Capuchin Mission stations in Pondicherry Mission
Missions among the Tamils
The first arrival of the Franciscan Capuchins to India was Pondicherry in 1632. Capuchins were the very first missionaries to Pondicherry. Though they came for the spiritual animation of the French trders, steped into evenzelization too. The first mission came to an end within two years in 1634. When François Martin founded the city of Pondicherry in 1673, he invited the French Capuchins from Madras for the spiritual animation of the French and for the evengelization of Tamils. Fr. Cosmos de Gien founded the Capuchin mission in 1674. The Capuchins opened mission stations in Alambarve (Myk;ghHNt), Karayampuly(fuk;Gyp), Marcanam(kuf;fhzk;), Cuddlore(flY}H), Manjacupam (kQ;rf;Fg;gk;),and Cudapakam(flg;ghf;fk;)) among the tamils in 1690[1] and brought number of people to Christian faith. The Capuchins looked after the spiritual needs of the French and the Tamils untill 1699. Karnatic - Malabr mission was constituted so as to evengelize the locals, thus Tamil community came under the care of the Jesuits. Jesuits were very much consentrated in the inlands while the Capuchins in the sea coast of Coromandal that leads to Madras.
1 Church of St. Peter or Lazar, Pondicherry
The humble and simple life of the French Capuchins attracted the Native Christians and they longed to attend the services conducted and sermons preached by them. The local Christians, especially the beautiful women out of fear of the French soldiers did not take active part in church activities.[2] Having understood the real problem of the natives, Lazar de Mota also known as Thanappa Mudelier(jdg;g KjypahH) of Poonamallee (G+tpUe;jty;yp) a local convert built a church dedicated to St. Peter in the town and donated to the Capuchin Fathers in 1686[3].
“I, the undersigned Lazzaro de Motta, do hereby declare that with goodwill and entire liberty, I give to the RR. FF. Capuchin French Missionaries, the church of St. Peter in the city of Pondicherrry where the Royal French Company has a factory, governed by the Director General Frecnis Martin. The Church which I built for the glory of God and for the benefit of my soul and for the consolation of the Gentiles, who have embraced our holy Faith by the zeal and exemplary life of the said missionaries, I give over to them. With this church I hand over to them all its dependencies. This is my wish that all remain in their possession for ever and that they are at liberty to use it for divine service….
I sign this gift-deed with my own hand.
Madraspatanam (signed)
1 October 1686 Lazzaro de Motta”.[4]
It is known generally as the church of St. Lazar after his name and it was solely used for the local Christians. Fr. Dominic of Valence when he was the superior of the mission in 1737 received financial help from the French East company and replaced thechurch of St. Lazar which was falling into ruins with a magnificent, spacious and beautiful church admired by all.[5]
2 Kadapakam
Mrs. Duplex the wife of François Joseph Duplex the governor (1742-1754) ofPondicherry was a great benefactress to the missionaries.[6] In 1751, she donated thevillage of Kadapakam to the Capuchins and to the Jesuits the villages of Markanam andCheyur. She helped the Capuchin fathers to erect a church to Blessed Virgin Mary atKadapakam. Two Capuchin missionaries, who were working here, devoted themselves in conversion and many embraced Christianity.
3. Cheyur
The Jesuit Fathers looked after the spiritual needs of Cheyur from 1751 and due to a lot of difficulties; they handed over this mission to the Capuchins who were already working in the neighbouring mission of Kadapakam.[7] The Capuchin missionaries assumed the spiritual duties of this village and converted many people to the Christian fold. They built a church dedicated to Blessed virgin Marry. In 1780 Hyder Ali attackedCheyur, persecuted the missionaries and the Catholics and destroyed the church. Meanwhile, it came under the English power; since the Christians were away from Cheyurand Kadapakam; these villages were occupied by the Hindus. In 1790 the Capuchin Fathers tried to get back but could not succeed. But they managed to get them from the English only in 1810 and this time they donated 18 acres of land as inam (,dhk;) to thechurch of Kadapakam. And this was confirmed by the government in 1862.
