CHRONOLOGY OF THE CAPUCHIN MISSION IN PONDICHERRY (1632-1828)
1632 - The first batch of six French Capuchins arrived at Pondicherry with the French traders.
1634 - The French closed its sea – agency and the Capuchins too leave Pondicherry.
1642 - The second batch of Capuchins arrived at Pondicherry but leave soon.
1673 - The third batch of Capuchins arrived at Pondicherry with the French Settlers.
- François Martin founded the City of Pondicherry.
- He invited officially the French Capuchins the apostolic missionaries of Madras, the city of British to Pondicherry for the spiritual ministry and the missionary activity.
1674 - Fr, Cosmos De Gien founded the Capuchin mission in Pondicherry.
1686 - Frs. Jacques of Bourges, Lawrence of Angouleme and Spiritus of Tours arrived.
- The Capuchins built the First Church of Pondicherry dedicated to St. Peter (Lazer) by the finanicial assistence of Thanappa Mudaliar @ Lazar de Motta a local Christian leader of the Tamil Christian community.
1689 - The French Jesuits’ mission failed in Siam and came to Pondicherry.
1690 - The Capuchins opened the mission stations of Alambarve, Karayampuly, MaraKanam,Cuddalore, Manjakupam and Kadapakam.
1693 - The Dutch captured Pondicherry and expelled the missionaries.
1699 - The missionaries returned.
- Pondicherry Tamil Christian community was constituted as a parish under the diocese of Mylapore. Fr. Jacques de Bourges OFM.Cap was appointed the first Parish Priest of Pondicherry.
- Within few months, the Jesuits were appointed exclusively to the Tamils and The Capuchins became in charge of the Europeans and the Eurasians.
1703 -Francois Marie de Tours went to Rome to present the controversy of Malabar
rites and the rights of the Capuchin missionary work among the Tamils to Propaganda Fide.
1704 - Cardinal Mailard de Tournon the Roman Legate condemned the Malabar rites.
1706 - Pondicherry Capuchins in the mission of Chandernagore, West Bengal.
1709 - The first church of the Capuchins dedicated to Our Lady of the Queen of the Angels was built.
1732 - Fr. Thomas of Poitiers opened a new mission among the tribals near Chittor.
1737 - Karaikal became a mission station of the Pondicherry Capuchins.
1738 - The Capuchin church of the Queen of the Angels became a parish in the diocese of Mylapore.
1750 - Capuchins of Pondicherry in Coastal Andhra.
1776 - Fr. Sebastian of Nevers OFM.Cap, was appointed as the Prefect Apostolic over the Europeans and the Eurasians in Pondicherry.
1792 - French Revolution affected the development of the Capuchin Prefecture.
- Fr. Benedictus of Monterotundo the last Prefect Apostolic of the Capuchin
Prefecture.
1811 - The end of Missionary labour of the French Capuchins of the Province of Tours.
- The arrival of the Italian Capuchins in Pondicherry to continue the Mission.
1828 - Apostolic Prefecture of the Capuchins transferred to the Holy Spirit Fathers.
- The end of Capuchin mission in Pondicherry.
The French Capuchin Missionaries arrive Puducherry, India
Initial attempts of the Capuchin Foundation in India
In 1625, Fr. Joseph de Tremblay Paris a famous missionary established the first Eastern Capuchin mission in Aleppo, Syria.[1] He sent six Capuchins toIndia[2], to serve as chaplains to the French trading company and these Capuchins landed at Pondicherry in Southeast India on 8, January 1632.[3] They came with royal and papal papers and their settlement in Pondicherry was their extension of the Capuchin missions in the East.[4] There is a big dispute among the Capuchin historians over the exact date of the arrival of the Capuchins at Pondicherry.[5]However it was concluded from the validity of the documents of the General Archives of the Capuchin Order in Rome that the first Capuchins arrived atPondicherry, India on January 8, 1632. The Capuchins who had come with the French Company to Pondicherry were happy to find a few native Christians.[6]
These French Capuchins served not only as chaplains to the French but also made good many conversions among the natives and brought back the erring Christians.[7] When the mission was full of life with new converts, unfortunately the prospects of the French trading company were affected badly by the rising supremacy of the Dutch in the Coramandal coast. Therefore the French had to close its sea-agency at Pondicherry within two years and the captain Reginon de Dieppe retired to Madagascar. The Capuchins their chaplains who depended upon them were also forced to leave India in 1634. Thus the first mission of the Capuchins came to an end in India.
Peter Celestine in his book speaks about the second attempt of the Capuchins establishment at Pondicherry. He quotes the writings of Fr. Norbert de Bar-le-Duc who was a missionary in Pondicherry from 1736-1739.[8] He was a well known friar and the apostolic preacher to Pope Benedict XIV. And he had written many articles and books about the Capuchin missions in India. According to Fr. Norbert a group of Capuchins arrived in Pondicherry on June 26, 1642 but soon left the place. To substantiate his point Fr. Norbert cites the letters patent of Louis XIII, dated 26, June 1642 which guaranteed Royal protection to the missionaries. No details were available other than the date. Meanwhile the Capuchins established themselves in Surat (1639) and Madras (1642) in South India.
The French East Company in Pondicherry
The princes of Malo sent the commercial ship of St. Louis with the headship of J. Peppis to India in 1616.[9] He set foot on the soil of a small hamlet of fishermen in South India which was later known as Pondicherry. He established a fort here under the order of the Nayak of Gingee for the commerce of France. But soon this prospect was failed due to the 30 long prolonged years of war in Europe, 1618. Meanwhile, the Holland and the Danish occupied this piece of land. When the French established themselves in Machilipattnam, the French man Bellanger de Lespinay came to meet Sher Khan Lodi the governor of Pondicherry in 1672.Bellanger accepted for a contract to construct a building at Pondicherry. The French took up this trade centre in order to assist their establishment at San Thome.
Bellanger de Lespinay with his assistant François Martin, two Capuchin fathers from Madras and six French men made Pondicherry as their permanent settlement on January, 1673.[10] The French established a fabrics factory here and François Martin became its director on May 5, 1675. Later he was appointed the Director of the Coast of Coromandel of Bengal and of any place where the company could begin a trade. Martin constructed a fort in Pondicherry to product the French interests after 1688 with the amount of 11, 760. Under the zealous efforts of François Martin, Pondicherry developed well and the French fabrics factory was on thrive. He invited the local merchants and weavers from different parts of Tamilnadu to settle in the growing city of Pondicherry. [11] A good number of Christians from Trichy, Thanjavur and Madurai regions settled down inPondicherry.
