About St. John de Britto as Arulanandar:
He was the seventh parish priest in Kamanacikenpatti in 1684, It is a Christian pilgrim center, as it is home to the martyrdom of St, John de Britto was a native of Lisbon, Portugal and was a noble friend of King Pedro Arrested, tortured and commanded to leave India, he refused and was beheaded in 1693 and the sand dune is said to have turned red, stained by the blood of the Saint put to death at Oriyur on 4.2.1693
St. John de Britto, In his efforts to spread the Christian faith among the Indian people as a missionary, he adopted the customs and dress of Brahmin caste which gave him access to the noble classes, In 1686, he had to leave India but returned in 1691
Early life and missionary work
He joined the Jesuits in 1662, studying at the famous University of Coimbra. Having been expelled, he returned to Lisbon in 1687 and worked as a missions procurator. ohn de Britto was the scion of a powerful aristocratic Portuguese family; his father, Salvador de Britto Pereira, died while serving as Viceroy of the Portuguese colony of Brazil. He renamed himself Arul Anandar (அருளானந்தர்) in Tamil. The ruler of the Maravar country imprisoned him in 1684. He travelled to the missions of Madurai, in Southern India, present-day Tamil Nadu, in 1673 and preached the Christian religion in the region of the Maravar country. King Pedro II wanted him to stay, but in 1690 he returned to the Maravar country with 24 new missionaries.
St John de Britto tried to teach the Catholic faith in categories and concepts that would make sense to the people he taught. This method, proposed and practiced by Roberto de Nobili, met with remarkable success. The Madurai Mission was a bold attempt to establish an Indian Catholic Church that was relatively free of European cultural domination. As such, Britto learned the native languages, went about dressed in yellow cotton, and lived like a Tamil Thuravi/Sanyaasi, abstaining from every kind of animal food and from wine. Britto remained a strict vegan until the end of his life, rejecting meat, fish, eggs and alcohol, and living only on legumes, fruits and herbs.
Martyrdom
When Thadiyathevan was required to dismiss all his wives but one, a serious problem arose. One of the wives was a niece of the neighbouring king, the Raghunatha Kilavan Sethupathi (சேதுபதி), the King of Ramnad (Ramanathapuram), who took up her quarrel and began a general persecution of Christians.[4] Britto and the catechists were taken and carried to the capital, Ramnad. Thence he was led to Orur (ஓரியூர்), some 30 miles northward along the coast, where he was executed on 4 February 1693. John de Britto's preaching led to the conversion of Thadiyathevan (தடியத் தேவன்), a Marava prince who had several wives.
Britto was beatified by Pope Pius IX on 21 August 1853. He was canonised by Pope Pius XII on 22 June 1947. St John de Britto's feast day is 4 February.
Red Sand
This seashore sightseeing location is one of the most venerable pilgrim centres of Christians in the world over, as it is said to be the site of St John de Britto's martyrdom. During September more than 25,000 pilgrims used to visit the shrine for dedicating prayers and offerings. The auspicious ceremony is a rare opportunity for these simple people to bring gaiety and enthusiasm in their life. Thus, together with Christians, Hindus and Muslims also come to worship at the shrine in thousands, to mark respect to a unique holy man who shed his life and blood at that spot. The sand dune here is believed to have been stained by his blood. In October, nearly 25,000 pilgrims arrive from the neighbouring Sivagangai district and in December, visitors are from Madurai and Melur. There is a shrine constructed in Portuguese style containing a statue of Britto, known locally as 'Arul Anandar' who had modestly offered his neck to the executioner.
Letter of John de Britto requesting to be sent to the 'Missions'
The red sand dune here in this shrine where the blood of Britto was spilled has great significance. Throughout the year, thousands of pilgrims from Sakthikulangara, the only parish in Kerala, visit the St John de Britto shrine to seek the unique. In February, believers from Dindigul arrive while in June, they are from Karunguli and Nagapattinam. During festivities, pilgrims mainly from Tamil Nadu and Kerala participate irrespective of their caste, creed and religion. Numerous incurable diseases are said to have cured by the application of the red sand on the respective body parts. It was at this place where Britto is said to have been beheaded in 1693. The strong faith and enviable ability to combine pleasure and righteousness on a pilgrimage gives a divine atmosphere to the Orur fest.
Devotees from other dioceses and districts visit the shrine on specific dates. The occasion appears to be more as a social gathering rather than a religious festival. Couples are believed to have blessed with children on visiting the shrine and praying to the departed soul.
In Portugal
His name was given to the Jesuit-run Colégio de São João de Brito (Portuguese Wikipedia article) (Saint John de Britto College), located in Lisbon, Portugal.
