History of Mary Magdalene Church Kottapalayam
History of Gowri Koolapathi Kampal Naidu Family
கொட்டப்பாளையம் - Kottapalayam - Cottapaleam - origin - Madha Church - Mary Magdalene - Magdalene - Marie de Magdala - Marie Madeleine- Madeleine - Marie la Magdaléenne - Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνή Église architecture française - Inde du Sud - Trichinopoly
Introduction
Kottapalayam is a Village situated in the Tiruchirapalli District of Tamil Nadu. The first earliest small Chapel which existed in Kottapalayam was made out of a low thatched roof towards the end of the 16th century.
Later we see Jesuit Father Savariyar Swami build in the middle of the 17th century the first small Church in Kottapalayam and Jesuit Father Beschi (Dhairiyanath Swami) known also as Vīramāmunivar completed the first small Church in the early 18th century.
Who is Savariyar Swami. In South of India Savariyar Swami is often referred to Saint Francis Xavier. The first Roman Catholic mission to South India was that led by St. Francis Xavier, who came from Portugal to Goa in 1542 and preached the Gospel in several of the southern districts. Towards the end of the sixteenth century Jesuit Fathers took up the work which Francis Xavier had commenced. Here Savariyar Swami should be one of the Jesuit Fathers?
In the beginning of the 20th century this Church was found to be very small for the catholic population of Kottapalayam, the reason why the actual new Mary Magdalene Church was constructed on the same place where the old first small Church stood.
The new construction of this church was started by a native priest Fr. Marie-Joseph and completed by a French priest Fr. MM. Bulliard around the year 1913. We see also that many other French Priests, François BAYOL could have drawn the plan of the Church, Fr. M. Didier, Fr. R. Michotte, Fr. J. B. Niel during that period participated building the new church. It took 10 long years to complete the new church. [Source Missions Etrangères de Paris]
To our great surprise, we recently found a Tamil book published in 1929 written by one A. Ponnusamy Naidu, the R. C. School Head Master of Kottapalayam, who has written the full History of The first Saint Mary Magdalene’s Church of Kottapalayam and the Family History of Gowri Koolapathi Kampal Naidu.
Based on the information given by A. Ponnusamy Naidu and the French Missionaries. I feel that all this History could be fairly authentic.
Please find below the Translation of the book by Rene de Condappa written by A. Ponnusamy Naidu about the History of the First old Church.
Mark Rajarathnam. 2018.
God be with us
History of The Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Kottapalayam and History of Gowri Koolapathi Kampal Naidu Family
Written by Athimanagar Muthamiz Poet Vidwan S. Arokiasamy’s son And Venba Expert A. Pavul Gurus
Compiled by A. Ponnusamy Naidu
Registered by Gowri Koolapathy son Puduvai Dharmaraj Condappa Chettiar Known as Xavier de Condappa
1929
Ananda Press, Pondicherry
Foreword
Pages 1-4
To my Folks of Gowri Koolapathi Sect
Many of you would be thinking as to how this new narrative came out. About 30 years ago I have heard many times my father S. Arokiyasamy Naidu say the history of the elders. At that time I was young, about 12 years of age and I was staying in the Malayalam district of Kochi at a place called Aathimanagar near Palghat. Later in the year 1917 I joined the Roman Catholic School (R. C. School) as a Headmaster.
After having discussed with an elderly member of the Kampal Naidu family namely Ayalou Naidu known as Chinna Naidu and having visited the churches of Karadiyan and Yellai Pidari and also discussions with my partner and elder brother 70 year old Muthusami Naidu and his younger brother Ignacy Muthu Naidu and as well as several elderly people I finally published this narrative in the Chennai based magazine “Public Welfare “. I had requested the Kampal Naidu family to follow it up. However, there has been no feedback from them. In view of the feast of Mary Magdalene her history at Kottapalayam was also released. In this context thousands of copies of the narrative were distributed to several towns and also to Puduvai and Bangalore. So far no feedback on this narrative either.
Finally on 16th December 1928 a member of the Gowri Koolapathi sect from Puduvai namely Mr. Dharmaraj Condappa also known as Xavier de Condappa visited this area. He was fascinated by the history of Mary Magdalene and eagerly asked me to send this narrative. I, who was in mourning, on hearing this request from Xavier experienced a joy similar to a person who has found a treasure. In reality the ignorance of the Koolapathi clan has prompted me to write this narrative. Therefore “Oh, son Kampal now no need to worry” became honey like words to me.