-Fr. A. Thainis, OFM. Cap.,
[1] LCPH-B OFMCAP (1525-1950), 1661.
[2] Ibid., 1381.
[3] Norbert Wolf, “Capuchin Missions in South India: 17th and 18th Centuries,” RTFR, vol., 26. no., 01, Jan 1961, Wisconsin, 18.
[4] Joachim (ed.), Capuchins in India 1972-1997, New Delhi: CCMSI, Media House, 1998, 10.
[5] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, Early Capuchin Missions in India, Sahibabad: Capuchin Publications, 1982, 13.
[6] Yacobu, History of Puduvai Mission 1776-1976(GJr;Nrhp kp\d; tuyhW), Puduvai: Mission Printers, 1976, 2.
[7] Here and the following, Adolph, 83.
[8] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 14.
[9] Here and the following, Madanakalyani (trans.,), Puducherry-a city of trade: French College, 1998.
[10] Here and the following, Ramasamy, History of Pondicherry, New Delhi: Sterling Publishers Private Ltd., 1987, 59-63.
[11] Here and the following, Sampath Kumar, 13.
The Christian Foundation in Pondicherry
The French Invite the Capuchins
When Colbert formed the French India company in 1664, it was made obligatory on the part of the company to propagate Christ to the world.[1] The Royal Edict of Article xxx issued on August 27, 1664, the company had to make suitable arrangements for the establishment of the Roman Catholicism in all its territories. François Martin a staunch and practicing catholic was glad to invite the Capuchin fathers from Madras to assume their religious duties in Pondicherry. When the French were taking initial steps to acquirePondicherry from the Muslim governor in 1671, they had invited the Capuchins to care for their spiritual needs.[2] According to Clemente de Terzorio, Fr. Cosmos de Gien went toPondicherry in 1671 and served as a chaplain to the French colony. Since it was not a permanent stay even for the French, whenever they left, he had to leave for Madras.
Fr. Cosmos De Gien – Founder of the First Christian Mission in Pondicherry
The French established themselves at Pondicherry in 1673 and invited the French Capuchins of the Tourine province from Madras to be their chaplains and to do whatever missionary work was possible.[3] Fr. Cosmos de Gien who had been with the French atPondicherry in 1671 and he was now sent officially to establish a permanent Capuchin mission in Pondicherry.[4] Fr. Cosmos de Gien a true follower of St. Francis came toPondicherry and established the mission on January 15, 1674.[5] He was a man of great missionary zeal and his edified life of simplicity and poverty attracted many non-Christians to Christ. It is Fr. Cosmos de Gien who laid the foundation of the Christian community inPondicherry and he could be rightly honored as the founder of the Pondicherry mission. The Capuchins were given a small church in the Fort built by the French.[6]
City of Pondicherry in 1675
The Capuchin Missionaries from Madras
Fr. Cosmos de Gien continued to be in Pondicherry till 1691. He worked tirelessly to fulfill the spiritual needs of the people.[7] Because of the increase in the Christian community, it was very difficult to serve them as a single person. Therefore Fr. Gien sought help from Fr. John Baptist of Aignant the superior of the Eastern Capuchin mission in Syriaand he directed him to the Capuchin missionaries in Madras.[8]They positively responded to his request and sent three missionaries Frs. Jacques of Bourges, Lawrence ofAngouleme and Spiritus of Tours to Pondicherry in 1686.[9] These four Capuchin missionaries looked after the spiritual needs of the French, the Portuguese, the Eurasians and Malabaris or the native Christians.[10]
Pondicherry was under the diocese of Mylapore and the Capuchins subjected themselves to the Bishop of Padroado’s jurisdiction and acknowledged Portuguese patronage.[11] The Capuchins were very successful in their missionary activities. TheseMalabaris are not to be confused with the people of Malabar region in Kerala today but the Christians from Madurai, Mysore and Karnatic regions whom the Jesuit missionaries specially Fr. Robert de Nobili (+1656) allowed to retain certain Hindu practices and customs even after their conversion to Christianity.
New Missionaries in Pondicherry
At the time of François Martin there were only three streets in the growing French township of Pondicherry and the residence of the Capuchins friars area was called the Capuchin street and today it is known as Roman Roland street.[12] The Capuchins since their first arrival in 1632 or rather since their establishment in 1674 were the only missionaries in Pondicherry and in the surrounding districts till 1688.[13] Therefore the Capuchins can be rightly called the first missionaries of Pondicherry.
M.E.P Fathers
A great revolution broke out in Siam (Today’s Thailand) in 1687 and the missionaries endured a lot of sufferings and many were expelled.[14] In the same year Fr.De La Vigne, MEP (the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris), came and established a MEP procure in Pondicherry.
Jesuits
The mission of the French Jesuits failed in Siam and they came to Pondicherry for the first time in 1689.[15] Fr. Cosmos de Gien the mission superior of Pondicherry received them with great affection and Franciscan hospitality.[16] The Jesuits were honoured as dignified guests of Capuchins.[17] They continued to assist the Capuchins from 1686-1693 and lived in perfect harmony. The Capuchins used to invite the Jesuits from Madurai mission to Pondicherry to instruct the Tamil Catholics and administer the sacraments.[18] John deBritto the future martyr at Oriyur(XhpA+H), Marva(kwtehL) country came to Pondicherry at the invitation of the Capuchins. He baptized five adults, one child and blessed three marriages on July-August 1691.
During this time the governor François Martin reorganized the mission that the Capuchins to be in charge of the white and the mixed population, but the Jesuits to work exclusively among the natives.[19] The Jesuit missionaries who wee in-charge of the native Christians had built the church of the Immaculate Conception[20] in Black town, 1691 by the financial help obtained from King Louis XIV.[21] This church was demolished during the Dutch occupation in 1693[22] and was rebuilt into a big structure in 1726-36.
