Our Lady of Fatima Church, Krishnagiri

There are two histories of this church. Before this church was built, people in Krishnagiri used St. Ignatius Of Loyala church as their parish church until 1972.

During the 18th century Krishnagiri is military headquarter of Bharamahal whic is pary of Mysore Kingdom. By 1786 British conquered this Bharamahal from Tippu Sultan after Third Anglo-Mysore War, this made Catholic from Elathagiri and Veppanahalli settled in Krishnagiri. With the help of British soldiers, a small chapel was built, named after Loyola Ignatius. During that time, Paris M.E.P congregation took care of all the church services in Southern India so, this church also came under M.E.P priest service.

After British soldiers moved out from Krishnagiri in 1832, Rev Fr. Abe Dubey, the Elathagiri church priest conduct masses in this church. During his time a small church was built over the chapel. Till 1857 Krishnagiri was part of Thrupattur and Vellore parish. Later in 1897 Krishnagiri church became a part of Elathagiri Parish. According to the book of "Saruthira Surukam",[1] which published by Salem diocese, there where around 50 to 60 Catholics lived in Krishnagiri during 1897.

In 1925 Elathagiri Parish priest Rev. Fr. Dominic built a third church (present church). On 17 July 1925 the first mass was preached in this new church.[2] Then in 1930 Salem Diocese was created from Kudandhai Diocese (Kumbakonam). By this time Krishnagiri church became a parish under Salem Diocese and Fr. Gabrial became first Parish Priest of Krishnagiri. As per Salem bishop's request, sisters from Marian Franciscan came to Krishnagiri and started their service on 29 November 1934 for this church.

Till 1972 this church served as the Parish church of Krishnagiri. The masses in this church were stopped after the new Fatima Church started its service, and gradually the church was abandoned. Later by the help of Chinappa Mudiyalar family and Rev. Fr. Madulai Muthu, this church was renovated and started used occasionally. Later in 2017 this church was reconstructed and reopened for the public in 13 Aug 2017. Till now, every Monday evening at 6:30 mass is conducted in this church.

During 1930 Rev Fr. Gabriel brought 3.04 acres of land from Rayapan Mudhilayar. By 1940 Rev. Fr. Washone built Pharish Priest House. During 1950 due to increase of Krishnagiri catholic population, and also due to space insufficiency, Rev.Fr Kulandhai Nadhar planned to build a new church for Krishnagiri.

Then with the approval and blessing of Salem bishop Venmani Vendhar, construction of this church was started with the help of public funds and actor Chandrababu's donation. After the sudden death of Rev. Fr. Kulandhai Naadhar on 11.3.1963. Then Rev. Fr. Issac finished the construction of this church. By the blessing of Salem Bishop 11.9.1972 first mass was conducted at this church. In 1997 Dharamapuri Diocese was established from Salem Diocese, since then this church serves under Dharamapuri Diocese.

In end of 2019 Parish priest Fr. Isaiyas and church members planned to renovate this church for its 2022 50th Year Jubilee. With public support the church service was stopped in early 2020 and the renovation where started. But due to 1st and 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic the church renovation was delayed due to material shortage and financial crises. Finally after overcoming all the huddles the church renovations are completed and church restarted its service on 13 May 2023.

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