4 Maracanam
The Jesuits opened Maracanam mission later it was passed on to the Capuchin Fathers.[8] And they built a church dedicated to Maria de Mercede (Our lady of Mercy) for the benefits of the local Christians.[9]
5 Other Native Missions
As it is already mentioned about the mission among the aborigines, it was a great zeal of Fr. Thomas of Poiters to take up this staggering task. It was indeed and promising mission but it had to be given up after ten years because of lack personnel. They also had served in the missions of Alambarve, Carampuly, Cuddlore, Manjacupamand even beyond Palar river.
Spiritual Animation to the French
The Capuchins accompanied the French East Company to be their pastors inIndia. When François Martin reorganised the mission after the arrival of the Jesuits, put the Capuchins in-charge of the Europeans, the Eurasians and the Creoles. The Capuchins were in charge of 3 churches in Pondicherry the Capuchin church of St. Mary of the Angels, St. Mary’s in the Louis Fort which was called the official church and St. Lazar.
1. St. Mary’s Church in the Fort, Pondicherry
When the Capuchins were invited by the French governor François Martin fromMadras to Pondicherry in 1674, they were given a little church in the Fort.[10] It was the only church in side the Fort used by the French and the Tamils. They held all their services in the church dedicated to St. Mary’s, it was a small and compact to be sufficient for all.[11] Fr. Thomas of Poitiers in his letter dated October, 4th 1708 writes, the Capuchins had 1050 parishioners.[12]
St. Mary' s or the Church of St. Louis inside the Fort Built by the French government under the supervision of Fr. Louis, Capuchin in 1722.
2. Notre – Dame des Anges (Cap's Kovil), Pondicherry
The Capuchin Fathers got a piece of new land from the French trading company to construct a church.[13] This church was dedicated to Our Lady of the Queen of the Angels (Notre – Dame des Anges) on the site south east of inside the walls of St. Louis in 1709.[14] This church was the first church built by the Capuchins.[15] When this church developed cracks, the Capuchins demolished and built a new one on the
Capuchin Street
,[16] today it falls in between the Cluny English school and the statue of Joan of Arc in
Roman Roland Street
.[17] When the English captured Pondicherry, the second church was demolished by them in 1761[18] it was again rebuilt for the third time on the same place in 1777.
The Third Church built by the Capuchins to Notre Dame des Anges
The fourth and the present church of the Queen of the Angels was planned by Louis Guetre and built in typical Roman style by Lalande de Calan and Verinian S’maur, the French governor and this church was opened in March 1855.[19] The Capuchin church of the Queen of the Angels was recognized as parish in 1738 by the bishop of Mylapore.[20] This served as the Head-Quarter of the Capuchin Prefects from 1776-1828.
The View of the Church and Monestry of the French Capuchins in 1800.
The fourth and present Church of Notre Dame des Anges (Caps Kovil)
3. Chandernagore
The French established a settlement in Chandernagore a small town in West Bengal, 1690. The Capuchin Fathers of Tibet mission came to Chandernagore and built their first church dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto[21], later the Capuchins fromPondicherry took of this mission from 1706.[22] Since there were only European Catholics, the Capuchin Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry firmly believed thatChandernagore came under his jurisdiction.[23] The issue of jurisdiction was settled on 17th September 1793 by an agreement signed by Nicholas Champenois MEP Bishop-Superior of Pondicherry and Fr. Benjamin OFM.Cap the Vice Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry that the mission of Chandernagore to be part of the Capuchin Prefecture.[24]The Capuchins remained in serving the faithful in Chandernagore till 1882.[25]
4. Karaikal
In 1737 the French acquired Karaikal(fhiuf;fhy;) a small territory 85 km from South of Pondicherry.[26] Monsieur Dumas the governor requested Fr. Dominic of Vallance the superior of the Capuchin mission in Pondicherry to extend their ministry activities toKaraikal. He could send a Capuchin missionary only in 1740, when a batch of missionaries arrived from Savoie. This mission flourished well and became a great centre of missionary scope. The Capuchins were the in charge of the mission until it was handed over to the MEP Fathers in 1820
5. The Coastal Andhra
The Christians at Machilipatnam and Bimlipatnam were of Cosmopolitan origin. These Christians communities were the Natives, the Dutch, the French, the English and the mixed races. The Theatine Fathers from Goa were in charge of these people.[27]When they left by 1694, the Augustinians succeeded them. The French at Machilipatnamasked for a French priest. The Capuchins of Pondicherry responded to their call in 1750. Fr. Augustine of Poitiers, a Capuchin was appointed by the Bishop of Mylapore as parish priest of Machilipatnam the Capuchin Superior confirmed it on 6th July 1752. An Austrian Capuchin Father John from Machilipatnam had worked at Guntur in 1789 and another Capuchin missionary Benjamin had served at Vishakhapatnam in 1798. The Capuchin friars of Pondicherry worked in all these coastal areas of Andhra till the end of the 18thcentury.