The Apostolic Prefecture of Pondicherry
The Jesuits were suppressed by the French government on November 18, 1764 but allowed to minister as Jesuits in their colonies.[1] In 1773 Pope Clement XIV declared a universal suppression of the Society of Jesus. As Jesuits, they could no longer continue their mission therefore the Jesuit Malabar or Carnatic mission in Pondicherry was officially handed over to the “Missions Estrangers de Paris” (Foreign missions of Paris) by King Louis XVI in March, 1776. Rome appointed Mgr. Peter Brigot MEP, bishop ofTabracca on 30th September 1776 as the Superior of the Malabar mission with the faculties of a Vicar Apostolic.
Meantime, the French governor requested the Sacred Congregation inRome to appoint one of the Capuchins to be Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry over the Europeans and Eurasians.[2] He asked this favour in order to curtail the influence of the bishop of Mylapore who was under the Padroado system of Portugal. The Cardinal of the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide, Joseph Mary thus appointed Fr. Sebastian ofNevers a Capuchin from the province of Tours as the first Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry over the Europeans and Eurasians on 28th September 1776 in Rome. The CapuchinPrefecture was extended to all the French colonies in India. This double jurisdiction brought a lot of difficulties over in knowing the clear distinction between the Creoles, the Topassesand the Malabaris.[3] This problem existed until when this was handed over to the Holy Ghost Fathers in 1828. In 1827, the sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny came to Pondicherry to work among the French under the Capuchin Prefecture.
New Missions in the French Colonies
The relations between the MEP Bishop-Superior over the Natives and the Capuchin Prefect over the Europeans were cordial. They agreed to exchange their faculties in case of the grave sickness or death of one of them.[4] The French invited the French Capuchins in Pondicherry to be their spiritual shepherds in all their settlements in India. Thus The Capuchins were privileged to work in all the French colonies and the CapuchinPrefecture was extended where ever their missionaries had worked.
Karaikal
In 1737 the French acquired Karaikal(fhiuf;fhy;) a small territory 85 km from South of Pondicherry.[5] Monsieur Dumas the governor requested Fr. Dominic of Vallancethe 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
Machilipatnam
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.[6]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 18th century.
Chandernagore
The French established a settlement in Chandernagore a small town inWest Bengal, 1690. The Capuchin Fathers of Tibet mission came to Chandernagore and built their first church dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto[7], later the Capuchins fromPondicherry took of this mission from 1706.[8] Since there were only European Catholics, the Capuchin Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry firmly believed that Chandernagore came under his jurisdiction.[9] 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 ofChandernagore to be part of the Capuchin Prefecture.[10] The Capuchins remained in serving the faithful in Chandernagore till 1882.[11]
The Prefects Apostolic of Pondicherry Capuchin Mission[12]
1. Rev. Fr. Sebastian of Nevers OFM. Cap., (23/09/1776 – 26/11/1780)
2. Rev. Fr. Donatus of Aurelinensis OFM. Cap., (27/11/1780 – 10/09/1786)
3. Rev. Fr. Hilarius of Pictaviensis OFM.Cap., (11/09/1786 – 23/11/1788)
4. Rev. Fr. Damasus of Oleron OFM Cap., (24/11/1788 –
5. Rev. Fr. Benedictus of Monterotundo OFM Cap., (21/02/1792 –
A clear detail study on the Prefects Apostolic of Pondicherry is not available but this list of Prefects is the study of Fr. Clement of Terzorio from the General Archives of the Capuchin Order in Rome.
Pondicherry in 1700
[1] Here and the following, Yacobu, 17-19.
[2] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 31-33.
[3] Here and the following, Sampathkumar, 81.
[4] Hambye,183f.
[5] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 26.
[6] Hambye, 324-326.
[7] Peter Celestine, 32f.
[8] Christopher O’Mahony, Church History A Summary, vol., ii, Alwaye: Pontifical Institute Publication, 1987, 294.
[9] Sampathkumar, 35.
[10] Peter Celestine, 34f.
[11] Joachim (ed.), 11.
[12] Here and the following, Clemens a Tezorio, 149f.
- Fr. A. Thainis, OFM. Cap.,
[1]. Here and the following. Ibid, 198.
[2] Here and the following, Clemente de Terzorio, MHMOMC, Isola Del Liri: Soc.Tip, A Macioce and Pisanie, 1926, 23.
[3] Collectiona Franciscana, 273.
[4] Joseph Thekkedath, 199.
[5] Here and the following, Collectiona Franciscana, 275.
[6] Sampathkumar (trans.), History of Pondicherry mission-an out line, Chennai: University of Madras, 2000, 8.
[7] Joseph Thekkedath, 199.
[8] Collectiona Franciscana, 275.
[9] Clemens a Terzorio, 148f.
[10] Joseph Thekkedath, 199.
[11] Here and the following, Lucius, Capuchin Studies, “The Capuchins in India,” vol., iv, no., 4, Quilon: Assisi Press, December 1959, 23.
[12] Madanakalyani (trans.,), Puducherry-a City of Trade (GJr;Nrhp xU tzpfj;js Chpd; tuyhW), Puducherry: FrenchCollege, 1998, 60.
[13] Thomas Pothacamury, 60.
[14] Collectiona Franciscana, 276.
[15] Thomas Pothacamury, 60
[16] Peter Celestine, 20.
[17] Here and the following, Norbert Wolf, 18.
[18] Here and the following, Hambye, History of Christianity in India, vol., iii, Bangalore: Church History Association of India, Theological Publications in India, 1982, 170f.
[19] Joseph Thekkedath, 199f.
[20] Hambye, 172ff.
[21] Gabriel 73.
[22] Ibid, footnote, 73.
[23] Hambye, footnote, 173.
The First Church in Pondicherry
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.,
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.
[1] Daniel D’Souza, 27f.
[2] Here and the following, Ibid. Hambye, 172f.
[3] Peter Celestine, 19. (as found in), AGC, H 55, XIII/2: Capuchin Missions in India, f. 144.
[4] Peter Celestine, 26.
1632 - The first batch of six French Capuchins arrived at Pondicherry with the French traders.
1634 - The French closed its sea – agency and the Capuchins too leave Pondicherry.
1642 - The second batch of Capuchins arrived at Pondicherry but leave soon.
1673 - The third batch of Capuchins arrived at Pondicherry with the French Settlers.
- François Martin founded the City of Pondicherry.
- He invited officially the French Capuchins the apostolic missionaries of Madras, the city of British to Pondicherry for the spiritual ministry and the missionary activity.
1674 - Fr, Cosmos De Gien founded the Capuchin mission in Pondicherry.
