Virapandianpatanam shortly called Pattinam by all Paravars is a small town located near Tiruchendur en route to Thoothukudi (2.5 kms from Tiruchendur). It’s history dates back to the time when Paravars were converted to Christianity by the Portuguese. Pattinam along with other coastal villages such as Vembar, Thoothukudi, Alanthalai etc. were rich in pearl business during the 16th century. The Arabs came and brought the entire pearl business under them giving no chance of survival for Paravars. The Arabs made Kayalpattinam (a nearby village) as their mainstay and harbor for them to flourish in their business. Arabs and Paravars had frequent fights.

As the history of Paravars say, Portuguese from Cochin (Kerala) were requested to help Paravars to defend ourselves from the Arabs, which will eventually bring Pearl business to Paravars. The Portuguese said they can help on one condition that the Paravars turn themselves into Christianity (for more information, please read the article “What’s in a Surname”?). In 1534 Portuguese sent a large contingent under the leadership of Antonio De Silva by sea towards the coastal regions where Paravars lived in large numbers. They had a battle with the Arabs at Keelakarai wherein Arabs lost and the entire Pearl region was controlled by Portuguese.

History of Church

In 1542 St. Francis Xavier came to these regions and spread Catholicism amongst the Paravars who were till then baptised as Christians but never realised Christianity. In 1549 a Jesuit priest called Henriques served as the head priest for the Pearl region (where Paravars stayed). He planned to build churches across the region. It was then in Pattinam during 1549 a small church was built with the help of local Paravars and dedicated to St. Thomas (in remembrance of Christ’s disciple Thomas). After nearly a century in 1640 this church was expanded and Pattinam had nearly 2200 Christians (this has been mentioned in a letter written by Jesuit priest Andrew Lopez in 1644 to Rome).
In 1658 when the Dutch overcame Portuguese along the Pearl region this church along with several churches were ignored and used as a storage place for arms and ammunition. The reason is quite obvious as Dutch were Protestants who did not want Catholicism to prevail in India.
After several years of neglect in 1882 Fr. Emmanuel Pereira became the Parish priest of this Church in Pattinam. During these times the Dutch rule was no longer there and the British came into prominence but the church was partially destroyed by the Dutch. Fr. Emmanuel wanted to re-build this church. Strong pillars were raised to support a new and bigger church. With the support of the pillars the inner church was segregated into wings. Approximately the size were 180 ft long and 55 ft broad. On 15th August 1886 the church was blessed and opened at a Grand ceremony. It was in 1909 when the church’s large twin bell house was built. These bell houses were built by the donation of Paravars during that time. In 1986 this church commemorated it’s centenary celebrations.

This church is one example of the numerous Parava churches which started it’s journey during Francis Xavier’s visit to these areas. Nearby St. Thomas Church at Virapandianpatanam there is a Research Facility wherein the library consists of several historical books. Many scholars benefit out of this library, this research facility is called “Valampurinatham”.

by Anton Niresh