St Anthony Shrin, Palavakkam Chennai

St Anthony Shrine’s humble origin dates back to the year 1997 when on 24th February, the Catholic residents of Palkalainagar, Palavakkam, enthusiastically erected a thatched shed in honour of St. Anthony with permission and blessings from the late Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, Most Rev. Dr. Arul Das James, and under the spiritual guidance of Rev. Fr. Vincent Chinnadurai, then Parish Priest of St. Joseph's Church, Erukanchery.From 27th February, 1997 onwards, Rev. Fr. P.M. George, then Parish Priest of Sts. Joachim and Anne Church, Vettuvankeni, began to conduct Holy Mass and Novena prayers in honour of this saint. St. Anthony, already renowned for his power of attracting the devotees, began to manifest his blessings and gathered people, irrespective of their caste and creed. It was witnessed that particularly on Tuesdays devotees thronged this humble abode of St. Anthony to receive his favours and blessings.
St Anthony Shrine located near seaside of Palavakkam has conducted two day Prayer organized by the Jerusalem Mayyam Sabhai for two days. The church is being headed by Rector Cyril Raj, Dominic Savio – Asst Parish Priest and also working closely with the people in and around for the service of the mankind.
More than a thousand people attended the prayer ahead of the Good Friday coming up on March 21st. During this time, it has been the practice of the people to visit 14 churches as a part of the pilgrimage. In this event the prayers were conducted in four languages – English, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu.
The Church had organized for the lunch for all the attendees in the prayers. They are also started to publish a magazine from the January 2008 and had come up with their issue for a nominal rate of Rs.5/- and small items like a calendar at reasonable rates. The magazine had contributions’ from the visitors, readers and also those staying away from the homeland.
As I was conversing with Mr Leo in the church about the plan of events in the coming week, he also highlighted that the next week are planning for the visit to Villianur Church as a part of the pilgrimage and interested people can pay Rs.100/- and join them in the visit. Also that he said that mass is held on all weekends, but Tuesday is a very important day for this church.
The next major event would be the Good Friday on 21st March from 1500 Hrs which will start from the Beach and the Cross will be carried by the Parish who will be head of the families or BEC’s who are those nominated by the Father for a couple of streets and will come towards the church. Father will take charge of the events from them on with all the sermons and prayers. They are also arranging for a blood donation camp on the same day.
Parish PriestSeashore St.Anthony's Shrine, # 38 M.G.R.Road , Palavakkam, Chennai 600 041Phone:+91 44 2449 3684 Email: frcyril@seashorestanthony.org
Website : http://www.seashorestanthony.org