1686 - Frs. Jacques of Bourges, Lawrence of Angouleme and Spiritus of Tours arrived.
- The Capuchins built the First Church of Pondicherry dedicated to St. Peter (Lazer) by the finanicial assistence of Thanappa Mudaliar @ Lazar de Motta a local Christian leader of the Tamil Christian community.
1689 - The French Jesuits’ mission failed in Siam and came to Pondicherry.
1690 - The Capuchins opened the mission stations of Alambarve, Karayampuly, MaraKanam,Cuddalore, Manjakupam and Kadapakam.
1693 - The Dutch captured Pondicherry and expelled the missionaries.
1699 - The missionaries returned.
- Pondicherry Tamil Christian community was constituted as a parish under the diocese of Mylapore. Fr. Jacques de Bourges OFM.Cap was appointed the first Parish Priest of Pondicherry.
- Within few months, the Jesuits were appointed exclusively to the Tamils and The Capuchins became in charge of the Europeans and the Eurasians.
1703 -Francois Marie de Tours went to Rome to present the controversy of Malabar
rites and the rights of the Capuchin missionary work among the Tamils to Propaganda Fide.
1704 - Cardinal Mailard de Tournon the Roman Legate condemned the Malabar rites.
1706 - Pondicherry Capuchins in the mission of Chandernagore, West Bengal.
1709 - The first church of the Capuchins dedicated to Our Lady of the Queen of the Angels was built.
1732 - Fr. Thomas of Poitiers opened a new mission among the tribals near Chittor.
1737 - Karaikal became a mission station of the Pondicherry Capuchins.
1738 - The Capuchin church of the Queen of the Angels became a parish in the diocese of Mylapore.
1750 - Capuchins of Pondicherry in Coastal Andhra.
1776 - Fr. Sebastian of Nevers OFM.Cap, was appointed as the Prefect Apostolic over the Europeans and the Eurasians in Pondicherry.
1792 - French Revolution affected the development of the Capuchin Prefecture.
- Fr. Benedictus of Monterotundo the last Prefect Apostolic of the Capuchin
Prefecture.
1811 - The end of Missionary labour of the French Capuchins of the Province of Tours.
- The arrival of the Italian Capuchins in Pondicherry to continue the Mission.
1828 - Apostolic Prefecture of the Capuchins transferred to the Holy Spirit Fathers.
- The end of Capuchin mission in Pondicherry.
Initial attempts of the Capuchin Foundation in India
In 1625, Fr. Joseph de Tremblay Paris a famous missionary established the first Eastern Capuchin mission in Aleppo, Syria.[1] He sent six Capuchins toIndia[2], to serve as chaplains to the French trading company and these Capuchins landed at Pondicherry in Southeast India on 8, January 1632.[3] They came with royal and papal papers and their settlement in Pondicherry was their extension of the Capuchin missions in the East.[4] There is a big dispute among the Capuchin historians over the exact date of the arrival of the Capuchins at Pondicherry.[5]However it was concluded from the validity of the documents of the General Archives of the Capuchin Order in Rome that the first Capuchins arrived atPondicherry, India on January 8, 1632. The Capuchins who had come with the French Company to Pondicherry were happy to find a few native Christians.[6]
These French Capuchins served not only as chaplains to the French but also made good many conversions among the natives and brought back the erring Christians.[7] When the mission was full of life with new converts, unfortunately the prospects of the French trading company were affected badly by the rising supremacy of the Dutch in the Coramandal coast. Therefore the French had to close its sea-agency at Pondicherry within two years and the captain Reginon de Dieppe retired to Madagascar. The Capuchins their chaplains who depended upon them were also forced to leave India in 1634. Thus the first mission of the Capuchins came to an end in India.
Peter Celestine in his book speaks about the second attempt of the Capuchins establishment at Pondicherry. He quotes the writings of Fr. Norbert de Bar-le-Duc who was a missionary in Pondicherry from 1736-1739.[8] He was a well known friar and the apostolic preacher to Pope Benedict XIV. And he had written many articles and books about the Capuchin missions in India. According to Fr. Norbert a group of Capuchins arrived in Pondicherry on June 26, 1642 but soon left the place. To substantiate his point Fr. Norbert cites the letters patent of Louis XIII, dated 26, June 1642 which guaranteed Royal protection to the missionaries. No details were available other than the date. Meanwhile the Capuchins established themselves in Surat (1639) and Madras (1642) in South India.
The French East Company in Pondicherry
The princes of Malo sent the commercial ship of St. Louis with the headship of J. Peppis to India in 1616.[9] He set foot on the soil of a small hamlet of fishermen in South India which was later known as Pondicherry. He established a fort here under the order of the Nayak of Gingee for the commerce of France. But soon this prospect was failed due to the 30 long prolonged years of war in Europe, 1618. Meanwhile, the Holland and the Danish occupied this piece of land. When the French established themselves in Machilipattnam, the French man Bellanger de Lespinay came to meet Sher Khan Lodi the governor of Pondicherry in 1672.Bellanger accepted for a contract to construct a building at Pondicherry. The French took up this trade centre in order to assist their establishment at San Thome.
Bellanger de Lespinay with his assistant François Martin, two Capuchin fathers from Madras and six French men made Pondicherry as their permanent settlement on January, 1673.[10] The French established a fabrics factory here and François Martin became its director on May 5, 1675. Later he was appointed the Director of the Coast of Coromandel of Bengal and of any place where the company could begin a trade. Martin constructed a fort in Pondicherry to product the French interests after 1688 with the amount of 11, 760. Under the zealous efforts of François Martin, Pondicherry developed well and the French fabrics factory was on thrive. He invited the local merchants and weavers from different parts of Tamilnadu to settle in the growing city of Pondicherry. [11] A good number of Christians from Trichy, Thanjavur and Madurai regions settled down inPondicherry.
-Fr. A. Thainis, OFM. Cap.,
[1] LCPH-B OFMCAP (1525-1950), 1661.
[2] Ibid., 1381.
[3] Norbert Wolf, “Capuchin Missions in South India: 17th and 18th Centuries,” RTFR, vol., 26. no., 01, Jan 1961, Wisconsin, 18.
[4] Joachim (ed.), Capuchins in India 1972-1997, New Delhi: CCMSI, Media House, 1998, 10.
[5] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, Early Capuchin Missions in India, Sahibabad: Capuchin Publications, 1982, 13.