In India
These last two schools were established by the Jesuits to promote education in the rural parts of Tamil Nadu. The other three houses named after Francis Xavier (Xavier House), Ignatius of Loyola (Loyola House) and Stanislaus Kostka (Kostka House). The St John De Britto Anglo-Indian High School is named after him. There is St. Arul Anandar School, Orur, in the town where Britto died. One of four houses in the Jesuit school, St Stanislaus High School. There is also a church in Subramaniapuram in Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu dedicated to him.
One of the four houses in the Jesuit school, St Xavier's, Durgapur, is named after John de Britto. college) since the saint worked in the Diocese of Thanjavur as well.
Britto is the patron saint (referred as Pathukavul) of Sakthikulangara Parish in Kollam Diocese, Kerala. Also one of the four houses in St.Xavier's School, Kolkata, is named after Britto.
One of the three houses in the Infant Jesus Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School Tangasseri, Kollam (http://ijhss.org/) is named after John de Britto (Brittos). The school is administered by the Jesuits. Campion Anglo Indian Higher Seconday school Tiruchirapalli which is one of the prestigious schools in Tiruchirapalli district of Tamil Nadu also has a house named after him.
St Britto High School in Goa is named after Britto as he lived there for seven months to complete his theological studies at St Paul's College in Old Goa. In the Campion School of Mumbai and St Xavier's Hazaribag there is a house named after Britto (Britto House). There is a shrine to Britto in the village of Orur (also spelled Oreiour), where he is a significant figure revered by the Kallar, Maravar and Agamudayar.[5]
There is only one church In Coimbatore, dedicated to John de Britto located at R S Puram and is one of the largest parishes in the diocese of Coimbatore. One of the Jesuit colleges established in Tamil Nadu is named after Britto as Arul Anandar College (Arts & Science) which is in Karumathur, Madurai, as well as St. The other two houses are named for Francis Xavier (Xavier House) and Ignatius of Loyola (Loyola House). The other two houses are named for John Bosco (Boscos) and John Berchmans (Berchmans). Every year, Britto's feast day is celebrated in Sakthikulangara with a big procession (prathikshanam). There is an Anglo-Indian Boys High School in the Kochi Diocese, in the old Portuguese city of Fort Cochin, named after John de Britto, nearby the Bishop's House, in Kochi. John De Britto College of Education at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu (B.Ed. and M.Ed.)
Other countries
One local parishioner is Rev Fr Arul Mariadass OFM, a Franciscan friar-priest. In the Philippines, Britto is honoured with several class sections named after him in the Jesuit-run schools:
Section 11-De Brito in Ateneo de Manila Senior High School
Four high school class sections in Ateneo de Davao University (1-De Brito; 2-De Brito; 3-De Brito; 4-De Brito)
A Grade 8 level (formerly Grade 9 but changed into a Grade 8 section) class section in Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, a Jesuit school for boys is named after him, SMA Kolese De Britto (De Britto College Senior High School).
In Penang, Malaysia, there is a church called Church of St John Britto. The church is part of City Parish in the City of Georgetown, Penang. On 3 February 2019, the city parish has celebrated Golden Jubilee celebration. He was ordained in 1997.
In Mauritius there is a chapel named St Jean de Britto dedicated to Tamil Catholics living in the area. It was built in 1969.
History of Maravankudieruppu
KAMANAICKENPATTI
Rev. Fr. John De Britto a Jesuit priest baptized the people of Kamanaickenpatti and he built a Church at Kamanaickenpatti in 1685 AD. Joseph Constantine Beschi (Veerama Munivar) served as the 7th parish priest of the Kamanaickenpatti parish. After that, St. Nadar and Naicker communities are living there. Kamanaickenpatti is situated at 14 Km North East of Kovilpatti, Thoothukudy District. After 1688 AD Kamanaickenpatti developed into a permanent settlement to Jesuit Priests for their religious works. During 16th century (nearly 1600 AD) in Kayatharu, nearly 45 families got baptized and followed the Catholic faith.
NAME OF KAMANAICKENPATTI
There were two brothers Ettapa Naicker and Kama Naicker who ruled these places during 1600 AD. One village was named as Kamanaickenpatti and the nearby village was named as Ettu Naickenpatti. The name of Kamanaickenpatti was derived from the name of a king.