However, others will point out that apart from my words there is no concrete proof. But what can we do? Our elders only passed this by word of mouth, they did not put them in writing. This has resulted in some discrepancies with the dates. Also in those days it all started with the priests of the Jesuit Order. After their disappearance came the Goa priests. Later between 1840-1850 the Foreign Religious Orders [Obs : Missions Etrangères de Paris] came to Kottapalayam. They noted in one of the big books “Mission History” published in French in 1898 that Kampal Naidu left Madurai and went into exile to Uppuliyapuram in the late 16th century.
This agrees with what our elders said. However, he being baptised in 1717 does not agree with what is certain that the roots started towards the end of the 16th century. In 1711 a lady Ammayi donated a brass Cross to this Church. That the baptism took place at the end of the 16th century is hence correct. In 1717 Savariyar Swami built a small church with 6 pillars is correct.
[Obs : Printing error? correct version : This agrees with what our elders said. However, he being baptised in the 17th century does not agree with what is certain that the roots started towards the end of the 16th century. In the 17th century a lady Ammayi donated a brass Cross to this Church. That the baptism took place at the end of the 16th Century is hence correct. In the 17th century Savariyar Swami built a small church with 6 pillars is correct.]
However, in those days not Purathakku but Vidukar Pettai was the place where Swami stayed. It is there that the baptism took place. In those days Purathakku was not mentioned in the Jesuit Order Thiru Veerama Munivar History. When Karpalayatham Patti, Konaan Kuppam, Yelah Kurichi were mentioned, it is not proper to have left out Purathakku. Therefore it is certain that the baptism took place at Vidukar Pettai. Later in the French Book it is mentioned that Dhairiyanath Swami managed the church. That Dhairiyanath Swami came to Vidukar Pettai is mentioned in his life history (see the English Book). The elders clearly say that there is no doubt that this history is very true and it was only afterwards Puruthakkudi Parish was formed. Moreover the French had not mentioned about the appearance of The Holy woman because it may be that part of the documents which are already 200 years old have been destroyed by the termites and therefore they have ignored some of the manuscripts and reported only those that were in good condition.
Hence the above writing is to be considered as true and that the present authorities should wake up and take necessary actions to maintain this ancestral place and its church. This famous site at the moment is home to a school. Before it gets demolished I request that it be restored to its former holy shrine. As long as we don’t undertake this transformation it is not possible for us to progress. Even now a lot of Naidus have left this place and those remaining are not capable of attending to it. Of all the work pending that this one is of utmost importance is being ignored. We are paying for someone’s bad deeds. If we let go things as it is then I strongly feel alas very soon the Naidu family existence in this village will cease. Therefore beloved Sirs please wake up and perceive the pitiful state of the village which has been our motherland for nearly 300 years. It is unjust to ignore and not take necessary steps to salvage the situation. I humbly request each one of you to ponder over it.
Hereby your Catholic Gowri Koolabimaany
A. Ponnusami Naidu
Page 5 Venba is honouring Xavier de Condappa
Page 6 onwards
From early days the southern part of Bharatham known as “Tamil Nadu” has been apportioned into three provinces such as Cheran Nadu, Chozhan Nadu and Pandya Nadu. They have been ruled by Cheran, Chozhan and Pandyan Kings. The sweet honey flowing language of Tamil was given its prominence in the Pandyan province. As a proof, the so called Mutha Pidai Shop where the three Sangam was established it is learnt that the Tamil Sangam flourished and it was well known that its epicentre was Madurai. After the Pandyas Tamil Nadu was ruled by the Naickers and among them the great Thirumalai Naicker built colossal buildings and prominent temples. It is only less than 100 years after his death did our history start.
It was in Madurai that Kampal Naidu family along with 6 brothers and one sister lived. They were well known for ruby and pearl business and were wealthy mirasdhars. The sister, being the only female and the youngest in the family, was brought up with lot of attention and affection. With age she also became very beautiful and one of the highly placed member of the ruling dynasty approached Kampal Naidu who was the eldest in the family. He told Kampal Naidu that as he being the eldest member it was therefore proper for him to ask the hand of his sister. On hearing this, Kampal Naidu was disturbed as he saw it as an impossible affair. An out of caste bond could result in serious complications and so Kampal Naidu proposed that he would have to seek the advice of his own caste people. On hearing this response the young ruler said that there is nothing to decide about and that the marriage should take place within two months, failing which they will be imprisoned and since his sister will be unmarried a decision will be taken to consign her to the harem. It is up to Kampal Naidu to choose which way he wants to take.