[6] Yacobu, History of Puduvai Mission 1776-1976(GJr;Nrhp kp\d; tuyhW), Puduvai: Mission Printers, 1976, 2.
[7] Here and the following, Adolph, 83.
[8] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 14.
[9] Here and the following, Madanakalyani (trans.,), Puducherry-a city of trade: French College, 1998.
[10] Here and the following, Ramasamy, History of Pondicherry, New Delhi: Sterling Publishers Private Ltd., 1987, 59-63.
[11] Here and the following, Sampath Kumar, 13.
The Christian Foundation in Pondicherry
The French Invite the Capuchins
When Colbert formed the French India company in 1664, it was made obligatory on the part of the company to propagate Christ to the world.[1] The Royal Edict of Article xxx issued on August 27, 1664, the company had to make suitable arrangements for the establishment of the Roman Catholicism in all its territories. François Martin a staunch and practicing catholic was glad to invite the Capuchin fathers from Madras to assume their religious duties in Pondicherry. When the French were taking initial steps to acquirePondicherry from the Muslim governor in 1671, they had invited the Capuchins to care for their spiritual needs.[2] According to Clemente de Terzorio, Fr. Cosmos de Gien went toPondicherry in 1671 and served as a chaplain to the French colony. Since it was not a permanent stay even for the French, whenever they left, he had to leave for Madras.
Fr. Cosmos De Gien – Founder of the First Christian Mission in Pondicherry
The French established themselves at Pondicherry in 1673 and invited the French Capuchins of the Tourine province from Madras to be their chaplains and to do whatever missionary work was possible.[3] Fr. Cosmos de Gien who had been with the French atPondicherry in 1671 and he was now sent officially to establish a permanent Capuchin mission in Pondicherry.[4] Fr. Cosmos de Gien a true follower of St. Francis came toPondicherry and established the mission on January 15, 1674.[5] He was a man of great missionary zeal and his edified life of simplicity and poverty attracted many non-Christians to Christ. It is Fr. Cosmos de Gien who laid the foundation of the Christian community inPondicherry and he could be rightly honored as the founder of the Pondicherry mission. The Capuchins were given a small church in the Fort built by the French.[6]
City of Pondicherry in 1675
The Capuchin Missionaries from Madras
Fr. Cosmos de Gien continued to be in Pondicherry till 1691. He worked tirelessly to fulfill the spiritual needs of the people.[7] Because of the increase in the Christian community, it was very difficult to serve them as a single person. Therefore Fr. Gien sought help from Fr. John Baptist of Aignant the superior of the Eastern Capuchin mission in Syriaand he directed him to the Capuchin missionaries in Madras.[8]They positively responded to his request and sent three missionaries Frs. Jacques of Bourges, Lawrence ofAngouleme and Spiritus of Tours to Pondicherry in 1686.[9] These four Capuchin missionaries looked after the spiritual needs of the French, the Portuguese, the Eurasians and Malabaris or the native Christians.[10]
Pondicherry was under the diocese of Mylapore and the Capuchins subjected themselves to the Bishop of Padroado’s jurisdiction and acknowledged Portuguese patronage.[11] The Capuchins were very successful in their missionary activities. TheseMalabaris are not to be confused with the people of Malabar region in Kerala today but the Christians from Madurai, Mysore and Karnatic regions whom the Jesuit missionaries specially Fr. Robert de Nobili (+1656) allowed to retain certain Hindu practices and customs even after their conversion to Christianity.
New Missionaries in Pondicherry
At the time of François Martin there were only three streets in the growing French township of Pondicherry and the residence of the Capuchins friars area was called the Capuchin street and today it is known as Roman Roland street.[12] The Capuchins since their first arrival in 1632 or rather since their establishment in 1674 were the only missionaries in Pondicherry and in the surrounding districts till 1688.[13] Therefore the Capuchins can be rightly called the first missionaries of Pondicherry.
M.E.P Fathers
A great revolution broke out in Siam (Today’s Thailand) in 1687 and the missionaries endured a lot of sufferings and many were expelled.[14] In the same year Fr.De La Vigne, MEP (the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris), came and established a MEP procure in Pondicherry.
Jesuits
The mission of the French Jesuits failed in Siam and they came to Pondicherry for the first time in 1689.[15] Fr. Cosmos de Gien the mission superior of Pondicherry received them with great affection and Franciscan hospitality.[16] The Jesuits were honoured as dignified guests of Capuchins.[17] They continued to assist the Capuchins from 1686-1693 and lived in perfect harmony. The Capuchins used to invite the Jesuits from Madurai mission to Pondicherry to instruct the Tamil Catholics and administer the sacraments.[18] John deBritto the future martyr at Oriyur(XhpA+H), Marva(kwtehL) country came to Pondicherry at the invitation of the Capuchins. He baptized five adults, one child and blessed three marriages on July-August 1691.
During this time the governor François Martin reorganized the mission that the Capuchins to be in charge of the white and the mixed population, but the Jesuits to work exclusively among the natives.[19] The Jesuit missionaries who wee in-charge of the native Christians had built the church of the Immaculate Conception[20] in Black town, 1691 by the financial help obtained from King Louis XIV.[21] This church was demolished during the Dutch occupation in 1693[22] and was rebuilt into a big structure in 1726-36.
The Apostolic Prefecture of Pondicherry
The Jesuits were suppressed by the French government on November 18, 1764 but allowed to minister as Jesuits in their colonies.[1] In 1773 Pope Clement XIV declared a universal suppression of the Society of Jesus. As Jesuits, they could no longer continue their mission therefore the Jesuit Malabar or Carnatic mission in Pondicherry was officially handed over to the “Missions Estrangers de Paris” (Foreign missions of Paris) by King Louis XVI in March, 1776. Rome appointed Mgr. Peter Brigot MEP, bishop ofTabracca on 30th September 1776 as the Superior of the Malabar mission with the faculties of a Vicar Apostolic.