MIGRATION
The said laid stone is now erected in front of the said Church. Swamiyadian Thirupappu Nadar and four of his family members migrated to Maravan Thattu now called as Maravankudieruppu. During the persecution (Vedakalapanai) King Chegavera Ramakachil Ettapa Naicker laid a stone in 1665 AD to protect the Catholics from the enemies. Hence, Thiru. The persecution against Christians was very severe, and there was no safety for them to survive. Due to religious persecution (vedakalapanai) in the 17th century, (1700-29) Kamanaickenpatti was fully destroyed ; even now the destroyed place can be seen in the north side of the cemetery. This made the people to think of migration to other places
MARAVAN THATTU
Swamiyadian Thirupappu Nadar and four members of his family fought with them and finally Thiru.Swamiyadian Thirupappu Nadar established and put up his habitat at Maravan Thattu, now called as Maravankudieruppu. At that time in Maravan Thattu some thieves and robbers were staying there and the said Thiru.
AFTER MIGRATION
Thiru. Swamiyadian Thirupappu Nadar and the member of his family had arrived at Maravankudieruppu in 1781. They are the origins of this village. They had no children so they adopted four children of his brother from Kamanaickenpatti and made them as their heirs. He married Perianachi @ Peria Nadachi, a woman from the neighbouring Kalasamirakki Kudieruppu and settled there.
MARAVANKUDIERUPPU
This can be found from the records of Travancore Cochin Samasthanam available at Trivandrum. Samyadiyan Thiru Mugam Parpu Nadar” in short as Thiru. “Thirupappu” is the short name of “Thiru Mugam Parpu”. Swamiyadiyan Nadar was called as “Thiru. The people who got this award can meet the king without prior an appointment. Swamadiyan Thirupappu Nadar. Thereafter from Thiru. The meaning is Seeing the face of the King. Thiru. So the king was pleased and honoured him by awarding him 5 acres of land in Trivandrum with one of the greater award of Title “Thiru Mugam Parpu”. He was a tax payer to the Travancore Samasthanam, (Travancore Kingdom). Swamyadiyan Nadar also attended the function and presented 1001 ponnu (ponnu-paun-Sovereign of Gold) which was a big presentation in that period. So he was called to attend the marriage of Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma and Panapillai Amma Srimathi Ayikutty Narayani Pillai Kochamma of the Thiruvattar Ammaveedu family in 1829. Thiru Swamiyadian Nadar with four members of his family established and possessed the entire area in Maravankudieruppu and near by locality.
EVIDENCE AND FACTS
The main evidence of migration of Thiru. Swamiyadian Thirupappu Nadar from Kamanaickenpatti to Maravankudieruppu available as follows :-
1. When people of one custom and beliefs migrate from one place to another, they will take over their respective Gods with them. Similarly Thiru. Swamiyadian Thirupappu Nadar took over the wooden statue of Our Lady from Kamanaickenpatti to Maravankudieruppu. Now the wooden statue is worshiped in the cemetery Chapel.
2. A unique drama named “Kallarai Vaassaappu” was staged in Kamanaickenpatti and also in Maravankudieruppu till 1965. This shows the similarity between both the places of Kamanaickenpatti and Maravankudieruppu.
3. Thiru Swamiyadian Thirupappu Nadar died in the year 1838 at the age of 84 and his tomb is still preserved in the cemetery behind the chapel. There is a conventional program followed on every Easter and Christmas day, the Village people accompanied by bands and trumpets visit the cemetery to honor him by garlanding his tomb and the tomb of his family members following the midnight Holy Mass. They also smear the cross of his tomb with coconut oil and milk to honor him. There is another tomb said to be, one of the heir in which the epitaph is written in Devanagiri Language as Mr. Savarimuthu Nadan buried. Now the epitaph stone is underneath the Cemetery Chapel.
LOCATION OF THE MARAVANKUDIERUPPU
In 1956, it was merged with Tamilnadu. In its earlier days, the town and its surroundings were known as "Nanjilnadu".
The Maravankudieruppu village is bordered on the West by Vattakarai Village, North by Pattakasalian Vilai and Kalai Nagar (Kalasamirakki Kudieruppu) East by Keela Maravankudieruppu and on the South by Vannanvilai. The village people are mainly agriculturists, coconut growers and timber merchants. Maravankudieruppu is part of Nagercoil Municipality, situated 3 km from Nagercoil, the administrative headquarter of Kanyakumari District in the Indian State of Tamilnadu. Originally Kanyakumari District was part of Kerala the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom till almost a decade after India’s Independence from Britain in 1947. There is one water canal, which flows from pechiparai Dam, which divides the Maravankudieruppu village; one side comes under Municipality and another side is in village panchayat.