On hearing this, our leader left the place and consulted his family members. They finally decided to leave Madurai. Collecting all their valuables and without the knowledge of anyone around they left Madurai in secret during the night and took the route through the forest. This happened in the later part of the 16th century. They settled near Trichy on the banks of the Cauvery. At that time a Dravidan from Ariyaloor and in search of a living came along with his family to the same place. The Kampal family took him with them and proceeded to stay in Uppulipuram for some time. As that place was the route towards Madurai, Trichy and Salem and since the adjoining place Thuraiyoor built by Thirumalai Naicker was heavily used by the Naidus the family decided that it was best to live in hiding. They therefore cleared a forest area next to Uppulipuram on the North bank of the river and settled there. They named it Kottai Medu. A few other families also came to live there. They started trading in Bangles, Rubies and Pearls.
It was at that time that they took their ancestral Karadi elephant statue, which they had brought with them, set it up near the banks of the lake and paid homage to it. They married their sister to a relative from Marungapuri. It was not easy to find their place of settlement since it was a forest grown hilly place and this suited them as they preferred to conduct the marriage in secret. After having celebrated with all enthusiasm but in secret the marriage of their sister they made a fortune by running their business in a grand manner.
Beginning of Blood Death
According to their wealth they built small temples for their ancestral Gods Karadiyaan and Yellaipidari. They offered Poojas, Pongal,sacrifices and celebrated pompous festivals. In addition they offered many help and support to those who came and settled there. Hence day by day the place flourished. However, the six families were plagued by a deadly disease of blood vomiting. This disease did not affect the other inhabitants. The disease affected only the children of the six families. Who will bear to see their children from the ages of 3, 4, 5 and 6 succumbing to this deadly blood vomiting disease. Hence this inconsolable sadness afflicted family, tormenting itself to find an escape from this situation, resorted to various methods such as different astrology, medicine treatment and even the help of magicians. In spite of these efforts the children were still dying and in addition the milk from their goats and cows also turned into blood. The calves not being able to feed on the milk also perished. What will our elderly do? In his sorrowful days there was no one to help. Finally, having concluded that it was the act of the Madurai ruler who had used black magic to cast the Pilli Suniyam spell to torture the family it was decided to counter it by performing several rituals which only resulted in waste of money but still the deaths of the children continued and therefore immersed in deep sorrow they abandoned their business. At this time having lost everything when the only remaining Yekaputhiran (eldest Son) started to bring out blood, who will be able to describe the suffering of Kampal Naidu and his wife. The whole village was drowned in tears and wailing. At that time a middle aged beggar woman who was on her way from Salem to Trichy was at the river to quench her thirst. On hearing the wailing and the commotion in the village the woman went to investigate the matter. She found the grieving parents and noted the sad condition of the child. She took the child, caressing its chest she looked at the sky, recited a merciful melting prayer to the Thiriyega God and dedicated the child to Him. She implored the mother of God to help her and having baptised the child she laid down the child. She then consoled the people present and while she was consoling them the child got up ran to its mother and drank milk from her.
On witnessing the event, everyone was in jubilation. They praised the beggar women saying that their God had taken this form to visit them. It was Kali, it was kooli, who has come in the form of a women goddess to cure the child. They were singing and dancing in jubilation. That whole day they did not allow her to leave the place. The next day they begged her to bless the goats, the cows, the children and even them. The beggar woman heeded to their requests and also blessed their food. The livestock started to produce milk and the calves were able to drink pure milk. After a few days she asked permission to depart and go to her home town. Our elder stated “This is not at all possible. During this pitiable time you came like a saviour, restored life and made us jubilant. How can we part from you. Stay for some more days and ensure that this calamity does not befall on us again, later shall we discuss about your departure but talking about it now would be very pitiable.
On hearing this, the beggar woman said “What you say is very true but I am a vagabond and I visit many places like yours to render help and for this I took this form. An urgent matter beckons me to Vidhukar. I need to go there and return. The time has come for me to go there and obtain the holy Dharsan of my Guru. If at this time you are blocking me then that will drown me in deep sorrow. Therefore I beg you to grant me leave.”