Meantime, the French governor requested the Sacred Congregation inRome to appoint one of the Capuchins to be Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry over the Europeans and Eurasians.[2] He asked this favour in order to curtail the influence of the bishop of Mylapore who was under the Padroado system of Portugal. The Cardinal of the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide, Joseph Mary thus appointed Fr. Sebastian ofNevers a Capuchin from the province of Tours as the first Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry over the Europeans and Eurasians on 28th September 1776 in Rome. The CapuchinPrefecture was extended to all the French colonies in India. This double jurisdiction brought a lot of difficulties over in knowing the clear distinction between the Creoles, the Topassesand the Malabaris.[3] This problem existed until when this was handed over to the Holy Ghost Fathers in 1828. In 1827, the sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny came to Pondicherry to work among the French under the Capuchin Prefecture.
New Missions in the French Colonies
The relations between the MEP Bishop-Superior over the Natives and the Capuchin Prefect over the Europeans were cordial. They agreed to exchange their faculties in case of the grave sickness or death of one of them.[4] The French invited the French Capuchins in Pondicherry to be their spiritual shepherds in all their settlements in India. Thus The Capuchins were privileged to work in all the French colonies and the CapuchinPrefecture was extended where ever their missionaries had worked.
Karaikal
In 1737 the French acquired Karaikal(fhiuf;fhy;) a small territory 85 km from South of Pondicherry.[5] Monsieur Dumas the governor requested Fr. Dominic of Vallancethe 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
Machilipatnam
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.[6]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 18th century.
Chandernagore
The French established a settlement in Chandernagore a small town inWest Bengal, 1690. The Capuchin Fathers of Tibet mission came to Chandernagore and built their first church dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto[7], later the Capuchins fromPondicherry took of this mission from 1706.[8] Since there were only European Catholics, the Capuchin Prefect Apostolic of Pondicherry firmly believed that Chandernagore came under his jurisdiction.[9] 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 ofChandernagore to be part of the Capuchin Prefecture.[10] The Capuchins remained in serving the faithful in Chandernagore till 1882.[11]
The Prefects Apostolic of Pondicherry Capuchin Mission[12]
1. Rev. Fr. Sebastian of Nevers OFM. Cap., (23/09/1776 – 26/11/1780)
2. Rev. Fr. Donatus of Aurelinensis OFM. Cap., (27/11/1780 – 10/09/1786)
3. Rev. Fr. Hilarius of Pictaviensis OFM.Cap., (11/09/1786 – 23/11/1788)
4. Rev. Fr. Damasus of Oleron OFM Cap., (24/11/1788 –
5. Rev. Fr. Benedictus of Monterotundo OFM Cap., (21/02/1792 –
A clear detail study on the Prefects Apostolic of Pondicherry is not available but this list of Prefects is the study of Fr. Clement of Terzorio from the General Archives of the Capuchin Order in Rome.
Pondicherry in 1700
[1] Here and the following, Yacobu, 17-19.
[2] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 31-33.
[3] Here and the following, Sampathkumar, 81.
[4] Hambye,183f.
[5] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 26.
[6] Hambye, 324-326.
[7] Peter Celestine, 32f.
[8] Christopher O’Mahony, Church History A Summary, vol., ii, Alwaye: Pontifical Institute Publication, 1987, 294.
[9] Sampathkumar, 35.
[10] Peter Celestine, 34f.
[11] Joachim (ed.), 11.
[12] Here and the following, Clemens a Tezorio, 149f.
- Fr. A. Thainis, OFM. Cap.,
[1]. Here and the following. Ibid, 198.
[2] Here and the following, Clemente de Terzorio, MHMOMC, Isola Del Liri: Soc.Tip, A Macioce and Pisanie, 1926, 23.
[3] Collectiona Franciscana, 273.
[4] Joseph Thekkedath, 199.
[5] Here and the following, Collectiona Franciscana, 275.
[6] Sampathkumar (trans.), History of Pondicherry mission-an out line, Chennai: University of Madras, 2000, 8.
[7] Joseph Thekkedath, 199.
[8] Collectiona Franciscana, 275.
[9] Clemens a Terzorio, 148f.
[10] Joseph Thekkedath, 199.
[11] Here and the following, Lucius, Capuchin Studies, “The Capuchins in India,” vol., iv, no., 4, Quilon: Assisi Press, December 1959, 23.
[12] Madanakalyani (trans.,), Puducherry-a City of Trade (GJr;Nrhp xU tzpfj;js Chpd; tuyhW), Puducherry: FrenchCollege, 1998, 60.
[13] Thomas Pothacamury, 60.
[14] Collectiona Franciscana, 276.
[15] Thomas Pothacamury, 60
[16] Peter Celestine, 20.
[17] Here and the following, Norbert Wolf, 18.
[18] Here and the following, Hambye, History of Christianity in India, vol., iii, Bangalore: Church History Association of India, Theological Publications in India, 1982, 170f.
[19] Joseph Thekkedath, 199f.
[20] Hambye, 172ff.
[21] Gabriel 73.
[22] Ibid, footnote, 73.
[23] Hambye, footnote, 173.
The First Church in Pondicherry
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.,
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.
[1] Daniel D’Souza, 27f.
[2] Here and the following, Ibid. Hambye, 172f.
[3] Peter Celestine, 19. (as found in), AGC, H 55, XIII/2: Capuchin Missions in India, f. 144.
[4] Peter Celestine, 26.
The Zealous Capuchins
Pondicherry was restored from the Dutch to the French after six years in 1699 by the treaty of Ryswick.[1] The missionaries too soon returned to assume their spiritual charges and it was the Capuchins who first returned to Pondicherry. The three famous Capuchin missionaries Frs. Jacques, Lawrence, Spiritus and a lay brother returned to their former mission and laid a strong foundation of a flourishing Christian community of Poor and Rich, Parayars and Brahmins, Hindus and Europeans.[2] Before they could come to Pondicherry from Madras, these Capuchins met the Bishop of Mylapore and got appointed Fr. Jacques as Cure of the Native church at Pondicherry.[3] The Jesuits resented to this and influenced François Martin to protest against it for this appointment was done without his knowledge. The Bishop of Mylapore withdrew his order of appointing Fr. Jacques OFM.Cap in charge of the Tamil Christians and in return Fr. FrancoisDolu S.J was appointed. It was the first time that the bishop of Mylapore appointed officially a parish priest over the Tamil congregation at Pondicherry.[4]
The zealous Capuchins were disappointed of their deprival of the pastoral care of the Indian Catholics.[5] They had devoted themselves since the foundation of Pondicherry to the welfare of all Catholics irrespective of their origin. They desired to evangelize the Tamil community but they became mere care takers of Europeans, Eurasians and Europeanized Indians. The Capuchin missionaries repeatedly tried to re-assume their mission among the natives. They sent François-Marie de Tours even to Rome in 1702 to plead for their rights over the local Christians.