6 Other Mission Stations
The Capuchins had the missions of Mahe and Yanam under their care and looked after the spiritual needs of the Europeans.[28]
The Oldest Building in Pondicherry since 1709 - The Bell Tower of the first Church of Pondicherry built by the French Capuchins.
The View of the ancient monestry of the Capuchins, Pondicherry
- Fr. A. Thainis, OFM.Cap.,
[1] Clemens a Terzorio, 148f.
[2] Daniel D’Souza, 27f.
[3] Here and the following, Ibid. Hambye, 172f.
[4] Peter Celestine, 19. (as found in), AGC, H 55, XIII/2: Capuchin Missions in India, f. 144.
[5] Peter Celestine, 26.
[6] Here and the following, Golden Jubilee Souvenir (1927-1977), History of the Parish of Cheyur (nra;A+H gq;F tuyhW), Cheyur, 1977, 01f.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Arulappa, 51
[10] Lucius, 23.
[11] Madanakalyani, 58, Footnote 73.
[12] Hambye, Footnote, 172f.
[13] Madanakalyani, 59.
[14] Yacobu, 8.
[15] Madanakalyani, Footnote, 73.
[16] Ramasamy, 200.
[17] Madanakalyani, Footnote, 73.
[18] Ibid.
[19] Ramasamy, 200.
[20] Yacobu, 6.
[21] Peter Celestine, 32f.
[22] Christopher O’Mahony, Church History A Summary, vol., ii, Alwaye: Pontifical Institute Publication, 1987, 294.
[23] Sampathkumar, 35.
[24] Peter Celestine, 34f.
[25] Joachim (ed.), 11.
[26] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 26.
[27] Hambye, 324-326.
[28] Sampath Kumar, 84.
Missions among the Tamils
The first arrival of the Franciscan Capuchins to India was Pondicherry in 1632. Capuchins were the very first missionaries to Pondicherry. Though they came for the spiritual animation of the French trders, steped into evenzelization too. The first mission came to an end within two years in 1634. When François Martin founded the city of Pondicherry in 1673, he invited the French Capuchins from Madras for the spiritual animation of the French and for the evengelization of Tamils. Fr. Cosmos de Gien founded the Capuchin mission in 1674. The Capuchins opened mission stations in Alambarve (Myk;ghHNt), Karayampuly(fuk;Gyp), Marcanam(kuf;fhzk;), Cuddlore(flY}H), Manjacupam (kQ;rf;Fg;gk;),and Cudapakam(flg;ghf;fk;)) among the tamils in 1690[1] and brought number of people to Christian faith. The Capuchins looked after the spiritual needs of the French and the Tamils untill 1699. Karnatic - Malabr mission was constituted so as to evengelize the locals, thus Tamil community came under the care of the Jesuits. Jesuits were very much consentrated in the inlands while the Capuchins in the sea coast of Coromandal that leads to Madras.
1 Church of St. Peter or Lazar, Pondicherry
The humble and simple life of the French Capuchins attracted the Native Christians and they longed to attend the services conducted and sermons preached by them. The local Christians, especially the beautiful women out of fear of the French soldiers did not take active part in church activities.[2] Having understood the real problem of the natives, Lazar de Mota also known as Thanappa Mudelier(jdg;g KjypahH) of Poonamallee (G+tpUe;jty;yp) a local convert built a church dedicated to St. Peter in the town and donated to the Capuchin Fathers in 1686[3].
“I, the undersigned Lazzaro de Motta, do hereby declare that with goodwill and entire liberty, I give to the RR. FF. Capuchin French Missionaries, the church of St. Peter in the city of Pondicherrry where the Royal French Company has a factory, governed by the Director General Frecnis Martin. The Church which I built for the glory of God and for the benefit of my soul and for the consolation of the Gentiles, who have embraced our holy Faith by the zeal and exemplary life of the said missionaries, I give over to them. With this church I hand over to them all its dependencies. This is my wish that all remain in their possession for ever and that they are at liberty to use it for divine service….
