Punitha Adiakala Madha Church in Tamil Nadu, Declared Independent Parish in Historic Ceremony

Pallankoil, Tamil Nadu, August 2, 2025: In a landmark development for the Catholic community of Pallankoil, Punitha Adiakala Madha Church has officially been declared an independent parish under the Diocese of Thanjavur. The declaration and installation ceremony took place on 1 August 2025 and was presided over by Dr. T. Sagayaraj, Bishop of Thanjavur.

For several decades, the faithful of Pallankoil journeyed together as a substation of the Thiruthuraipoondi Parish, fostering a deep devotion to Our Lady and cultivating a strong sense of communal worship. The decision by the Diocese to elevate the church’s status reflects the community’s spiritual growth and collective commitment.

The day also saw the formal installation of Fr. Amirtharaj as the first Parish Priest of the newly constituted parish. His appointment was met with heartfelt enthusiasm by parishioners, who embraced this new chapter with renewed zeal and gratitude.

The ceremony was filled with emotion, as prayers of thanksgiving, joy, and unity echoed throughout the church grounds. The declaration marks not just a change in status, but a recognition of the enduring faith and service of the Pallankoil Catholic community.

Parishioners expressed deep gratitude for the Diocese’s pastoral care and timely response to their spiritual needs. They acknowledged the new parish status as a sign of hope and a call to further deepen their mission of service and witness in the region.

With the guidance of Fr. Amirtharaj and the patronage of Our Blessed Mother, the faithful of Punitha Adiakala Madha Parish look forward to nurturing a dynamic and grace-filled future, firmly rooted in their devotion and commitment to the Church.

This milestone stands as a testament to the enduring strength of community-led faith and the vibrancy of rural parishes in Tamil Nadu.