Capuchin 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.[1] 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[2].
“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 October1686
Lazzaro de Motta”.[3]
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.[4]
Fr. A. Thainis, OFM.Cap.,
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