WELL (DRINKING WATER)
It was dug by the villagers nearly for 10 years at a depth of 85 feets, namely from 1904 to 1914. The water is sweet and it fulfills the needs of the villagers and also neighbouring villagers. Originally the villagers had to bring drinking water from the fountains situated at the southern side of the village. Hence the villagers dug a well for drinking water in the centre of the village in front of the second church.
Religious Profession
History of Maravankudieruppu Church
The Kottar Diocese detached from Quilon Diocese most of the Catholics are the followers of St.Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ and St. The people in Maravankudieruppu have a different history. Francis Xavier, the Jesuit Priest. Catholics here were baptized by St. John De Britto from Kamanaikenpatti Parish.
First Church
Similarly in Maravankudieruppu too they had built a small chapel in cemetery and the chapel was dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption. As population grew steadily the chapel could not accommodate more peoples. So they built a small chapel called Grottos Kurusady, to fulfill there spiritual needs. He was responsible for maintaining the church with the offerings and the excess will go to him as his maintenance.
His duty was to light up the oil lamp (alexandrian laurel oil-Punnai Oil) and conduct the prayer service. Lot of miracles happened to the people. So they decided to build another church. The said Our Lady Statue was brought from Kamanaickenpatti.
The tomb of Thiru. Till 1920 Holy Mass was not celebrated, but prayers were conducted by a Layman (upathesiar). Swamiyadian Thirupappu Nadar is behind the chapel. Therefore the people suffering from illness used to sleep in night hours in the cemetery chapel for their recovery. In olden days, there where only few Catholics who lived in small groups and were not able to build a Church
Second Church
In front of the Church there was a bell, which was not covering the distance. Over 100 people are able to sit and pray. The Second Church is in the centre of the village. Joseph have been placed on the altar. So they hang up the bell on the near by a Tamarind tree. So they purchased a big bell, but the church was not strong enough to hold the bell. Hence the service from the cemetery Chapel was shifted to the Second Church. Mary’s Primary School was built and shifted to Main Road in 1908, it was converted as Church. When the school, namely St. Presently the bell is used in our present Church, namely, Thasnavis Matha Church.
From 1820 onwards the Second Church was used as a veranda school. The School was up to second standard and the teaching method was by writing on the sand. Nallamana Matha Curia) Infant Jesus and St. Inside the Church, the statues of Blessed Virgin Mary, (now on St.
Basically this was used as an Grotto (Kurusady). Mainly this is used for multipurpose of conducting various functions.
1. Prayers and services in the evening
2. Marian Month ( May) was celebrated very grandly.
3. Village Committee meetings
Once in a Month, the Holy Mass was celebrated on first Sunday at 7.00 A.M. From then marriage and other Sacraments were also held there. When the population increased the second church was not adequate to conduct services. So they decided to build another church. After 1947-51 Rev.Fr.Ambrose celebrated the Holy Mass once in a week. When the Holy Mass celebration started, then onwards the feast was also celebrated on August. (Previously for Marriage and other Sacraments people had to go to St.Antony’s Church, Kurusady). From 1940 the Liturgy of Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev.Fr. Richard.
Third Church
Thereafter, lightning arresters were purchased with the help of the donation. For mobilizing huge funds, people of Maravankudieruppu sang "Thukka pattu" to other Catholic parishes and collected donations.
Another spectacular one is that the whole structure is supported by nine concrete arches and there is no pillars. Roch Agniswamy, the Bishop of Kottar in front of Rev. During the Feasts, hoisting the flag for 10 days, initially they used Areca Nut tree for the flagstaff, then teak tree and now a concrete tower.
In earlier days Petromax lights and Candles were used in Churches. This light is having a glowing capacity of 2 Km’s surrounding the Maravankudieruppu. Finally, it was decided to construct near the playground. In 1962 by singing "Thukka pattu" in 14 parishes and collected Rs. For collecting funds the people above 18 years of age should give money, if not, they had to work during construction. Later the Church was Electrified. The church was dedicated to St.Thasnavis Matha, it is a Portugese language and it means Our Lady of Snows.
On December 11, 1954 at 6.30 AM in the morning the Church was consecrated and opened by His Excellency Most Rev. Fr.D.C. and designed at a height of 40 feet, the door frames are made from stone and no other Church near by Maravankudieruppu is built in this design. Mercury lights have been fixed. Dr. As soon as the construction work started, the foundation stone was laid by the Bishop of Kottar Most Dr. Therefore the Church construction was partially completed and consecrated for service. 440 to buy Amplifier and Speakers. Antony, the parish priest of Kurusady. Roch Agniswamy in 1945. Then the tower of the Church was altered later at the final stage. Originally the plan of the church tower was 150 feet. Third church was planned in three places.
Very Nice articles
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