the supervision Fr. Ephrem replaced the timber shed church in 1675 with a magnificent, handsome and fabulous Church.[13] On the day of consecration, the English Governor Sir William Langhore ordered a salute of great guns from the fort and 3 volleys of small shots by all the soldiers in the garrison.[14] The Protestants were very much displeased with the generosity and kindness of the Governor towards the Catholics at the consecration of St. Andrew’s Church.[15] So, they complained to the Court of Directors of the East India Company in London, about Sir William Langhore liberality towards the Catholics. The Court of Directors too expressed displeasure at his conduct and recalled him in 1677. [16] The first Church of Madras and of the Capuchins was destroyed by the English in 1752.
In the map C was the place of St. Andrews, Capuchin Church in St. George Fort, Madras
2. The Church of Mary of Angels, Armenian Street
( Today, Co-Cathedral of Madras-Mylapore & Famous Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua)
The View of the Co- Cathedral in Armenian Street.
As pastor of St. Andrew’s Church, Fr. Ephrem felt the need of another Church in the native quarters because of the growing local Catholics.[17] He applied to Sir Henry Greenhil then the agent, for a plot of ground to build a Church which also will serve a burial ground for the Portuguese inhabitants. This burying place was at Muthialpetta, within 1200 yards from St. Geroge Fort. It was sanctioned in 1658 and in the same year Fr. Ephrem put up a chapel, it is known in the Fort records the “Open Pandall Chappell”. This is now the origin of St. Mary’s Cathedral[18] at Armenian Street.[19]
“In answer to your request for liberty to repair your open pandall chapel, it being much decayed and in danger of falling, which to prevent and the danger iot may do, I do hereby permit the same upon the following conditions: - First that you do not encroach upon the Company’s ground, nor anyways to enlarge that formerly given by Agent Greenhill, nor must you rebuild higher or stronger than formerly… (P.C., vol. Xviii., May, 1692).”[20]
Fr. Ephrem obtained necessary permission from the Governor Yale to rebuild the church of the Queen of the Angels. The “Open Pandall Chappell” which was almost in danger of falling, Frs. Ephrem and Michael of Anjou repaired and completely rebuilt in 1692.[21] During the French occupation of Madras, it was damaged and rebuilt in 1775 on a modest scale and enlarged in 1785. Dr. J. Fennelly in his letter to the Collector of Madras writes in 1842 that, “The Catholic Cathedral of Madras was built by the Capuchins in 1785 from the funds of their mission. Fr. Victor of Niort as the superior of the Capuchins in Madras (1768-1785) obtained necessary funds to erect this Church; he initiated the construction and Fr. Ferdinand of Alsace completed his work.[22] The Capuchins had inscribed on its gates the date 1642, this date is not the establishment of this church rather the foundation of the Capuchin Mission in Madras.[23]
St. Mary’s Church served as the Church of the Prefects of the Capuchin missions at Madras (1642-1834).[24] This Capuchin Prefecture was raised into the Vicar Apostolic of Madras in 1834 and to the Archiepiscopal See of Madras in 1886. Thus, the Church of the Capuchins, St. Mary of the Angels was raised to the dignity of a Cathedral. In 1952, the Archdiocese of Madras and the dioceses of Mylapore were amalgamated and formed the new Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore with San Thome became the Cathedral of the new Archdiocese and the Cathedral of St. Mary of Angels[25] as the Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese.
FR. John Bapist the last Prefect Apostolic of the Capuchin Mission was buried
in this church in 1843 and this inscription which is found here,
bears witness to that
The Capuchins opened several mission stations in the north of Coovam River in the growing city of Madras, the English presidency. The Capuchins were the only missionaries were privileged to carry out their missionary work in Madras, the Anglican territory. The opening of many outstations signifies that they have converted many local people to the Christian fold. The foundations of these outstations are the big centres of Christianity in Madras, today. The Capuchin fathers received many Telugu Christians in the days of Tippu Sultan.[26]
3. Our Lady of Miracles, Veprey ( Today, St. Mathias CSI Church)
Koja Petrus Uscan who belonged to an influential Armenian merchant community arrived in Madras from Manila in 1724.[27] He was a merchant of diamonds and pearls. He bought a piece of land right in the middle of Vepery and built a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles in 1746. A house was also built with a large garden and Uscan appointed the Capuchin fathers as the pastors to conduct the liturgy for the poor. Fr. Severini the Superior of the Capuchin mission was the priest in charge of the Chapel.
