24. THERESPURAM

St. Theresa of Child Jesus; 2001: Tuticorin

VISION

We the Salesians living at Therespuram, following the model of the Good Shepherded, and being aware of the call to be the shepherds of the chosen people, especially the young, aim at forming faith filled, economically, intellectually, socially, politically uplifted and caring communities by basing ourselves on the Word of God and the Sacraments according to the signs of the times to the satisfying needs of the local fishing folks.

MISSION

We the salesian of Don Bosco envisage working in systematic way  for the youth, and poor people and parishners (fishermen) to bring about spiritual growth, education, employment, and social transformation in and around Therespuram, through spiritual, educational, economical interventions.

HISTORY

Therespuram is situated on the north of Tuticorin, which is an important centre among the seven sea ports of South East coast in the bay of Mannar. Now it is fishing for sea shells and the central place for pearl fishing. St. Francis Xavier preached the Good News to the people living in this coastal area especially to the people of Therespuram. In memory of this, there is a grotto of St. Francis Xavier on this seashore.

About 84 years back a small chapel was built in honour of St. Theresa of Child Jesus at Therespuram. At that time Therespuram was only a street. Later as more Christians came to this place, the whole area came to be known as Therespuram. This church of St. Theresa of Child Jesus was then a part of St. Joseph’s Parish, Cruzpuram. Only in 1984 it was divided into a new parish. Fr. Gerald was the first parish priest. In 1996, when Fr. Augustine was the parish priest, only in his period the present church was built. He also took the initiative to build the Malar Arangam (Marriage Hall) and a small dispensary. The sisters of Holy Cross of Kottiam were invited to look after the dispensary. After Fr. Loyola D’Rose, the last diocesan parish priest, we the Salesians took up the parish on 31.01.2001. Fr. Packiaraj Rayan sdb was the first Salesian parish priest.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

PARISH: Therespuram Parish consists of 1300 Catholic families. There are 50 Anbimas, clustered under 6 zones. Parish has got regular animations and programmes. Salesians are available for the celebration of Sacraments and all the blessings. Regular Anbiam meetings and animations are conducted. Various pious associations (Legion of Mary, Vincent De Paul, ADMA, Divine-Mercy Association) gather for their regular meetings and animations and are actively involved in the programmes of the parish. There are 275 Children attending the Sunday Catechism classes.  The Altar children association is active with 25 members.

YOUTH – Efforts are taken to organise the parish youth. Sunday oratories are conducted for the youth and around 15 youngster come regularly for the oratory. They also come to the parish centre in the evening to spend their free time. This is a very good and healthy sign that they feel free to come to our campus and feel welcomed. They could be slowly introduced to constructive activities and get themselves involved in the programmes of the parish.

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