SAGAYA MADHA MISSION
THIRUKAZHUKUNDRAM
History of Sagaya Madha Parish
On the 20th of May 2001, His Grace, Dr. Arul Dass James, Archbishop of Madras– Mylapore bi-furcated Thirukazhukundram, a substation of Oragadam Parish, and erected the present independent Parish of Sagaya Madha, entrusting it to the care of Salesians. Initially, the confreres had tremendous difficulties to work in this predominantly Hindu religious centre. It is only with the perseverance and fortitude of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Nathan, supported by the people, that the difficulties were little by little overcome. The Parish extends to 32 villages, with 631 Catholics in 174 families. Out of 32 villages, only 4 villages have small chapels. The main church at Thirukazhukundram is under construction, to be completed in December 2006. The Parish has an active parish council with dedicated people who support the parish in all its activities, 8 anbiams, and a Sodality of Our Lady. Through regular Catechism class and liturgical celebrations the faith of the children is strengthened. Annual retreats and seminars are also conducted for the parishioners.
Don Bosco Boys Home
In June 2002, mission work began by opening a Don Bosco Boys home in the Parish Priest’s residence. Now, as the number has grown, the Don Bosco Boys Home was inaugurated as a separate centre on a 20-acre land, on the 25th June 2006, sponsored by the benefactors and friends of Bro. Julian Santi SDB, Technical Director, SIGA. At present, there are 52 boarders (both Catholics and non-Catholics). The Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Amalan, is the warden, assisted by a lay person. The boys are looked after well.
Carpentry and Welding Courses
These one-year courses, started in June this year, are meant for tsunami-affected students. Twenty students are in the training programme. Two trained teachers have been appointed to instruct them. More courses are being planned for the future.
The Tsunami Project
The Tsunami Rehabilitation Service in Kalpakkam was started on the 21st of January 2005 by Rev. Fr. Augustine Nathan and Rev. Fr. Amalan. Twelve villages were adopted in the beginning. Each village has two night study centres. After June 2005, this work continued only in 6 villages most in need. Presently, the total strength of the night study students is 575.
Many short term courses were initially conducted for the youth: personality development, interpersonal relationship, skill-based training, computer, typing, tailoring, mass media, spoken English, electricals, welding and diesel mechanics, etc., including personal counseling. The courses were found to be very useful as there were well-trained teachers to teach the students. Transport facility was provided for students who came from afar. Parent-teachers meeting was conducted every month. More than 425 students benefited from these courses. Now the tsunami project has Thirukazhukundram as its centre, and continues to reach out to those affected in the neighbourhood villages.
The Don Bosco Gypsy Projects
The Salesians also took up the pastoral care of the gypsy community. A drinking water project set up in 2002 brought great relief to the gypsy community. The Don Bosco Gypsy Study Centre, for the education of the gypsy children, is looked after by a Presentation Sister and a lady teacher. They prepare the gypsy children to enter a regular government high school from Std. VI. The Don Bosco Gypsy housing scheme, started in 2005, has provided a permanent shelter to the gypsies for a decent and dignified life. Five houses have been built so far and more are being planned. Thirukazhukundram has become the centre for coordination of the Don Bosco gypsy ministry spread out in Polur, Tirupattur and Dharmapuri Districts.
Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, Chingleput
Don Bosco Vazhikaatti was started in Chingleput in June 2005 with Rev. Fr. Amalan in charge. More than 35 career guidance and exhibition programmes were conducted. More than 400 youngsters have been given employment and many more have registered. The Bishop and the diocesan clergy are very supportive of these initiatives.
In the field of ecumenical activities of the Parish, the Kolping Association seeks to promote Christian love and unity among Protestant groups in the area.
Sagaya Matha Church
Mamallapuram Road,
Kothimanglam,
THIRUKAZHUKUNDRAM – 603 109.
Cell –