“After I expire, let my body be buried in the Chappel Nossa Senhora de Milagres, which I got erected at Viaparee.
Let 1,500 Pagodas be placed in the hands of the Superior, Padre Severini to finish the reminder work of the Chappel Nossa Senhora de Milagres (which I begun), and ornamenting the Same.
The Superior, Padre Severini, had bought a Ground distant from Madrass upon which I got the Chappel erected, and for which Chappel let 1,500 Pagodas more be placed in the hands of the said Superior to let them at interest, and with the interest thereof a dayly Mass to say for my Soul.
I gave Vipary and its Ground to Padre Severini to be his prayer Chappel, and no person on my part shall have power to govern them, and the same padre, being my first Executor, shall likewise take all the Money I kept for Vipare.
Madras A True Translation
9 Jan, 1750/1 PHILLIPPUS AGAPEREY, Calandar.” [28]
The English Suspecting the Catholics in their fall to the French confiscated this church and gave to the Danish missionaries. Uscan protested against the government for he always remained loyal to the English.[29] He died on 19th January, 1750 and according to his desire he was interred in the Chapel of Our Lady of Miracles. He had a great love for his native home in Armenia and wished that his heart to be removed and buried in his birth place Julfa in Ispahan. Accordingly his heart was removed, placed in a golden casket and was buried in the church erected by his great grant father Khoja Petrus Velijanian.
The Danish missionaries with the support of the English occupied this chapel on 24th November, 1752. They built a new church dedicated to St. Mathias in 1826 and the Uscan’s chapel of Our Lady of Miracles does not exit today. This is the famous S.P.C.K Vepery Mission and its headquarters in South India. It is here the Royal Danish Lutheran Mission and the German Lutheran missionaries of Tranquebar took its roots.
4. St. Andrew’s Church, Vepry
Fr. Felix by different deeds from 1830 to 1832 obtained different plots of ground for the construction of a new Church.[30] Dr. Fennelly says that the Rev. Fr. Felix built St. Andrew’s Church at Vepry at his own expense. This Italian Capuchin built the Church dedicated to St. Andrew’s the apostle at Kalathiappa Mudali Street, Vepry in 1830. [31] This Church was erected in the honour of their first Church St. Andrew’s at the Fort, St. George which was demolished by the English.[32] St. Andrew’s the first Church in Vepry, is one of the earliest Roman Catholic centres in Madras.
5. Church of St. Peter, Royapuram
6. The Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Periyapalayam
The Capuchin Fathers developed the Church of Our Lady of Mercy at Periyapalyam to a pilgrimage centre.[33] Fr. Gregory Mary of Beno, superior of Capuchin missions in Madras took greater interest in developing this pilgrimage. By the initiative of the Capuchin Fathers the feast of Our Lady of Mercy was celebrated with great pomp and splendour in 1822.
7. St. Lazar Church ( Today, Queenship of Mary) Chintadripet
Before the occupation of the French in 1758, the Capuchins had in the village of Chindadrepettah a little chapel.[34] Here, they kept a catechist, whose work was to prepare the people for the sacraments, to conduct morning and night prayers and to inform the priest of whatever it concerned them to know. The Capuchins frequently visited there few Catholics and cared their spiritual needs. There was no resident priest and people had to go the Church of the Capuchins at Armenian Street.
8. Mater Dolorosa Church, Royapuram
Fr. Gregory Mary de Bear, superior of the Madras Capuchin Church obtained 22 grounds and 1915 ½ square feet on 1st May 1830.[35] It also had a house and 17 1/2 hectares of vegetables of yielding.