The Apostle of Malabaris
Fr. Spiritus of Tours (+1738), came to Pondicherry in 1686 to assist Fr. Cosmos de Gien the founder of the Pondicherry mission.[6] He was a man of enormous talents and was a great linguistic like Fr. Ephrem de Nevers OFM.Cap (+1695), the founder of the Madras mission. Fr. Spriritus could speak and write French, English, Portuguese and Tamil fluently.[7] He mastered Tamil and worked among the Tamil Christian community with great fervour and unquenching desire. He too adopted the customs and manners of Tamils which was then known as Malabar-rites.[8] He converted many Malabaris to the Christian fold and led the liturgy in the light of Tamil culture.[9] His great work among the Natives had won the name of “The Apostle of Malabaris” This humble Capuchin Fr. Spiritus of Tours aged 83 years died on January 3, 1738.
A Missionary to the Tribals
Another zealous Capuchin missionary in this mission was Fr. Thomas ofPoitiers (+1742). He first came to Surat and served as pro-vicar to the Vicar Apostolic of Great Mogul.[10] Fr. Thomas an excellent missionary with a great vision was appointed the superior of the Capuchin mission in Pondicherry.[11] He travelled 60 miles from Pondicherry to a mountainous region called Palleagaersand opened a new mission among the tribals near Chittor (Andhra) in 1732.[12]
The people in Palleagaers worshipped nature; Thomas equipped himself in their dialect and became one among them.[13] He taught them about Christ and converted the whole tribe of Palleagaers to Christianity and built a church dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels. He worked among them for more than ten years and established three missions called the mission of Palleagares. It was a more successful mission but it was closed down due to lack of personal. He had the privilege of serving in all the three South Indian Capuchin missions of Madras, Pondicherry and Surat. Having been a successful missionary Fr. Thomas of Poitiers died in the month of February 1742, inMadras.[14]
The Father of French-Tamil Dictionary
Fr. Dominique de Valence (1696-1778) a French Capuchin was an apostolic missionary to the East. He Came to Pondicherry a Tamil region, the first mission of the Capuchins in India. He came here around 1720s and ministered among the French and Tamils. He was a man of intellect and vision oriented. The French Capuchins struggled a lot to learn Tamil, the local language. Because of this they were humiliated and the new missionaries the French Jesuits mastered Tamil as soon as possible and replaced the Capuchins in most of the Tamil missions. Thus, the Capuchins became the only care-takers of the French Christians.
Therefore he wanted his friars to learn the language properly and get into the mission actively. There were also few Capuchin missionaries namely, Spiritus de Tours & Thomas de Poiteurs mastered Tamil and carried out a wonderful evengelization. He earned their cooperation and Tamil scholars, compiled for the first time a Tamil-French dictionary. This was a manuscript "Dictionarie et Grammaire François Tamool [ French Tamil Dictionary and Grammar]. This Dictionary contains 12,450 entries alphabetically changed with their Tamil equivalents. This was a great help to the French missionaries and all Tamils who were in contact with them. He must be acclaimed the Father of French-Tamil Dictionary.
Fr. Dominique de Valence was appointed the head of the Capuchin Mission in Pondicherry in 1731. This mission under his able guidence flourished in all levels. He was the first mission superior to found a Christian mission in Karikal in 1740. He as Superior assisted Fr. Norbert OFM.Cap, to bring the Sisters of Urusilne in 1738 to Pondicherry for the education of French Children. Around in his time, the Capuchins, founded the First French School in Pondicherry. He renovated St. Peter (Lazer) the first church of Pondicherry in 1737, which was built by the Capuchins in 1686 by the finiancial assistence of Thanappa Mudaliar. He Served as Mission Superior till 1745 and the mission witnessed a tremendous growth.
Capuchin Contributions to Pondicherry Mission
The Social Concerns
The Brahmins the main beneficiaries of the caste system continued to enjoy superior powers under the French rule.[1] François Martin the founder ofPondicherry was very clear and asked the missionaries never to harm theBrahminical structure.[2] The French tolerated the caste system for their smooth administration. The French missionaries achieved a remarkable success in converting the natives and Christian became second in population in the settlements.[3] The converted Christians carried along with them certain Hindu customs and religious rites. These Christians carried with them not only the Hindu customs but also the caste distinctions. The Capuchins severely criticized as pagan attitudes and protested against such conversions at several times.[4]
Education
The Capuchins had the privilege of founding the first school in Pondicherryand it was of a parish-school, where religious instructions were obviously imparted.[5] The French did not have a French school for their girls and this concern was fulfilled by the Capuchins.[6] They took initiative and invited threeUrsuline sisters from Vannes, in French Brittany. They arrived on September 8, 1738 at Pondicherry and as soon as their arrival they opened a school. The sisters had to face some administrative difficulties with the French government therefore they closed down the school.