I sign this gift-deed with my own hand.
Madraspatanam (signed)
1 October 1686 Lazzaro de Motta”.[4]
It is known generally as the church of St. Lazar after his name and it was solely used for the local Christians. Fr. Dominic of Valence when he was the superior of the mission in 1737 received financial help from the French East company and replaced thechurch of St. Lazar which was falling into ruins with a magnificent, spacious and beautiful church admired by all.[5]
2 Kadapakam
Mrs. Duplex the wife of François Joseph Duplex the governor (1742-1754) ofPondicherry was a great benefactress to the missionaries.[6] In 1751, she donated thevillage of Kadapakam to the Capuchins and to the Jesuits the villages of Markanam andCheyur. She helped the Capuchin fathers to erect a church to Blessed Virgin Mary atKadapakam. Two Capuchin missionaries, who were working here, devoted themselves in conversion and many embraced Christianity.
3. Cheyur
The Jesuit Fathers looked after the spiritual needs of Cheyur from 1751 and due to a lot of difficulties; they handed over this mission to the Capuchins who were already working in the neighbouring mission of Kadapakam.[7] The Capuchin missionaries assumed the spiritual duties of this village and converted many people to the Christian fold. They built a church dedicated to Blessed virgin Marry. In 1780 Hyder Ali attackedCheyur, persecuted the missionaries and the Catholics and destroyed the church. Meanwhile, it came under the English power; since the Christians were away from Cheyurand Kadapakam; these villages were occupied by the Hindus. In 1790 the Capuchin Fathers tried to get back but could not succeed. But they managed to get them from the English only in 1810 and this time they donated 18 acres of land as inam (,dhk;) to thechurch of Kadapakam. And this was confirmed by the government in 1862.
4 Maracanam
The Jesuits opened Maracanam mission later it was passed on to the Capuchin Fathers.[8] And they built a church dedicated to Maria de Mercede (Our lady of Mercy) for the benefits of the local Christians.[9]
5 Other Native Missions
As it is already mentioned about the mission among the aborigines, it was a great zeal of Fr. Thomas of Poiters to take up this staggering task. It was indeed and promising mission but it had to be given up after ten years because of lack personnel. They also had served in the missions of Alambarve, Carampuly, Cuddlore, Manjacupamand even beyond Palar river.
Spiritual Animation to the French
The Capuchins accompanied the French East Company to be their pastors inIndia. When François Martin reorganised the mission after the arrival of the Jesuits, put the Capuchins in-charge of the Europeans, the Eurasians and the Creoles. The Capuchins were in charge of 3 churches in Pondicherry the Capuchin church of St. Mary of the Angels, St. Mary’s in the Louis Fort which was called the official church and St. Lazar.
1. St. Mary’s Church in the Fort, Pondicherry
When the Capuchins were invited by the French governor François Martin fromMadras to Pondicherry in 1674, they were given a little church in the Fort.[10] It was the only church in side the Fort used by the French and the Tamils. They held all their services in the church dedicated to St. Mary’s, it was a small and compact to be sufficient for all.[11] Fr. Thomas of Poitiers in his letter dated October, 4th 1708 writes, the Capuchins had 1050 parishioners.[12]
St. Mary' s or the Church of St. Louis inside the Fort Built by the French government under the supervision of Fr. Louis, Capuchin in 1722.
2. Notre – Dame des Anges (Cap's Kovil), Pondicherry
The Capuchin Fathers got a piece of new land from the French trading company to construct a church.[13] This church was dedicated to Our Lady of the Queen of the Angels (Notre – Dame des Anges) on the site south east of inside the walls of St. Louis in 1709.[14] This church was the first church built by the Capuchins.[15] When this church developed cracks, the Capuchins demolished and built a new one on the
Capuchin Street
,[16] today it falls in between the Cluny English school and the statue of Joan of Arc in
Roman Roland Street
.[17] When the English captured Pondicherry, the second church was demolished by them in 1761[18] it was again rebuilt for the third time on the same place in 1777.