Monday, 28th December 1832
I. Daniel Esq, Acting collector, Madras,
Sir,
I have the honour to acknowledge the recipient of your letter of the 27th Instant and to inform you in reply that the chapel at Royapuram of Branch of Capuchin Mission at Madras by which it is supported and assisted by some charitable persons and that in has no exclusively sum of its own.
Agreeably to your desire I beg time to approve the sale deed of the Chapel construction.
I have the honour to be Sir,
Your most and obedient and humble servant
Fr. Gregory Mary de Bear
Superior of the Capuchin Church.[36]
Fr. Gregory Mary de Bear obtained permission from the acting collector of Madras to construct a church dedicated Mater Dolorosa at Royapuram in 1832.
9. Church of the Purification of Blessed Virgin Mary
( Today, Our Lady of Presentation), Royapettai
The Capuchins had a chapel at Chepauk, the northern portion of Triplicane, extending from the sea to the Mount Road, the Church stood some 300 yards east of the Amir Mahal. When they were sent out of St. Geroge Fort, they were placed here by the Fort authorities.[39]
The Church of Royapettah dedicated to the Purification of Blessed Virgin Mary existed from 1769 with a plot of land measuring 21 grounds.[37] It must have been a modest chapel. Nawab A Zeen-ood Ameer-oll Wallajah signed the donation bond of the ground on 28th October 1813. The new Church was commenced under the Capuchins in 1820 by public subscriptions but due to some misunderstandings, it was discontinued and finally completed by public subscriptions 1848.
10. Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Pudupet
The Capuchin Fathers ministered the needs of the people of Pudupet from 1642-1832. They ministered to the people before the erection of Pudupet parish.[38]
11. Church of St. Roch, Washermenpet
The Capuchins got 1 cawnie (fhzp), 20 grounds and 1284 sq.ft at Washermentpet from Mr. Francisco of Silva on 03-11-1810.[41] Prior to this a cemetery was built in December 1776 for Catholics and formally registered on 28th June 1814.[42] In the same year, a chapel was built in the cemetery to meet the pastoral needs of the local people working in the harbour, and in the factories of North Madras.
12. Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Wallajabad
There was a ruined and dilapidated chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at Wallajabad was under the care of the Capuchin mission.[43]
13. Church of St. George , Madahvaram
The Capuchin Fathers at Madhavarm obtained 10.33 acres of land on 12th March 1830 to build a Church in honour of St. George.[44]
14. Church of St. Anthony of Padua
(Toady, Mother Teresa Sisters Tamil Nadu Regional House), Royapuram
15. Pulicat
Pulicat was a place of refugee for the Capuchins, for whenever they had difficulties in Madras, they sought refugee here. When the English expelled the Capuchins from Madras Fr. Severini along with the orphans stayed here for a few years (1756-59).[40] Again when the French attempted to capture Madras, the Capuchins were asked to leave, hence they went and stayed at Pulicat. Certainly, they might had a temporary chapel and engaged in missionary activities but no direct docments are available.
16. Other Mission Stations
The Capuchins built a chapel deicated to St. Roch’s at Monegar Choultry[45] and Mackey’s Garden, were the other mission stations of the Capuchin Fathers.[46] Like the other out stations, here also catechists were kept to instruct and prepare the faithful for the sacraments. They also collected the people to recite morning and night prayers.
It was said that when the English expelled the Capuchins from the fort in 1749 after the French occupation, they resided in the Luz Church of the Observant Franciscans. Meersamn is very clear that the Capuchins did not occupy the Luz Church but most probably a place in Chepauk.[47]
Fr. A. Thainis OFM. Cap.,
[1] Arulappa, 19.
[2] Here and the following, Love H.D, 46.
[3] Here and the following, J. Talboys Wheeler, Madras in the Olden Time, Madras: Asian Educational Services, 1993, 151.
[4] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 116. Cf. Joseph Thekkedath, 208.
[5] Norbert Wolf, 17.
[6] Peter Celestine, 116.
[7] Love H.D, vol., ii, 50.
[8] Here and the following, Joseph Thekkedath, 146.