Acts of Charity
The Capuchins were in charge of a hospital of the French company and an inn for the travellers to rest and relax.[7] Duplex’s wife Jeanne her love for the poor moved to open a small leper asylum without any social or religious distinction.[8] The Capuchin Fathers were the supervisors and appointed one of their catechists as manager of the asylum. [9]
THE LIST OF CAPUCHIN MISSIONARIES IN PONDICHERRYMISSION (1632-1828)
1. Fr. Cosmas of Gien
2. Fr. Jacques of Bourges
3. Fr. Lorenzo of Angouleme
4. Fr. Spiritus of Tours (+ 3rd Jan, 1738)
5. Fra. Michel Angleo of Borgogna
6. Fr. Francis Maria of Tours
7. Fr. Norbert De Bar-Le-Duc
8. Fr. Giambattiata of Orleans (+ 16th July, 1721)
9. Fr. Thomas of Poitiers (+ 1742)
10. Fr. Eutropio of Samnur (+ 22nd Feb, 1742)
11. Fr. Francisco of Samnur (+ 23rd Sep, 1752)
12. Fr. Michele of Ledignon (+ 19th June, 1737)
13. Fr. Cristomo of Longuion (03rd Mar, 1737)
14. Fr. Alessandro of Chateller (06th July, 1738)
15. Fr. Andrea of Orleans (05th June, 1741)
16. Fr. Ireneo of Normandia (23rd July, 1743)
17. Fr. Fidele (+ 11th June, 1747)
18. Fr. Gian Cristostomo of Castel Sarazin (16th April, 1748)
19. Fr. Ippolito of Vallars (22nd Oct, 1748)
20. Fr. Bonaventura of Bourges (02nd Dec, 1750)
21. Fr. Lorenzo of Coutance (19th Aug, 1754)
22. Fr. Atanario of Montfort (04th Nov, 1759)
23. Fr. Francisco Felice of Pinerolr (23rd Mar, 1760)
24. Fr. Terzorio (12th Dec, 1789)
25. Fr. Sebastian of Nevers
26. Fr. Victor of Niort
27. Fr. Mansueto of Pintin
28. Fr. John Baptist of Bergamo
29. Fr. Bonaventure of Foligno
30. Fr. Donatus of Aurelianesis
31. Fr. Hilarius of Pictaviensis
32. Fr. Damasus of Oleron
33. Fr. Benedictus of Monterotundo
34. Fr. Honoratus of Utino
35. Fr. Augustus of Auvergne
36. Fr. John Baptist of S. Romulo
37. Fr. Laurentius of Tabia
38. Fr. Augustinus of Neuffontaines
39. Fr. Eustachius of Forosempronio
40. Fr. Petrus Benedictus of Filottrano
41. Fr. John Fidelis of Cuneo
42. Fr. Filibertus of Ceva
43. Fr. Felice of Montecchio}Italian
44. Fr. Giuseppe of Ascoli } Italian
- Fr. A. Thainis, OFM.Cap.,
[1] Ramasamy, 206.
[2] Madanakalyani, 90.
[3] Here and the following, Ramasamy, 209.
[4] Madanakalyani, 83.
[5] Hambye, 176.
[6] Here and the following, Madanakalyani, 90.
[7] Madanakalyani, 89f.
[8] Here and the following, Hambye, 177.
[9] Sampathkumar, 11.
[1] Here and the following, Joseph Thekkedath, 200.
[2] Lucius, 24.
[3] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 22f.
[4] Hambye, 171.
[5] Here and the following, Ibid, 171f.
[6] Lucius, 23.
[7] Peter Celestine, 24.
[8] Lucius, 23.
[9] Here and the following, Peter Celestine, 24f.
[10] Ibid, 119.
[11] Here and the following, Collectiona Franciscana, 281.
[12] Sampath Kumar, 11.
[13] Here and the following, Collectiona Franciscana, 281.
[14] Humbert, Catholic Bombay, vol., i, Bombay: Catholic Press, 1964, 145.
First Tamil-French Dictionary by Dominique OFM.Cap
Monday, March 12, 2012
Fr. Dominique de Valence (1696-1778) a French Capuchin was an apostolic missionary to the East. He Came to Pondicherry a Tamil region, the first mission of the Capuchins in India. He came here around 1720s and ministered among the French and Tamils. He was a man of intellect and vision oriented. The French Capuchins struggled a lot to learn Tamil, the local language. Because of this they were humiliated and the new missionaries the French Jesuits mastered Tamil as soon as possible and replaced the Capuchins in most of the Tamil missions. Thus, the Capuchins became the only care-takers of the French Christians.
Therefore he wanted his friars to learn the language properly and get into the mission actively. There were also few Capuchin missionaries namely, Spiritus de Tours & Thomas de Poiteurs mastered Tamil and carried out a wonderful evengelization. He earned their cooperation and Tamil scholars, compiled for the first time a Tamil-French dictionary. This was a manuscript "Dictionarie et Grammaire François Tamool [ French Tamil Dictionary and Grammar]. This Dictionary contains 12,450 entries alphabetically changed with their Tamil equivalents. This was a great help to the French missionaries and all Tamils who were in contact with them. He must be acclaimed the Father of French-Tamil Dictionary.
Fr. Dominique de Valence was appointed the head of the Capuchin Mission in Pondicherry in 1731. This mission under his able guidence flourished in all levels. He was the first mission superior to found a Christian mission in Karikal in 1740. He as Superior assisted Fr. Norbert OFM.Cap, to bring the Sisters of Urusilne in 1738 to Pondicherry for the education of French Children. Around in his time, the Capuchins, founded the First French School in Pondicherry. He renovated St. Peter (Lazer) the first church of Pondicherry in 1737, which was built by the Capuchins in 1686 by the finiancial assistence of Thanappa Mudaliar. He Served as Mission Superior till 1745 and the mission witnessed a tremendous growth.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Fr. Dominique de Valence (1696-1778) a French Capuchin was an apostolic missionary to the East. He Came to Pondicherry a Tamil region, the first mission of the Capuchins in India. He came here around 1720s and ministered among the French and Tamils. He was a man of intellect and vision oriented. The French Capuchins struggled a lot to learn Tamil, the local language. Because of this they were humiliated and the new missionaries the French Jesuits mastered Tamil as soon as possible and replaced the Capuchins in most of the Tamil missions. Thus, the Capuchins became the only care-takers of the French Christians.
Therefore he wanted his friars to learn the language properly and get into the mission actively. There were also few Capuchin missionaries namely, Spiritus de Tours & Thomas de Poiteurs mastered Tamil and carried out a wonderful evengelization. He earned their cooperation and Tamil scholars, compiled for the first time a Tamil-French dictionary. This was a manuscript "Dictionarie et Grammaire François Tamool [ French Tamil Dictionary and Grammar]. This Dictionary contains 12,450 entries alphabetically changed with their Tamil equivalents. This was a great help to the French missionaries and all Tamils who were in contact with them. He must be acclaimed the Father of French-Tamil Dictionary.
Fr. Dominique de Valence was appointed the head of the Capuchin Mission in Pondicherry in 1731. This mission under his able guidence flourished in all levels. He was the first mission superior to found a Christian mission in Karikal in 1740. He as Superior assisted Fr. Norbert OFM.Cap, to bring the Sisters of Urusilne in 1738 to Pondicherry for the education of French Children. Around in his time, the Capuchins, founded the First French School in Pondicherry. He renovated St. Peter (Lazer) the first church of Pondicherry in 1737, which was built by the Capuchins in 1686 by the finiancial assistence of Thanappa Mudaliar. He Served as Mission Superior till 1745 and the mission witnessed a tremendous growth.
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