The Third Church built by the Capuchins to Notre Dame des Anges
The fourth and the present church of the Queen of the Angels was planned by Louis Guetre and built in typical Roman style by Lalande de Calan and Verinian S’maur, the French governor and this church was opened in March 1855.[19] The Capuchin church of the Queen of the Angels was recognized as parish in 1738 by the bishop of Mylapore.[20] This served as the Head-Quarter of the Capuchin Prefects from 1776-1828.
The View of the Church and Monestry of the French Capuchins in 1800.
The fourth and present Church of Notre Dame des Anges (Caps Kovil)
3. Chandernagore
The French established a settlement in Chandernagore a small town in West Bengal, 1690. The Capuchin Fathers of Tibet mission came to Chandernagore and built their first church dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto[21], later the Capuchins fromPondicherry took of this mission from 1706.[22] Since there were only European Catholics, the Capuchin Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry firmly believed thatChandernagore came under his jurisdiction.[23] The issue of jurisdiction was settled on 17th September 1793 by an agreement signed by Nicholas Champenois MEP Bishop-Superior of Pondicherry and Fr. Benjamin OFM.Cap the Vice Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry that the mission of Chandernagore to be part of the Capuchin Prefecture.[24]The Capuchins remained in serving the faithful in Chandernagore till 1882.[25]
4. Karaikal
In 1737 the French acquired Karaikal(fhiuf;fhy;) a small territory 85 km from South of Pondicherry.[26] Monsieur Dumas the governor requested Fr. Dominic of Vallance the superior of the Capuchin mission in Pondicherry to extend their ministry activities toKaraikal. He could send a Capuchin missionary only in 1740, when a batch of missionaries arrived from Savoie. This mission flourished well and became a great centre of missionary scope. The Capuchins were the in charge of the mission until it was handed over to the MEP Fathers in 1820
5. The Coastal Andhra
The Christians at Machilipatnam and Bimlipatnam were of Cosmopolitan origin. These Christians communities were the Natives, the Dutch, the French, the English and the mixed races. The Theatine Fathers from Goa were in charge of these people.[27]When they left by 1694, the Augustinians succeeded them. The French at Machilipatnamasked for a French priest. The Capuchins of Pondicherry responded to their call in 1750. Fr. Augustine of Poitiers, a Capuchin was appointed by the Bishop of Mylapore as parish priest of Machilipatnam the Capuchin Superior confirmed it on 6th July 1752. An Austrian Capuchin Father John from Machilipatnam had worked at Guntur in 1789 and another Capuchin missionary Benjamin had served at Vishakhapatnam in 1798. The Capuchin friars of Pondicherry worked in all these coastal areas of Andhra till the end of the 18thcentury.
6 Other Mission Stations
The Capuchins had the missions of Mahe and Yanam under their care and looked after the spiritual needs of the Europeans.[28]
The Oldest Building in Pondicherry since 1709 - The Bell Tower of the first Church of Pondicherry built by the French Capuchins.
The View of the ancient monestry of the Capuchins, Pondicherry
- Fr. A. Thainis, OFM.Cap.,
[1] Clemens a Terzorio, 148f.
[2] Daniel D’Souza, 27f.
[3] Here and the following, Ibid. Hambye, 172f.
[4] Peter Celestine, 19. (as found in), AGC, H 55, XIII/2: Capuchin Missions in India, f. 144.
[5] Peter Celestine, 26.
[6] Here and the following, Golden Jubilee Souvenir (1927-1977), History of the Parish of Cheyur (nra;A+H gq;F tuyhW), Cheyur, 1977, 01f.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Arulappa, 51
[10] Lucius, 23.
[11] Madanakalyani, 58, Footnote 73.
[12] Hambye, Footnote, 172f.
[13] Madanakalyani, 59.
[14] Yacobu, 8.
[15] Madanakalyani, Footnote, 73.
[16] Ramasamy, 200.
[17] Madanakalyani, Footnote, 73.
[18] Ibid.
[19] Ramasamy, 200.
[20] Yacobu, 6.
[21] Peter Celestine, 32f.
[22] Christopher O’Mahony, Church History A Summary, vol., ii, Alwaye: Pontifical Institute Publication, 1987, 294.
[23] Sampathkumar, 35.
[24] Peter Celestine, 34f.
[25] Joachim (ed.), 11.
[26] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 26.
[27] Hambye, 324-326.
[28] Sampath Kumar, 84.
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