Our respectful leader on hearing this was saddened and begging her said “Lady, we are therefore obliged to accompany you; We do not have the strength to bear again this danger should we lose your company. By your grace let us also get the Darshan of your Guru and crown his feet. We will submit our misery to him and ask him to let you stay with us for some more time.”
The Lady replied “Yes we will do so, but it is not to be now. Right now many like me will be crowding the place where we will receive counselling. In addition I will be visiting and staying at a few places on my way. It is not appropriate for me to take a family man like you to these places. In one or two months I myself will come and take you and you need not be afraid.
On hearing this the others said “ Our good mother at least let one or two of us accompany you and pay homage to the feet of this great Lord and obtain his permission to take you with us, therefore postpone your trip by at least three days.”
Even then she replied “It is not the time for anything. When I go there he would have already determined where I should go and I cannot contradict him. Any how I have one thing to tell you, I am a Christian; it is not right for me to stay with you for a long time. If your own people come to know about it they will hate you. If you were Christians one could stay even for a long time; Therefore, on both sides there are problems, it is better to allow me to depart, I therefore ask for your permission. “
On hearing this they said “This is not an issue; let our own people outcast us, we will also become Christians; As soon as we uttered the name of that God our son was saved. Was there a limit to the sacrifice of goats and chicken offered to our Gods? Was there a count on the poojaas that was offered? What happened to them all? The prayers offered became as worthless as mud. Medical treatments only helped to fill the belly of the doctors. All the astrology consultations turned into dreams. Can we now ever deny the real benefit we have seen. Neither magic spells nor has strategy done any good to us. If there was a real God this is how he should have come and saved us. There is no doubt that our God is made of stone and mud. Why do we need spectacles for a sore on the hand? Enough is enough, we also would like to become Christians. What should we do for that? How much will it cost? Please tell we will try our utmost.”
On hearing this the monastery maiden laughed uncontrollably and said “Where is the need for money and expenses? Whatever relationship I have, you also have the same with our God. Not knowing this you have failed to search. On the other hand we knowingly search for Him, we call; He comes. We ask and He provides. This is all the difference between you and us. The Gods that you talk of are no other than those humans who have died and gone. You also know about it. Am I a highly educated person? I do not even know one thousandth of what you know. If you are really determined then I will stay with you for some more days, teach and prepare you to become Christians and present you to my Guru and supplicate him to convert you to Christianity. As this is the only way by which I can help you please think about it seriously and make known to me your decision by today.”
Our elder leader answered “There is no need for contemplating. Not only here but even in Madurai I had a doubt and I had made a small research. To conclude the research this had to happen perhaps by the work of that God. What else can it be except for the Allmighty’s doing. Here very near Keerampur seated on the hills is Prasanna Venkatesan . To him not once but several times we have begged, prayed, fallen at his feet and spent huge sums of money. In spite of it, what benefit did we achieve? We only lost our dear sons. Like the back of our palm we have come to know that it is only a hill. Therefore there is no point in talking about this now. Like the Paapathi who lost the mutton curry we feel cheated . Do teach us what is necessary, we will also learn it and come with you. This is our decision “
From that day onwards the holy woman taught them prayers from morning till evening as well as to others who came during their spare time. She made them well versed in Gnanobathesangal and Vedaubathesangal. She clarified all their doubts and answered all their questions. Except for their youngest brother all the others became ready to receive the divine blessing. The youngest brother feared severe complications if he did not perform poojas to their family God and therefore the others (the five families) ,leaving him alone to his own wish, went with their families to Vidukar Pettai. They met their Guru ma munivar and paying homage to him, asked for his blessings. The then chief priest Savariyar tested their knowledge and competence and on his part gave them more advice on becoming victorious in the battle after their conversion. He assured them that they will not be affected by the evil spirits; even though they will earn the fury of their own people nothing else will disturb them. Thus he blessed them and sent them back.