[9] Arullappa, 19. St. Andrews was erected under Cogan’s orders of the 8th June, 1642. Cf. Love H.D, 44f; The Capuchins build St. Andrews, the first church in Madras in the Fort in 1642. Cf. S. Muthiah, Rediscovered, 414. This Capuchin chapel was sited approximatly between what is now called Fort House by the Army and the towering new block in Portuguese Squre. This was the site Cogan had granted Father Ephrem de Nevers in 1642. Cf. S. Muthiah, Rediscovered, 38.
[10] Here and the following, Mundan, 43.
[11] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 102 & 114.
[12] S. Muthiah, “The Portuguese reminder”.
[13] S. Muthiah, “The Early Capuchins”, The Hindu, vol., no., Monday, Chennai: April 03, 2006.
[14] Love H.D, vol., ii, 19.
[15] Here and the following, J. Talboys Wheeler, 46f.
[16] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 115.
[17] Here and the following, Love H.D, ii, 45.
[18] This is called the Capuchin Church of the Assumption of Our Lady or St. Mary of Angels. This is built in the heart of George Town, the Portuguese quarters. This church is one of the existing monuments of the zealous Capuchin mission, in Armenian street. Cf. S. Muthiah, “The Portuguese Reminder”.
[19] The place of this Capuchin church is known in different names in different times that, The church of Parayars at Parchery in the northern part of Paddanaikpetta or the church at the Black Town or the church at Muthailpettah, or the Portuguese church or the church at Armenian Street, Geroge Town or the Irish Cathedral and today it is also known as the Shrine of St. Anthony.
[20] Here and the following, Cf. Love H.D, ii, 45f.
[21] Here and the following, Arulappa, 19 & 47.
[22] Peter Celestine, 128f.
[23] Love H.D, ii, 465. Cf. S. Muthiah, 331f.
[24] Here and the folleoing, Arulappa, 184.
[25] The origins of the Cathedral go back to 1658 when Fr. Ephrem de Nevers was granted the ground here by government to build a second church for his flock. The records state he put up the ‘open pandall chappell’ on this site that year. This structure, decaying in the 1690s, was rebuilt in 1692. Damaged during the second French siege, it was rebuilt in 1775 and enlarged in 1785. The Capuchins had inscribed on its gates the date 1642, the year of their church in Madras, and that date has been preserved at the Cathedral’s entrance and refers to the establishment of a cemetery here. The church was reconstructed in 1837, altered in 1857 and further improvements went on till 1931. Cf. S. Muthiah, Rediscovered, 331f.
[26] Christopher O’ Mahony, Church History A Summary, voi.ii, Alwaye: Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosphy, 1987, 294.
[27] Here and the following, David Packiamuthu, 106.
[28] Here and the following, Cf. Love H.D. ii, 467f.
[29] Here and the following, David Packiamuthu, 111-116.
[30] Here and the following, Arulappa, 21& 48
[31] Peter Thumma, 162.
[32] Here and the following, S. Muthiah, Madras Rediscovered, Chennai: East West Books (Madras) Pvt. Ltd, 2004, 332.
[33] Here and the following, Arulappa, 208.
[34] Here and the following, Ibid., 249.
[35] Here and the following, Balaswamy L, Centenary Souvenir (1902-2002), Chennai: Mater Dolorosa Church, 2003, 39-41. (The letters of Fr. Gregory Mary de Bear, Superior of the Capuchin Church, Madras, dated 12 March, 27 & 28 December, 1832; 2 & 3 January and 28 March, 1833 are published).
[36] Ibid,
[37] Here and the following, Arulappa, 20.
[38] Ibid, 236, Cf. Peter Thumma, 133.
[39] Here and the following, Love H.D, ii, 397 & 404.
[40] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 122 & 126.
[41] Ibid., 21.
[42] Here and the following, Peter Thumma, 167.
[43] Arulappa, 268.
[44] Ibid., 21
[45] Ibid., 48.
[46] Ibid., 21.
[47] Achilles Meersman, 378.
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