1926 — Parish history 2026

"Little Rome" — Chinna Romapuri

In 1926, struck by the grandeur of the Holy Family Church, the first Bishop of Tuticorin, Most Rev. Dr Francis Tiburtius Roche, SJ, lovingly named Vadakkankulam "Chinna Romapuri," Little Rome. The title has been the village's proud second name ever since, drawing pilgrims who come to see a church likened to the great basilica of Rome.

Parish traditionThis moment rests on 5 sources.

Parish history 2026p. 7

1926 A.D. – Vadakkankulam Called “Little Rome” In 1926, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Tiburtius Roche S.J., the first Bishop of the Diocese of Thoothukudi, referred to Vadakkankulam as “Little Rome” in recognition of the remarkable construction and importance of the Holy Family Church. The first Vicar General of the Diocese of Thoothukudi, Msgr. Soosai Marianather, hailed from Vadakkankulam. His brother, Yagapparpillai, served the church faithfully as catechist for sixty years. 1935 A.D. – Papal Honour to Yagapparpillai In recognition of his long and dedicated service to the Church, Yagapparpillai was conferred the “Bene Merenti” honour by Pope Pius XI in 1935. 1993 A.D. – Holy Family Church Declared a Shrine In 1993, the then Bishop of the Diocese of Thoothukudi, Most Rev. Dr. S.T. Amalanathar, officially declared the Holy Family Church of Vadakkankulam as a Shrine. Parish Profile – Vadakkankulam Succession of Parish Priests Chapter I Name of the Parish Priest from the Origin of the Congregation Period I 1. Rev. Fr. Bernard de Saa (1697-1699) 2. Rev. Fr. Mariya Xavier Borghese (1700–1704) - I 3. Rev. Fr. Peter Martin (1705–1707) –“Pedro Samiar” 4. Rev. Fr. Simon Carvalho (1708) 5. Rev. Rev. Fr. Maria Xavier Borghese (1709–1710) - II 6. Rev. Fr. Louis Novel (1711–1712) 7. Rev. Fr. Ignatius Cardoza (1712)