Page 14 onwards
The Holy war and the arrival of the Vidhukar Lady
They returned home with a joy not hitherto experienced. Like in old times they started on their usual work. However since they neither paid homage nor even paid any attention to their old Gods they fell victims to the complaints of the others. As even the youngest brother showed the same hatred towards Kampal, the elderly man summoned his youngest brother gave him some advice and told him not to worry about them. As per the brother’s wish he partitioned the wealth and gave him his due share. His sister and brother-in-law on hearing this conveyed their displeasure and sorrow. The elderly man also gave them their share and made arrangements with his youngest brother to cater for their needs in the future. He always welcomed them and treated them as per the customary requirements. After having settled amicably the family issues the 5 families enjoyed a good run in their business, their livestock flourished, the family expanded with the arrival of children. Their good fortune earned them the jealousy of the rest who started speaking ill of them and resorted to religious discrimination. Even though the five families ignored the gossip from the others and patiently marched on, the community lamented that the air, the foot path, the sun rays, the drinking water from the river etc were being rendered unclean by these newly converts. The Dravidan who came with them was also doing very well in life and so the others started to trouble him and tried to chase him away. Even he along with the 5 families was baptised. Since the Kampal clan and the dravidan got on well and he was also helping them in their needs the villagers tried every means to chase him away. However just like the saying “Money can do anything“ there were others who hesitated because they stood to lose money without him. Theft of live stock, theft of belongings, unnecessary fights and misunderstandings etc. began to multiply. With time the enemity developed and hatred went on the increase. Even though our elderly Kampal was unruffled and stayed a staunch supporter, the woman folk and the children showed concern at the sad state of affairs of the Dravidan. In this same state after some time had elapsed when the beggar lady made her appearance and the Kampal clan forgetting their hardships rejoiced on seeing her. Unable to witness their sufferings the holy lady who was outstanding in devotion started novena prayers in a grand manner. Tirelessly she conducted prayers, fastings, collective offerings and later enthusiastically got the participation of others. She toiled relentlessly. It was like a boat caught struggling in a strong storm. For the good times to befall on you such things had to happen, therefore fear not said the holy lady. Realising that it was most inappropriate to leave them now she postponed all her impending tasks and continued her battle.
Semponnai Ulaiyil ittu etc
One night being very perturbed and having spent a long restless and sleepless night our elderly leader finally went into a deep slumber.
At that instance in his dream appeared two queens in dazzling light as bright as a million sun. They were clad in white dress and one divine lady with a crown and a smiling face and beckoning with her eyes the other lady beside her addressed Kampal thus “My son from now on do not fear. We are with you. But, this place is not fit for you; A little distance towards the North from this place in the middle of Virali forest a small cross will appear; There build a church for me and also settle nearby”. After this they disappeared like lightning.
The startled and frightened elderly man got up and ran to the beggar lady. He took her to meet his brothers and family members and narrated his dream. He enquired as to who these persons could be. The beggar lady said “ There is no doubt that the lady with the crown is our eternal mother; however, the mother of sinners, along with the eternal mother, who stood at the foot of the Cross and who, having attained great veneration by virtue of penance and fasting, is none other than the Venerable Mary Magdalene.
In any case the next day we need to go in search of that place and find it. The next day they went to the place where they found a dry, burnt and stained wooden Cross and danced with joy. They abandoned their work and first set about building an abode for the Cross. Then they built their homes next to the chapel. The five families along with the dravidan left Kottai Medu and settled in the new place. Thus this part of the Virali forest became known as Kotta Palayam. This is therefore the place shown by the Venerable Mary Magdalene to the Vadugar . This is therefore the history of the venerable Mary Magdalene appearance to our ancestors leading to the construction of the church and is brought to the attention of the readers of this narrative.
Page 17. Part 2 Pinnikazhandavai
A few years after their departure Kottai Medu was inflicted with calamities such as conflicts, God sent disease cholera and other ailments. Kottai Medu came to its senses, the people understood that they were isolated as there was no one nearby to give support. With the intention to survive they approached the great elderly man who, not taking into account the pain they had inflicted on him, helped the others as well as his youngest brother. He allocated them a place a bit to the west and allowed them to dwell there. The new place was given the same name as their previous abode namely Kottai Medu. The Hindus never forgot the gratitude they owed the elderly man for his immense help. In all matters and in every dispute they saw to it that at least one member of the family was present. Not being blessed with a male descendant and having only a daughter the youngest brother bequeathed his wealth, the family name of Kampal Naidu and the responsibility of paying homage towards their ancestral God to his son-in-law. On their important festival days they invited the son of the elderly man, treated him with full respects and appointed him as a chief official to conduct investigations on matters of dispute. On the festival of Mariamman they saw to it that at least one member of the family was present and gave him a pompous welcome with all due respects and gave the honour to open the ceremony. This custom continued from the olden days until 1912 when it was given up due to the pressure of the Hindu priests. The village municipal and church duties are being handled by the big family. At present those in the seat of office are the grandsons of Saravappa Naidu namely Muthu Naidu, Raju Naidu, Rayalou Naidu representing the descendants of the big family. The rest of the clan who have dispersed to Trichy, Puduvai, Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai seem to have forgotten their roots and their patron cum ruler venerable Mary Magdalene. That they should at least now come, pay homage to this Holy place is the ardent desire of this written narrative.
