Besant Nager Annai Velankanni Church

Velankanni Matha , Besant Nager, Chennai

The Madonna of Vailankanni is the Mother of God. The Glory of the Blessed Mother is seen and experienced all over the world. Remember what she said at Cana, “Do whatever He tells you” and Her Son’s word she echoed at Fatima: “The time is fulfilled…repent and believe in the Gospel” and again the words: “Come to me all you that labor and are overburdened and I will give you rest” (Mt 11: 28). We the suffering who feel attracted by the perspective of “relief” which the Divine physician offers should respond with hope through Annai Vailankanni. Sometimes it is physical relief. More often it is spiritual healing too. As we have crossed the threshold of Silver Jubilee year, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for all the showers of blessings through the intercession of Our Heavenly Mother.

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“All generations will call me blessed”: “The Church’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship.” The Church rightly honors “the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of ‘Mother of God,’ to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs.  This very special devotion differs essentially from the adoration to Christ.

Throughout history down to the present day, men have given expression to their quest for God in their religious beliefs and behavior: in their prayers, sacrifices, rituals, meditations, and so forth.

History:

Besant Nager Annai Velankanni Church Front View

In 1971, this Church was a substation of St Louis Church, Adyar.Fr PT Arulappa, the then Parish Priest, St Louis Church, Adyar and a great Missionary started Our Lady of Vailankanni Church under trying conditions.The Archbishop of Madras Mylapore, Most Rev Dr R Arulappa, erected it as a separate Parish in 1973. The imposing 97 feet belfry was declared open by the then Chief Minister Dr M Karunanidhi 27th August 1972.

On 15th August 1985 a bigger Church was blessed and consecrated by Archbishop Most Rev Dr R Arulappa. By the efforts of Rev Fr PJ Lawrence Raj, several extensions and renovations were made to this Shrine. A beautiful community hall, stalls, Museum and class room blocks were constructed. In May 2000, nearly 8 grounds were purchased and a beautiful stage was erected and dedicated to Jubilee 2000.

In 2001 a small Chapel for the blessed Sacrament was built. In 2002 a grotto depicting the miracles of Our Lady of Good Health was created. In 2003, Mother Mary’s Square and Reconciliation Chapel was constructed. From 2000 to 2003, 3 grounds were purchased in which the new Convent building stands. On 8th September 2005 this Church was decreed as a Shrine of the Archdiocese of Madras ‘ Mylapore by the Most Rev Dr AM Chinnappa SDB, Archbishop of Madras ‘ Mylapore.

Mass & Prayer Timings:

WEEKDAYS (Monday to Friday)
06.30 a.m.	Mass in Tamil
11.00 a.m.	Mass in Tamil
06.00 p.m.	Mass in Tamil
FIRST TUESDAY
06.30 p.m.	Mass in Tamil at St. Antony’s Grotto, CPWD Quarters
FIRST FRIDAY
06.30 p.m.	Divine Mercy Novena and Mass in English
FIRST SATURDAY
05.30 a.m.	Holy Mass Tamil
06.30 a.m.	Novena and Holy Mass Tamil
07.45 a.m.	Novena and Holy Mass English
10.30 a.m.	Novena and Holy Mass Tamil
12.00 Noon	Novena and Holy Mass Tamil
05.30 p.m.	Rosary, Special Novena, Holy Mass in Tamil, Blessing of the Sick, Eucharistic Blessing, Car Procession of Our Lady of Health
SATURDAY
06.30 a.m.	Mass in Tamil
07.45 a.m.	Mass in English
11.00 a.m.	Mass in Tamil
06.00 p.m.	Mass in Tamil
SUNDAY
06.15 a.m.	Mass in Tamil
07.45 a.m.	Mass in English (Catechism Children)
07.45 a.m.	Mass in English
09.00 a.m.	Mass in Tamil (Catechism Children)
09.00 a.m.	Mass in Tamil
12.00 Noon	Mass in Tamil
05.00 p.m.	Mass in Tamil
06.30 p.m.	Mass in English
BAPTISM
10.15 a.m. 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION)
From 05.30 a.m. to 06.30 a.m.
From 09.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m.
From 04.30 p.m. to 08.00 p.m.
ADORATION CHAPEL
Open everyday from 07.15 a.m. to 08.30 p.m.

Contact:

Annai Vailankanni Shrine, Besant Nagar,
Chennai - 600 090,India.
+91 44 2491 1246 (Office)
+91 44 2446 6923 (Rector)

Way to Reach:

The Church is located at about 350 meters from Besant Nagar Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Indira Nagar Railway Station, 3.5 Kms from Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Little Mount Metro Station, 14 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station, 14 Kms from Egmore Railway Station, 17 Kms from Koyambedu Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and 16 Kms from Chennai Airport. Besant Nagar is well connected to all parts of Chennai by all means of Transport.