Yours,
Mary Magdalene Devotee
A. Ponnusamy Naidu
Pages 19 to 21 songs in praise of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Pages 22 to 24 songs in praise of Mary Magdalene
Page 25
Epilogue
Our Dear Koolabiman Sirs
What needs to be done?
I ask each of our Gowri Koolathipathy Christian folks to ponder in what way they are attached to the great Kampal Naidu family
1) The caretaker of this church and of the village municipality namely Saravapa Naidu’s partners’ identity needs to be investigated.
2) The line of care taker individuals who have successfully handed over the care take of this church are Ignacy Muthu Naidu and his forefathers.
3) Our Koolathipathy great man and also from the Mysore dynasty under the Title of Divan the late T. A. Thumboo Chettiar, C.I.E. as well as T. R. Dhana Samy Chettiar and Their father Rayalou Chettiar. [Obs : Web site : T. R. A. Thumboo Chetty]
4) As Church Caretaker and also as municipal authority Picchai Muthu Naidu and his Puduvai brother Thambou Naidu, and Condappa Naidu the Great Grandfather of Puduvai Kasturi Condappa Chettiar.
5) At present from Trichy known as Lala the respected Raju Naidu and his sons. Also the family of Karuma Naidu. Any other unidentified Partners please if you make yourself known we will be able to complete the lineage of caretakers and also their family lineage. From this, one could establish very easily the relationship of anyone in the community. That all the Gowri Christian clan are related to this family can be established beyond any doubt.
Looking a bit intently it seems that just like it became clear when Abraham was given the divine presence of The Almighty likewise will be the vision of Mary Magdalene which has given shelter to Kampal Naidu. Therefore we who have all been united by this Protectress should all come together and it is for the purpose of embracing all together as one flock that Kottapalayam still stands to this day. One should never forget about this even in our dreams. If you can’t come often, do come once a year and once every few years do take part in the important grand festivities and get the Darshan of our Holy Protectress.
Just like in olden days when the Jews congregated to Jerusalem shouldn’t we also get together and wholeheartedly praise our Mother? Shouldn’t we show that we are her followers? For that there should be adequate facilities in this village; at the moment that is not available. To realise these facilities is not a big deal for our respectful crowd. Also is it not our duty to beautify and maintain our Mother’s church? Let us forget our negligence but at least from now on it is not proper to continue in the same vein is what I would like to reiterate. Blessed Mary and Mary Magdalene standing at the foot of the Cross is well known to us. In the same way can it be denied that they have appeared to our great leader and instigated the raising of this church? Does it need to be announced that this in truth forms a common stage for our ancestral platform. Those of you who know more about this please forward the information either to me or to Puduvai based Koolathipathy son Mr. Dharmaraj Condappa Chettiar known as Xavier de Condappa. At least from now on let us participate in the welfare of this church. I do not need to point out that this could be the foundation for the progress of the Koolathipathy sect. Because they made equal sizes of Blessed Mary and Mary Magdalene statues and prayed ardently to them up to the time until the cavalier agitation broke out when they abandoned all their belongings as well as other statues but took these two and hid them in the nearby forest. When they came back again in search of the statues they were deeply sunk in sorrow as they had forgotten the place where they had hidden them. They wandered throughout the forest in search of their lost treasure until informed by a person they set out with drums, band and music to retrieve the statues and amidst great pomp and jubilation they ceremoniously returned the two statues to the church. During the time of the absence of the statues the suffering and sorrows which our ancestors underwent cannot be fathomed. It should be brought to the attention of our Koolabiman readers that there is a need to authenticate the divine homage of our elders.
Vaazhi Virutham
A few lines about Jesus, Mary, Joseph and Mary Magdalene
Yours,
Mary Magdalene Devotee
A. Ponnusamy Naidu,
Head Master R.C. School,
Kottapalayam.
Mettur P.O.,
Turayur (Trichy.)
* Translated by Rene de Condappa. 2018.